Subaru Outback Inspection Guide
Oil consumption, CVT behavior, and wheel-bearing wear.
Subarus are loved for all-wheel drive, but a few years burn oil.
We check oil use, the CVT, and the common wear items.
- 2.5L flat-4 (FB25)
- 3.6L flat-6
- 2.0L turbo
2013–2014 FB25 engines can burn oil. There was a recall/extended coverage on some.
WE CHECK We check oil use and confirm any oil-consumption campaign was done.
The CVT should be smooth. Shudder or noise means trouble.
WE CHECK We road test and scan the CVT for stored faults.
Wheel bearings can wear and hum.
WE CHECK We listen for bearing noise on the road test.
Some have a parasitic battery drain.
WE CHECK We check the battery and charging system.
Older Subaru engines were known for head gaskets; less so this range.
WE CHECK We check for coolant/oil mixing and leaks.
- Check oil use on 2013–2014 cars
- Road test and scan the CVT
- Listen for wheel-bearing hum
- Confirm any oil-consumption campaign
A TSB is a note the maker sends to dealers about a known fix. They are not recalls. We check the bulletins so we know what to look for:
Cold-start noise, drivability, and idle issues for this vehicle. We test for each.
Shift quality and transmission fluid updates. We drive every gear.
Locks, wipers, infotainment, and trim items. Small, but good to know.
Counts are pulled from NHTSA's public Manufacturer Communications file. Full bulletins stay with the maker — we use the summaries to guide the inspection.
Do these Subarus burn oil?
Is the CVT reliable?
Where do you inspect?
Recalls?
We'll check it first
Pre-tagged for the Subaru Outback. One call and a tech is on it.
951-267-8500Call nowRequest a Subaru Outback inspection
Pre-tagged for the Subaru Outback.
Buying a Subaru Outback? Let us check it first.
Engine-specific checks, a live recall pull, and a clear report.