Used 2011 Subaru Outback SUV Consumer Reviews
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They need to upgrade the quality of their plastics and fix some of the "accepted" normal problems with Subarus
1happycamper, 09/04/2012
2011 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
12 of 14 people found this review helpful
I have owned two Subarus over the past four years (2009 Forrester; 2011 Outback). I was happy to start up with the Subaru line since I thought I would be getting a quality car. I have to say that Ive been disappointed in the quality and irksome normal issues. It has the standard Subaru brake clunk and the muffler-guard rattle. It has a catalytic convertor baffle noise vibration too. It has a clicking noise behind the drivers dashboard and creaking/rattles in the plastic trays on the sides of the doors. Ive already started looking at what other car brand I might be able to purchase. Sorry Subaru, its sayonara for me.
My Comprehesive Review!
Subak59, 09/30/2018
2011 Subaru Outback 2.5i 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
15 of 18 people found this review helpful
This was my first car. I say was because I recently totaled it. Here's my experience: 7,000 miles over four months of driving. Acceleration is decent, but the CVT prevents you from getting off the line quickly at all. Manual mode helps you get off the line a bit quicker. In many passing situations, especially on the highway, you have to floor it to get anywhere. The Outback is extremely stable at high speeds though, even at 112mph. It brakes well and features ABS. The vehicle surprisingly grips pretty well given its size, height, and tires (thick sidewalls); but pushing it hard around corners prompts understeer and squealing tires. The CVT (for what it is) is a good, smooth transmission. The only thing I really don't like about the CVT is its fake first gear. From a stop, the CVT acts like an auto with a first gear, then drops into CVT mode. Manual mode can be fun, but shift response times are slow. I left it in auto most of the time. The vehicle just didn't have enough power to make paddle shifting worth the trouble, although a little bit of the lag from the CVT could be reduced by keeping the transmission higher in its rev range in manual mode. The steering definitely feels artificially weighted - its much heavier than that of other vehicles I've driven. I got used to the heavy steering though. The front seats are extremely comfortable - I absolutely love them! They're not overly firm, which is good. The bolstering is pretty aggressive, and I really like it - keeps me planted in my seat while turning. Pretty good backseat space, getting in/out of the Outback feels very natural, and the ride is smooth. The Boxer engine rumbles fairly loudly into the cabin, but I didn't mind it much. No vibrations or creaking to be heard. The cargo capacity is just great. You can really fit a lot in the cargo area, plus the back seats fold down to form a smooth loading floor. Storage is not fantastic but decent. The center console, while nifty, isn't as large as I would've liked. There is an auxiliary input and 120V outlet in the main compartment of the center console (there's also an outlet in the trunk). But NO USB ports! I had to install a USB port converter into my single 120V outlet. I like the storage area under the radio, though. I really like the brushed aluminum interior finish and glowing red lighting. Controls are easy to understand. The interior quality is satisfactory. The factory halogens on the Outback are atrocious, however! I can hardly see anything with those headlights and on a rainy night, I can't tell the difference between my headlights being on or off. I bought HID's to replace the halogens but never got to install them since Subaru designed the headlights to be so difficult to get to. 360° visibility is excellent with the seats set all the way up (I'm 5'9"). Being the base model 2.5i, there is no backup camera, blind spot monitor, navigation, bluetooth, etc. I was totally fine without the driving aids and technology, but if you're looking for the extra technology, you're going to have to step up to the Limited trim level. Traction on rain is pretty good; I can't even spin tires in the rain, whether the AWD, traction control, or the mere 170 horsepower/torque is to "blame." Fortunuately, the traction control and stability control systems are amazing at their job! Simply letting off the gas pedal and allowing these systems to kick in have saved my life countless times. You can turn it off at the push of a button, but it doesn't fully defeat it, which is acceptable since this isn't a sports car. I haven't had a chance to drive it in the snow, but anyone can find YouTube videos of AWD Subarus pulling out semis, buses, and Jeeps stuck in snow & saving the day. I have done a little mild offroading with my Outback, though, and I will say that it is a competent offroad vehicle. Don't expect to tackle serious obstacles, however; the AWD and/or CVT left me stranded once when one of my tires were suspended in the air. A/C and heat work well - the climate control system, albeit basic, is pretty versatile and easy to set it the way you want. The Subaru has been extremely reliable with me! No dealership runs. Engine power is adequate but leaves more to be desired. Also, I didn't experience the burning oil problem other Subaru owners have complained about. No problems with the electronics whatsoever. Fuel economy is pretty good, although I expected better given the CVT. I usually average 23-25 MPG between fillups. On a mostly highway 1.5 hour trip with no traffic and cruise control set at speed limit, I averaged my record of over 32 MPG. So it's possible, but you really have to hypermile it. The ECO gauge is pretty neat. It compares your instant MPG to your average trip MPG - I find myself often driving off that gauge. Overall, I loved my 2011 Subaru Outback 2.5i. If you're not concerned with performance but looking for a reliable, comfortable, and versatile vehicle, you honestly can't get much better than this!
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Best car for the money, but the seats will get you
Mary, 11/01/2015
updated 05/04/2020
2011 Subaru Outback 2.5i 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I got a lot more car for my money with this Subaru than if I had bought a Lexus for $20,000 more. I have had no problems (knock on wood) with this car. Service has been great. However, the seats became so uncomfortable that I had to sell.
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Surprisingly Disappointing
Greentiger, 05/09/2017
2011 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Bought the 2011Subaru November 2010(after reading the great Subaru reviews) with 5 miles. 4 years into it, catalack(probably wrong spelling) converter went, fortunately the miles were right below the covered warranty for the converter and that was covered($2000). 166.000 miles in, the transmission is having issues, the emergency breaks need to be replaces(don't know why, never use it). This is not a small repair and Subaru America does not send behind their cars after certain amount of miles. Trade-in value dropped significantly due to the expensive fixes. REALLY, REALLY DISAPPOINTED.
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Great car...they think of everything!!
1happycamper, 05/13/2012
2011 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
This is my second Subaru. I had a 2009 Subaru forrester but found it to be kind of an ambling vehicle (not very responsive or sporty). After40k miles, I traded in my Forrester for a 2011 Outback. The Outback is very sporty and is fun to drive...very peppy. Very reasonably priced for the features provided. I've been getting 30 mpg and love the vehicle. This is the perfect vehicle for an active individual. It hauls my road bikes on the hitch rack, the kayak on the roof, and my therapy dog to the nursing home. Then it cleans up nicely to haul five people comfortably to dinner and a concert. Truly a great deal!!
Good value and safety for utility reasons
Alex Arnold, 12/02/2015
2011 Subaru Outback 2.5i 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
It's a very good car for utility reasons. I mountain bike, ski, and carry lots of sporting gear all over the place. The acceleration is good for the HP and it drives very good for the price. I would recommend this car to others to consider highly because of the value and it's safety. I rarely write reviews, but thought I would given the good experience I have had with this car. The bluebooth and noise in the car could be improved.
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Definitely not what they used to be, I would avoid
Marius, 10/20/2017
2011 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
Where should I start? When the CD player broke within the first 1k miles or so I should have taken it as a hint. By 50k the windshield was an art of work thanks to cracks that spread like wildfires before you can make it in to stop their advancement. Fast forward to about 65k (at 5 years) and the central differential goes out (powertrain warranty expired at 60k). Dealer admitted it shouldn't have happened but they wanted a $300 copay on top of fully charging the manufacturer for the repair. Fast forward a few hundred miles the bolts holding the shaft come undone and have to tow the car in. Dealer covered the towing but you can forget dependability. At some point, much like all other vehicles on the planet I get the notice about the air bag. Fast forward 1+yr they finally have the part (your safety is very important to them). Around 77k my wife takes a road trip. After reaching destination the engine oil light comes on (no, it's not dripping from anywhere). Research suggested the engine gulps the oil as if you own a 7-11. It's a common "feature/enhancement" of various models and it's been designed that way. Apparently lawyers weren't having it and they settled (I decided to just carry a bottle of oil rather than deal with them). At around 88k the reverse switch (attached to the transmission block) goes out. A pain to replace it myself but by now I have an aversion to dealership mechanics and service managers. And AWD is way overrated (at least the Subaru implementation), much like the guy who tore up his lawn, I got stuck on some slippery snow with a 5 degree incline (tires were all season M+S in great shape). I know, I should have had snow tires. To put this into context, I regularly drive a Corolla with 250k with original engine+clutch+gearbox, etc. and I don't ever have to wonder if something will break. I get in and get going, no questions asked.
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Great in Snow, But not Without Issues
JoJo Bean, 01/28/2017
2011 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl 5A)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
Love the car in the NY winters, but beware of recalls and poor build quality! Be ready to carry a quart of oil with you as you will need to add some in between oil changes. At 65k the head gasket is starting to fail and there's a recall to replace the entire engine due to a piston ring issue! Also, the sheet metal is terribly thin and dents very easily. Even though it's hard to beat this car in the snow and ice, I would seriously consider other options.
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Very refined over previous Outbacks!
Eric, 08/01/2016
updated 08/04/2017
2011 Subaru Outback 2.5i 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
Purchased this Outback used. It's my 5th Subaru. I have been pleased with all of them. This car very refined compared to my 03. Very quiet. Lots of room. I am 6 ft 5. Out of habit I put the seat all the way back. This is one of two cars when doing so I can't touch the pedals! The other was a 60s Mercedes 250S. Reviewers state these Subarus don't handle as well as previous models. They are not race cars. It's turn well and has adequate road feel. Base radio is fine, though I miss the weather band. A review commented that the interior had to much plastic. It doesn't not look cheap to me. Fit and and finish are good. I think Subaru was on target with this redesign. Tight, well made, and will last a long time. The 03 was around 8 years. Longest I ever held on to a car. We are blessed with good dealer support in southern New York. Been dealing with the same dealer for over 20 years. My 03 was in an accident. Turn around time to my 2011 was done in a day! recommended
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Dire warning... A multi-decade problem...
jobone, 11/17/2014
updated 05/28/2024
2011 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
19 of 24 people found this review helpful
Even in 2024, their problems continue. You have been warned: Do not buy a Subaru, new or used, ever. The CEO of Subaru even went on an apology tour for their poor quality. Update: I talked to many people in work-related situations. I am still telling people about my bad experience with Subaru. Without fail, all of these people are still having similar experiences with newer versions of this brand. Not just the Outback either... I have since bought for my family three Toyota RAV4s along with a Prius and a 4Runner. I no longer have my 2011 Subaru Outback. in addition to the very problematic CVT transmission, the head gasket failed around 90k miles. I was having my timing belt replaced over 10,000 miles early so that I could give this car to my daughter to drive and rely on. Other than not testing for head gasket failure prior to doing this work, they claim there is no problem with their head gaskets. This is a lie. I have spoken to owners of cars built as late as 2017 who are still having this problem. I have personally talked to people out of buying out their lease or buying one at all. I also talked to people who I see driving the car and warn them so that they can argue their case better when it comes time to handle any head gasket or transmission issues. You would not believe how many people have said "oh, this is my second transmission already." If you have one of these cars changing the transmission and differential fluid every 40,000 miles might help delay the inevitable. There's no getting around the head gasket issue. There is a design flaw that a new head gasket will not fix the problem permanently. It will be a money pit for you. Unscrupulous resellers will lie to you, learn how to do your own combustion (block) test. There's tons of videos on it, you can buy your own fluid and get free rentals of the actual tool at numerous auto parts stores. Subaru acts stupid as well. This is a multi-generational problem with their engine design, a few engineers blame the boxer engine because, in theory, there should be two separate cooling systems because of the separation of the two sets of pistons. DO NOT BUY *ANY* SUBARU. Lease if you must drive one. Return it at the end of lease. Their reputation is maintained by fans. Subaru is no longer the "outback" vehicle of choice. If you live in an area that requires chains, forget it. The AWD with standard all-weather tires is the best you're going to get if you have to drive to see snow. There is no room for chains, cables or belts! Required in SoCal! This has been a piece of junk. CVT trans (for improved economy) is weak for its weight, esp. in reverse where it has stalled on inclines multiple times. The electronics are in the dark ages. Their cooling system is troublesome and electronic controls have had multiple failures. I've regretted buying this heap for a long time: Transmission problems have been long-lasting, cooling system issues at 40k and factory-installed alarm/shock sensor is beyond useless. To add injury to insult, they had an issue with the wiper control system that they retroactively put under an "extended" warranty. Thing is, the retroactive warranty had expired by the time that the problems started to surface with the vehicles. Yes, it was strictly for show and not for coverage reasons that they did that. They are deceptive creeps over at Subaru. In mid-2017, I received notice that my transmission was being given an extended warranty... Oh, the surprise! I am genuinely grateful that others also reported their problems and that some Federal regulatory agency forced them to offer these warranties. At 84,000 miles, it was discovered that my transmission had a serious leak and it would have been a minimum of a $1,200 job. Yay! In a family of four drivers, I would have gone with 100% Subaru after the experience with my previous model, a 1998 Outback. As it stands now, anything but Subaru is on the table. An update: 93k... The power steering pump sprung a leak at 87k, random fuses have been failing (replacements have been fine), 100k spark plugs didn't make it to 85k. The car is garaged, on the lower range of annual miles 6k, city/freeway (no off road) and for all of the failures (suspension is needing to be changed out and has been for a while). Again, Subaru is no longer the car maker of old. My Subaru mechanic even said he wouldn't buy on newer than 2009 MY because of the missteps which have become more numerous. Even their Japanese-made models! The alternatives like Mitsubishi (and their crappy Jatco transmissions) just seem like better deals because they're a few thousand $$$ cheaper and the 100% made in Japan build means all the other stuff is better. Have since bought a Toyota (a lost sale for Subaru) and our purchase experience has been exponentially better. Research the car you're looking at, Google the terms Subaru Outback 2011 problems, or Subaru Outback head gasket... Put a lot of effort into researching this unless you have money and time to throw away.
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