SubaruOutback20132.5L/subaru/outback/2013/2-5l/

2013 Subaru Outback — 2.5L

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2013 Outback 2.5L. Covers both the standard and High Output 2.5L.

Body SUVEngine 2.5LTransmission Automatic (variable gear ratios)

The 2013 Subaru Outback 2.5L is a midsize SUV powered by a 2.5-liter engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission, delivering EPA fuel economy of 24 mpg city and 30 mpg highway with a 26 mpg combined rating. Routine maintenance calls for 4.4 quarts of 5W-30 API-specification oil, while the model's 295 total owner complaints and 12 recalls — with engine issues topping the complaint areas — paint a picture of a vehicle that has drawn its share of owner frustration. Within the Outback's broader complaint history spanning 1995 through 2026, the 2013 model sits firmly in the moderate band, well below the 2019 peak of 1,029 complaints but far above the 1995 low of just two, suggesting a middle-of-the-road reliability profile that researchers should weigh carefully.

Model year201420132012201120102009200820072006

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity4.4 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-30 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque89 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy24/30/26 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 25 · 490 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 25 · 490 CCAOEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic (variable gear ratios)

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length189 in
Overall width71.7 in
Overall height65.7 in
Wheelbase107.9 in
Curb weight3426 lb
Track (front / rear)61 / 61 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)53/47

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined24 / 30 / 26 mpg
DrivetrainAll-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuelRegular Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

No 2013 road test on record; the results below are same-engine tests from nearby model years, each shown under its own year.

9.7–10.1 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 9.70 sec — 2010 2.5i Limited
170 hpHorsepower (as tested)
170 lb-ftTorque (as tested)
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
20102.5i Limited 2.5L F-49.70 sec17.40 sec170 hpAWD
20102.5i Limited 2.5L F-410.10 sec17.80 sec170 hpAWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 4.4 qt of 5W-30 API engine oil, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 89 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 33.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-6-3-2-5-4. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidSubaru Lienartronic CVT fluid
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity13.4
Brake FluidDOT 3
Engine Oil5W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity4.4 qt
Manual Transmission Fluid75W-90 · GL-5
Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity7.0-9.0

Engine torques

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings44.3 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts44 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts66.4 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts6 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts22 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug33.0 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs10 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts89 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug37.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain PlugMetal
Front Wheel Hub162 ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub177 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-2-4
Cylinder Firing Order1-6-3-2-5-4
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)MT: 650, AT: 675, CVT: 675 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)100 rpm

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity0.88-1.00 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Standard BCI Group Number25
Standard BCI Cranking Performance490 cca
Standard BCI Group Number25
Standard BCI Cranking Performance490 cca

Service checks

Injector Primary Resistance12.0 ohms
Engine Compression152-203 psi. 14 variance psi.
Engine Oil Pressure14 psi @ 600 rpm, 43 psi @ 5000
Intake Valve Lash0.0079 in
Exhaust Valve Lash0.0138 in

Brakes

Brake ApplicationWITH SOLID ROTOR / WITH VENTED ROTOR
Torque Caliper to Bracket20 ft-lbs / 88.5 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle48.7 ft-lbs / 88.5 ft-lbs
OtherSTANDARD WHEELS
Wheel Application17 inch WHEELS
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.059; Rear: 0.059 in
Brake ApplicationWITH SOLID ROTOR / WITH VENTED ROTOR
Rotor Runout Limit0.002 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 8 stages

Prep MFI and SFI

121.4 ft. lbs.21.4 ft. lbs
273.8 ft. lbs.73.8 ft. lbs
3Loosen 180 degrees in the reverse order of installing.180 degrees
4Loosen 180 degrees in the reverse order of installing.180 degrees
531 ft. lbs.31 ft. lbs
678-82 degrees.78–82 degrees
7Bolts 1, 273–77 degrees
86, 5, 4, 328–32 degrees
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
19 ft. lbs., Step 2: 13 ft. lbs., Step 3: 909 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 1,200 mi; spark plugs every 60,000 mi; coolant at 137,500 mi. The big-interval services (at 137,500 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 1,200 miEngine Oil (inspect fluid level)
Every 6,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Body Latches, Locks & Hinges (lubricate) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Differential (inspect fluid level) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Exterior Lighting (inspect)
Every 12,000 miBrake System (inspect) · Engine Air Filter Element (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level) · Engine Coolant System Hoses (inspect)
Every 15,000 miBrake Line (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Clutch Assembly (inspect) · Drive Axle Assembly (inspect) · Power Steering System (inspect)
Every 30,000 miFuel Line (inspect) · Transmission Assembly (inspect fluid level)
Every 36,000 miBattery (inspect) · Brake Hydraulic System (drain, refill & bleed) · Fuel Evaporative Emission Control System Lines (inspect) · Fuel Injector (inspect) · PCV Valve (inspect) · Parking Brake System (inspect)
Every 60,000 miFuel Filter (replace) · Spark Plugs (replace) · Wheel Bearing (inspect)
At 137,500 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The Subaru Outback's fourth generation saw a massive complaint spike in 2011 (649) that dropped significantly by 2012 (290), placing the 2013 model year in a stabilization period with 295 complaints. While 2013's complaint volume is lower than the 2011 peak and only slightly higher than 2014 (208), its 12 recalls continue a downward trend from the 16 to 18 recalls seen in the 2010-2012 period. For the 2013 model specifically, the primary complaint categories are Engine (44), Power Train (36), Air Bags (29), and Steering (27), though the data does not specify the root causes for these issues. Furthermore, the 509 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for 2013—the highest in the immediate surrounding years—indicate extensive manufacturer service adjustments for this specific model year. Positioned at the tail end of this generation's high-recall era but benefiting from a sharp reduction in overall complaints, the 2013 Outback represents a moderate risk. Given the active recall history and persistent engine and powertrain complaints, you should only buy a 2013 Outback if all 12 recalls are confirmed completed and a pre-purchase inspection specifically verifies the engine and powertrain are sound.

12
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
509
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
295
Owner complaints
18 involved a crash · 6 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★★
Frontal★★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 295 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Engine44
Power Train36
Air Bags29
Steering27
Unknown Or Other12
Visibility/Wiper8
Service Brakes7
Structure6

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 12 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

19V008000Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator ModuleReported 09/01/2019

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, and Legacy vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona… Remedy: Subaru is notifying owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer…

19V007000Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator ModuleReported 09/01/2019

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Forester, 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, Legacy, and 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida… Remedy: Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 509 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
SubaruNet Annoucement (E2026-06-11Unknown Or OtherThis announcement is requesting retailer staff to retain the EyeSight protective hood…
16-156-25R2026-06-02Power TrainThis bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which…
01-167-08R2026-05-18Unknown Or OtherThis bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the…
16-156-25R2026-05-13Power TrainThis bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which…
SubaruNet Announcement (R2026-05-04Power TrainThis announcement provides information on the remanufactured CVT transmission program.

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Outback. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2013 Outback 2.5L take?

4.4 qt of 5W-30 API SM, per the factory manual.

Does the 2013 Outback have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 12 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the 2.5L get?

EPA figures are 24 city / 30 highway / 26 combined mpg.