Which years should I avoid for the Subaru Outback and Nissan Rogue?

For the Outback, NHTSA data points to 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 as the years to avoid. For the Rogue, the years to avoid are 2017, 2018, 2023, and 2025.

Which model has more complaints overall?

The Subaru Outback has 7,647 total complaints across 49 recall campaigns, compared to 6,481 complaints and 39 recalls for the Nissan Rogue. These totals are not normalized for how many of each were sold.

Which model gets better fuel economy?

The Nissan Rogue averages 28.3 mpg combined across its model years, while the Subaru Outback averages 24.7 mpg combined.

What are the top problem areas for each model?

The Outback's top problem area is Electrical System, with 2,273 complaints (30% share), followed by Visibility & Wipers at 2,004 complaints (26%). The Rogue's top area is Engine, with 1,657 complaints (26%), followed by Transmission & Powertrain at 1,574 complaints (24%).

Which years are considered best for each model?

NHTSA data marks 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2023 as best years for the Outback, and 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2020 as best years for the Rogue.

Subaru Outback vs Nissan Rogue: Which Years to Avoid

Avoid the Subaru Outback for 2017-2020 and the Nissan Rogue for 2017, 2018, 2023, and 2025. The Outback logs 7,647 total complaints across 49 recall campaigns versus the Rogue's 6,481 complaints and 39 recalls, though totals aren't sales-normalized. The Rogue averages better fuel economy at 28.3 mpg combined versus 24.7 mpg for the Outback.

Head to head

Subaru Outback

Model years: 2010–2025 (16)
NHTSA complaints: 7,647
Per model year: 478
Recall campaigns: 49
Years to avoid: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020
Best years: 2010, 2012, 2014, 2023
Top problem area: Electrical System
Avg. EPA combined MPG: 24.7
Avg. NHTSA overall rating: 4.9 ★

Nissan Rogue

Model years: 2010–2025 (16)
NHTSA complaints: 6,481
Per model year: 405
Recall campaigns: 39
Years to avoid: 2017, 2018, 2023, 2025
Best years: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2020
Top problem area: Engine
Avg. EPA combined MPG: 28.3
Avg. NHTSA overall rating: 4.3 ★

Year by year

Complaint Index is relative within each model (0 = that model’s best year, 100 = its worst). Complaints and recalls are raw counts.

Year	Outback				Rogue
Year	Verdict	Complaints	Recalls	MPG	Verdict	Complaints	Recalls	MPG
2010	Best	356	18	22	Best	282	2	23.5
2011	Caution	651	16	22	Best	362	2	24
2012	Best	292	16	22	Best	318	2	24
2013	Good	297	12	24	Caution	610	1	24.5
2014	Best	208	10	24	Good	440	10	26
2015	Caution	510	5	25	Caution	553	9	26
2016	Caution	643	4	25	Caution	540	7	27.5
2017	Avoid	917	4	25	Avoid	596	5	31
2018	Avoid	811	3	25	Avoid	668	3	31
2019	Avoid	1,034	3	25	Good	337	3	31
2020	Avoid	897	6	27.5	Best	151	1	28
2021	Good	296	4	27.5	Good	288	10	31
2022	Caution	463	4	26	Good	237	1	31.5
2023	Best	89	2	25	Avoid	716	6	31.5
2024	Good	102	0	25	Caution	201	4	31.5
2025	Good	81	0	25	Avoid	182	3	31

Complaint Index by year

Subaru Outback

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Nissan Rogue

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Frequently asked questions

Which years should I avoid for the Subaru Outback and Nissan Rogue?: For the Outback, NHTSA data points to 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 as the years to avoid. For the Rogue, the years to avoid are 2017, 2018, 2023, and 2025.
Which model has more complaints overall?: The Subaru Outback has 7,647 total complaints across 49 recall campaigns, compared to 6,481 complaints and 39 recalls for the Nissan Rogue. These totals are not normalized for how many of each were sold.
Which model gets better fuel economy?: The Nissan Rogue averages 28.3 mpg combined across its model years, while the Subaru Outback averages 24.7 mpg combined.
What are the top problem areas for each model?: The Outback's top problem area is Electrical System, with 2,273 complaints (30% share), followed by Visibility & Wipers at 2,004 complaints (26%). The Rogue's top area is Engine, with 1,657 complaints (26%), followed by Transmission & Powertrain at 1,574 complaints (24%).
Which years are considered best for each model?: NHTSA data marks 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2023 as best years for the Outback, and 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2020 as best years for the Rogue.