Are Subaru Outbacks made in the USA?
Yes. The majority of Subaru Outbacks destined for the U.S. market are assembled in the United States, at Subaru of Indiana Automotive in Lafayette, Indiana. This has been the standard practice for years, with U.S.-spec Outbacks typically produced at that plant; a smaller number may be produced elsewhere for export or other markets.
Primary production site for U.S.-market Outbacks
Overview of where most U.S.-market Outbacks are built and how that links to a domestic manufacturing footprint.
- Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) in Lafayette, Indiana — the primary site for assembling the Outback for the U.S. market, along with related models such as the Legacy-based Outback variants and the Ascent.
- Operations at SIA are dedicated to Subaru's North American lineup, reinforcing the "Made in USA" status for most U.S.-market vehicles.
The vast majority of U.S.-market Outbacks come off the SIA line, and the branding and consumer materials typically reflect a United States origin for these vehicles.
Outbacks produced for other markets
While the U.S.-market Outback is primarily produced in Indiana, Subaru has historically produced models for other markets at different plants in Japan and other regions depending on demand, capacity, and logistics. This means that some Outbacks sold outside the U.S. may originate from different assembly sites, but that is not generally the case for U.S.-spec vehicles.
- Some non-U.S. markets may receive Outback units from plants outside the Lafayette facility, depending on model year and regional supply arrangements.
- Worldwide production includes facilities in Japan for certain markets, but U.S.-spec Outbacks are predominantly Indiana-built as of recent years.
In practice, if you buy an Outback in North America, it is typically assembled in Lafayette, Indiana. Always check the window sticker or VIN for the exact origin.
How to verify the origin of a specific Subaru Outback
There are a few straightforward ways to confirm where a specific vehicle was assembled.
Check the VIN and plant code
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) contains a plant code that identifies the manufacturing facility. For Subaru, U.S.-built models are associated with the Lafayette plant in Indiana, though the exact coding can vary by year. Look up the 11th character (the plant code) and compare with Subaru’s published codes if you want to be precise.
Check the window sticker and door placard
The Monroney label (the window sticker) and the driver’s door placard show the country of origin and the assembly location. U.S.-assembled Outbacks will typically indicate "Assembled in USA" and may note "Made in USA with some imported parts."
Summary
Most Subaru Outbacks sold in the United States are built at Subaru of Indiana Automotive in Lafayette, Indiana, reflecting a strong U.S. manufacturing presence for the model. While U.S.-market Outbacks are predominantly Indiana-made, some Outbacks for other markets may come from different plants, depending on global production schedules. If provenance is important, check the VIN’s plant code and the window sticker for the exact origin.
Which Subaru models are built in the USA?
Subarus made in America include the Ascent, Outback, Legacy, Crosstrek, and Impreza, which are all produced at the Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) plant in Lafayette, Indiana. The Forester will also be produced there soon, and some select Crosstrek trims are manufactured in the US.
Models made in America
- Ascent: Subaru's largest SUV, with three rows of seating.
- Outback: A midsize SUV known for its off-road capabilities.
- Legacy: A midsize sedan.
- Crosstrek: Some models are made in the US, with a "4" at the beginning of the VIN indicating a US-made vehicle.
- Impreza: The compact car is now built exclusively in the United States.
- Forester: Production is expected to begin in the US soon.
What is a common problem with a Subaru Outback?
Common problems for the Subaru Outback include weak windshields, excessive oil consumption, and issues with the cooling system and CVT transmission, especially in specific model years. Other frequent complaints involve airbag defects, electrical problems like battery drain, and vibration during acceleration.
You can watch this video to learn about the history of Subaru head gasket issues: 1mMrSubaru1387YouTube · Aug 11, 2024
Engine and powertrain
- Excessive oil consumption: Many models, particularly older 2.5L engines, may burn oil between oil changes due to leaks from seals.
- Cooling system failures: Overheating can lead to blown head gaskets, and the cooling system itself is a common point of failure.
- CVT transmission problems: Some model years are more susceptible to issues like rough shifting or failure.
- Vibration during acceleration: Some owners report a shudder or vibration when accelerating.
- Older head gasket issues: The EJ-series engines (roughly 1997–2012) had an inherent head gasket failure problem, though this was mostly resolved in later models.
Body and electrical
- Weak windshields: The glass is prone to cracking from stress or minor impacts.
- Airbag defects: Some models have a history of airbag problems, leading to recalls.
- Electrical issues: Problems can include unexpected battery drain and issues with the ABS control module.
Other common issues
- Oxygen sensor failure: The front O2 sensor can fail, sometimes leading to a recall.
- Premature brake wear: Some models experience faster-than-average brake wear.
- Suspension wear and tear: Like many vehicles, suspension components will eventually wear out.
Which car is 100% made in the USA?
No car sold in the U.S. is entirely made in America using only parts made in America. Not one single vehicle. Many vehicles from American companies, like Ford, Chevy, and Stellantis (which owns brands like Jeep and Ram), are assembled in Canada and Mexico.
Is Subaru moving Outback production to Japan?
Production of the Outback is moving to Japan. The changes are being made as SIA transitions to begin U.S. production of the Subaru Forester next month, followed by the Forester Hybrid next spring. “We're excited for what lies ahead,” said Brand.
