How many belts are in a Subaru Outback?
Five seat belts are standard in a typical five‑passenger Outback. If you’re asking about the engine’s drive belts, the count depends on the model year and engine: older models with a timing belt use two belts (timing belt and serpentine belt); newer generations with a timing chain use a single serpentine belt.
Seat belts: safety in the cabin
The Subaru Outback is designed to seat five passengers in most trims, and each seating position is equipped with a seat belt. The rear seat features a three‑point belt for the center passenger as well as three‑point belts for the outer rear seats, providing full harnessing for all riders.
Types of seat belts
All seating positions use three‑point lap-and-shoulder belts. The vehicle also includes LATCH anchors for child seats, separate from the belt system.
In practical terms, this means a standard five‑seat Outback has five seat belts in total.
Engine drive belts: how many belts in the engine
The belt configuration for the engine depends on the generation and engine family of the Outback. The following outlines typical setups you’ll encounter across model years.
- Older EJ‑series 2.5L engines (common in Outbacks prior to the mid‑2010s) typically use a timing belt to control valve timing plus a separate serpentine belt to drive accessories, for a total of two belts.
- Newer FA/FB‑series engines (introduced in the mid‑2010s and continuing into recent models) use a timing chain rather than a timing belt, with the same serpentine belt driving accessories—so usually one belt in the engine bay.
Note: Some market or trim variations may differ. To be certain, check the exact engine type for your vehicle (via VIN or owner’s manual) or consult a Subaru‑certified technician. If your Outback is equipped with a belt‑driven timing system, expect two belts; if it has a timing chain, expect one belt.
Summary
In summary: there are five seat belts on a standard five‑seat Subaru Outback. The number of engine drive belts varies by engine type and generation—two belts for older belt‑driven timing engines, or one belt for newer chain‑driven engines. Always verify your specific model year and engine configuration to be sure.
How many belts are on a Subaru Outback?
Most Subaru Outback's have 1 or 2 drive belts and in some instances, it may be called a serpentine belt.
How many belts does my engine have?
two
Your car's belt system has two primary players: the serpentine belt that keeps components like the alternator, water pump, and air conditioning compressor running, and the timing belt that synchronizes the crankshaft and camshaft for optimal combustion timing.
Do Subaru Outbacks have timing belts or chains?
Timing belts needed to be replaced at about 100K intervals, but timing chains were considered life of the vehicle items. Both Outbacks and Foresters were switched to timing chains for 2013 model year.
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.
