How often should you replace tires on a Subaru Outback?
For Subaru Outback owners, the timing of tire replacement centers on tread depth, tire age, and overall wear, with the AWD drivetrain amplifying the importance of even tires. The essential guidance is to replace when tread reaches 2/32 inch (1.6 mm), or no later than about 6–10 years from manufacture, and to replace all four tires on an AWD Outback to maintain balanced traction and handling.
Tread wear thresholds you should watch
The following guidelines focus on tread depth and the wear indicators that signal replacement is due.
- Replace tires when the tread depth is 2/32 inch (1.6 mm) or less across the central three-quarters of the tread, measured with a gauge or by the penny test.
- Check for visible wear indicators in the grooves; when the raised bars are flush with the tread, replacement is required.
- Consider replacing earlier in wet or snowy climates for safer braking and traction—many drivers opt for 3/32" (2.4 mm) or 4/32" (3.2 mm) threshold in these conditions.
- Don’t ignore unusual tread wear patterns such as cupping, feathering, or bald spots, which can indicate alignment or suspension issues that may require replacement or repair.
In general, maintaining adequate tread improves braking distance, steering response, and hydroplaning resistance, especially on wet roads. Replacing tires at or before you reach the 2/32" mark helps preserve safety margins.
Age matters: tires age out even if tread looks fine
Rubber compounds in tires degrade over time, independent of miles driven. Manufacturers and safety groups emphasize checking the date code and replacing tires before they become unreliable.
- Most tire makers advise replacing tires no later than about 6–10 years from the date of manufacture, regardless of tread depth. The date is stamped on the sidewall as the DOT code (week and year).
- Even if the tread has not reached the legal minimum, older tires can develop cracks, sidewall flex, or reduced grip, particularly in heat and under heavy loads.
- In hot climates or with frequent highway use, tires age faster; in cold climates, aging can still occur, so regular inspection is essential regardless of season.
- When in doubt, consult the tire manufacturer’s guidelines and your Subaru owner’s manual for age-related guidance specific to your tires and driving conditions.
Age-based replacement protects against failures from weathering, drying, or brittle rubber, which can lead to sudden loss of performance.
AWD/Subaru Outback considerations: replacement strategy
Because the Outback uses all-wheel drive, tire wear must be managed carefully to avoid drivetrain stress and uneven handling.
- In most cases, replace all four tires at once to maintain even traction and rotation characteristics on an AWD system.
- If you can only replace two tires, install the newer tires on the rear axle to preserve stability and steering control in slippery conditions, while ensuring both axles have similar tread depth and performance characteristics.
- Choose tires with the same brand, model, size, and speed rating, and match performance characteristics (e.g., all-season vs. all-weather vs. performance tires) to avoid imbalanced grip.
- Follow the vehicle’s recommended maintenance schedule for rotations (typically every 5,000–7,500 miles or as advised in the owner’s manual) to promote even wear among all tires.
Following these AWD-focused practices helps protect the Outback’s traction control, stability control, and overall safety performance on wet, dry, or snowy roads.
Signs you should replace now
Beyond the numerical thresholds, certain signs indicate imminent or necessary tire replacement.
- Bulges, blisters, or cracks on the sidewalls or tread surface.
- Visible nails, punctures, or irreparable damage that cannot be safely repaired.
- Excessive vibration, thumping, or a persistent pull to one side that persists after balancing and rotation.
- Uneven wear patterns that suggest misalignment, improper inflation, or suspension issues.
- Sudden loss of traction in rain or snow, or frequent hydroplaning on wet pavement.
In any of these cases, consult a tire professional to assess whether repair or replacement is warranted and whether alignment adjustments are needed.
Bottom line and practical tips
In daily driving, your Subaru Outback’s tires should be monitored at least every few thousand miles, with checks for tread depth, age, and any damage. Replacing tires promptly when thresholds are reached keeps braking distance reasonable and maintains AWD stability and handling in various weather conditions.
Summary: For an Outback, replace tires when tread depth hits 2/32" (1.6 mm) or when tires reach about 6–10 years old in age, whichever comes first. On AWD systems, replacing all four tires at once is typically best, though two-tire replacements can be managed with careful tire matching and placement toward the rear. Regular inspections, proper inflation, and timely rotations help extend life and safety.
How much should 4 new tires cost me?
Average Cost for New Tires
The cost to purchase new tires for your vehicle varies widely, from $50 to $1,000+ per tire. However, on average, you can expect to pay $460 to $1,280 for a set of four new tires. There are lots of factors that impact tire cost, including: The type of vehicle you drive.
How many miles should tires last on a Subaru Outback?
When you're driving with Subaru tires, you can expect to have them for approximately 50,000 miles. Multiple factors play a role in why tires wear out, and we're going to spotlight them further.
Do you really have to replace all four tires on a Subaru?
Yes, for most Subarus, you will need to change all four tires at once because its all-wheel-drive (AWD) system requires tires with very similar tread depths to prevent damage to the drivetrain. If the tread depths are not uniform, it can put stress on the differential and other AWD components, which can lead to costly repairs. A tire can only be replaced individually if the tread depth is within about 2/322 / 322/32 of an inch of the other three tires.
Reasons to replace all four tires on a Subaru
- AWD system requirements: A Subaru's all-wheel-drive system requires all four tires to have a nearly identical rolling circumference to function correctly and prevent damage to the differential.
- Uniformity and performance: Four new tires will provide the same level of traction, handling, and overall performance, ensuring your vehicle maneuvers and handles predictably, especially in adverse conditions.
- Preventing costly damage: Mismatched tire diameters can cause the AWD system to bind, leading to vibrations and potential damage to the drivetrain components.
Exceptions and alternatives
- If the other tires are nearly new: You may be able to replace just one tire if the other three are still very new and have a tread depth of at least 8/328 / 328/32 of an inch.
- Check the tread depth difference: If you are replacing a tire but the others are not worn out, you can measure the tread depth on the remaining tires. If the new tire's tread depth is within about 2/322 / 322/32 of an inch of the others, you may be able to get away with replacing just the one.
- Tire shaving: If a new tire cannot be found that matches the tread depth of the remaining three, it is possible to have a new tire "shaved" to match the circumference of your existing tires.
- Replacing two tires: Replacing two tires on the same axle is sometimes an option, but it is still better to replace all four for Subaru's AWD to prevent potential long-term issues.
What year to stay away from a Subaru Outback?
Years to avoid for the Subaru Outback include 2010–2014, which had widespread CVT, oil consumption, and oil leak issues, and 2018, which had recalls and reliability concerns. Additionally, some sources recommend avoiding the 2005–2007 models due to head gasket problems and the 2020 model, which had electrical and windshield issues.
Years to avoid
- 2010–2014: These models are frequently cited for significant transmission issues (CVT), oil consumption, and general reliability problems. The 2010 model specifically had issues with the torque converter locking up.
- 2018: This year saw recalls and owner complaints related to oil consumption, exhaust components, and electrical issues.
- 2005–2007: These models are known for head gasket failures, which can cause coolant and oil leaks.
- 2020: This model year is associated with a high number of electrical problems, including dead batteries and stalling, as well as issues with the windshield cracking from small chips.
Other potential problem years
- 2013: Frequently mentioned for oil consumption issues.
- 2015: Some reports list it with electrical and engine problems.
- 2017: Reliability issues were noted.
