Is the Subaru Outback Japanese?
The short answer: not exactly. Subaru is a Japanese company, but the Outback sold in North America is assembled primarily in the United States. The model’s development has strong Japanese roots, while its production for the main market is largely U.S.-based.
In more detail, Subaru Corporation is headquartered in Japan, and its engineering and design work spans its global operations. The Outback originated as a rugged wagon variant of the Legacy and has grown into a distinct crossover with a reputation for all-wheel drive. To meet demand in North America, Subaru shifted most Outback production to its plant in Lafayette, Indiana, though production arrangements can vary by year and market. If you need the exact build location for a specific vehicle, check the VIN or dealer information for the precise plant of manufacture.
Origin and identity of the Outback
The Outback’s lineage sits within Subaru’s Legacy platform, evolving into a standalone, adventure-ready crossover. The name and design language reflect Subaru’s Japanese roots, even as the vehicle serves global markets with production spanning multiple facilities.
Where is the Outback manufactured?
For the North American market, production is primarily at Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) in Lafayette, Indiana. This facility has long been the main site for assembling Outbacks for the U.S. and Canadian markets, supporting Subaru’s regional supply needs.
Here are the essential points about the Outback's origin and where it is built today.
- Subaru is a Japanese automaker; the Outback is a model developed under that brand.
- The Outback sold in North America is assembled primarily at Subaru of Indiana Automotive in Lafayette, Indiana.
- The Outback's design and engineering originate in Subaru's global operations, with input from both Japanese and American facilities.
- Subaru maintains a diverse production footprint; while the North American model is U.S.-built, some regional variants or older generations could have had different manufacturing arrangements.
- The Outback has evolved since the 1990s, remaining a staple of Subaru's all-wheel-drive crossover lineup.
In short, the Outback is not manufactured in Japan for the North American market, but it remains part of a Japanese-brand lineage and draws on global engineering and design resources.
Summary
The Subaru Outback belongs to a Japanese company, but most current North American models are produced in the United States (Indiana) rather than in Japan. Its heritage is Japanese, while its production footprint today reflects a global manufacturing approach.
Why is Subaru discontinuing the Outback?
It's because the lifted models like outback and crosstreks qualify as light trucks and are subject to less stringent fuel efficiency regulations.
Is Outback made in Japan?
Where Are Subaru Outbacks Made? Subaru Outback models are made in Japan and Lafayette, Indiana. Subaru SUVs are very popular in America, which is why the automaker has a factory in the Midwest.
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.
What is a Subaru Outback called in Japan?
Legacy Outback
The Subaru Outback is an automotive nameplate used by the Japanese automaker Subaru for two different themed vehicles: a Legacy-derived station wagon, the Outback (1994–present, also sold as Legacy Outback (Japanese: スバル・レガシィアウトバック, Hepburn: Subaru Regashi Autobakku) in some markets), and an Impreza-derived off-road ...
