When did Subaru stop making diesel outbacks?
Subaru stopped selling diesel-powered Outbacks in most markets by the mid-2010s; the U.S. market never offered a diesel Outback.
Context and scope
The question asks when Subaru ended diesel-powered versions of its Outback wagon. The precise end date varies by region because Subaru treated diesel engines differently across markets, responding to emissions regulations, certification costs, and local demand. This article outlines the commonly cited end dates for diesel Outbacks in Europe/UK, North America, and the Asia-Pacific region. If you want the exact year for a specific country, tell me the country and model year and I can look up the precise figure.
Regional timeline
The end of diesel Outbacks occurred at different times depending on market. The following sections summarize the best-known dates.
Europe and the United Kingdom
The diesel Outback was phased out in European markets as Subaru wound down its diesel program there. The last diesel Outback models were sold around the 2013–2014 model years, with sales ceasing by 2014 in most markets.
- Last model year in Europe/UK: approximately 2013–2014; sales ended around 2014.
In Europe, Subaru ultimately ended the diesel Outback program due to emissions and cost considerations, and the model line returned to petrol (and, in some markets, hybrid) options.
United States
In the United States, Subaru never offered a diesel Outback. The model lineup has remained petrol-powered, with hybrid and future electric options introduced separately from any diesel variant.
- Not offered in the US market; no end-year exists because the diesel Outback never reached US showrooms.
The absence of a diesel Outback in the US has led many observers to view the country as a non-diesel Outback market throughout its history.
Australia and Asia-Pacific
In Australia and other Asia-Pacific markets, diesel Outbacks appeared briefly in some years in the early-to-mid 2010s, but were phased out by the mid-2010s. Exact end dates varied by country and model year.
- Typical end window: around 2013–2014 in several APAC markets.
Pacific markets largely concluded diesel Outback offerings by the mid-2010s as Subaru redirected to petrol engines and, in many places, hybrid or petrol-only configurations.
Current status and what replaced diesel
As of 2024–2025, Subaru no longer sells a diesel-powered Outback anywhere. The brand now emphasizes petrol engines with available hybrid options in many markets and is expanding its electric lineup with the Solterra in regions where it is offered.
Summary
Diesel Outbacks were phased out in the early-to-mid 2010s, with Europe generally ending around 2014 and the United States never offering a diesel version. APAC markets followed a similar trajectory within a few years. The global diesel program is now discontinued, and Subaru focuses on petrol, hybrid, and electric propulsion systems.
What is the problem with the Subaru 2.0 diesel engine?
Some of the key issues were DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) soot/regeneration, oil dilution, and associated emission control issues. Perhaps the most commonly discussed problem with the EE20 is the crankshaft or bottom-end failure. This is a big no-no in any car, let alone a Subaru.
What year to avoid a Subaru Outback?
The worst years for Subaru Outback include 2010–2014 and 2017–2020 due to major issues like airbag defects, engine failure, CVT transmission problems, electrical faults, and frequent windshield cracks. These model years show high NHTSA complaint rates and known recalls.
Are there diesel Subaru Outbacks?
Yes, both diesel and petrol Outback models are designed to be fuel-efficient, with the diesel variant typically offering superior fuel economy.
When did Subaru stop making diesel engines?
In September 2017, Subaru announced production of diesel automobiles would end by 2020; at the time, sales were approximately 15,000 diesel-powered cars annually in Europe and Australia.
