Summary of "200K Mile, 10 Year Old Outback Full Inspection! How Has The FB Engine Faired The Test Of Time?!"

2013 Subaru Outback 2.5L Premium Review

~183,000 miles (FB series engine, first year model with FB replacing EJ engine)

Main Features & Vehicle Overview

10-year-old Subaru Outback with nearly 200,000 miles.
Equipped with the FB series engine, successor to the EJ series.
Serviced at dealerships using genuine Subaru parts (battery and catalytic converter replaced).
Southern vehicle with minimal rust.
Tires: Fairly new Michelin Defender T+H tires (2 years old).
Suspension: Factory struts still intact but due for replacement.
Brakes: Front pads about 50% life left; rear pads quite worn.
Rear differential and prop shaft center bearing show minor wear but no urgent issues.

Key Issues Identified

Rear Wheel Bearing Noise Passenger side rear wheel bearing hub assembly was noisy and confirmed as the source. Replacement hub assembly installed with emphasis on proper torque specs.
Exhaust Heat Shield Rattle A loose/flimsy heat shield suspected as a possible rattle source but not definitively confirmed.
HVAC System Clicking Noise Clicking sound from dash traced to blend/mode door actuator. Part unavailable locally and expected next week; customer needed vehicle back urgently.
Engine Hesitation/Stalling (Drivability Issue)
- Symptoms: Hesitation, sputtering, engine nearly stalling at stops.
- Subaru dealership replaced spark plugs (diagnosed as worn plugs) but issue persisted.
- Inspection revealed heavy carbon buildup on throttle body.
- Cleaning throttle body and performing idle relearn significantly reduced the issue.
- Minor residual hesitation remains but much improved.
- No check engine codes related to this issue.
- Torque converter clutch failure (common in earlier CVTs) suspected but not confirmed; no issues in neutral.
Oil Seepage
- Minor seepage around cam carrier and cam cover.
- Slight drip near coolant pipe, likely oil leak but not severe or urgent.
- No head gasket leaks or major oil leaks.
- Overall engine condition very good for age and mileage.
Other Observations
- PCV hose very hard and brittle, likely due for replacement.
- Power steering suction hose also hard, possibly causing noise.
- Intake air snorkel not fully seated but no air leaks detected.
- Serpentine belt in decent shape with grooves but no cracking.
- Brake fluid dark and due for service.
- Coolant slightly low, topped up.
- Rear differential bushings cracked but not critical.
- Lower control arm bushings cracked and recommended for replacement (common issue in 2005+ models).
- CVT transmission dry with no leaks or rust.

User Experience & Service Notes

Customer frustrated with local Subaru dealerships for poor service and misdiagnosis.
Dealership replaced spark plugs but missed throttle body carbon buildup.
Independent inspection provided thorough diagnosis and maintenance recommendations.
Emphasis on proper torque when installing hub assemblies to avoid premature failure.
Vehicle overall in solid shape for 10 years and nearly 200K miles, with typical wear and tear.

Comparisons & Technical Insights

FB engine shows minor oil seepage but no major issues, supporting durability claims.
CVT concerns compared to older TR690 torque converter clutch failures; no confirmed CVT failure here.
Subaru dealership service approach criticized for focusing on spark plugs rather than simpler throttle body cleaning.
Factory struts lasting 200K miles is notable but replacement advised.

Pros

FB engine durability over 10 years and 200K miles with minor manageable leaks.
Genuine Subaru parts used in maintenance.
Tires and suspension mostly in good shape.
No rust issues due to southern climate.
Throttle body cleaning effectively resolved drivability issues.

Cons

Rear wheel bearing failure requiring replacement.
Minor oil seepage around cam carrier.
HVAC actuator clicking noise unresolved due to parts availability.
Rear brake pads nearing replacement.
Lower control arm bushings cracked.
Customer service issues at local dealerships.

Verdict / Overall Recommendation

The 2013 Subaru Outback with the FB engine has held up well over 10 years and nearly 200,000 miles, showing good reliability with only typical wear issues. The FB engine exhibits minor oil seepage but no critical leaks, indicating solid engineering improvements over the EJ engine. Common maintenance items such as wheel bearings, brake pads, suspension bushings, and throttle body cleaning are necessary to keep the vehicle running smoothly.

The video strongly recommends thorough independent inspections rather than relying solely on dealership diagnoses, especially for drivability issues like hesitation and stalling, where simple throttle body cleaning can be overlooked.

Overall, the Outback is a dependable vehicle with manageable maintenance costs, but owners should be aware of common wear items and not ignore minor leaks or noises. Proper maintenance and timely repairs can extend the life well beyond 200,000 miles.

Additional Notes from Different Perspectives

Mechanic/Reviewer: Emphasizes detailed inspection, proper torque specs, and diagnosing beyond dealership assumptions.
Customer Viewpoint: Frustration with dealership misdiagnosis and poor service.
Technical Insight: FB engine improvements over EJ, CVT concerns, and common Subaru suspension bushing issues highlighted.

Summary

The 2013 Subaru Outback FB engine model is a durable, reliable vehicle with typical wear after 200,000 miles. Key maintenance includes replacing noisy rear wheel bearings, cleaning the throttle body to fix hesitation, and monitoring minor oil seepage. Dealership service may miss simpler fixes, so independent inspections are valuable. With routine care, this Outback remains a solid choice for long-term ownership.