2010 subaru outback diesel problems Page 8

The 2010 Subaru Outback diesel can be brilliant on a long Aussie slog, but it’s a bit precious if you only potter to the shops. Here are the gremlins most likely to crash the party:

• DPF clogging and forced regens after too many short trips; it wants regular highway runs to stay happy.
• Rising engine oil level from fuel dilution during failed regens—check the dipstick religiously or risk expensive drama.
• Dual-mass flywheel/clutch shudder or slip (towing and stop‑start use don’t help); replacements often land around AUD $1,800–$3,000.
• EGR/Intake soot build-up causing rough idle, smoke, or limp mode; cleaning typically a few hundred dollars.
• Timing belt and water pump due about 150,000 km (or time-based); skip it and your wallet will pen a sad country song.
• Intercooler/turbo hoses splitting, leading to loss of boost and a mournful whistle—cheap hose, happier turbo.

Most are fine if they’ve lived on highways; short-trip city cars are the ones that sulk. Look for service history with DPF notes, sensible oil-change intervals, and a clutch that bites cleanly. Get a pre‑purchase inspection by a diesel specialist and you could have a frugal tourer rather than a rolling after‑treatment seminar.