The 2024 Outback Wilderness uses Subaru's FA24 2.4L turbo boxer with CVT, sharing the platform with Ascent. Too new for widespread pattern failures, but the FA24 turbo in general and this CVT have shown specific vulnerabilities that emerge around 60k-100k miles in earlier applications.
CVT Transmission Oil Cooler Line Failure
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid puddle under vehicle, forward of front axle, CVT overheat warning light, Burnt ATF smell, Loss of drive with low fluid
Fix: Replace cooler lines and fittings where they connect at radiator or inline cooler. Common corrosion point at crimped fittings. Requires CVT drain/refill and air bleeding procedure. 2.5-3.5 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $600-1,200
FA24 Turbo Piston Ring Land Failure
Rare · high severityTypical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, 1qt per 1,000-2,000 miles, Blue smoke on cold start or hard acceleration, Misfires under boost, codes P0301-P0304, Loss of compression on one or more cylinders
Fix: Ring land cracks from detonation or overboosting. Requires short block replacement or complete engine rebuild with updated pistons. 18-24 hours labor for short block swap including timing components, turbo reseal, fluids.
Estimated cost: $6,500-9,500
Rear Transmission Mount Collapse
Common · low severityTypical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunk on acceleration or deceleration, Vibration at idle in Drive, Excessive driveline movement visible under throttle, Harsh engagement into gear
Fix: Rubber isolator in rear trans mount deteriorates, especially with off-road use on Wilderness. Simple bolt-in replacement. 1.0-1.5 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $250-450
Turbocharger Wastegate Actuator Sticking
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: P0243 code, wastegate solenoid performance, Overboost or underboost conditions, Limp mode activation, Poor acceleration response
Fix: Carbon buildup or actuator arm binding. Sometimes cleanable, often requires turbo removal and actuator replacement or turbo unit replacement. 4-6 hours labor for turbo R&R.
Estimated cost: $800-2,200
Head Gasket Seepage (External)
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Oil weeping at head/block interface, passenger side more common, Coolant smell but no visible external leak, Slight oil consumption without smoke, No combustion gas in coolant (internal failure rare on FA24)
Fix: External head gasket leak from head lifting under boost. Both heads should be done together. Requires timing chain, water pump, turbo reseal while open. 12-16 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $3,500-5,500
CVT Judder on Light Acceleration
Common · low severityTypical onset: 30,000-70,000 mi
Symptoms: Shudder or vibration at 20-40 mph under light throttle, Feels like driving over rumble strips, Worse when transmission is cold, May improve after fluid change temporarily
Fix: CVT clutch pack wear or fluid degradation. Fluid drain/fill with Subaru High Torque CVT fluid often helps 10k-20k miles. Persistent cases need valve body or full CVT replacement. Fluid service: 1 hour labor. CVT replacement: 8-10 hours.
Estimated cost: $250-400 for fluid; $5,000-7,000 for CVT
Too new to judge long-term, but FA24 turbo + CVT combo has known weak points; buy CPO with warranty or budget $1k/year for eventual big-ticket CVT or engine work.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.