Subaru Outback lug nut torque by year
Every Outback from 2010 to the 2026 redesign is 120 N·m. Subaru prints that as 89 ft-lb in the 2010–2017 and 2025–2026 manuals and as 88.5 ft-lb (12.2 kgf·m) in the 2018–2023 manuals. It is the same torque, rounded differently.
Contents7 sections
Key takeaways
Subaru Outback lug nut torque by year
| Model years | Variant | Torque | Stud | Owner’s manual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010-20144th gen (BR) | all (North America) | 89 ft-lb120 N·m | – | Page Joomag p.319 / printed 9-8 'Changing a flat tire'“The torque for tightening the nuts is 89 lbf·ft (120 N·m, 12 kgf·m).” |
| 2010-20144th gen (BR) | all (North America) | 89 ft-lb120 N·m | – | Page Joomag p.927 / printed 12-9 'Tires' table“Wheel nut tightening torque ... 89 lbf·ft (120 N·m, 12 kgf·m)*1*2” |
| 2015-20195th gen (BS) | all | 89 ft-lb120 N·m | – | Page Joomag p.539 / printed 12-9 'Tires' table“Wheel nut tightening torque ... 89 lbf·ft (120 N·m, 12 kgf·m) *1” |
| 2015-20195th gen (BS) | all (2018-2019 printing) | 88.5 ft-lb120 N·m | – | Page Joomag p.468 / printed 12-9 'Tires' table“Wheel nut tightening torque ... 88.5 lbf·ft (120 N·m, 12.2 kgf·m)* 1” |
| 2020-20256th gen (BT) | all (2020-2023 printing) | 88.5 ft-lb120 N·m | – | Page Joomag p.535 'Tires' table (printed page not in text layer)“Wheel nut tightening torque 88.5 lbf·ft (120 N·m, 12.2 kgf·m)* 1” |
| 2020-20256th gen (BT) | all (2025 printing) | 89 ft-lb120 N·m | – | Page Joomag p.581 'Tires' table“Wheel nut tightening torque 89 lbf · ft( 120 N · m, 12.2 kgf · m)* 1” |
| 20267th gen (2026 redesign) | all | 89 ft-lb120 N·m | – | Page Joomag p.520 'TIRES' table“Wheel nut tightening torque ... 89 lbf · ft( 120 N · m, 12 kgf · m)* 1” |
Values as printed in the manufacturer’s owner’s manual for the year shown, not converted. Years between two checked manuals of the same generation are assumed to share the value. Open a row to read the exact wording.
What the owner’s manual says
- Re-check: When any of the wheels are removed and replaced for tire rotation or to change a flat tire, always check the tightness of the wheel nuts after driving approximately 600 miles (1,000 km). If any nut is loose, tighten it to the specified torque.
- Threads: Never apply oil to the threaded parts, wheel nuts, or tapered surface of the wheel. / Do not use oil or grease on the wheel studs or nuts when the spare tire is installed.
What the manuals show by generation
The Outback’s torque has not changed since 2010. Only the rounding of the ft-lb figure has:
- 4th generation (BR, 2010–2014): 89 lbf·ft (120 N·m, 12 kgf·m) in the 2010 and 2014 manuals 1 3.
- 5th generation (BS, 2015–2019): 89 lbf·ft (120 N·m, 12 kgf·m) in 2015 4. The 2018 and 2019 manuals print 88.5 lbf·ft (120 N·m, 12.2 kgf·m) 5.
- 6th generation (BT, 2020–2025): 88.5 lbf·ft in the 2020–2023 printings 6. The 2025 manual returns to 89 lbf·ft but keeps 12.2 kgf·m 7.
- 7th generation (2026): 89 lbf·ft (120 N·m, 12 kgf·m) 2.
Set 89 ft-lb on any 2010–2026 Outback. The 88.5 in some manuals is the same 120 N·m.
Subaru prints a practical footnote with the spec. This torque “is equivalent to applying approximately 88 to 110 lbf (40 to 50 kgf) at the end of the wheel nut wrench,” and if you tighten the nuts yourself, “have the tightening torque checked at the nearest automotive service facility as soon as possible.” That is the roadside fallback. A torque wrench is still the way to hit 120 N·m.
Re-check and thread condition
“When any of the wheels are removed and replaced for tire rotation or to change a flat tire, always check the tightness of the wheel nuts after driving approximately 600 miles (1,000 km). If any nut is loose, tighten it to the specified torque” 2. On threads Subaru is explicit: “Never apply oil to the threaded parts, wheel nuts, or tapered surface of the wheel.” It also says not to use oil or grease on the studs or nuts when the spare is installed 1. Tighten in a star pattern (lug nut tightening guide).
Years we have not checked
All values come from Subaru Canada’s official manuals. Their spec tables cover U.S. and Canada models. Subaru Canada lists manuals only from 2010, and the US and technical sites require a login, so we have not found the 2000–2004 or 2005–2009 Outback manuals. The 2016 manual is not listed. The owner’s manuals give no drain plug torque, only “tighten it securely with a new sealing washer”, and no brake caliper torque.
Sources
- 1Subaru, 2010 Outback Owner's Manual (Subaru Canada, en-ca)Checked 21 Oct 2026
- 2Subaru, 2026 Outback Owner's Manual (Subaru Canada, en-ca)Checked 21 Oct 2026
- 3Subaru, 2014 Outback Owner's Manual (Subaru Canada, en-ca)Checked 21 Oct 2026
- 4Subaru, 2015 Outback Owner's Manual (Subaru Canada, en-ca)Checked 21 Oct 2026
- 5Subaru, 2019 Outback Owner's Manual (Subaru Canada, en-ca)Checked 21 Oct 2026
- 6Subaru, 2020 Outback Owner's Manual (Subaru Canada, en-ca)Checked 21 Oct 2026
- 7Subaru, 2025 Outback Owner's Manual (Subaru Canada, en-ca)Checked 21 Oct 2026
Spotted a value that doesn’t match its source? Report an error
Related
- SubaruSubaru lug nut torque chart: Outback, Crosstrek and 2014+ Forester at 89 lbf·ft (120 N·m); the 2010–2013 Forester is lower, from Subaru Canada manuals.
- Subaru ForesterSubaru Forester lug nut torque: 89 lbf·ft (120 N·m) since 2014, 72 lbf·ft (100 N·m) for 2011–2013, and a 58-72 range in 2010, from Subaru manuals.
- Subaru CrosstrekSubaru Crosstrek lug nut torque: 89 lbf·ft (120 N·m) for every US and Canadian model from 2013 to 2026, Hybrid and Wilderness included, from Subaru manuals.
- Toyota RAV4Toyota RAV4 lug nut torque: 76 ft-lb (103 N·m) in every Toyota owner's manual checked from 2000 to 2016, steel and aluminum wheels alike.