One problem related to engine belts and pulleys has been reported for the 2005 Subaru Outback. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2005 Subaru Outback based on all problems reported for the 2005 Outback.
At approximately 85,000 miles, the check engine light on our 2005 Subaru Outback xt went on and we took the vehicle in to our local repair shop to check the light and they recommended having the vehicle towed to our Subaru dealer. The vehicle was towed in and the dealer service person called stating that timthe turbo had failed (along with the cv boot & alternator belt). I provided the information regarding our official Subaru 100,000 mile gold plus "extended service contract" which we purchased for $1975. The service representative would not confirm whether or not these components would be covered under our service contract and then called me and said Subaru denied the claim pending receipt of service records. My husband and my father have changed the oil, air filters and performed general service in combination with service by various service shops. My records are not complete and I expect that Subaru will try to deny coverage of the turbo due to this. There are ample reports on Subaru forums reporting the same failure and I feel that this problem is not due to owner negligence, but by faulty design. This type of failure should be the responsibility of the manufacturer and they should service the vehicle per the service contract without causing undue stress to the owner of the vehicle.