Subaru Outback Block Heater Guide
2003–2026
Subaru's boxer layout puts the crankcase low and wide, and the brand's cold-country following means fitment support is good — genuine kits plus oil pan pads as a popular second heater.
Factory availability
Dealer-installed accessory in Canada
Cord location
Cord typically routed to the front grille area.
Subaru Outbackengines & block heater part numbers
Engine list built from Natural Resources Canada model-year data; part numbers cross-referenced against the Zerostart / Phillips & Temro and Kat's application guides. Always confirm displacement and model year before ordering.
| Engine | Years | Zerostart kit | Cord | Kat's heater | Install location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 2003–2026 | — | — | 11405+ cord 28500 | — |
| 3L 6-cyl | 2003–2009 | — | — | 11405+ cord 28500 | — |
| 3L 4-cyl | 2007–2007 | No aftermarket listing — use the genuine Subaru dealer kit | |||
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 2010–2019 | — | — | 11405+ cord 28500 | — |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 2020–2026 | No aftermarket listing — use the genuine Subaru dealer kit | |||
Zerostart part numbers: 31/35-prefix = heater kit, 36-prefix = detachable cordset. Kat's: 11xxx = heater element, 28xxx = cordset, 24xxx = pad heater. Install location codes are from the manufacturer's guide (LF = left front of block, RR = right rear, etc.); "position" is the element's clock orientation during install.
First: check whether you already have one
In Canada, block heaters are frequently installed at the port, the dealer, or by a previous owner — and then forgotten. Look for a two- or three-prong plug on a black cord near the grille, bumper, or tow hooks, sometimes still zip-tied from the factory. If you find one, test it before winter with our 5-minute multimeter test.
If you need one installed
A frost plug (cartridge) block heater for the Subaru Outback typically runs $40–$120 CAD for the part, plus shop installation. See installation costs in your city — and book in October, before the first cold snap fills every shop calendar in the Prairies.
FAQ
Does the Subaru Outback come with a block heater?
Dealer-installed accessory in Canada. Check behind the grille for a coiled cord before buying anything — many Canadian-market vehicles have a heater installed that the owner never knew about.
What block heater fits a Subaru Outback?
The recommended setup is a frost plug (cartridge) block heater (typically 400 W). Subaru's boxer layout puts the crankcase low and wide, and the brand's cold-country following means fitment support is good — genuine kits plus oil pan pads as a popular second heater.
What is the block heater part number for a Subaru Outback?
2.5L 4-cyl: Kat's heater 11405 with cord 28500; 3L 6-cyl: Kat's heater 11405 with cord 28500; 3.6L 6-cyl: Kat's heater 11405 with cord 28500. Confirm displacement and model year against the fitment table before ordering.
Where is the block heater cord on a Subaru Outback?
Cord typically routed to the front grille area.
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