CarRecallWatchThe 2002 Subaru Outback has 4 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 143 complaints with NHTSA, including 9 crashes, 11 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Service Brakes, Hydraulic (29 reports).
2002 Subaru Outback recalls
Most common 2002 Subaru Outback problems
Problem areas named in the 143 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 29 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 23 |
| Power Train | 20 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 17 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 12 |
| Structure | 10 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 8 |
| Visibility | 7 |
| Tires | 5 |
| Seat Belts | 5 |
What owners report
THE AIR CONDITIONER BEGINS TO BLOW HOT MOIST AIR AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES OF WORKING PROPERLY. MULTIPLE MECHANICS INCLUDING A SPECIALTY SHOP CAN'T DIAGNOSE, AND THE ONLY OPTION IS TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE A/C COMPRESSOR BECAUSE THE CLUTCH ISN'T SOLD SEPARATELY. I'VE READ MANY ACCOUNTS OF THE SAME "INTERMITTENT" A/C THAT ONLY WORKS ONCE THE ENGINE IS TURNED OFF AND BACK ON, THEN STOPS WORKING SECONDS OR MINUTES LATER FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THE VEHICLE CAN BE STATIONARY OR IN MOTION AND THE A/C JUST QUITS.
I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE AND I HAVE HAD FOUR SEPARATE INCIDENTS THAT MY HEAD GASKET HAS HAD TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS A COSTLY REPAIR AND GIVEN MY CAR HAS 190,000 MILES ON IT I BELIEVE FOUR ISSUES DEALING WITH THIS SAME SITUATION NEEDS TO BE PROPERLY ADDRESSED. NOT ONLY DOES THIS ISSUE RESULT IN A HUGE OUTLAY OF MONEY BUT IT GETS OIL ALL OVER THE ENGINE, PARTS, AND DRIVEWAY THAT NEEDS TO BE CLEANED. I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY ASSISTANCE IN THIS MATTER.
WHEN THE TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE GETS BELOW 35 DEGREES, MY CAR SMELLS VERY STRONGLY OF GAS INSIDE. I HAVE TO ROLL THE WINDOWS DOWN FOR VENTILATION. WHEN THE TEMPERATURE WARMS UP, THE SMELL GOES AWAY. IT IS WORSE WHEN I FIRST STARTED MY CAR IN THE MORNING. MECHANICS HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM BUT I JUST READ MANY COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THIS ISSUE. I WILL TAKE THEIR SUGGESTED FIXES TO MY MECHANIC.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED, THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC OBSERVED THAT THE ENTIRE FRAME WAS SEVERELY CORRODED AND HOLES WERE FORMING. THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW CROSS MEMBER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. ALSO, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO THE PARK POSITION WHILE ON AN INCLINE, IT BEGAN TO ROLL AWAY WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWO TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 03V153000 (SUSPENSION) AND 02V282000 (POWER TRAIN). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 170,000.
TERRIBLE GAS SMELL. FUEL IS LEAKING BECAUSE IT IS COLD OUTSIDE.
2002 Subaru Outback questions
Does the 2002 Subaru Outback have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2002 Subaru Outback: Vehicle Speed Control:Cables; Suspension:Rear; Power Train:Automatic Transmission; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Master Cylinder. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Subaru Outback?
Based on 143 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Service Brakes, Hydraulic (29), Fuel System, Gasoline (23), Power Train (20).
How do I check if a recall on my 2002 Subaru Outback has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.