CarRecallWatchThe 2003 Subaru Outback has 14 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 93 complaints with NHTSA, including 7 crashes, 1 fire, 3 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Air Bags (19 reports).
2003 Subaru Outback recalls
Passenger Airbag May Explode, Sending Metal Fragments
The passenger frontal airbag inflator in these vehicles can rupture.
Passenger airbag inflator may explode, sending metal fragments
Some vehicles had their passenger frontal airbag inflators replaced under an earlier recall, but the replacement inflators use the same design.
Passenger airbag inflator may explode, sending metal shrapnel
The passenger frontal airbag inflator in these vehicles can rupture.
Passenger airbag inflator may rupture, spraying metal fragments
The passenger-side frontal airbag inflator in these vehicles may rupture during a crash that requires the front airbags to deploy.
Passenger Air Bag Inflator May Rupture in a Crash
Certain vehicles have a passenger-side frontal air bag inflator that can rupture after long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
Passenger airbag may rupture and spray metal fragments
Certain 2003-2004 Subaru Legacy, Outback, and Baja vehicles that were sold in or have been registered in a set of northern and high-humidity-exposed states (Zone C) may have a passenger frontal airbag inflator that can rupture when the airbag deploys in a crash.
Passenger Air Bag Inflator May Rupture and Injure Occupants
The passenger-side frontal air bag inflator in affected vehicles may be susceptible to moisture intrusion.
Most common 2003 Subaru Outback problems
Problem areas named in the 93 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Air Bags | 19 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 14 |
| Power Train | 13 |
| Suspension | 11 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 10 |
| Electrical System | 7 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 6 |
| Tires | 5 |
| Structure | 5 |
| Engine | 5 |
What owners report
MY COMPLAINT IS MY HEADLIGHTS' THEY'RE CLOUDY. ON NOV. 29, 2018 THE INSTITUTE OF HIGHWAY SAFETY RELEASED A REPORT THAT SAID THAT 'MOST BASE MODEL CARS HAVE POOR-QUALITY HEADLIGHTS. MY COMPLAINT IS THE CAR MANUFACTURERS CREATED THIS PROBLEM WHEN THEY DECIDED DECADES AGO THAT PLASTIC WAS A BETTER SHIELD OVER THE HEADLIGHTS THAN GLASS. MY SUGGESTION IS TO MAKE THE CAR MANUFACTURERS GO BACK TO INSTALLING GLASS OVER THEIR HEADLIGHTS OR U.S. DRIVERS ARE ALWAYS GOING TO HAVE CLOUDY HEADLIGHTS. EVEN WHEN WE BUFF THEM OUT AND MAKE THEM SHINE AGAIN, IT ONLY LAST 6 OR 7 YEARS. THIS IS RIDICULOUS AND THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION SHOULD CHANGE THIS FLAW IN AUTO MANUFACTURING
2003 SUBARU OUTBACK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG. *LD THE CONSUMER REFUSED TO HAVE THE RECALL REPAIR COMPLETED DUE TO BEING AFRAID OF ENTERING AN INTERSECTION LEADING TO THE DEALER'S REPAIR SHOP. *JS
TAKATA RECALL. THE CLOSEST SUBARU DEALERSHIP IS 125 MILES AWAY. WHEN I CALLED SUBARU WE WERE TOLD THAT THE CAR MUST BE REPAIRED AT A SUBARU DEALERSHIP. THIS CONSTITUTES A HARDSHIP FOR US TO HAVE A MANUFACTURER DEFECT REPAIRED FOR A NUMBER OF REASONS. 1) I AM HANDICAPPED AND HAVE TROUBLE SITTING IN A CAR FOR THAT LONG. 2) THERE IS 3 FEET OF SNOW ON THE GROUND 3) THIS IS OUR ONLY MODE OF TRANSPORT.
PRIMEWELL TIRES DEVELOPED WAVE AND INTENSE ROAD NOISE EVEN AT 50% TREAD.. HAVE BEEN BALANCED/ALIGNED REGULARLY
ON OR ABOUT OCT 23, 2017, RECEIVED 3RD NOTICE OF AIRBAG RECALL. APPT WITH SUBARU MISSOULA, MT FOR RECALL. AT 9:45 ON FRI NOV 3, 2017 INFORMED THAT THE MANAGER "JUST A FEW MINUTES AGO" RECEIVED, RECALL OF RECALL" AND NO PARTS THERE. MY 2003 "MAY NOT NEED A REPLACEMENT." SAID WOULD DO A CHECK TO SEE. UNDER PROTEST I SIGNED, AFTER 1 AND HALF HOURS, REQUESTED ANOTHER SIGNATURE WHICH ALSO UNDER PROTEST I SIGNED. "IT WON'T COST YOU ANYTHING." 85 YEAR OLD SINGLE WOMAN. 50 MILES NEAREST SUBARU DEALER. NOTHING SAID ABOUT RESULT OF TEST. KEYS RETURNED TO ME.
2003 Subaru Outback questions
Does the 2003 Subaru Outback have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 14 safety recalls for the 2003 Subaru Outback: Passenger Airbag May Explode, Sending Metal Fragments; Passenger airbag inflator may explode, sending metal fragments; Passenger airbag inflator may explode, sending metal shrapnel; Passenger airbag inflator may rupture, spraying metal fragments; Passenger Air Bag Inflator May Rupture in a Crash. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Subaru Outback?
Based on 93 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Air Bags (19), Engine And Engine Cooling (14), Power Train (13).
How do I check if a recall on my 2003 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.