The vehicle dossier US · 2002

2002 Subaru
OUTBACKProblems & recalls

143 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Other components appears in 32 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.

Snapshot Sep 28, 2026Live NHTSA complaint API How this dossier is compiled

01 / Owner-reported evidence

What owners reported.

Categories attached to 143 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.

Other components32 reports
Fuel system32 reports
Brakes30 reports
Engine22 reports
Transmission & drivetrain20 reports
Body & structure10 reports
Visibility6 reports
Air bags5 reports
Electrical system4 reports
Suspension4 reports
Steering2 reports
See original component labels
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE20
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC12
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING9
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL8
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM8
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION7
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY6
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP5
ENGINE5
STRUCTURE:BODY4
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL4
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER3
TIRES3
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE3
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION3
AIR BAGS3
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR3
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS3
SERVICE BRAKES3
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER2
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER2
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS2
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS2
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY2
SEAT BELTS2
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL2
TIRES:SIDEWALL2
WHEELS2
STEERING2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE2
STRUCTURE2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM2
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER2
POWER TRAIN2
SUSPENSION2
SUSPENSION:REAR2
UNKNOWN OR OTHER2
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS1
PARKING BRAKE1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING: REAR COMPARTMENT/TRUNK1
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC1
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH1
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR1
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE1
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD1
VISIBILITY1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING1
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS1
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES1
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS1

These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.

The reporting timeline

When reports arrived.

Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 15 years with reports.

Year filed (last two digits)Latest report: Oct 3, 2018
Mileage, where supplied

70,500 miles is the median among 88 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 37,000–96,000 miles.

This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.

02 / Official safety campaigns

5 recall campaigns on file.

A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.

Nov 29, 2013 Safety recallFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMPCampaign 13E065000

Reported concern

Airtex Products LP (Airtex) is recalling certain model E8598M, E8518M, E8600M, E8596M, and E8597M fuel pumps manufactured July 26, 2013, and July 29, 2013 and used as aftermarket replacements on Subaru Baja's, Outback's and Legacy's. The affected fuel pumps were sold or installed into the aftermarket applications on or after July 26, 2013, and may may leak fuel from the base of a fuel line connection when the gas tank is full.

Manufacturer’s stated response

Airtex will notify owners, and will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Recall is expected to begin on January 2, 2014. Customers may contact Airtex at 1-800-880-3056. The recall is expected to begin during January 2014. This recall is being conducted by Airtex, not by Subaru.

Read campaign 13E065000 at NHTSA
Mar 16, 2004 Safety recallVEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLESCampaign 04V128000

Reported concern

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER SEDANS, WAGONS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE COULD COME OUT OF ITS TRACK ON THE CRUISE CONTROL LEVER AND LODGE ON THE CONTROL LEVER TAB WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS RELEASED. IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, THE THROTTLE WILL NOT RETURN TO THE IDLE POSITION AND WILL REMAIN IN AN OPEN POSITION.

Manufacturer’s stated response

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A CRUISE CONTROL CABLE RETAINING CLIP TO THE CRUISE CONTROL LEVER TAB ON THE THROTTLE SHAFT IN ORDER TO PREVENT THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE FROM COMING OUT OF ITS TRACK. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 12, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.

Manufacturer campaign: WWQ-01

Read campaign 04V128000 at NHTSA
Apr 22, 2003 Safety recallSUSPENSION:REARCampaign 03V153000

Reported concern

THIS RECALL APPLIES TO CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. CERTAIN REAR SUSPENSION SUBFRAME COMPONENTS WERE PRODUCED WITH POOR PAINT QUALITY WHICH, AFTER CONTINUED EXPOSURE TO CORROSIVE ROAD SALTS FOR A PERIOD OF SEVERAL YEARS, COULD RESULT IN RUST-OUT OF THE COMPONENT AND POSSIBLE BREAKAGE OF THE SUBFRAME.

Manufacturer’s stated response

DEALERS WILL CLEAN AND RUST-PROOF THE REAR SUSPENSION SUBFRAME. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 14, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.

Manufacturer campaign: WWM-96

Read campaign 03V153000 at NHTSA
Oct 30, 2002 Safety recallPOWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONCampaign 02V282000

Reported concern

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS WERE PRODUCED WITH AN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED TRANSMISSION PARKING ROD. WHEN THE TRANSMISSION SELECTOR LEVER IS PLACED IN THE "P" (PARK) POSITION, THE TRANSMISSION PARK MECHANISM, THAT IS INTENDED TO HOLD YOUR VEHICLE, MAY NOT ENGAGE.

Manufacturer’s stated response

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PARKING ROD ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION JANUARY 8, 2003. AN INTERIM OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BE SENT DURING NOVEMBER 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.

Manufacturer campaign: WWK-94

Read campaign 02V282000 at NHTSA
Mar 12, 2002 Safety recallSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDERCampaign 02V079000

Reported concern

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDERS MAY NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY IN AMBIENT TEMPERATURES BELOW FREEZING 32 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT AND LOWER).

Manufacturer’s stated response

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE MASTER CYLINDERS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 21, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.

Read campaign 02V079000 at NHTSA
Check this car’s VIN at NHTSA

03 / The manufacturer’s record

Instructions. Updates. Responses.

137 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 12. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.

Aug 20, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions15-308-23RThis Service Information Bulletin outlines a systematic procedure for diagnosing parasitic draw (dark/standby current) in vehicles experiencing battery drain when the ignition is off, leading to no-start conditions or frequent …NHTSA ID 11036807

This Service Information Bulletin outlines a systematic procedure for diagnosing parasitic draw (dark/standby current) in vehicles experiencing battery drain when the ignition is off, leading to no-start conditions or frequent jump-starts.This is an revised version of the original bulletin.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11036807 at NHTSA
Aug 13, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions15-304-22RThis Bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. (This is an revised version of the original bulletin.)NHTSA ID 11036796

This Bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. (This is an revised version of the original bulletin.)

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11036796 at NHTSA
Aug 5, 2026 OtherArticle LocatorTechtips newsletter locator index.NHTSA ID 11036794

Techtips newsletter locator index.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11036794 at NHTSA
Aug 1, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions15-333-25RThis bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. This is an revised version of the original bulletinNHTSA ID 11036789

This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. This is an revised version of the original bulletin

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11036789 at NHTSA
Jun 12, 2026 OtherSubaruNet Annoucement (EThis announcement is requesting retailer staff to retain the EyeSight protective hood covers from Generation 4 EyeSight cameras.NHTSA ID 11034249

This announcement is requesting retailer staff to retain the EyeSight protective hood covers from Generation 4 EyeSight cameras.

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11034249 at NHTSA
May 18, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions01-167-08RThis bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.NHTSA ID 11033069

This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11033069 at NHTSA
May 4, 2026 OtherSubaruNet Announcement (RThis announcement provides information on the remanufactured CVT transmission program.NHTSA ID 11033056

This announcement provides information on the remanufactured CVT transmission program.

Components: POWER TRAIN. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11033056 at NHTSA
Apr 30, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions07-240-26RThis Service Information Bulletin was developed to provide interim guidance for vehicles exhibiting DTC B2A20.NHTSA ID 11032034

This Service Information Bulletin was developed to provide interim guidance for vehicles exhibiting DTC B2A20.

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11032034 at NHTSA
Apr 24, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions03-97-26This bulletin announces the service manual correction regarding clutch master cylinder reservoir service procedures.NHTSA ID 11032040

This bulletin announces the service manual correction regarding clutch master cylinder reservoir service procedures.

Components: POWER TRAIN. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11032040 at NHTSA
Apr 24, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions01-167-08RThis bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.NHTSA ID 11032039

This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.

Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11032039 at NHTSA
Apr 20, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions05-97-26This Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedures to be followed when addressing customer concerns of steering wheel/vehicle body vibration when driving at highway speeds when tire/wheel balance is suspected.NHTSA ID 11032035

This Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedures to be followed when addressing customer concerns of steering wheel/vehicle body vibration when driving at highway speeds when tire/wheel balance is suspected.

Components: STEERING · WHEELS. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11032035 at NHTSA
Mar 26, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions10-105-25RThis bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak.NHTSA ID 11030560

This bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11030560 at NHTSA
Browse all manufacturer records by page

Records below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.

04 / Agency investigations

Official inquiries.

An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.

No investigation records matched this model-year in the snapshot.

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