2003 Subaru Outback Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2003 Subaru Outback, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Airbags1917.0%
- Engine1917.0%
- Driver assistance108.9%
- Suspension98.0%
- Transmission87.1%
- Brakes76.3%
- Electrical65.4%
- Powertrain (other)54.5%
- Tires & wheels54.5%
- Body & structure54.5%
- Fuel system43.6%
- Other / unspecified43.6%
- Visibility32.7%
- Steering32.7%
- Exterior lighting21.8%
- Interior & seats21.8%
- Heating & air conditioning10.9%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY 2003 SUBARU OUTBACK HAD A BAD AIRBAG INFLATOR AND HAS ALSO BLOWN THE HEAD GASKET SEVERAL TIMES, REQUIRING IT TO BE REBUILT THREE TIMES. WHILE I LOVE MY OUTBACK, I WONDER IF I WILL WANT TO BUY ANOTHER ONE. BEING STRANDED BY MY CAR AND HAVING TO TAKE THE BUS IN THE WINTER TIME WAS VERY DIFFICULT AS WAS HAULING GROCERIES ON THE BUS IN A ROLLING SUITCASE WHILE AWAITING REPAIRS.
AFTER PREVIOUS REPAIRS TO TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAK AND HEAD GASKET REPAIR, THE CAR'S TRANSMISSION FAILED AND HAD TO BE REBUILT. THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AS I WAS DRIVING. I COULD NOT SHIFT FROM FIRST TO SECOND. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR TO THE DEALER BY DRIVING IN FIRST AND LIVING WITH A SHARP CLUNK INTO SECOND. I WAS CLOSE TO THE DEALER OR ELSE THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN A TOW. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED ON THE FREEWAY IT COULD HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
I RECENTLY HAD MY OUTBACK TOWED BECAUSE MY CAR WOULDN'T SHIFT OUT OF PARK. 1ST I CHECK THE NEUTRAL SAFETY SWITCH, GOOD TO GO NO PROBLEM. THEN MOVE ON TO MY FUSES, OKAY GREAT. INVESTIGATE SOME MORE TO FIND OUT THE WIRING ON THE OUTBACK HAS SOME DEFAULTS, I LOOK MORE INTO IT AND IT SEEMS IT'S NOT JUST ME WITH THE PROBLEM. MY CAR IS OLD AND CARRIES A LOT OF MILES, KEEP IN MIND THIS CAR IS MADE FOR THAT, BUT PEOPLE SEEM TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AS ME WITH LOWER MILES. THE CARS LIFTGATE WIRE HARNESS IS A HUGE WEAKNESS ON THIS CAR. I REALLY HOPE YOU GUYS WILL LOOK MORE INTO THIS AND RECALL IT. I LOVE MY SUBY AND HAVE GREW UP IN IT AND NOW HAVE THE HONOR OF OWNING IT. WE STILL HAVE MANY MORE YEARS OF DRIVING TOGETHER SO PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS SO I CAN KEEP HER AS LONG AS POSSIBLE. TEMP FIX IT TO REMOVE BRAKE #4 HARNESS AND UNPLUG TO KEEP FROM BLOWING AND SMOKING. KEEP IN MIND ONLY LEAVES ME WITH 3 BRAKE LIGHTS. (THE ONE UNPLUGGED IS THE ONE ON THE HATCHBACK RIGHT SIDE) THIS IS VERY UNSAFE TO NOT HAD STABLE WIRING IN THE BRAKE LIGHTS, MY CAR WAS SMOKING. I CURRENTLY DO HAVE A 30 FUSE IN THAT SEEMS TO BE ABLE TO HOLD BETTER.
CPSC#I11C0409A. 2003 SUBARU OUTBACK. CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS SUDDEN ACCELERATION. *LN THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A SAFE STOP AND HAD IT TOWED TO A REPAIR GARAGE. THE MECHANIC FOUND DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE. *JB
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL REGARDING THE REAR SUSPENSION SUBFRAME CORROSION, BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE RECALL DETAILS AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.
I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER 2003- CURRENT/2013. ACCELERATING FROM A STOP LIGHT IN TRAFFIC, I HEARD A VERY LOUD SNAP AND THE RIGHT REAR SIDE OF MY CAR FELL TO WITHIN AN INCH OF THE RIGHT REAR TIRE. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR, SLOWLY, TO A SUBARU SPECIALIST. I WAS TOLD THE RIGHT REAR STRUT RUSTED AND BROKE AFTER ONLY 7 YEARS AND LESS THAN 87K MILES. I WAS FORCED TO REPLACE THE STRUT ASSEMBLY SINCE THIS WAS A SAFETY ISSUE. THE CAR HAS ALWAYS BEEN DRIVEN YEAR ROUND IN MAINE AND NEW HAMPSHIRE. THERE'S NO EXCUSE FOR THIS TYPE OF RUST AND BREAKDOWN OF ANY MAJOR COMPONENT WITH RELATIVELY LOW MILES. SUBARU IS VERY, VERY WELL KNOWN FOR RUST PROBLEMS, ESPECIALLY RUSTING FROM THE INSIDE OUT IN THE REAR TIRE AREAS ABOVE THE TIRE, AND SHOULD BE FORCED TO COMPENSATE OWNERS FOR WHAT IS CLEARLY A MASSIVE AND IRRESPONSIBLE FAILURE IN THE QUALITY CONTROL AT SUBARU. *TR
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE BOUNCES, SHAKES, AND WOBBLES FROM SIDE TO SIDE. THE FAILURE IS ALSO FOLLOWED BY A BUMPING SOUND. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT IT IS CAUSING WEAR AND TEAR ON THE VEHICLE. SHE IS TERRIFIED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PERFORMING THIS WAY DUE TO THE ITEMS IN THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVESHAFT WAS REPLACED AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VISCUS CUP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. CURRENTLY, THERE IS FAILURE WITH THE STRUTS, BEARINGS, AND SUSPENSION. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD PASS INSPECTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
DEFECTIVE DRIVE SHAFT DEFECTIVE VISCOUS COUPLER DEFECTIVE SUSPENSION NO DEATHS OR ACCIDENTS YET I AM AFRAID THAT MY LIFE AND SAFETY ARE SERIOUSLY AT RISK AND NONE OF THE SUBARU TECHS WILL ACKNOWLEDGE A PROBLEM OR AGREE TO FIX. I HAD THE ABOVE DEFECTS DIAGNOSED BY AN AUTO SHOP NOT AFFILIATED WITH SUBARU. THERE MAY BE OTHER PROBLEMS TOO. *TR
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
I RECENTLY HAD MY OUTBACK TOWED BECAUSE MY CAR WOULDN'T SHIFT OUT OF PARK. 1ST I CHECK THE NEUTRAL SAFETY SWITCH, GOOD TO GO NO PROBLEM. THEN MOVE ON TO MY FUSES, OKAY GREAT. INVESTIGATE SOME MORE TO FIND OUT THE WIRING ON THE OUTBACK HAS SOME DEFAULTS, I LOOK MORE INTO IT AND IT SEEMS IT'S NOT JUST ME WITH THE PROBLEM. MY CAR IS OLD AND CARRIES A LOT OF MILES, KEEP IN MIND THIS CAR IS MADE FOR THAT, BUT PEOPLE SEEM TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AS ME WITH LOWER MILES. THE CARS LIFTGATE WIRE HARNESS IS A HUGE WEAKNESS ON THIS CAR. I REALLY HOPE YOU GUYS WILL LOOK MORE INTO THIS AND RECALL IT. I LOVE MY SUBY AND HAVE GREW UP IN IT AND NOW HAVE THE HONOR OF OWNING IT. WE STILL HAVE MANY MORE YEARS OF DRIVING TOGETHER SO PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS SO I CAN KEEP HER AS LONG AS POSSIBLE. TEMP FIX IT TO REMOVE BRAKE #4 HARNESS AND UNPLUG TO KEEP FROM BLOWING AND SMOKING. KEEP IN MIND ONLY LEAVES ME WITH 3 BRAKE LIGHTS. (THE ONE UNPLUGGED IS THE ONE ON THE HATCHBACK RIGHT SIDE) THIS IS VERY UNSAFE TO NOT HAD STABLE WIRING IN THE BRAKE LIGHTS, MY CAR WAS SMOKING. I CURRENTLY DO HAVE A 30 FUSE IN THAT SEEMS TO BE ABLE TO HOLD BETTER.
2003 SUBARU OUTBACK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE BRAKE FAILURE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN SHE APPLIED THE BRAKE PEDAL, IT WENT DOWN TO THE FLOOR, WHICH RESULTED IN HER REAR ENDING THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE CONSUMER REFERENCED A RECALL. HOWEVER, HER YEAR VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED.*JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
I RECENTLY HAD MY OUTBACK TOWED BECAUSE MY CAR WOULDN'T SHIFT OUT OF PARK. 1ST I CHECK THE NEUTRAL SAFETY SWITCH, GOOD TO GO NO PROBLEM. THEN MOVE ON TO MY FUSES, OKAY GREAT. INVESTIGATE SOME MORE TO FIND OUT THE WIRING ON THE OUTBACK HAS SOME DEFAULTS, I LOOK MORE INTO IT AND IT SEEMS IT'S NOT JUST ME WITH THE PROBLEM. MY CAR IS OLD AND CARRIES A LOT OF MILES, KEEP IN MIND THIS CAR IS MADE FOR THAT, BUT PEOPLE SEEM TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AS ME WITH LOWER MILES. THE CARS LIFTGATE WIRE HARNESS IS A HUGE WEAKNESS ON THIS CAR. I REALLY HOPE YOU GUYS WILL LOOK MORE INTO THIS AND RECALL IT. I LOVE MY SUBY AND HAVE GREW UP IN IT AND NOW HAVE THE HONOR OF OWNING IT. WE STILL HAVE MANY MORE YEARS OF DRIVING TOGETHER SO PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS SO I CAN KEEP HER AS LONG AS POSSIBLE. TEMP FIX IT TO REMOVE BRAKE #4 HARNESS AND UNPLUG TO KEEP FROM BLOWING AND SMOKING. KEEP IN MIND ONLY LEAVES ME WITH 3 BRAKE LIGHTS. (THE ONE UNPLUGGED IS THE ONE ON THE HATCHBACK RIGHT SIDE) THIS IS VERY UNSAFE TO NOT HAD STABLE WIRING IN THE BRAKE LIGHTS, MY CAR WAS SMOKING. I CURRENTLY DO HAVE A 30 FUSE IN THAT SEEMS TO BE ABLE TO HOLD BETTER.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, A FIRE IGNITED ON THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR NEAR THE CONTROL PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS MOVED OFF THE ROADWAY AND THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED THE DEALER YET THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE VEHICLE AND THE BODY DAMAGE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 152,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
AFTER PREVIOUS REPAIRS TO TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAK AND HEAD GASKET REPAIR, THE CAR'S TRANSMISSION FAILED AND HAD TO BE REBUILT. THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AS I WAS DRIVING. I COULD NOT SHIFT FROM FIRST TO SECOND. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR TO THE DEALER BY DRIVING IN FIRST AND LIVING WITH A SHARP CLUNK INTO SECOND. I WAS CLOSE TO THE DEALER OR ELSE THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN A TOW. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED ON THE FREEWAY IT COULD HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE PARKING MECHANISM WITHIN THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 194,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
PRIMEWELL TIRES DEVELOPED WAVE AND INTENSE ROAD NOISE EVEN AT 50% TREAD.. HAVE BEEN BALANCED/ALIGNED REGULARLY
1. EVENTS LEADING TO FAILURE: NO ABNORMAL EVENTS PRIOR TO FAILURE (NO TIRE VISUAL INDICATIONS, NO SOUNDS, NORMAL STEERING AND SUSPENSION BEHAVIOR, NO TIRE IMPACTS). TIRE PRESSURE CHECKED MONTHLY AND TIRES ROTATED REGULARLY (~ EVERY 8,000 MI). 2. FAILURE AND ITS CONSEQUENCES: A SINGLE OEM TIRE (BRIDGESTONE POTENZA P225/60R16 E92QZ) WITH 43,700 MILES LOST ALL PRESSURE DUE TO FAILURE OF SIDEWALL, WITH SEPARATION APPARENT AROUND ENTIRE CIRCUMFERENCE OF TIRE. FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE PARKED ON LEVEL PARKING LOT SURFACE AFTER DRIVING 10 MINUTES AT MODERATE SPEED. 3. WHAT WAS DONE TO CORRECT THE FAILURE; I.E, PARTS REPAIRED OR REPLACED (AND IF OLD PART IS AVAILABLE): INTEND TO REPLACE TIRE SHORTLY. OLD TIRE IS AVAILABLE. PHOTOS AVAILABLE. *NM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL REGARDING THE REAR SUSPENSION SUBFRAME CORROSION, BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE RECALL DETAILS AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.
WHILE DRIVING HOME, THE CAR JUST "SHUT DOWN" ON THE HIGHWAY,AND WE HAD TO GLIDE OFF TO THE SIDE. HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED. OUR MECHANIC HAD TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE ENGINE. HE DID NOT KNOW WHY IT FAILED. NOW, AFTER RESEARCHING THIS SITE, I SEE THAT THERE WAS A RECALL DUE TO FAULTY WATER PUMP IN 2003. I AM WONDERING IF THIS COSTLY INCIDENT WAS A RESULT OF THIS NOT BEING REPAIRED? HOW CAN I FIND THIS OUT PLEASE? I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE CERTIFIED USED FROM A LOCAL DEALERSHIP. I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO MENTION THE UNUSUALLY LARGE AMOUNT OF RUSTING UNDERNEATH THE CAR, AS WELL AS IN THE WHEEL AREAS. THANK YOU. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHEN DRIVING THE CAR DOWN THE ROAD A STRONG ODOR OF RAW GASOLINE WAS SMELT IN THE CABIN OF THE CAR, I PULLED OVER AND POPPED THE HOOD OPEN AND FOUND GAS SPRAYING OUT OF THE RUBBER FUEL LINE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE ENGINE COMING FROM IN BETWEEN THE RUBBER HOSE AND THE METAL LINE FEEDING THE FUEL INJECTORS AS IF THE HOSE CLAMP WAS LOSE. IT WAS -5 F OUTSIDE WHEN THIS OCCURRED, THE CAR WAS PARKED TILL IT WARMED UP TO WORK ON IT, 30 F HERE IN MINNESOTA AND THE FUEL LEAK HAD DISAPPEARED. I CHECKED THE TIGHTNESS OF THE HOSE CLAMP AND IN WAS TIGHT. THE RUBBER HOSE AND METAL TUBE ALSO SHOWED NO SIGN OF DETERIORATION. THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS SOAKED IN GASOLINE WHEN THE LEAK OCCURRED. THE HAS 80,000 MILE ON IT.
A METAL CAP INSIDE THE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY HAS SHEARED AT THE PLACE WHERE ITS SCREWS ONTO THE FUEL PUMP BODY. THIS CAUSED A DROP IN FUEL PRESSURE, WHICH STOPPED THE ENGINE COMPLETELY. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
2003 SUBARU OUTBACK IMPREZA WAS ON THE OHIO TURNPIKE WHEN THE REAR LUG NUTS BROKE CAUSING THE TIRE TO COME OFF OF THE VEHICLE. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED THE TIRES HAD BEEN ROTATED 1 WEEK PRIOR. OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT# 10-0773-90. *JB
TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT A COMPANY VEHICLE, A 2003 SUBARU OUTBACK , HAS THE SAME PROBLEM THAT WAS MENTIONED IN RECALL CAMPAIGN # 02V235000. ON 02/10/07 WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH UNDER GOOD ROAD CONDITIONS THE RIGHT REAR TIRE CAME OFF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO NOTICE OF THE WHEEL HAVING ANY PROBLEMS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL STATED THAT THE WHEELS MAY HAVE AN OFF-CENTER DIAMETER. HE CHANGED THE TIRE, AND DROVE THE VEHICLE ABOUT 30 MILES. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 111500.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU OUTBACK. WATER WAS LEAKING IN THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE SUNROOF. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE SUNROOF WITH SILICONE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE FAILURE AGAIN WITH THE SAME SILICONE. THE SUNROOF WAS NEVER USED. THE WATER DID NOT CAUSE ANY DAMAGE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 53,700.
INTERNAL COATING INSIDE COMPASS MIRROR WITH AUTO LIGHT DETECTION. THE GOLDEN COATING INSIDE THE MIRROR DECOMPOSED AND RAN INTO THE MIRROR ALL WITHIN AN HOUR OR TWO. IT WASN'T HOT, I JUST GOT INTO MY CAR AND IT BEGAN TO SORT OF MELT. THE USED REPLACEMENT IS $225...THIS IS A 2003 SUBARU OUTBACK LL BEAN EDITION....THIS IS RIDICULOUS!!! *NM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING, THE STEERING WHEEL JUST KEPT TURNING AROUND, BUT THE WHEELS DID NOT MOVE. THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE TOWED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 146,000.
NAR 03-27-2003 MR THE CAR DIES INTERMITTENTLY AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 20-25 MPH ON DECELERATION. THE POWER IS COMPLETELY LOST WITH NO POWER STEERING CONTROL. ADDITIONAL ITEMS NOTICIED .. SHIFTING IN TRANSMISSION AT LOW SPEEDS, DASHBOARD CREAKS AND DRIVERS WINDOW FAULTY. *CB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 BY MAKING IT A LAW TO USE GLASS WHEN THEY BUILD THEIR HEADLIGHTS IN THE FUTURE.
WATER IS GETTING INTO THE REAR DOOR OF OUTBACK SUBARU WAGON CAUSING THE CORRODING OF REAR LIGHT HARNESSES. TAILLIGHT FAILED TO OPERATE AND HAD ASSEMBLY HAD TO BE REPLACED. DEALER CAN'T DETERMINE HOW/WHY WATER IS GETTING INTO THE REAR DOOR. AFTER HEAVY RAIN, THE WATER CAN BE HEARD MOVING AROUND IN THE DOOR. WATER DRAINS OUT WHEN THE DOOR IS OPENED. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
NAR 03-27-2003 MR THE CAR DIES INTERMITTENTLY AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 20-25 MPH ON DECELERATION. THE POWER IS COMPLETELY LOST WITH NO POWER STEERING CONTROL. ADDITIONAL ITEMS NOTICIED .. SHIFTING IN TRANSMISSION AT LOW SPEEDS, DASHBOARD CREAKS AND DRIVERS WINDOW FAULTY. *CB
DEALER SUBSTITUTED CHEAP AFTERMARKET SECURITY SYSTEM FOR REQUESTED SUBARU UPGRADE, TAMPERING WITH FACTORY WIRING IN PROCESS. WHEN CHALLENGED, DEALER REPLACED SYSTEM WITH SUBARU UPGRADE. HOWEVER, I AM CONCERNED THAT THE STRIPPED, SOLDERED AND MOST LIKELY CUT WIRES IN THE FACTORY HARNESS COULD PRODUCE A SHORT OR BACKFEED THAT MAY DAMAGE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS OR LEAD TO FIRE. IN ADDITION, ONE BUNDLE OF WIRES INTERFERES WITH THE MOVEMENT OF MY RIGHT FOOT FROM ACCELERATOR TO BRAKE. DT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
2003 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK'S SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER READ INACCURATELY. *CC THE SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER HAD AN INACCURACY RATE OF 8-11 PERCENT. THERE WAS WIND NOISE COMING FROM THE LEFT FRONT WINDOW. THE DEALER ADJUSTED THE L/F DOOR. THE A/C WAS NOT GETTING COLD ENOUGH. THE TECH RESECURED HOSE FROM A/C CONDENSER AND RECHARGED THE SYSTEM. *NM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .