2003 Subaru Outback
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 95 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 22nd highest complaint count among 26 Outback model years with reports.
Of the 2003 reports, 7 involved a crash and 1 involved a fire. 3 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 2, 2020
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-20.
Campaign 20V003000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 2, 2020
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-20.
Campaign 20V002000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleJan 2, 2020
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (STI included), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators with alternate inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-20.
Campaign 20V001000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleMay 25, 2016
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, and Baja vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming, or "Zone C.". These vehicles may be equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 24, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-16. Note: This recall covers vehicles that were not previously covered in 16V-358 for Zone A or 16V-359 for Zone B.
Campaign 16V361000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleMay 25, 2016
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, 2006-2008 Impreza, Tribeca, 2006 Saab 9-2x, and 2003-2006 Baja vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." These vehicles may be equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 24, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-16. Note: This notice is only for vehicles that were not covered by 16V-358 for Zone A.
Campaign 16V359000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleMay 25, 2016
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, 2009-2011 Legacy, Outback, Forester, 2006-2011 Impreza, Tribeca, 2003-2006 Baja, and 2006 Saab 9-2x vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." These vehicles may be equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 26, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Saab owners may contact GM at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-16.
Campaign 16V358000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleMay 28, 2015
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Subaru Baja vehicles manufactured January 22, 2003, to July 21, 2004, 2004-2005 Impreza vehicles manufactured January 28, 2003, to May 31, 2005, 2003-2008 Subaru Legacy vehicles manufactured January 22, 2003, to May 2, 2008, 2003-2008 Subaru Outback vehicles manufactured February 18, 2003, to May 5, 2008, and 2005 Saab 9-2x vehicles manufactured February 11, 2004, to March 17, 2005. The affected vehicles are equipped with a passenger side frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture upon its deployment.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify their owners and General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The Subaru recall began on June 17, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. The Saab recall began on July 27, 2015. Owners of Saab vehicles may call 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is WQR-53. Note: The recall completely supersedes recall 14V-399 (WQL-48) and partially supersedes recall 14V-763 (WQP-51) in that model year 2004 through 2005 Subaru Impreza and model year 2005 Saab 9-2x vehicles are now only part of this campaign. Note: On December 18, 2015 Subaru informed NHTSA of an expansion of this recall to include certain model year 2003-2004 Subaru Baja, 2003-2008 Subaru Legacy and 2003-2008 Subaru Outback vehicles.
Campaign 15V323000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsDec 1, 2014
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy and Outback vehicles, and 2003-2005 Baja vehicles sold, or ever registered, in geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Puerto Rico, Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Saipan, American Samoa, Florida and adjacent counties in southern Georgia, as well as the coastal areas of Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengers frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Subaru will notify their owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQP-51. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-471. This recall has been partially superseded by 15V-323. All 2005 model year Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles will now be repaired under recall 15V-323.
Campaign 14V763000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpNov 29, 2013
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.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
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.
Campaign 13E065000 on NHTSA.gov
Vehicle speed control, cablesMar 16, 2004
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.
IF THIS OCCURS DURING VEHICLE OPERATION, THE DRIVER COULD LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
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.
Campaign 04V128000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, frontJun 26, 2003
ON SOME PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY 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 LEFT-HAND FRONT TRANSVERSE LINK COMPONENTS WERE PRODUCED WITH POOR PAINT QUALITY. IF THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED FORM AN EXTENSIVE PERIOD IN A SALT-BELT AREA, CONTINUED EXPOSURE TO SALT COULD CAUSE THE LEFT FRONT TRANSVERSE LINK TO RUST AND EVENTUALLY BREAK.
IF THE TRANSVERSE LINK WERE TO BREAK DUE TO RUSTING, CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE COULD BE AFFECTED WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL APPLY ANTI-RUST MATERIAL TO THE LEFT FRONT TRANSVERSE LINK. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 1, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
Campaign 03V232000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearApr 22, 2003
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.
IF SUCH BREAKAGE OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED, CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE COULD BE AFFECTED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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.
Campaign 03V153000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmissionOct 30, 2002
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.
THE VEHICLE COULD THEN MOVE/ROLL WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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.
Campaign 02V282000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, cooling systemSep 13, 2002
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4-CYLINDER ENGINES, THE WATER PUMP PULLEY CENTER HOLE WAS IMPROPERLY MACHINED.
IN SOME INSTANCES, THE INTERFERENCE FIT BETWEEN THE INNER WALL OF THE PULLEY CENTER HOLE AND THE WATER PUMP DRIVE SHAFT WAS NOT AS TIGHT AS SPECIFIED IN THE DRAWING SPECIFICATION. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE WATER PUMP PULLEY DISLODGING FROM THE WATER PUMP SHAFT, WHICH CAN CAUSE SEVERE ENGINE DAMAGE/SEIZURE DURING VEHICLE USAGE.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WATER PUMP. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 12, 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.
Campaign 02V240000 on NHTSA.gov
WheelsSep 5, 2002
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 6-CYLINDER ENGINES, THE ALUMINUM WHEELS MAY HAVE AN OFF-CENTER DIAMETER.
THIS CAN RESULT IN THE EVENTUAL LOOSENING OF THE WHEEL HUB-NUTS DURING VEHICLE USAGE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE ALL 4 ALUMINUM WHEELS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 12, 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.
Campaign 02V235000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
95 reports, newest first.
Steering, Nov 18, 2008
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.
Suspension, Power train, Sep 5, 2008
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.
Suspension, Power train, Aug 29, 2008
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
Suspension, Aug 20, 2008
MY WHEEL BEARING FAILED IN BOTH FRONT WHEELS--PASSENGER SIDE AT ABOUT 79,000 MILES AND DRIVERS SIDE AT ABOUT 84,000 MILES. THE CAR IS A 2003 SUBARU OUTBACK. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 7, 2008
THE SPEEDOMETER DOESN'T WORK. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 17, 2008, crash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, ENGAGING THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO THE HIGHEST RPM'S AND HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HER. THE VEHICLE STEERING, BRAKES, GEARS WERE ALL LOCKED. THE GAS PEDAL WAS STUCK AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE RAPIDLY. SHE WAS ABLE TO TURN THE ENGINE OFF BY USING THE KEY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE FRONT END IN THE FENDER AREA WAS DAMAGED AND THE PASSENGER DOOR DID NOT OPEN. SHE SUSTAINED A BRUISE FROM MID PALM TO HER WRIST, AND SKIN REMOVED FROM KNUCKLE TO WRIST FROM THE LEFT HAND. A POLICE REPORT AND PICTURES ARE AVAILABLE. THE OTHER VEHICLE'S REAR END AND PASSENGER SIDE PANEL WERE ALSO DAMAGED. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS 10/2003.THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 37,000.
Power train, Mar 12, 2008, crash
ON JANUARY 26,2008 AT 8:10 PM MY HUSBAND AND I ARRIVED HOME FROM A DINNER OUT. HE STOPPED AT THE TOP OF OUR VERY STEEP DRIVEWAY AND PLACED MY 2003 SUBARU OUTBACK IN PARK. THE CAR WAS RUNNING.. . AS I WAS IN THE CAR I DIDN'T NOTICE IMMEDIATELY THAT IT WAS ROLLING. IT MADE NO GRINDING SOUND AS IT SHOULD HAVE IF IT WAS SLIPPING OUT OF GEAR. IT WAS AS IF IT WAS IN NEUTRAL. HE YELLED AT ME (I WAS STRAPPED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT) TO HIT THE BRAKE BUT I COULD NOT BECAUSE I WAS STRAPPED IN MY SEAT. I NEVER THOUGHT OF THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AS I WAS PANICKED. IN MARCH OF 2007 I WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A VERY SERIOUS SPINAL CONDITION AND HAD TO GET A FIVE LEVEL NECK SURGERY TO KEEP FROM BECOMING PARALYZED. I WAS TOLD THAT IF I GOT HIT ON THE BACK OF THE NECK OR WAS IN AN AUTO ACCIDENT I COULD BE PARALYZED. THE CAR REACHED A SPEED OF ABOUT 10 MILES PER HOUR AND I SLAMMED INTO OUR 1997 RODEO ISUZU. THANKFULLY THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND JOLT MY HEAD AND I BRACED MY HANDS ON THE DASH. I SUFFERED ONLY MINOR WRIST SPRAINS AND MULTIPLE BRUISES AND SOME NECK SORENESS AND ABSOLUTE PHYSICAL SHOCK. I HAVE HAD NIGHTMARES ABOUT THE ACCIDENT. WE CALLED HIGHWAY PATROL AND OUR INSURANCE COMPANY. I DID NOT FEEL IT NECESSARY TO GET MEDICAL ATTENTION AS I WAS NOT SERIOUSLY INJURED. AFTER THIS WAS OVER MY HUSBAND WENT ON THE INTERNET AND READ ABOUT A RECALL OF 2002 AND 2003 LEGACY OUTBACKS BECAUSE OF A DEFECT OF THE PARKING ROD THAT FAILS TO ENGAGE. MY CAR WAS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST BUT IT SHOULD BE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER TO CHECK THIS PROBLEM OUT AND THEY, AFTER HAVING THE CAR FOR 6 DAYS ONLY CHECKED THE PARKING BREAK AND THE SHIFTER AND SHIFTER LINKAGE WHICH DIDN'T ADDRESS MY COMPLAINT ABOUT THE PARKING ROD AT ALL. I AM CURRENTLY OUT $500 DEDUCTIBLE FOR MY SUBARU AND $3000 FOR THE BODY DAMAGE TO MY OTHER CAR AND MOSTLY I AM STILL MAJOR CONCERNED THAT THIS ROLLING IN PARK THING WILL HAPPEN AGAIN. *TR
Visibility, Dec 7, 2007
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.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 27, 2007
HEAD GASKET DEVELOPED A COOLANT LEAK. IT WAS LESS THAN 30 DAYS FROM THE WARRANTY RUNNING OUT. THE DEALERSHIP DID THE WARRANTY WORK BUT SAID THEY COULD NOT DO THE OTHER HEAD GASKET BECAUSE IT HAD NOT FAILED AND THE WARRANTY WOULD NOT ALLOW THEM TO REPLACE IT. IT ONLY MAKES SENSE IF THE ONE SIDE FAILED THAT THE OTHER SIDE WAS RIGHT BEHIND IT. *TR
Power train, Sep 13, 2007
I TOOK MY 2003 SUBARU OUTBACK IN FOR REGULAR OIL CHANGE MAINTENANCE. THE AUTO MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT THE ENGINE WAS QUITE NOISY AND THOUGHT IT MIGHT NEED VALVE ADUSTMENTS. WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THINKING THAT THE DEALER WOULD COVER THIS UNDER THE WARRANTY. WE LEFT THE VEHICLE WITH THE DEALER TO BE CHECKED OUT, THEIR DIAGNOSIS WAS THAT THE TIMING BELT TENSIONER WAS DEFECTIVE. BEING THAT OUR VEHICLE ONLY HAD 27,000 MILES ON IT, THE MAINTENANCE MECHANIC SAID IT WAS PROBABLY DEFECTIVE RIGHT FROM THE FACTORY. IF WE HAD NOT CAUGHT THIS AT THIS TIME, IT COULD HAVE CAUSE CONSIDERABLE ABOUT OF DAMAGE TO THE TIMING BELT OR ENGINE. THE WARRANTY COVERS 6 YEARS ON THE POWERTRAIN, BUT THE DEALER WOULD NOT COVER THIS EXPENSE OF THIS PART.
Exterior lighting, Structure, Aug 27, 2007
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
Wheels, Feb 13, 2007
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
Structure, Equipment, Electrical system, Jan 4, 2007
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
Power train, Nov 13, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH ON WET ROADS, THE VEHICLE RAN ROUGH, AND DID NOT ACCELERATE PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO BUCK, AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE REPAIR SHOP, WHERE THE TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS FOUND TO BE EMPTY, AND WAS REFILLED. THE PROBLEMS PERSISTED, SO THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER SEVERAL DAYS LATER, WHERE THE PROBLEM WAS UNABLE TO BE DETERMINED.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 23, 2006
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THAT AT ANY SPEED THERE WAS A VIBRATION WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKES. THE ISSUE WAS DUE TO THE LEFT FRONT BRAKE PAD WHICH SEPARATED FROM ITS CORRESPONDING PLATE. THE BRAKES WERE REPLACED TO FIX THE PROBLEM.
Visibility, May 23, 2006
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
Engine and engine cooling, May 17, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED AFTER HAVING THE 30,000 MILE SERVICE PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE, IT BEGAN HAVING MULTIPLE PROBLEMS. THE GAS MILEAGE DECREASED 50 MILES PER TANK. THERE WAS AN OIL SMOKE SMELL COMING FROM THE VENTS WHEN THE FAN WAS ON. A PINGING NOISE COULD BE INTERMITTENTLY HEARD COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION; HOWEVER THE PROBLEMS COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.
Tires, Apr 4, 2006
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
Structure, Nov 14, 2005
MY 2003 SUBARU OUTBACK, LL BEAN MODEL WITH 17,378 MILES, DEVELOPED A SERIOUS WATER LEAK THROUGH THE ROOF, ON JUN. 2, 2005. I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE NEW AND PURCHASED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. THIS PROBLEM RE-OCCURRED ON OCTOBER 17TH WITH THE INTERIOR FLOODED WHICH NECESSITATED THE CARPETING IN THE REAR TO BE COMPLETELY REPLACED. ON NOV. 10TH, 2005, AFTER A LIGHT RAIN, THE ROOF LEAKED AGAIN FOR THE 3RD. TIME. THE CAR IS IN THE DEALER SERVICE NOW. *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 22, 2005
WHEN CAR WAS SLOWING FOR A STOP SIGN IT WOULD STALL, HOWEVER IT COULD ALWAYS BE RESTARTED. THE CONSUMER WOULD HAVE TO PLACE THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND RESTART. *AK THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. *SC *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 2, 2005
2003 SUBARU OUTBACK CUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR SUBARU WAS UNABLE TO FIND OUT WHAT WAS CAUSING THE STALLING PROBLEM. *SC *JB
Vehicle speed control, May 27, 2005
ACCELERATOR ON VEHICLE STUCK ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. TRIED TO PUT VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL HOWEVER RPM'S SPUN TO 7000. HAD TO EVENTUALLY TURN CAR OFF IN DRIVE AFTER RIDING APPROXIMATELY 2 MILES WITH BOTH FEET ON BRAKE. DEALERSHIP UNABLE TO IDENTIFY ANY ISSUES, AND TOLD ME "IT'LL PROBABLY NOT HAPPEN AGAIN"
Vehicle speed control, May 26, 2005, crash
ON A VERY COLD MORNING THE VEHICLES GAS PEDAL BECAME STUCK AND CAUSED SUDDEN ACCELERATE. AS A RESULT THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO 4 OTHER CARS. *AK *SB *NM
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 2, 2005
NOTICED PINGING NOISE FROM ENGINE. SUBARU REPLACED BLOCK. ABOUT A YEAR LATER, HAD PINGING NOISE AGAIN, AND CAR WAS STALLING AFTER COLD NIGHT, FIRST THING IN THE MORNING. SUBARU SAID THEY DIDN'T NOTICE ANY PROBLEM, BUT I HAVE A FEELING I'LL BE GETTING ANOTHER BLOCK IN A YEAR OR SO.*AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Dec 20, 2004
BRAKES WOULD NOT STOP THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING ON ICE. THE PARKING BRAKE HAD TO BE APPLIED TO STOP THE VEHICLE.*AK