NHTSA vehicle safety data

2002 Subaru Outback Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2002 Subaru Outback has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns and 143 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Subaru dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2002 Subaru Outback, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2002 Subaru Outback owner complaints

Owners have filed 143 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002 Subaru Outback, describing incidents dated August 20, 2001 to April 2, 2018.

Most-cited components

Fuel/Propulsion System 32 complaints
Service Brakes 30 complaints
Engine 22 complaints
Power Train 20 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control 12 complaints
Structure 10 complaints

Of the 143 complaints on file, 9 report a crash; across all 143 complaints, owners report 11 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11133192 · Filed October 3, 2018
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…
ODI #11084008 · Filed April 9, 2018
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…
ODI #11052416 · Filed December 4, 2017
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…

Read all 143 complaints

Fuel Pump may Leak Fuel

NHTSA #13E065000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Delivery — Fuel Pump · NHTSA notice

Reported November 29, 2013 · Airtex Products, LP

Potentially affected: 397 vehicles

Repair completion: 62.72% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

SUBARU/CRUISE CONTROL CABLE

NHTSA #04V128000 · Vehicle Speed Control — Cables · NHTSA notice

Reported March 16, 2004 · SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

Potentially affected: 127,580 vehicles

Subaru campaign WWQ-01 · Owners notified April 12, 2004 · Vehicles built March 15, 2000 – February 19, 2004 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

IF THIS OCCURS DURING VEHICLE OPERATION, THE DRIVER COULD LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

SUBARU RECALL NO. WWQ-01.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

SUBARU/REAR SUSPENSION SUBFRAME CORROSION

NHTSA #03V153000 · Suspension — Rear · NHTSA notice

Reported April 22, 2003 · SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

Potentially affected: 170,000 vehicles

Subaru campaign WWM-96 · Owners notified July 14, 2003 · Vehicles built May 1, 1999 – April 30, 2002 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

IF SUCH BREAKAGE OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED, CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE COULD BE AFFECTED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

SUBARU/TRANSMISSION PARKING ROD

NHTSA #02V282000 · Power Train — Automatic Transmission · NHTSA notice

Reported October 30, 2002 · SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

Potentially affected: 172,564 vehicles

Subaru campaign WWK-94 · Owners notified January 8, 2003 · Vehicles built June 1, 2001 – September 30, 2002 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

THE VEHICLE COULD THEN MOVE/ROLL WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

SUBARU/BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER

NHTSA #02V079000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Foundation Components — Master Cylinder · NHTSA notice

Reported March 12, 2002 · SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

Potentially affected: 1,252 vehicles

Owners notified March 21, 2002 · Vehicles built February 8, 2002 – March 1, 2002 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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

Safety consequence

AT THESE TEMPERATURES, THE BRAKES MAY NOT RELEASE AFTER BEING APPLIED, EVEN WHEN THE DRIVER'S FOOT IS NO LONGER ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. THIS CAN OCCUR WITHOUR PRIOR WARNING, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

2002 Subaru Outback 4-DR. Wagon

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Safety Technology

143 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2002 Subaru Outback.

Unknown or Other

ODI #11133192

Incident: June 12, 2015 · Filed: October 3, 2018

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.

Engine

ODI #11084008

Incident: April 2, 2018 · Filed: April 9, 2018

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.

Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11052416

Incident: December 4, 2017 · Filed: December 4, 2017

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.

Suspension; Power Train; Structure

ODI #10888639

Incident: July 7, 2016 · Filed: July 26, 2016

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.

Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #10819273

Incident: January 6, 2016 · Filed: January 11, 2016

TERRIBLE GAS SMELL. FUEL IS LEAKING BECAUSE IT IS COLD OUTSIDE.

Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #10817338

Incident: January 1, 2016 · Filed: January 1, 2016

WHEN TEMP. OUTSIDE GO BELOW 32 DEGREES, THE INSIDE OF MY CAR FILLS WITH RAW GAS SMELL, THIS HAPPENS EVERY WINTER. I LIVE IN WI. WHEN IT IS ABOVE FREEZING IT IS FINE AND ALL SUMMER IT IS FINE. I AM SO AFFRAID TO HAVE MY GRAND KIDS IN THE CAR. NOT SURE IF THE FUMES WILL EXPLODE.WHEN I AM DRIVING I DO NOT SMELL GAS. BUT IF I STOP AT A STOP SIGN OR LIGHT IT FILLS UP THE CAR. I HAVE TO ROLL DOWN MY WINDOWS TO GET FRESH AIR

Unknown or Other; Service Brakes; Engine

ODI #10783939

Incident: October 6, 2015 · Filed: October 21, 2015

I BOUGHT CAR OCT 6; FIRST INSPECTION APPOINTMENT AT MY USUAL GARAGE MON OCT 12- FAILED DUE TO RUSTY SUSPECT BRAKE CONNECTION. SELLER HAD ME TAKE TO HIS DEALER- MASTRIA SUBARU IN RAYNHAM. THEY PUT A PAINT/COATING OVER RUSTY AREA. I WAS PRETTY SKEPTICAL BUT BROUGHT CAR TO MY GARAGE IN VT MONDAY OCT 19 AND THE LEAKY BRAKE FLUID MUCH MORE CLEARLY VISIBLE- DUE TO SMOOTHER (THOUGH BUMPY FROM OXIDATION BELOW) PAINT SURFACE. I ALSO SAW LEAKING COOLANT, LEAKS IN OIL PAN, AND A CRACK IN MUFFLER PIPE JUST ENGINE SIDE OF MUFFLER (IT HAD BEEN GETTING NOISIER AND NOISIER) MY MECHANIC POINTED OUT THE TIMING BELT GASKET WAS MISSING AND ONE BOLT 'MISSING' ; IT WAS STICKING OUT OF ANOTHER 'HOLE' THAT WAS FOR A FULLY THREADED BOLT. THE SELLER HAS SENT LONG-WINDED INSULTING E-MAILS AND STATES I MUST RETURN CAR TO HIM TO HAVE THE SAME DEALER SERVICE IT. I AM TAKING IT TO A&M, 400 MYSTIC AVE, SOMERVILLE THIS MORNING NEAR ME! FOR ESTIMATE TODAY. THERE'S A REJECT STICKER FROM READING PETROLEUM ON IT- I DIDN'T KNOW MA & VT HAD RECIPROCAL STATUS- BUT I THINK THE VT INSPECTION IS MORE STRINGENT, SAFER AND COMPREHENSIVE

Suspension; Structure

ODI #10779649

Incident: October 2, 2015 · Filed: October 5, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION SUBFRAME HAD FRACTURED DUE TO SEVERE RUSTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000. UPDATE 01/13/16 MA; UPDATED 4/17/18*JB THE CONSUMER STATED TRADED VEHICLE DUE TO THE FACT NOT KNOWING WHAT TO DO ABOUT FIXING IT. *TR

Structure

ODI #10705906

Incident: April 15, 2015 · Filed: April 15, 2015

WHEN GETTING THE CAR INSPECTED WE FOUND OUT THE FRAME OF THE CAR WAS RUSTED SO BADLY IT WAS CRACKED. IT WAS IN SUCH A KEY SPOT THAT IT WASN'T FIXABLE AND THE CAR COULD HAVE EASILY LOST A WHEEL ON THE ROAD WITH LITTLE TO NO WARNING (A SMALL BUMP COULD HAVE BEEN ENOUGH TO TRIGGER AN ACCIDENT). THE CAR HAS BEEN TAKEN CARE OF WELL AND WHEN INSPECTED JUST A YEAR AGO AT THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP THERE WAS NO MENTION OR SIGN THAT THIS COULD POTENTIALLY BE A PROBLEM. THE FAST DETERIORATION OF THE FRAME UNDERNEATH THE CAR IS THE COMPLAINT AND WE HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO PART OUT THE OTHERWISE WONDERFUL CAR DUE TO SAFETY AND UNABLE TO GET IT FIXED. *TR

Engine

ODI #10680125

Incident: August 1, 2005 · Filed: January 31, 2015

DRIVERS SIDE HEAD GASKET LEAKED. ONLY THAT SIDE WAS REPLACED. ON 1/14 BOTH HEAD GASKETS STARTED LEAKING AT 59000 MILES. WITH SUBARUS HELP THE DEALER CHARGED $ 855.00. THE PROBLEM IS SUBARU HAS A DESIGN DEFECT IN THIS ENGINE SO THOSE OF US WHO OWN THESE CARS ARE GOING TO HAVE TO PAY FOR GASKET REPLACEMENTS FOR AS LONG AS WE OWN THEM. BY THE WAY THE COOLANT SYSTEM CONDITIONER IS HOLTS RADWELD STOPLEAK SOMETHING SUBARU WILL NOT TELL YOU. *TR

Other Subaru Outback model years

Check your 2002 Subaru Outback VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Subaru Outback at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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