2002 Subaru Outback
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 2 |
| 1996 | 46 |
| 1997 | 79 |
| 1998 | 127 |
| 1999 | 111 |
| 2000 | 207 |
| 2001 | 171 |
| 2002 | 143 |
| 2003 | 93 |
| 2004 | 90 |
| 2005 | 273 |
| 2006 | 276 |
| 2007 | 129 |
| 2008 | 226 |
| 2009 | 106 |
| 2010 | 360 |
| 2011 | 651 |
| 2012 | 292 |
| 2013 | 296 |
| 2014 | 208 |
| 2015 | 509 |
| 2016 | 642 |
| 2017 | 917 |
| 2018 | 811 |
| 2019 | 1033 |
| 2020 | 896 |
| 2021 | 296 |
| 2022 | 462 |
| 2023 | 89 |
| 2024 | 102 |
| 2025 | 78 |
| 2026 | 15 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
22% of complaints: service brakes — 31 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASH INJURY16% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 23 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hoses, lines/piping, and fittings.
INJURY14% of complaints: power train — 20 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing manual transmission and clutch assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
VEHICLE WAS IN PARK WITH ENGINE RUNNING, EMERGENCY BRAKE NOT ENGAGED. AND IT SUDDENLY WENT FORWARD, ACROSS A FIELD, INTO TREES/ FLIPPED OVER ON ITS SIDE. DAMAGE TO VEHICLE WAS $8500.00 NO INJURIES.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20010830
12% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 17 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.
CRASH INJURY8% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing accelerator pedal.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THE CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE WENT INTO FULL THROTTLE RESULTING IN A CRASH. THE CAUSE IS UNKNOWN. *NLM *SCC
NHTSA ODI report, 20021001
SAFETY TIMELINE
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDERS MAY NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY IN AMBIENT TEMPERATURES BELOW FREEZING 32 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT AND LOWER).
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
Campaign 02V079000 — check if this car was fixed
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 PL
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 V
Campaign 02V282000 — check if this car was fixed
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,
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
Campaign 03V153000 — check if this car was fixed
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 ACCELERATO
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 NOTIF
Campaign 04V128000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 13E065000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2002 Subaru Outback — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (31 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (23 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (20 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 13E065000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 02V079000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 02V282000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V153000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V128000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2002 Subaru Outback reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Subaru Outback is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Subaru Outback?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Subaru Outback have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.