2002 Subaru Outback recalls
Problem: 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…
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
397 units potentially affected · Full recall details →
Problem: 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.
Risk: If this occurs during vehicle operation, the driver could lose control of the vehicle, which could result in a crash.
Fix: 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.
127,580 units potentially affected · Full recall details →
Suspension · NHTSA 03V153000 · Apr 22, 2003
Problem: 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…
Risk: If such breakage occurs while the vehicle is being operated, control of the vehicle could be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
170,000 units potentially affected · Full recall details →
Power Train · NHTSA 02V282000 · Oct 30, 2002
Problem: 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.
Risk: The vehicle could then move/roll without prior warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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…
172,564 units potentially affected · Full recall details →
Problem: On certain passenger vehicles, the brake master cylinders may not function properly in ambient temperatures below freezing 32 degrees fahrenheit and lower).
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
1,252 units potentially affected · Full recall details →
Latest owner complaints
Unknown or Other · Oct 3, 2018 · 140,000 miles · AK
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…
Engine · Apr 9, 2018 · 190,000 miles · VA
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,…
Fuel/Propulsion System · Dec 4, 2017 · WA
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…
Power Train · Jul 26, 2016 · 170,000 miles · MA
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…
Structure · Jul 26, 2016 · 170,000 miles · MA
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…
Suspension · Jul 26, 2016 · 170,000 miles · MA
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…
Fuel/Propulsion System · Jan 11, 2016 · 129,000 miles · MN
Terrible gas smell. Fuel is leaking because it is cold outside.
Fuel/Propulsion System · Jan 1, 2016 · 40,000 miles · WI
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…
Unknown or Other · Oct 21, 2015 · 141,682 miles · MA
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…
Service Brakes · Oct 21, 2015 · 141,682 miles · MA
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…
Engine · Oct 21, 2015 · 141,682 miles · MA
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…
Suspension · Oct 5, 2015 · 200,000 miles · WV
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…
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2002 Subaru Outback have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls covering the 2002 Subaru Outback, the most recent one (13E065000) for fuel system, gasoline. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Subaru Outback?
Based on 143 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most reported areas are service brakes, hydraulic (29), fuel system, gasoline (23), power train (20).
Have there been crashes or injuries linked to the 2002 Subaru Outback?
Owners reported 9 crashes, 0 fires, 15 injuries and 0 deaths in complaints to NHTSA. These are unverified owner reports, not findings of fault.