2003 SUBARU Outback Problems

VIN Decoder

Premium Report

Complaints Reported

Complaints by Component

AIR BAGS

18 complaints

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

Aug 24, 2018

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.

Dec 22, 2017

ON OR ABOUT OCT 23, 2017, RECEIVED 3RD NOTICE OF AIRBAG RECALL. APPT WITH SUBARU MISSOULA, MT FOR RECALL. AT 9:45 ON FRI NOV 3, 2017 INFORMED THAT THE MANAGER "JUST A FEW MINUTES AGO" RECEIVED, RECALL OF RECALL" AND NO PARTS THERE. MY 2003 "MAY NOT NEED A REPLACEMENT." SAID WOULD DO A CHECK TO SEE. UNDER PROTEST I SIGNED, AFTER 1 AND HALF HOURS, REQUESTED ANOTHER SIGNATURE WHICH ALSO UNDER PROTEST I SIGNED. "IT WON'T COST YOU ANYTHING." 85 YEAR OLD SINGLE WOMAN. 50 MILES NEAREST SUBARU DEALER. NOTHING SAID ABOUT RESULT OF TEST. KEYS RETURNED TO ME.

Nov 07, 2017

WE RECEIVED A POSTCARD ABOUT THE TAKATA PROBLEM FROM COCHRAN SUBARU OF BUTLER COUNTY PA. PER INSTRUCTIONS, WE CALLED. THEY TOLD US PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE AND WE WOULD BE CONTACTED WHEN PARTS BECAME AVAILABLE. WE HAVE NOT HEARD FROM THE DEALER OR FROM SUBARU USA. WHERE DOES THAT LEAVE US?

Aug 05, 2017

AIR BAG RECALL.

Jun 06, 2017

+ 13 more complaints for this component

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

13 complaints

SUBARU HAS BEEN SELLING CARS KNOWING OF PREMATURE HEAD GASKET FAILURES. 1998 TO 2002 HEAD GASKETS FAILED WITH INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL COOLANT LEAKS. SUBARU HAS ISSUED THE WWP99 CAMPAIGN (UPTO 8 YR 100,000 MILE). THIS CAMPAIGN INTRODUCES AN ADDITIVE INTO THE COOLANT TO "PLUG" THE LEAK. THEY ALSO WILL REPAIR THE GASKETS IN RARE CASES. THE 2003 HEAD GASKETS ARE ALSO FAILING PREMATURELY EVEN WITH PROPER MAINTENANCE. THESE FAIL WITH AN EXTERNAL OIL LEAK THAT DIRECTLY HITS THE EXHAUST CAUSING FIRE HAZARD AND NOXIOUS FUMES IN AND AROUND THE CAR. THE REPAIR IS $2000 AT DEALER. SUBARU IS NOT ADDRESSING THIS. *TR

Oct 28, 2011

THE CAR WOULD DIE USUALLY WHILE COMING TO STOPS. AND ON MOST OCCASIONS WILL START BACK UP. AT FIRST IT SEEMED TO ONLY DIE IN VERY HOT WEATHER AND ON ONE OCCASION IT DIDN'T START BACK UP FOR 15 MIN. BUT IT HAS SINCE DIED ON DAYS WITHOUT EXTREME TEMPERATURES. MOST OF THE TIMES IT DIES WHILE STOPPING, TWICE IT DIED WHEN BRAKING ON HIGHWAYS WHICH WAS VERY DANGEROUS. THIS HAS OCCURRED ABOUT 15 TIMES IN 4 YEARS. I HAVE BROUGHT IT IN TO TWO DIFFERENT SUBARU DEALERS MULTIPLE TIMES. THEY HAVE NEVER BEEN ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM AND HAVE BEEN COMPLETELY USELESS. THEY HAVE RESET THE COMPUTER A FEW TIMES. ONE MECHANIC REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP, THE BATTERY HAS BEEN CHANGED AND THIS STILL OCCURS. THE OIL AND FILTER ARE CHANGED REGULARLY, I EVEN USE 93 INSTEAD OF THE 91 RECOMMENDED FUEL AND IT HAS STILL OCCURRED. *TR

Feb 26, 2011

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE HEAD GASKET FAILED. HE NOTICED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONER WASN'T COOLING AND THE RESERVOIR WAS EMPTY, BUT IT DIDN'T HAVE A LEAK. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC AND THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST LOCATED THE FAILURE AS THE HEAD GASKET. THE VEHICLE WILL BE REPAIRED. THE VIN INFORMATION WASN'T AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WERE 76,600.

Aug 11, 2010

2003 SUBARU OUTBACK WITH LEAKING HEAD GASKETS. CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO BE REIMBURSED FOR REPAIR COST. *KB AT AROUND 80,000 THE CONSUMER BEGAN TO SMELL BURNING OIL. THE CONSUMER STATED SUBARU RECALLED OTHER MODELS BECAUSE OF A POSSIBLE EXTERNAL LEAK AT THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKETS. THE CONSUMER STATED HER MODEL HAS THE SAME ENGINE AS THE OTHER MODELS. THE CONSUMER STATED SUBARU WAS ONLY WILL TO COVER 50% OF THE COST. *JB

Apr 12, 2010

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD CONTINUOUSLY OVERHEAT WHILE DRIVING OR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS SITTING IDLE WITH THE ENGINE ON. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THE VEHICLE WAS EMITTING A BURNING OIL SMELL. HE STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A DEFECTIVE HEAD GASKET. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 112,000.

Mar 24, 2010

+ 8 more complaints for this component

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

8 complaints

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

Jan 06, 2012

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT DISENGAGE. SHE HAD TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL GEAR IN ORDER TO SLOW DOWN. THE CONTACT WAS THEN ABLE TO DRIVE ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE AND HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A DEALER. THE DEALERS DIAGNOSIS CONFIRMED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG SINCE THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FLOOR MAT HAD TO BE THE CAUSE. THE VEHICLE WILL BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR ADDITIONAL DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 87000. 11/9/10 *CN THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT DISENGAGE. THE ACCELERATOR BECAME STUCK WHILE TRAVELING UP A 9% GRADE. THE CONSUMER STATED HER FOOT WAS NOT ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, HITTING THE BRAKE DISENGAGED THE ACCELERATOR. UPDATED 11/16/10

Aug 10, 2010

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.

Mar 17, 2008

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

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"

May 27, 2005

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

May 26, 2005

Crash: 1

+ 3 more complaints for this component

POWER TRAIN

7 complaints

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.

Mar 03, 2015

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

Mar 12, 2008

Crash: 1

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.

Sep 13, 2007

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.

Nov 13, 2006

CONSUMER HAD A DIFFICULT TIME DEPRESSING THE CLUTCH PEDAL WHEN DRIVING. CONSUMER STATED CLUTCH PEDAL WAS TOO CLOSE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL, MAKING IT HARD TO ENGAGE.*AK

Nov 18, 2003

+ 2 more complaints for this component

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

6 complaints

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

Sep 04, 2014

Crash: 1

2003 SUBARU OUTBACK 2.5 ENGINE. BRAKES FAIL AFTER INITIAL START IN COLD WEATHER. SEEMS LIKE BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM LINE CHECK VALVE FREEZES. *TR

Mar 03, 2010

BRAKE FAILURE AT SUB-FREEZING TEMPERATURES. OCCURS EVERY TIME TEMPERATURE IS BELOW FREEZING. FAILURE APPEARS TO BE IN THE MASTER CYLINDER AS IN PREVIOUS YEAR MODEL OF THIS AUTO. *CN

Jan 27, 2010

Crash: 1

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.

Jun 23, 2006

BRAKES WOULD NOT STOP THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING ON ICE. THE PARKING BRAKE HAD TO BE APPLIED TO STOP THE VEHICLE.*AK

Dec 20, 2004

+ 1 more complaint for this component

SUSPENSION

6 complaints

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

May 05, 2013

DRIVING HOME FROM WORK NOTICED CAR WAS NOT HANDLING CORRECTLY. HAD CERTIFIED MECHANIC CHECK AND HE FOUND THE DRIVE SIDE REAR SPRING LOWER MOUNT HAD FAILED DUE TO RUST. ALSO NOTED THAT PASSENGER SIDE LOWER SPRING MOUNT WAS STARTING TO FAIL. THE CAR IS DRIVEN IN THE NY , NJ, CT, MASS, NH AND MAINE STATES YEAR ROUND. CAR HAS BEEN MAINTAINED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBARU SPECIFICATIONS. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND HAVE BEEN AT THE SAME ADDRESS AND DID NOT RECEIVE ANY RECALLS FOR THE REAR, NOR FOR THE FRONT COMPONENTS. WILL BE CONTACTING SUBARU CORPORATE ON THE NEXT BUSINESS DAY. *TR

Mar 17, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE IN TO THE DEALER FOR A REGULAR MAINTENANCE WHEN THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE FRONT AND REAR SUSPENSION WAS CORRODED AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE STATING THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V153000 (SUSPENSION:REAR) AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V232000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 86,000.

Mar 16, 2011

CAR IS A 2003 SUBARU OUTBACK WITH AROUND 60,000 MILES ON IT. IT IS REGISTERED AND DRIVEN IN VERMONT YEAR-ROUND. THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR STRUT RUSTED SEVERELY WHICH RESULTED IN THE LOWER SPRING MOUNT TO SEPARATE FROM THE STRUT. THIS CAUSED THE SPRING TO FALL AND COME TO A REST ON THE LOWER STRUT MOUNT BOLT. FORTUNATELY, THIS DID NOT RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT WHEN IT OCCURRED HOWEVER THIS IS A CONCERNING FAILURE ON A LOW MILEAGE VEHICLE. I AM CURRENTLY IN THE PROCESS OF HAVING THE VEHICLE REPAIRED WHICH WILL ENTAIL REPLACING THE STRUT WHICH FAILED. *TR

Sep 15, 2010

ACCELERATING FROM COMPLETE STOP, I HEARD A LOUD SNAP FROM THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WELL. UPON INSPECTION BY AN ASE MECHANIC, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE RIGHT REAR STRUT AND ASSEMBLY HAD RUSTED OUT AND BROKEN ON A VEHICLE WITH ONLY 81,000 MILES ON IT. THE CAR IS LOCATED IN A VERY HIGH SALT USE STATE, MAINE, AND THIS SEEMS TO BE THE EXACT TYPE OF RUSTING AND BREAKAGE PROBLEM OTHER SUBARU'S HAVE PREVIOUSLY BEEN RECALLED FOR IN HIGH SALT USE AREAS. *TR

Jun 22, 2010

+ 1 more complaint for this component

TIRES

5 complaints

PRIMEWELL TIRES DEVELOPED WAVE AND INTENSE ROAD NOISE EVEN AT 50% TREAD.. HAVE BEEN BALANCED/ALIGNED REGULARLY

Dec 04, 2017

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

Apr 04, 2006

TWO ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT BRIDGESTONE POTENZA TIRES ON OUR SUBARU 2003 OUTBACK FAILED AT 9,800 AND 11,700 MILES OF USE, WITHIN THREE MONTHS OF EACH OTHER. BOTH STARTED AS SLOW LEAKS FOR ABOUT A WEEK,WHICH WE MONITORED AND FILLED. THEN SUDDENLY A BIG WHITE CIRCULAR SPLIT APPEARED IN THE SIDEWALL ABOUT AN INCH AWAY FROM THE TREAD, AND TIRES WERE DEAD FLAT AND RUINED. FIRST TIRE WAS DRIVER-SIDE REAR; SECOND WAS PASSENGER-SIDE FRONT. WHEN BROUGHT TO FIRESTONE DEALER FOR WARRANTY FULFILLMENT FOR FIRST TIRE, WE WERE TOLD IT WAS OUR FAULT (?!) AND WE HAD TO PAY FOR REPLACEMENT. CAN'T WAIT TO HEAR EXPLANATION FOR SECOND INCIDENT...BUT NOT SURE I WANT ANOTHER OF THESE ON MY CAR. LOCAL SUBARU DEALER SAYS THIS IS FIRST HE'S HEARD ABOUT THESE TIRES, BUT I SEE THREE OTHER COMPLAINTS ON NHTSA WEBSITE SPECIFIC TO SUBARUS AMONG THE 92 "GENERAL" AND 37 "SIDEWALL" POTENZA COMPLAINTS. TIRE IS P225/60 R1697H. NEVER SAW ANYTHING LIKE THIS IN MY 30 YEARS OF DRIVING.*AK

Apr 19, 2004

WHILE DRIVING IN A MIDDLE LANE ON I-270, I SUDENLY BECAME AWARE OF A BUMPING NOISE. I PULLED OVER TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER THROUGH SEVERAL LANES OF TRAFFIC. WHEN I CHECKED THE TIRES, I SAW THAT THE SIDEWALL OF MY PASSENGER SIDE REAR TIRE HAD BECOME COMPLETELY DISATTACHED FROM THE TREAD. THE TIRE WAS ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT ON MY 2003 SUBARU OUTBACK. A FIRESTONE DEALER INSPECTED THE TIRE IN DETAIL, BUT COULD FIND NO PUNCTURE OR OTHER CAUSE OF TIRE FAILURE BESIDES SPONTANEOUS DISINTEGRATION. FIRESTONE WANTED $56 TO REPLACE IT UNDER WARRANTY, AFTER TREADWEAR MEASUREMENT, EVEN THOUGH TIRE HAD ONLY 6800 MILES ON IT.*AK

Aug 31, 2003

WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH RIGHT REAR TIRE BLEW OUT. ORINGINAL TIRES ON VEHICLE. *AK

Aug 28, 2003

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

5 complaints

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.

Aug 20, 2010

Fire: 1

THE SPEEDOMETER DOESN'T WORK. *TR

Apr 07, 2008

I BOUGHT A NEW 2003 SUBARU OUTBACK WAGON APPROXIMATELY ONE WEEK AGO FROM SENATOR SUBARU, 3655 FLORIN ROAD, SACRAMENTO, CA 95823, 916-427-1234. I PICKED IT UP ON OCTOBER 27, 2003. ON OCTOBER 31, 2003 I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR BECAUSE IT WAS SHAKING BADLY AND STALLING WHILE DRIVING AND ON STARTUP. I PICKED THE VEHICLE UP ON NOVEMBER 1, 2003, AND THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT THE COMPUTER HAD TO BE RESET AND THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED. I DID NOT RECEIVE A SERVICE REPORT CHECK OUT SLIP. ON NOVEMBER 1, 2003 IT HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND ON NOVEMBER 2, 2003, UPON START UP THE VEHICLE EMITTED A NOXIOUS CLOUD OF SMOKE FROM THE REAR. THE AT OIL TEMP LIGHT CAME ON FOR THE DURATION OF A SHORT DRIVE OF APPROXIMATELY FIVE MINUTES. I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK IN FOR SERVICE ON NOVEMBER 3, 2003. THE MANAGER, MOE, TOLD ME THAT IT WAS NOT SENATOR SUBARUS PROBLEM; IT WAS SUBARU OF AMERICAS PROBLEM. HE SAID THAT HE WOULD BE UPSET TOO IF THIS HAPPENED TO HIM. THE DEALER FOUND A CODE 11" WHICH WAS A TRANSMISSION CODE NOT ACCOMPANIED BY AN ENGINE CODE. THE MAINTENANCE MANAGER TOLD ME THAT THIS INDICATED THAT THE CAR STALLED WHILE BEING DRIVEN. THERE HAVE BEEN AT LEAST FOUR OTHER COMPLAINTS REGISTERED WITH THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION OF STALLING WHILE BEING DRIVEN OR ON STARTUP FOR THIS PARTICULAR YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL. (SEE ATTACHED COPIES OF COMPLAINTS). ON NOVEMBER 4, 2003, THE DEALERS SERVICE MANAGER ASKED ME TO PICK UP THE CAR BECAUSE THEY CAN NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. ON NOVEMBER 5, 2003, THE DEALERS SERVICE MANAGER AGAIN CALLED ME AND SAID HE COULD NOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. HE SAID HE CLEARED THE CODE 11; THAT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. HE ADVISED ME TO PICK UP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS A DANGEROUS CONDITION (STALLS WHILE BEING DRIVEN) WHICH HAS BEEN IN THE DEALERSHIP UNSUCCESSFULLY TWICE.*AK

Nov 05, 2003

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

Dec 01, 2002

THE SECOND FAILURE OCCURED ON 11/14/2002. CAR WAS NOT MOVING ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WAS DEAD, CAR DID NOT TURN OVER. DT

Nov 17, 2002

WHEELS

3 complaints

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

Sep 16, 2009

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

Feb 13, 2007

WHEEL WELLS OF SUBARU OUTBACK PACK UP WITH ICE WHILE DRIVING IN HIGH MOISTURE CONTENT SNOW AND SLUSH, CAUSING TIRES TO RUB ON ICE IN WHEEL WELLS WHILE DRIVING, IMPEDING TURNING RADIUS AND ABS SYTEM.*AK

Apr 16, 2004

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

2 complaints

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

May 10, 2014

I OWN A 2003 SUBARU OUTBACK LIMITED 2.5L. DURING EXTREMELY COLD WEATHER (20 DEGREES F OR LOWER,) THE FUEL LINES LEAK WHERE THE RUBBER HOSE AND CLAMP MEET THE METAL PIPE ON THE FUEL RAIL FOR THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS CONDITION SINCE RAW FUEL IS LEAKING ONTO THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND ENGINE BLOCK. A SOURCE OF IGNITION SUCH AS HEAT FROM THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD OR EVEN A SPARK FROM STATIC ELECTRICITY COULD START A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THERE IS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, ONLY FOR THE SUBARU IMPREZA WRX. (TSB# 09-36-03). THE SUBARU OUTBACK EXPERIENCES THE SAME LEAK EVEN ON THE SAME SHORT PIECE OF HOSE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE ENGINE. SUBARU'S TSB ON THIS INVOLVES REPLACING THE HOSE AND INTAKE PIPE SINCE IN VERY COLD WEATHER THEY GET MISALIGNED ALLOWING FUEL SEEPAGE TO OCCUR. THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURS ON THE OUTBACK, ALTHOUGH THERE IS NO TSB FOR IT AND THE DEALERS FIX WAS TIGHTENING THE HOSE CLAMPS WHICH DID NOT RESOLVE MY PROBLEM. I AM CONCERNED FOR MY SAFETY AND OTHER DRIVERS OF SUBARU OUTBACKS IN COLD WEATHER SINCE RAW FUEL DRIPPING ON A HOT ENGINE COULD EASILY IGNITE. THIS PROBLEM STILL OCCURS FOR ME EVERYDAY WHEN THE TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE DROPS BELOW 20 DEGREES F. *TR

Jan 07, 2009

SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN

2 complaints

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.

Sep 05, 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

Aug 29, 2008

VISIBILITY

2 complaints

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.

Dec 07, 2007

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

May 23, 2006

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint

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.

Dec 17, 2018

AIR BAGS,ENGINE

1 complaint

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.

Oct 09, 2017

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

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.

Sep 13, 2017

SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

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.

Feb 02, 2017

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

1 complaint

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.

Jun 19, 2016

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

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.

Feb 28, 2016

STRUCTURE,ENGINE

1 complaint

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

Mar 02, 2015

ENGINE

1 complaint

I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE USED FROM A DEALER. A FEW MONTHS LATER I STARTED NOTICING A BURNING SMELL AFTER DRIVING EVEN A SHORT DISTANCE. TOOK IT BACK TO THE PLACE OF PURCHASE TO HAVE THEIR SERVICE CHECK IT. THEY SAID HEAD GASKETS WERE LEAKING AND QUOTED A REPAIR PRICE OF $1800 ! I CONTACTED SUBARU OF AMERICA AFTER I DID A RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT MANY PEOPLE HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS BUT THERE HAD BEEN NO RECALLS! SOME CUSTOMERS WERE LUCKY AND DID GET SOME KIND OF COMPENSATION. I TOOK IT TO MY PERSONAL MECHANIC WHO TOLD ME HE HAS SEEN A LOT OF THESE SAME CARS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM DUE TO THE WAY THEY WERE MANUFACTURED! I CONTACTED SUBARU OF AMERICA AGAIN BUT THEY ONLY OFFERED A $500 DISCOUNT ON A NEW VEHICLE! THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD HONOR THIS COMPLAINT AND PAY FOR THE GASKETS REPLACEMENT AS IT IS HAPPENING IN TOO MANY OF THESE MODELS! *TR

Nov 29, 2014

POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

1 complaint

HEAD GASKET FAILURE***** 2003 OUTBACK **** THIS IS NOT A NEW PROBLEM AS FOUR OF THE SUBARU'S WE'VE OWNED HAD HG ISSUES. ALTHOUGH IN THE PAST SUBARU ACKNOWLEDGED THE FAILURES AND REPAIRED THEM UNDER THE WWP99 CAMPAIGN (1998-2002 MODEL YEARS). WHILE THIS FAILURE CONTINUES TO BE WIDESPREAD (JUST GOOGLE SUBARU HEAD GASKET PROBLEMS AND YOU'LL GET PAGES OF COMPLAINTS OF HG FAILURES) SUBARU HAS STOPPED REPAIRING THEM OR EVEN ACKNOWLEDGING THERE IS A PROBLEM. THIS APPEARS TO BE SOLELY A COST SAVING STRATEGY. WHEN THE GASKETS FAIL, OIL LEAKS OUTSIDE THE ENGINE WHICH CONTACTS THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. THE BURNING OIL PUTS SMOKE AND FUMES INSIDE THE CAR. I WOULD THINK THIS IS ALSO A FIRE CONCERN. INSIDE THE ENGINE, OIL AND COOLANT MIX AND CAN CAUSE CATASTROPHIC DAMAGE/FAILURE. IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO TO GET THIS REPAIRED BY SUBARU? THEY SEEM TO BE GETTING AWAY WITH A HUGE CONSUMER INJUSTICE JUST BY ACTING LIKE IT DOESN'T EXIST. CAN THEY BE REQUIRED EXTENT THE CHAMPAGNE (WWP99) WITH THE 03 AND LATER MODELS? SUBARU CLEARLY ACKNOWLEDGES A HEAD GASKET PROBLEM IN PREVIOUS YEARS AND LATER MODEL YEARS HAVE THE SAME FAILURE. *TR

Jul 20, 2012

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

AFTER SMELLING LEAKING OIL FOR MANY MONTHS, MY MECHANIC CONFIRMED THAT THE HEAD GASKET IS LEAKING. OIL IS LEAKING DOWN ONTO THE EXHAUST CREATING A CONSTANT BURNING SMELL. I CONTACTED SUBARU AND THEY ARE UNWILLING TO ADDRESS THIS IN ANY WAY, DESPITE THE FACT THAT THE ENGINE HAS BEEN METICULOUSLY MAINTAINED AND SERVICED. *TR

Nov 14, 2011

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

SUBARU OUTBACK, 2003, 4-CYLINDER WITH 90,000 MILES S/N: [XXX] SIGNIFICANT ACCELERATION FROM VERY SLOW SPEED; TURNING OFF THE ENGINE WAS THE ONLY METHOD OF STOPPING THE CAR. DROVE THROUGH GARAGE WALL; OCCURENCE OVER SIX MONTHS; ABOUT ONE-TIME PER MONTH. PROGRESSIVELY GOT WORSE UNTIL THE CAR WENT THROUGH THE GARAGE WALL. PER DEALER: "SIGNIFICANT CARBON BUILD-UP IN THROTTLE HOUSING & IDLE CONTROL VALVE. CARBON BUILD-UP CAUSED BY REFORMULATED GASOLINE." REPIAR ACTION: CLEAN THROTTLE HOUSING & REPLACE IDLE CONTROL VALVE = $ 750.00 AT MAY 11, 2010. NO SERVICE BULLETINS OR HISTORY, PER DEALER. MY COMMENT: "POTENTIAL DISTEROUS SAFETY ISSUES: NOT ONLY PROPERTY DAMAGE, BUT SIGNIFICANT PERSONAL INJURY COULD BE CAUSED IF THIS HAPPENS IN PARKING LOTS, CROSSWALKS, DRIVEWAYS, ETC." [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

May 15, 2010

STEERING

1 complaint

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.

Nov 18, 2008

EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

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

Aug 27, 2007

STRUCTURE,EQUIPMENT,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

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

Jan 04, 2007

STRUCTURE

1 complaint

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

Nov 14, 2005

EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

WHILE PLAYING THE CD PLAYER ON THE 7TH TRACK THE CD WOULD SKIP BACK AND FORTH. CONSUMER REMOVED THE CD AND NOTICED THAT THE CD WAS EXTREMELY HOT. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND MECHANIC WAS NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, AND THE CD PLAYER WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. *AK

Sep 17, 2004

STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY

1 complaint

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

Mar 27, 2003

STEERING,WHEELS

1 complaint

THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE WHEELS. THE VEHICLE DID NOT TURN WHEN NEEDED. *NLM *TS

Mar 04, 2003

4.2/5.0

101 reviews

SUBARU Outback VIN Decoder — Free VIN Check Video Guide

Watch our quick SUBARU Outback VIN decoder walkthrough. Learn how to decode any SUBARU Outback VIN number to get full vehicle history, recall alerts, specifications, fuel economy (MPG), safety ratings, and known problems — completely free on ForCar.org.

Where to Find VIN for Problems Check

To check for problems and complaints on your 2003 SUBARU Outback, you'll need the VIN number. Find your VIN in one of these 4 common locations.

Where to Find VIN Number on 2003 SUBARU Outback for Problems Lookup - Dashboard, Door Jamb, Engine Bay, Documents

Understanding VIN Structure for Problem Reports

Each character in your 2003 SUBARU Outback 17-digit VIN helps identify specific complaints and problems affecting your vehicle model.

2003 SUBARU Outback VIN Structure for Complaint Verification - WMI, VDS, Check Digit, Model Year, Plant Code

How to Check 2003 SUBARU Outback Problems in 3 Steps

Locate Your VIN

Find the 17-character VIN on your 2003 SUBARU Outback dashboard (visible through windshield), door jamb, engine bay, or vehicle documents.

Review by Component

Browse owner-reported complaints organized by vehicle component (engine, transmission, brakes, electrical) to identify common issues and problem patterns for this model year.

Check Safety Issues

Review crash and fire incidents for each component to assess safety concerns. Contact your SUBARU dealer or report problems to NHTSA at SaferCar.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 2003 SUBARU Outback have?

The 2003 SUBARU Outback currently has 95 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 2003 SUBARU Outback?

The most common problems reported for the 2003 SUBARU Outback are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 2003 SUBARU Outback problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2003 SUBARU Outback comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.

How do I report problems with my 2003 SUBARU Outback?

You can report safety problems with your 2003 SUBARU Outback directly to NHTSA at SaferCar.gov or call 1-888-327-4236. Your complaint helps identify patterns and may lead to recalls or investigations.

Where can I find my VIN to check problems?

Your 2003 SUBARU Outback VIN is located in 4 places: (1) Dashboard near windshield on driver's side, (2) Driver's door jamb sticker, (3) Engine bay, (4) Vehicle registration and insurance documents.

Is the 2003 SUBARU Outback reliable?

Reliability can be assessed by reviewing the number and severity of owner complaints for the 2003 SUBARU Outback. Check complaints by component, crash reports, and fire incidents above to evaluate potential issues and problem patterns.