1.5

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
111,833 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2002 Subaru Outback engine problems

engine problem

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2002 Subaru Outback Owner Comments

problem #5

Apr 022018

Outback

  • 190,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Arlington, VA, USA

problem #4

Oct 062015

Outback

  • 141,682 miles
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

- Cambridge, MA, USA

problem #3

Aug 012005

Outback 4-cyl

  • 17,482 miles
Drivers side head gasket leaked. Only that side was replaced. On 1/14 both head gaskets started leaking at 59000 miles. With Subaru help the dealer charged $ $855. 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.

- Sarasota, FL, USA

problem #2

Jan 132015

Outback

  • 75,000 miles
In 10 degree weather, my 2002 Subaru Outback wagon developed a fuel leak while being driven by my 17-year-old child. This is my second Subaru wagon and the second to have cold weather fuel leaks. I tightened the clamp on the offending fuel line and I hope that is an adequate fix. But it is simply unacceptable that such a dangerous problem has not had a recall, and that it has been happening for 20 years. (my first Subaru with this problem was a 1991 legacy wagon.) how many car fires have resulted from this problem" how many injuries or even fatalities" please make Subaru take responsibility for a poorly designed fuel line.

- Lewisburg, PA, USA

problem #1

Jan 012005

Outback 4-cyl

  • 135,000 miles
The car always has a strong gas smell inside during winter. The smell is so bad that I get headaches.

- N/A, MN, USA

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