2002 Subaru Outback: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2002 Subaru Outback: 4 recalls, 143 owner complaints.
Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #02V079000 · 2002 · 1,252 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain passenger vehicles, the brake master cylinders May not function properly in ambient temperatures below freezing 32 degrees fahrenheit and lower).
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Dealers will replace the master cylinders. Owner notification began March 21, 2002.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #02V282000 · 2002 · 172,564 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: The vehicle could then move/roll without prior warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Suspension Vehicle recall #03V153000 · 2003 · 170,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: If such breakage occurs while the vehicle is being operated, control of the vehicle could be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will clean and rust-proof the rear suspension subframe. Owner notification began July 14, 2003.
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #04V128000 · 2004 · 127,580 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: If this occurs during vehicle operation, the driver could lose control of the vehicle, which could result in a crash.
The 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.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Fuel system Equipment recall #13E065000 · 2013 · 397 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
The 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 11 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (hydraulic) (27): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (7), noise or vibration (3).
- Fuel system (23): the most common themes are leaks (9), fire / smoke (2).
- Transmission & drivetrain (20): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (9), stalls / loses power (6), noise or vibration (3).
- Engine & cooling (17): the most common themes are leaks (10), stalls / loses power (2), fire / smoke (2).
The 2002 Subaru Outback has 143 owner complaints, ranking #19 of 32 Outback model years for complaints (well below the 305 average). Complaints peaked in 2003 (23 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 70,500 miles. Neighboring years: 2001 (171 complaints, 3 recalls), 2003 (93 complaints, 14 recalls).
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2002 Subaru Outback.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2002 Subaru Outback have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2002 Subaru Outback, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2002 Subaru Outback problems?
Owners have filed 143 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (27), fuel system (23), transmission & drivetrain (20).
Where can I get a 2002 Subaru Outback repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.