Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2000 Subaru Outback owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I was advised by a mechanic on 4/20/15 that the rear cradle is very rusty, enough that I should avoid carrying heavy loads. I just noticed on this website that there was a recall in 2003 for inadequate rustproofing of that part; however, we never received notice of a recall. Can this be repaired or replaced now? There was no incident associated with this problem.
The rear sub-frame is rotted and about to break. While driving the sub-frame is shifting causing loud banging. When starting, stopping and driving the loud banging is heard from the shifting of the rotted sub-frame.
I was driving along, around 50 MPH. I hit a bump in the road, and there was a loud bang. The vehicle jerked and swerved, as it was snowing... I almost lost control. The rear sub-frame was rusted out and had broken, allowing the rear differential to break free and smash up into the fuel tank and cause severe jerking. I had done a little reading, Subaru had a recall on this vehicle for inferior metal on the rear sub-frame. This vehicle was in for the recall in 2003. Where they deemed it not bad enough to replace the sub-frame, but clean it and spray it with anti corrosion substance. As it now stands, the car is not drivable, and the recall fix was clearly not a proper solution. I called Subaru, and they told me that since it had been in for a recall in 2003, there was nothing more on there end that they would do. …
After looking at some of the complaints about the sub frame recall.my mechanic looked at the sub frame on a lift and explained that it was rusted thru and unfixable.if this car was properly undercoated under the recall it would not be in this condition.I called Subaru and they said the work was done on the car per the recall.it is funny how there is no other rust than in the spot where the work was supposed to be done.I paid $4200 for this car and want my money back Subaru should be held accountable for unsatisfactory repairs.if this breaks it could cause serious injury to my self and others.then the car is junk.
There was a burned rubber smell and noise coming from the left rear wheel area of the car. The suspension subframe snapped and caused the left rear tire to be shaved from contact with the wheel well. We were told by our mechanic that we had no recourse on this recall and he offered us $500 for the vehicle stating that we could not get it fixed by Subaru. We also called Subaru and they said that there was no recall for our VIN #. We are checking to make sure this is true or not.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Subaru Outback. The vehicle was included in the recall under NHTSA campaign id number: 03V153000 (suspension:rear) and was repaired. After the repair, the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for unrelated issues when the mechanic advised the contact that the rear subframe assembly was completely corroded. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. The approximate failure mileage was 117,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the rear cross bar was rusted. The vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA campaign id number: 03V153000 (suspension:rear) for the same failure. The manufacturer was contacted who advised that the vehicle was previously repaired at their expanse and no further assistance would be offered. The VIN was unavailable. The failure and current mileage was 130,000.
My 2000 Subaru legacy Outback front stabilizer/sway bar broke at both ends simultaneously, at the same location, going downhill on a black top road. An audible "ping" sound occurred when it happened. The dealer replaced the stabilizer/sway bar on December 1st, 2004 at my expense. Subaru refused to pay for the part or labor. This vehicle only has 38K miles on it.
Front stabilizer bar broke in half while pull out of a gas station. Driving about 15 MPH. This car is only driven on highways/ by ways no off roading. Has 93K on car. Subaru dealer will no give a break on price, part or labor because there is no warranty. I have already found 6 complaints about this on this site.
Both rear wheel bearings have failed prematurely, one at 38000 miles and again at 75000 miles and the second at 79000 miles. This is a well known defect in this year Subaru, and is potentially dangerous if not immediately taken care of.
Related recalls
Suspension › Rear
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…
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 not receive the free…
Suspension complaints in other Outback years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2000 Subaru Outback?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the suspension of the 2000 Subaru Outback, 12% of the model year's 207 complaints. The component named most often is rear (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Subaru Outback suspension problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 03V-153 (rear, Apr 22, 2003). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2000 Subaru Outback suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 130,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.