Most common 2001 Subaru Outback problems
Share of the 171 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Subaru Outback complaints by model year
Best Outback years: 1996, 2004, 2003. Years to avoid: 2019, 2020, 2017, 2018, 2022. Compare all years →
2001 Subaru Outback recalls (3)
Vehicle speed control › Cables
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.
Remedy: 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.
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…
Power train › Automatic transmission
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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the automatic transmission parking rod assembly. Owner notification January 8, 2003. An interim owner notification will be sent during November 2002.
What 2001 Subaru Outback owners say
Fuel & propulsion system all 32 →
I was traveling a mcdonald's drive-in with vehicles close to bumper to bumper with my foot securely on the brake. My 2001 Subaru Outback suddenly accelerated wildly and, before I could shift into neutral and press harder on the brakes, careened into the car directly ahead. My auto actually pushed the auto ahead some 5-6 ft. Before I could get it under control.I reported the accident to the police and insurance co.it cost me a $500 deductibleto have my vehicle repaired. I brought my auto to a Subaru dealer for review. They claim to have found nothing awry. I have experienced similar instances of unintended acceleration on 4-5 occasions. Driving this auto is now quite frightening.
The flexible fuel hose connecting the #1 cylinder fuel line leaks. This is located approximately four inches from the #1 cylinder fuel injector. The hose clamp screws/nuts are not self-locking and have loosened over time causing fuel to leak onto the hot exhaust manifold which LED to a fire inside the engine compartment.
Brakes all 30 →
My 4 yr old son went into this car which was in park in our driveway. The keys were not in the car. He bumped into the shift mechanism which subsequently allowed the car to drift backwards from the slight grade. Fortunately, there was no injury, but there was considerable damage and under different conditions, it could have been tragic. The car was returned to suburu who verified that the safety interlock was not operating as designed. Suburu insists that this safety interlock is not their responsibility as the car is beyond the general 3 yr, 36,000 mile warranty (the car has approx 46,000 miles). They have no explanation other than a pin came disconnected.
Outside temperature was 25 degrees f. I was leaving from the parking lot at work. As I approached the intersection the brakes became so hard that I couldn't press them any farther. I sis some research and apparently lots of other Subaru owners have experienced this problem. It appears that the check valve on the brake booster line freezes up. If I had been moving any faster I would have went into the intersection possibly causing an accident or worse.
Transmission & drivetrain all 23 →
Since day one, the clutch has shuddered at engagement when engine/drivetrain is cold. The tremors are violent enough to shake the entire vehicle disturbingly. This has been a nuisance and somewhat of a safety issue as you cannot accelerate quickly if necessary. Over the last 10000 miles or so, I've noticed a burning smell when engaging the clutch on an uphill start. Dealership says the clutch is slipping and will need replacement soon and I only have 61500 highway miles on the car! I've had plenty of cars go over 150000 miles with no clutch problems. Subaru has a definite design flaw in these hydraulic clutches that they are refusing to own up to! Regrettably, I May have purchased my last Subaru.
Starting around 62K miles, I heard a whining noise from the front of the car. The noise got louder and higher with wheel speed. When I took it to a mechanic, they diagnosed a bad differential bearing, and informed me that the recommended fix was replacement of the entire transmission, including both differentials. When I went to the dealer to confirm this, they quoted me $6,000-$8,000 for the repair. I tried to get some relief from Subaru of America, since the powertrain warranty goes for 60K miles, but they were unwilling. This caused the value of my car to go to zero, since it's worth about $8,000 without the transmission problem.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2001 Subaru Outback a good car?
Based on 171 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2001 Outback rates average: 17% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Outback at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2001 Subaru Outback?
The fuel & propulsion system — 32 complaints, 19% of all complaints for this model year, most often about delivery › hoses, lines/piping, and fittings. Next are the brakes (30) and transmission & drivetrain (23).
How many recalls does the 2001 Subaru Outback have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2001 Subaru Outback, the most recent from March 16, 2004 (cables). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Subaru Outback?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1996, 2004 and 2003. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2019, 2020, 2017, 2018 and 2022. See the full Subaru Outback years comparison.
At what mileage do 2001 Subaru Outback problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 74,000 miles; 36% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 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.