Most common 2002 Subaru Outback problems
Share of the 143 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 →
2002 Subaru Outback recalls (4)
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.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder
On certain passenger vehicles, the brake master cylinders May not function properly in ambient temperatures below freezing 32 degrees fahrenheit and lower).
Remedy: Dealers will replace the master cylinders. Owner notification began March 21, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a…
What 2002 Subaru Outback owners say
Fuel & propulsion system all 32 →
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.
When temp. Outside go below 32 degrees, the inside of my car fills with raw gas smell, this happens every winter. I live in wi. When it is above freezing it is fine and all summer it is fine. I am so affraid to have my grand kids in the car. Not sure if the fumes will explode.when I am driving I do not smell gas. But if I stop at a stop sign or light it fills up the car. I have to roll down my windows to get fresh air
Brakes all 31 →
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. …
Dates are approximate, problem is ongoing. Upon initial start-up, in cool/cold weather the brake pedal will be very hard and brakes are very weak requiring tremendous foot pressure with still reduced braking effectiveness. After a period of time and multiple stops brake assist seems to increase and the brakes get stronger or normal. I have researched that this is not an uncommon problem with Subaru cars at higher mileage. It is said to be water in the brake booster hose one way valve. Changing the hose, I am told, will not solve this problem as more water will enter the system and freeze or gum pu the works. Very dangerous especially for drivers who do not have the strength to press so hard on the pedal.
Engine & cooling all 22 →
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. …
2002 Subaru Outback wagon repeatedly and unexpectedly stalls while driving. Has been ongoing for nearly 2 years. Has been examined on multiple occassions (at least 4) at rye Ford Subaru in rye new york with the ongoing result that the dealership claims to have no knowledge of the problem and unable to replicate. Car was delivered back to dealership on a flatbed after stalling 5 or 6 times in main thoroughfare that resulted in being rear ended by a truck behind me. I have repeatedly informed the dealer and contacted Subaru of America that I believe this is a death trap waiting to happen. I was nearly killed by a narrow miss when the car stalled abrubtly in a snow storm. This is a very very dangerous condition and the cars should be recalled before people are killed.
2002 Subaru Outback engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 19 / 25 / 21 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 19 / 25 / 21 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 17 / 24 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Subaru Outback a good car?
Based on 143 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2002 Outback rates average: 29% 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 2002 Subaru Outback?
The fuel & propulsion system — 32 complaints, 22% of all complaints for this model year, most often about delivery › hoses, lines/piping, and fittings. Next are the brakes (31) and engine & cooling (22).
How many recalls does the 2002 Subaru Outback have?
There are 4 recalls for the 2002 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 2002 Subaru Outback problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 71,000 miles; 35% 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.