2002 Subaru Outback Body & Structure Problems
5 owner-reported body & structure complaints from NHTSA data
Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
Owner Complaints (5)
During an inspection, severe rust was discovered on your car's frame with cracks in a critical location that made it impossible to repair safely. The damage was so extensive that a wheel could have fallen off with little warning, potentially caused by something as minor as a small bump in the road. Despite regular maintenance and a dealer inspection just a year earlier with no warning signs, the frame deteriorated rapidly underneath the car. Addressing this would require frame repair or replacement, which may not be feasible for an older vehicle.
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WE WERE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY I-95 GOING BETWEEN 55 AND 60 MILES AN HOUR AND THE HOOD LATCH FAILED. THE HOOD CAME UP BLOCKING OUR VISION AND BROKE THE WINDSHIELD. EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO CAR. WE WERE TRAVELING IN THE FAR RIGHT LANE AND WERE LUCKY THAT WE COULD PULL THE CAR OFF THE HIGHWAY INTO THE BREAKDOWN LANE. WE WERE VERY LUCKY NO ONE WAS BEHIND US. *TR
2002 SUBARU OUTBACK REAR SEAT LATCH CLIPS NOT ACCESSIBLE TO USE CHILD SAFETY SEATS (6 POINT HARNESS SYSTEM) CLIPS ARE TUCKED TOO FAR DOWN INTO SEATS. NEED EXTENSION CLIP TO ACCESS. *TR
CAR LEAKS INTO CABIN THROUGH MOON ROOFS (I SUPPOSE). WATER POURS THROUGH SEAT BELT RECOIL IN ROOF OVER CARGO AREA.
BUG DEFLECTOR "FLEW OFF" WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 75MPH. CONSUMER CONCERNED THAT DEFLECTOR COULD HAVE CAUSED INJURY TO OTHER MOTORISTS.*AK