2002 Subaru Outback Suspension Problems
4 owner-reported suspension complaints from NHTSA data
Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
Suspension Recalls (1)
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 VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. CERTAIN REAR SUSPENSION SUBFRAME COMPONENTS WERE PRODUCED WITH POOR PAINT QUALITY WHICH, AFTER CONTINUED EXPOSURE TO CORROSIVE ROAD SALTS FOR A PERIOD OF SEVERAL YEARS, COULD RESULT IN RUST-OUT OF THE COMPONENT AND POSSIBLE BREAKAGE OF THE SUBFRAME.
Fix: 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 REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
Owner Complaints (4)
Your 2002 Subaru Outback has severe rust damage to the frame with holes forming, and it needs a new cross member to maintain structural integrity. Additionally, when you shift into Park on an incline, the vehicle has rolled away on its own without warning—this happened twice. These issues involve the frame structure, suspension, and transmission holding power, and both need urgent attention to prevent safety hazards.
Parts you may need:
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During routine maintenance at an independent mechanic shop, a severely rusted rear suspension subframe was discovered on your 2002 Subaru Outback at 200,000 miles. This structural component had fractured due to rust damage, which could affect your vehicle's handling and stability. Repairing this issue would likely require replacing the damaged subframe assembly.
Parts you may need:
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUBARU OUTBACK SPORT. WHILE HAVING THE VEHICLE EXAMINED, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SUB FRAME HAD BEGUN TO RUST AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SERVICED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 152,000. UPDATED 05/09/12 *BF
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT CORROSION WAS ON THE REAR SUB FRAME. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT OF A RECALL RELATED TO THE FAILURE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER:03V153000(SUSPENSION:REAR). THE FAILURE WAS ALSO CONFIRMED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT IT WAS NOT CONFIRMED IF THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 148,731.