2000 Subaru Outback recalls and problems

The 2000 Subaru Outback has 1 safety recall and 207 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Subaru dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

207

Crashes / fires

17 / 5

Injuries / deaths

7 / 3

Recalls may cover only some 2000 Subaru Outback vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2000 Subaru Outback recalls

Recall 03V-153: Suspension

Reported Apr 22, 2003 · 170,000 vehicles affected · SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

Problem: 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.

Risk: If such breakage occurs while the vehicle is being operated, control of the vehicle could be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

2000 Subaru Outback problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Power Train	44
Engine and Engine Cooling	38
Tires	32
Suspension	24
Vehicle Speed Control	14
Structure	13
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	12
Seat Belts	9
Electrical System	8
Visibility	6
Air Bags	5
Fuel System, Gasoline	5

Most reported parts

Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 18
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 12
Power Train › Clutch Assembly — 8
Tires › Tread/Belt — 7
Suspension › Rear — 6
Suspension › Front › Stabilizer Bar — 6
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 5
Suspension › Front — 4

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 68,635 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2000 Subaru Outback complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Unknown or Other · at 105,000 miles · reported Jan 10, 2018

Rear sub frame rotted out in multiple places and broke loose while I was driving. There was a recall in 2003. The car was never repaired before I purchased it a few years ago. I had the car towed to doyle subaru in webster ny. They offered to cover the expense of the part but I would have to pay them $800.00 to cover the repair labor! They have had my car for 8 weeks now and I'm disable and on ssd without much income. I could have died when the car broke loose on the expressway while I was going 55 MPH. I'm without a loner car and can't make my medical appointments. The car had to be flat bed…

Fuel/Propulsion System · at 150,000 miles · reported Jan 6, 2018

The 2000 subaru outback has a noxious smell from fuel in the cabin only in cold weather,that you must ride with the windows open until this dissipates. I called my local dealer to ask if they would have an idea of what is the problem and what would be an estimate for repair? I, just about got the question out of my mouth,when the service representative said it'll cost around $200 maybe a little more to replace two fuel lines and fittings(Screw clamps) on the top right side of the engine. I asked if something this serious was ever covered by a recall and he said no, but I should check with…

Exterior Lighting · at 210,000 miles · reported Aug 3, 2016

Unknown component part/system. Drivers side headlight went out. Checked fuse and bulb which was still good; replaced bulb anyway and it still didn't work. Next day the other headlight also went out. Checked the same things. High beams, fog and parking lights still worked. My son jiggled the bulb socket and wires and the lights came on but now the driver high beam went out. High beam bulb and fuse were both okay. The low beams also now appeared to be yellow. Had to drive at night a few days later (I always drive with my fog lights on unless the high beams are used) and it seemed like I could…

Power Train · at 147,138 miles · reported Jun 2, 2016

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.

Electrical System · at 124,400 miles · reported May 4, 2016

While driving at low speed on a town street the check engine light came on, followed by the odor of gas fumes. Subsequent inspection by experienced subaru mechanics revealed a simultaneous failure of the A/C compressor, catalytic converter, a headlight bulb and finally, a damaged fuel line that was spraying a mist of gasoline over the entire engine compartment. The mechanics had never seen a situation like this before, and had no explanation for how these components could have failed at the same time. The fuel line and bulb were replaced.

Other Subaru Outback years

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Compare all Subaru Outback years · All Subaru models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2000 Subaru Outback have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2000 Subaru Outback: 03V-153 (suspension). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2000 Subaru Outback?

Owners report power train problems most often (44 reports), followed by engine and engine cooling (38). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 68,635 miles.

Are Subaru recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Subaru dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.