2002 Subaru Outback recalls and problems
The 2002 Subaru Outback has 4 safety recalls and 143 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Subaru dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2002 Subaru Outback vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2002 Subaru Outback recalls
Recall 04V-128: Vehicle Speed Control
Problem: 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. If this condition occurs, the throttle will not return to the idle position and will remain in an open position.
Risk: If this occurs during vehicle operation, the driver could lose control of the vehicle, which could result in a crash.
Fix: 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. Owner notification began on april 12, 2004. Owners should contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
Recall 03V-153: Suspension
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.
Recall 02V-282: Power Train
Problem: 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.
Risk: The vehicle could then move/roll without prior warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the automatic transmission parking rod assembly. Owner notification january 8, 2003. An interim owner notification will be sent during november 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 reasonable time should contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
Recall 02V-079: Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Problem: On certain passenger vehicles, the brake master cylinders may not function properly in ambient temperatures below freezing 32 degrees fahrenheit and lower).
Risk: At these temperatures, the brakes may not release after being applied, even when the driver's foot is no longer on the brake pedal. This can occur withour prior warning, possibly resulting in a crash.
Fix: 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 reasonable time should contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
2002 Subaru Outback problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 29 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 23 | |
| Power Train | 20 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 17 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 12 | |
| Structure | 10 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 8 | |
| Visibility | 7 | |
| Tires | 5 | |
| Seat Belts | 5 | |
| Air Bags | 5 | |
| Engine | 5 |
Most reported parts
- Power Train › Manual Transmission — 7
- Power Train › Clutch Assembly — 6
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 5
- Structure › Body — 4
- Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 4
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder — 3
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components — 3
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline — 3
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 71,000 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 2002 Subaru Outback complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Subaru Outback years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2002 Subaru Outback have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2002 Subaru Outback: 04V-128 (vehicle speed control), 03V-153 (suspension), 02V-282 (power train), 02V-079 (service brakes, hydraulic). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Subaru Outback?
Owners report service brakes, hydraulic problems most often (29 reports), followed by fuel system, gasoline (23). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 71,000 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.