2000 Subaru Outback: check engine light

8 of the 207 complaints about the 2000 Subaru Outback describe check engine light.

owner complaints: 8
of this car's complaints: 4%
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 9 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Check engine light by model year

2025
3
2024
1
2022
8
2021
10
2020
20
2019
4
2018
3
2017
6
2016
4
2015
8
2014
9
2013
14
2012
24
2011
29
2010
15
2009
3
2008
9
2007
10
2006
102
2005
29
2004
3
2003
1
2002
2
2001
5
2000
8
1999
8
1998
3

What owners say

Filed May 4, 2016 · Electrical, Fuel system · 124,400 miles · MA

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.

Filed Feb 22, 2006 · Engine · 90,000 miles · VT

2000 subaru outback 1) car overheated and had to be towed 2) took it to the dealership - hole in radiator, blown head gasket (both replaced) 3) drove less than 20 miles and coolant started leaking from radiator hose 4) took it back to the dealer, radiator hose fixed and replaced other head gasket 5) drove another 10 miles - check engine light is on. Apparently the oxygen sensor is now bad. There are tremendous problems with the 2000 subarus - read the following blog to see the 100+ other people with similar problems. Subaru should fix the coolant systems before an accident happens. Http://scott.mcgerik.com/2004/02/18/subaru-outback-head-gasket-leak/.

Filed Dec 21, 2004 · Engine · 89,000 miles · WA

Check engine light/ sensor failures. Had analysis done on my car when the check engine light came on. Turned out to be knock sensor. Previously changed oxygen sensor. Check engine light came on again, dealer said that catylitic converter was bad possibly due to engine running rich. This may have been caused by bad sensors. This appears to be a common problem with this engine. Is it related to the head gasket leak?

Filed Jun 7, 2004 · Fuel system · 67,000 miles · CA

After a tune up from a car dealership, my 2000 subaru outback exerts an intermitten problem of hesitation. Once moving the car doing ok, especially on freeway. But after exiting from freeway to a complete stop, car is choking as if having a timing problem and cannot slow RPM to idle. After that as the light turns, step on the gas paddle won't increase RPM or moving the car. When this happens, it usually takes a few minutes before it began to roll again. It continues to take much more time to get car back to normal speed. The problem is progressing to a greater frequency. Now after a month, it's really dangerous to run. It actually stalled in the middle of the street a few times. A trip back to the dealer didn't help. After keeping the car for 2 days for test drive they said the problem couldn't be replicated and so there is no problem. I took the car to a reputeable mechanic that specializes in subaru. He recognized the problem but after many days of diagnostics and changeing the fuel regulator, fuel pump, fuel injector, the problem persists. Yet there is no check engine light on. The car is now is almost undrivable. So far I have spent over 3000 dollars but still no solution. This car is only 4 years old and 70k miles with a well maintenance record. This problem must be known to the manufacturer since I found so many description of the same problem on the net, started with an early model. This is a serious flaw that needs manufacturers attention or even a recall.

Filed Nov 25, 2003 · Engine · MD

The engine warning light came on and stayed on for 3-5 days before going off. The dealership performed a diagnostic test and the failure code found was for the oxygen sensor or the catalytic convertor. There's a recall on this issue wxw-80 for other 2000 model subarus, but it's for the automatic transmission. The vehicle has a manual transmission but has the same design, per consumer. Please provide any additional information.

Filed Jul 15, 2002 · Fuel system, Suspension · NH

While driving vehicle kept pulling to the right, and front end was wobbling, caused by the carriage bolt that fell off. Dealer contacted.*ak while the consumer was driving the bike rack dropped down. The check engine light came on and stayed on due to evaporation leak from system and loose gas cap. The driver's side window seal was damaged.

Filed Apr 16, 2002 · Engine, Transmission · VA

There is slippage in transmission. When driving, it can happen at any speed, and will happen more often in stop and go traffic. Contacted dealer. *ak consumer states that oil light and check engine light come on together and then the power goes out, this has occurred when stopping and moving , the problem is still on going. Dealer claims that the onboard computer shows that a problem exists but they can?t identify the cause unless it happens in their presence.

Filed Jul 31, 2000 · Acceleration · MI

After intial fueling, engine warning light "lights" on dash. Light continues to stay on for 3/4 of the tank of gas. Incidence of occurring is about 90%. Engine hesitation is occuring 100% at initail acceleration. Hesitation lasts for 2 to 3 seconds and then normal power resumes. After initial takeoff engine seems to accelerate as to be expected.