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2000 Subaru Outback suspension problems

24 complaints (12% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 130,000.

owner complaints
24
of this car's complaints
12%
typical mileage
130,000
crashes
0
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Rear
    6
  • Front: stabilizer bar
    6
  • Front
    4
  • Front: wheel bearing
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Subaru Outback suspension problems in other years

1996200020052010201520202026

Related recalls

Suspension: rearReported April 22, 2003 · 170,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
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 number 03V153000 · Recall details

What 2000 Subaru Outback owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jun 2, 2016 · Suspension, Transmission · 147,138 miles · MI

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.

Filed Feb 20, 2016 · Suspension · 240,000 miles · PA

The rear sub-frame is rotted and about to break. While driving the sub-frame is shifting causing loud banging. When starting, stopping and driving the loud banging is heard from the shifting of the rotted sub-frame.

Filed Mar 18, 2014 · Body, Suspension · 130,000 miles · MA

There was a burned rubber smell and noise coming from the left rear wheel area of the car. The suspension subframe snapped and caused the left rear tire to be shaved from contact with the wheel well. We were told by our mechanic that we had no recourse on this recall and he offered us $500 for the vehicle stating that we could not get it fixed by subaru. We also called subaru and they said that there was no recall for our VIN #. We are checking to make sure this is true or not.

Filed Jul 24, 2013 · Body, Suspension · 169,712 miles · MA

After looking at some of the complaints about the sub frame recall.my mechanic looked at the sub frame on a lift and explained that it was rusted thru and unfixable.if this car was properly undercoated under the recall it would not be in this condition.I called subaru and they said the work was done on the car per the recall.it is funny how there is no other rust than in the spot where the work was supposed to be done.I paid $4200 for this car and want my money back subaru should be held accountable for unsatisfactory repairs.if this breaks it could cause serious injury to my self and others.then the car is junk.

Filed May 5, 2013 · Body, Suspension · 230,000 miles · MA

I was driving along, around 50 MPH. I hit a bump in the road, and there was a loud bang. The vehicle jerked and swerved, as it was snowing... I almost lost control. The rear sub-frame was rusted out and had broken, allowing the rear differential to break free and smash up into the fuel tank and cause severe jerking. I had done a little reading, subaru had a recall on this vehicle for inferior metal on the rear sub-frame. This vehicle was in for the recall in 2003. Where they deemed it not bad enough to replace the sub-frame, but clean it and spray it with anti corrosion substance. As it now stands, the car is not drivable, and the recall fix was clearly not a proper solution. I called subaru, and they told me that since it had been in for a recall in 2003, there was nothing more on there end that they would do. I am a long time subaru fan, and I really just would like them to honor their mistake, and fix the vehicle properly. Or purchase it back from me, and I will gladly purchase another subaru. I have photos of the sub-frame where it has clearly rusted and broke free. It is very clear that the metal is inferior, considering everything else on the underside of the vehicle is in functional and serviceable condition. Thanks you.

Filed Dec 20, 2011 · Suspension · 117,000 miles · ME

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 subaru outback. The vehicle was included in the recall under the federal safety agency campaign id number: 03v153000 (suspension:rear) and was repaired. After the repair, the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for unrelated issues when the mechanic advised the contact that the rear subframe assembly was completely corroded. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. The approximate failure mileage was 117,000.

Filed Jun 21, 2011 · Suspension · 130,000 miles · MA

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 subaru outback. The contact stated that the rear cross bar was rusted. The vehicle was previously repaired under the federal safety agency campaign id number: 03v153000 (suspension:rear) for the same failure. The manufacturer was contacted who advised that the vehicle was previously repaired at their expanse and no further assistance would be offered. The VIN was unavailable. The failure and current mileage was 130,000.

Filed Sep 14, 2007 · Suspension · 104,000 miles · MI

Front stabilizer/roll bar broke on left side.

Filed Oct 17, 2006 · Suspension · 124,923 miles · MN

Front stabilizer bar broke for seemingly no reason.

Filed Dec 20, 2005 · Suspension · 92,995 miles · OH

Front stabilizer bar broke in half while pull out of a gas station. Driving about 15 MPH. This car is only driven on highways/ by ways no off roading. Has 93k on car. Subaru dealer will no give a break on price, part or labor because there is no warranty. I have already found 6 complaints about this on this site.

Questions about the 2000 Subaru Outback suspension

Does the 2000 Subaru Outback have suspension problems?

Owners have filed 24 complaints about the suspension of the 2000 Subaru Outback, 12% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2000 Subaru Outback suspension problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 130,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2000 Subaru Outback suspension?

Yes, 1 recall: 03V153000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Subaru Outback have bad suspension?

The Subaru Outback model years with the most suspension complaints are 2005 (56 complaints), 2006 (37 complaints) and 2010 (26 complaints).

Other 2000 Subaru Outback problems

Transmission 42Engine 38Tires 30Acceleration 14Body 13Brakes 12Fuel system 12Electrical 8Seat belts 8Lights 6Visibility 6Airbags 5Steering 4Locks 2Wheels 2

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