2001 Subaru Outback: check engine light

5 of the 171 complaints about the 2001 Subaru Outback describe check engine light.

owner complaints: 5
of this car's complaints: 3%
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 12 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 Sep 4, 2015 · Body · 113,000 miles · MA

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 subaru outback. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic because the check engine light was illuminated. While the vehicle was being lifted, the mechanic noticed that the rear subframe was extremely corroded. The contact was informed by the mechanic that the rear subframe of the vehicle was corroded and would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 113,000.

Filed Feb 4, 2011 · Engine · 145,000 miles · TX

In 20 degree weather (fahrenheit) an overwhelming gasoline odor filled the cabin of my 2001 subaru legacy wagon (outback). This happened on three different trips around town yesterday. I have a 2.5l engine, using 87 octane gasoline. The check engine light did not eliminate during these episodes. I lifted the engine compartment hood when this happened a third time and found the vapor smell was strongest near the intake manifold. There was no evidence of fuel leaking from any neoprene of steel lines. Obviously the odor was coming from the engine compartment through the heating system vents (the climate control fan was turned to high). The odor was so strong, it was overwhelming even when the vents were blowing recirculated air from the beginning of the trip. I believe a spark could have easily resulted in an explosion.

Filed Jul 29, 2008 · Engine, Fuel system · 53,378 miles · MO

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 subaru outback. The contact noticed that the engine warning light would consistently illuminate on the instrument control panel. He took the vehicle to the dealer and a technician erased the fuel temperature code. Two weeks after the diagnostic, the contact noticed that the engine warning light had resurfaced on the instrument control panel. He took the vehicle back to the dealer and a technician replaced the knock sensor at the cost of $317. Several days after the repair, the engine warning light illuminated again. He took the vehicle to the dealer again and the technician stated that the fuel temperature sensor needed to be replaced at the cost of $520. The vehicle is currently being repaired. The manufacturer would not assist. The failure mileage was 53,378 and current mileage was 53,923. Updated 10/16/08. *lj updated the dealer replaced repaired a loose connection at the fuel pump sensor.

Filed Aug 14, 2007 · Engine · 30,000 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 subaru outback. The contact stated that the engine light continues to illuminate on the instrument panel and the engine seized two weeks ago. She notified the dealer and the manufacturer and they requested that she send the invoices from the dealer, where they would mostly likely replace the engine. The contact stated, however, that the invoices and repairs were done somewhere other than an authorized dealer. The failure mileage was 30,000 and current mileage was 54,500.

Filed Feb 6, 2005 · Engine · MA

(1) events leading to failure---just driving the car, then check engine light came on, then engine started to get hot, so car was towed to dealer. (2) failure and its consequences--$1900 repair bill-two head gasket in engine---from arlington, ma subaru dealer--estimate reduced to $1700 upon request. Getting repair done with other shop (3) getting two head gaskets and other engine gaskets replaced.