The air conditioner begins to blow hot moist air after several minutes of working properly. Multiple mechanics including a specialty shop can't diagnose, and the only option is to replace the entire A/C compressor because the clutch isn't sold separately. I've read many accounts of the same "intermittent" A/C that only works once the engine is turned off and back on, then stops working seconds or minutes later for no apparent reason. The vehicle can be stationary or in motion and the A/C just quits.
The worst 2002 Subaru Outback problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Fuel system32
- Brakes31
- Engine22
- Transmission20
- Acceleration12
- Body10
- Visibility6
- Airbags5
- Seat belts5
- Tires5
- Electrical4
- Suspension4
- Lights3
- Steering2
- Wheels2
- Locks1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2002 Subaru Outback
Fuel smell 23Stalling 12Fuel leak 8Hesitation 6Shudder 6Sudden acceleration 5
Recalls 4
Vehicle speed control: cables
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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 number 04V128000 · Recall details
Suspension: rear
- 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
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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 number 02V282000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 02V079000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2002 Subaru Outback 150
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This is an update announcement regarding the TechShare & NorthStar Integration
- This announcement provides information on the connected services platform for Subaru EVs.
- This bulletin provides a step-by-step diagnostic procedure for resolving Remote Engine Start (RES)...
- This Service Information Bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but...
- This announcement provides information on DCM replacememts due to a parasitic draw.
- This announcement provides information on an outage affecting the Subaru Select Monitor 5 application.
- This Service Information Bulletin announces the availability of ThreeBond 1216J (SOA868V9640) designed for...
- This announcement provides information on a new software update for the Midtronics Dss and DCA machines.
- This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a...
- This bulletin provides paint code information for 2027 model year vehicles.
What 2002 Subaru Outback owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
I am the original owner of this vehicle and I have had four separate incidents that my head gasket has had to be replaced. This is a costly repair and given my car has 190,000 miles on it I believe four issues dealing with this same situation needs to be properly addressed. Not only does this issue result in a huge outlay of money but it gets oil all over the engine, parts, and driveway that needs to be cleaned. I would appreciate any assistance in this matter.
When the temperature outside gets below 35 degrees, my car smells very strongly of gas inside. I have to roll the windows down for ventilation. When the temperature warms up, the smell goes away. It is worse when I first started my car in the morning. Mechanics haven't been able to figure out the problem but I just read many complaints online about this issue. I will take their suggested fixes to my mechanic.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 subaru outback. While the vehicle was being serviced, the independent mechanic observed that the entire frame was severely corroded and holes were forming. The vehicle needed a new cross member. The vehicle was not repaired. Also, when the vehicle was shifted into the park position while on an incline, it began to roll away without warning. The failure recurred two times. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or diagnosed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign numbers: 03v153000 (suspension) and 02v282000 (power train). The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
Terrible gas smell. Fuel is leaking because it is cold outside.
When temp. Outside go below 32 degrees, the inside of my car fills with raw gas smell, this happens every winter. I live in wi. When it is above freezing it is fine and all summer it is fine. I am so affraid to have my grand kids in the car. Not sure if the fumes will explode.when I am driving I do not smell gas. But if I stop at a stop sign or light it fills up the car. I have to roll down my windows to get fresh air
I bought car oct 6; first inspection appointment at my usual garage mon oct 12- failed due to rusty suspect brake connection. Seller had me take to his dealer- mastria subaru in raynham. They put a paint/coating over rusty area. I was pretty skeptical but brought car to my garage in vt monday oct 19 and the leaky brake fluid much more clearly visible- due to smoother (though bumpy from oxidation below) paint surface. I also saw leaking coolant, leaks in oil pan, and a crack in muffler pipe just engine side of muffler (it had been getting noisier and noisier) my mechanic pointed out the timing belt gasket was missing and one bolt 'missing' ; it was sticking out of another 'hole' that was for a fully threaded bolt. The seller has sent long-winded insulting e-mails and states I must return car to him to have the same dealer service it. I am taking it to a&m, 400 mystic ave, somerville this morning near me! For estimate today. There's a reject sticker from reading petroleum on it- I didn't know ma & vt had reciprocal status- but I think the vt inspection is more stringent, safer and comprehensive
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 subaru outback. While the vehicle was being serviced for routine maintenance, the independent mechanic discovered that the rear suspension subframe had fractured due to severe rusting. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 200,000. Update 01/13/16 ma; updated 4/17/18*jb the consumer stated traded vehicle due to the fact not knowing what to do about fixing it.
When getting the car inspected we found out the frame of the car was rusted so badly it was cracked. It was in such a key spot that it wasn't fixable and the car could have easily lost a wheel on the road with little to no warning (a small bump could have been enough to trigger an accident). The car has been taken care of well and when inspected just a year ago at the subaru dealership there was no mention or sign that this could potentially be a problem. The fast deterioration of the frame underneath the car is the complaint and we had no choice but to part out the otherwise wonderful car due to safety and unable to get it fixed.
Drivers side head gasket leaked. Only that side was replaced. On 1/14 both head gaskets started leaking at 59000 miles. With subarus help the dealer charged $ 855.00. The problem is subaru has a design defect in this engine so those of us who own these cars are going to have to pay for gasket replacements for as long as we own them. By the way the coolant system conditioner is holts radweld stopleak something subaru will not tell you.
Compare the 2002 Subaru Outback
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Other model years
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Questions about the 2002 Subaru Outback
Is the 2002 Subaru Outback reliable?
Owners have filed 143 complaints about the 2002 Subaru Outback, fewer than a typical Outback model year.
What is the 2002 Subaru Outback year score?
The 2002 Subaru Outback scores 79 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Subaru Outback: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Subaru Outback?
Fuel and propulsion system, with 32 complaints, typically around 87,000 miles. Next is brakes (31).
How many recalls does the 2002 Subaru Outback have?
4 recalls, covering vehicle speed control, suspension and power train.
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