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.
2002 Subaru Outback body problems
10 complaints (7% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 150,000. 1 crash reported.
- owner complaints
- 10
- of this car's complaints
- 7%
- typical mileage
- 150,000
- crashes
- 1
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Body4
- Frame and members: underbody shields1
- Frame and members1
- Body: roof and pillars1
- Body: door1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Subaru Outback body problems in other years
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
What 2002 Subaru Outback owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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.
We were driving on highway I-95 going between 55 and 60 miles an hour and the hood latch failed. The hood came up blocking our vision and broke the windshield. Extensive damage to car. We were traveling in the far right lane and were lucky that we could pull the car off the highway into the breakdown lane. We were very lucky no one was behind us.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 subaru outback sport. While having the vehicle examined, the contact was informed that the sub frame had begun to rust and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not serviced. The current and failure mileages were 152,000. Updated 05/09/12
2002 subaru outback rear seat latch clips not accessible to use child safety seats (6 point harness system) clips are tucked too far down into seats. Need extension clip to access.
Everytime it rains or go through a car wash the seat belt gets wet and is worse when the seat belt has been retracted as the wet area now is all across you. It apparently is making its way through the sunroof. What is the repair for this, new seals in the sunroof or the roof rack mounting holes?
When trying to open the rear right door the rear door would not open from the outside. Consumer took the vehicle to the dealer on three separate occasions. However, the problem recurred. *ak wind noise was evident driver's side mirror while driving vehicle.
Car leaks into cabin through moon roofs (I suppose). Water pours through seat belt recoil in roof over cargo area.
Bug deflector "flew off" while driving on highway at approximately 75mph. Consumer concerned that deflector could have caused injury to other motorists.
Questions about the 2002 Subaru Outback body
Does the 2002 Subaru Outback have body problems?
Owners have filed 10 complaints about the body of the 2002 Subaru Outback, 7% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2002 Subaru Outback body problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 150,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2002 Subaru Outback body?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Subaru Outback have the most body problems?
The Subaru Outback model years with the most body complaints are 2015 (33 complaints), 2017 (27 complaints) and 2019 (27 complaints).
Other 2002 Subaru Outback problems
Fuel system 32Brakes 31Engine 22Transmission 20Acceleration 12Visibility 6Airbags 5Seat belts 5Tires 5Electrical 4Suspension 4Lights 3Steering 2Wheels 2Locks 1
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