- The problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- The risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-20.
Vehicle safety record
2003 Subaru Outback Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 95 complaints about the 2003 Subaru Outback with NHTSA, most often about the engine & cooling (20) and the airbags (19). Those complaints describe 7 crashes, 1 fire and 3 injuries. It is covered by 15 recalls, the latest in January 2020 for the inflator module. For comparison, the 2002 has 147 and the 2004 has 90.
NHTSA data checked
BFewer problems than a typical Outback year, for its age
#124 most complained-about 2003 vehicle
- Complaints
- 95
- Recalls
- 15
- Crashes
- 7
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 3
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2003 Subaru Outback problems
Share of all 95 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2003 Subaru Outback recalls 15
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- The risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-20.
- The problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (STI included), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- The risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators with alternate inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-20.
- The problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, and Baja vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming, or "Zone C.". These vehicles may be equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- The risk
- An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 24, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-16. Note: This recall covers vehicles that were not previously covered in 16V-358 for Zone A or 16V-359 for Zone B.
- The problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, 2006-2008 Impreza, Tribeca, 2006 Saab 9-2x, and 2003-2006 Baja vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." These vehicles may be equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- The risk
- An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 24, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-16. Note: This notice is only for vehicles that were not covered by 16V-358 for Zone A.
- The problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, 2009-2011 Legacy, Outback, Forester, 2006-2011 Impreza, Tribeca, 2003-2006 Baja, and 2006 Saab 9-2x vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." These vehicles may be equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- The risk
- An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 26, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Saab owners may contact GM at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-16.
- The problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Subaru Baja vehicles manufactured January 22, 2003, to July 21, 2004, 2004-2005 Impreza vehicles manufactured January 28, 2003, to May 31, 2005, 2003-2008 Subaru Legacy vehicles manufactured January 22, 2003, to May 2, 2008, 2003-2008 Subaru Outback vehicles manufactured February 18, 2003, to May 5, 2008, and 2005 Saab 9-2x vehicles manufactured February 11, 2004, to March 17, 2005. The affected vehicles are equipped with a passenger side frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture upon its deployment.
- The risk
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- Subaru will notify their owners and General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The Subaru recall began on June 17, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. The Saab recall began on July 27, 2015. Owners of Saab vehicles may call 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is WQR-53. Note: The recall completely supersedes recall 14V-399 (WQL-48) and partially supersedes recall 14V-763 (WQP-51) in that model year 2004 through 2005 Subaru Impreza and model year 2005 Saab 9-2x vehicles are now only part of this campaign. Note: On December 18, 2015 Subaru informed NHTSA of an expansion of this recall to include certain model year 2003-2004 Subaru Baja, 2003-2008 Subaru Legacy and 2003-2008 Subaru Outback vehicles.
- The problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy and Outback vehicles, and 2003-2005 Baja vehicles sold, or ever registered, in geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Puerto Rico, Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Saipan, American Samoa, Florida and adjacent counties in southern Georgia, as well as the coastal areas of Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
- The risk
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengers frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
- The fix
- Subaru will notify their owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQP-51. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-471. This recall has been partially superseded by 15V-323. All 2005 model year Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles will now be repaired under recall 15V-323.
- The problem
- Airtex Products LP (Airtex) is recalling certain model E8598M, E8518M, E8600M, E8596M, and E8597M fuel pumps manufactured July 26, 2013, and July 29, 2013 and used as aftermarket replacements on Subaru Baja's, Outback's and Legacy's. The affected fuel pumps were sold or installed into the aftermarket applications on or after July 26, 2013, and may may leak fuel from the base of a fuel line connection when the gas tank is full.
- The risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
- The fix
- Airtex will notify owners, and will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Recall is expected to begin on January 2, 2014. Customers may contact Airtex at 1-800-880-3056. The recall is expected to begin during January 2014. This recall is being conducted by Airtex, not by Subaru.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- If this occurs during vehicle operation, the driver could lose control of the vehicle, which could result in a crash.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- On some passenger and sport utility 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 left-hand front transverse link components were produced with poor paint quality. If the vehicle is operated form an extensive period in a salt-belt area, continued exposure to salt could cause the left front transverse link to rust and eventually break.
- The risk
- If the transverse link were to break due to rusting, control of the vehicle could be affected without prior warning, possibly resulting in a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will apply anti-rust material to the left front transverse link. Owner notification began august 1, 2003. Owners should contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- If such breakage occurs while the vehicle is being operated, control of the vehicle could be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- The vehicle could then move/roll without prior warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- On certain sport utility and passenger vehicles equipped with 4-cylinder engines, the water pump pulley center hole was improperly machined.
- The risk
- In some instances, the interference fit between the inner wall of the pulley center hole and the water pump drive shaft was not as tight as specified in the drawing specification. This could result in the water pump pulley dislodging from the water pump shaft, which can cause severe engine damage/seizure during vehicle usage.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the water pump. Owner notification began september 12, 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.
- The problem
- On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 6-cylinder engines, the aluminum wheels may have an off-center diameter.
- The risk
- This can result in the eventual loosening of the wheel hub-nuts during vehicle usage, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace all 4 aluminum wheels. Owner notification began september 12, 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.
What owners say
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95 complaints about the 2003 Subaru Outback
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 4.
My complaint is my headlights' they're cloudy. On nov. 29, 2018 The institute of highway safety released a report that said that 'most base model cars have poor-quality headlights. My complaint is the car manufacturers created this problem when they decided decades ago that plastic was a better shield over the headlights than glass. My suggestion is to make the car manufacturers go back to installing glass over their headlights or u.S. Drivers are always going to have cloudy headlights. Even when we buff them...
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out and make them shine again, it only last 6 or 7 years. This is ridiculous and the national highway traffic safety administration should change this flaw in auto manufacturing by making it a law to use glass when they build their headlights in the future.
2003 Subaru outback. Consumer writes in regards to defective front passenger side airbag. *Ld the consumer refused to have the recall repair completed due to being afraid of entering an intersection leading to the dealer's repair shop. *Js
Takata recall. The closest subaru dealership is 125 miles away. When I called subaru we were told that the car must be repaired at a subaru dealership. This constitutes a hardship for us to have a manufacturer defect repaired for a number of reasons. 1) I am handicapped and have trouble sitting in a car for that long. 2) There is 3 feet of snow on the ground 3) this is our only mode of transport.
Primewell tires developed wave and intense road noise even at 50% tread.. Have been balanced/aligned regularly
On or about oct 23, 2017, received 3rd notice of airbag recall. Appt with subaru missoula, mt for recall. At 9:45 on fri nov 3, 2017 informed that the manager "just a few minutes ago" received, recall of recall" and no parts there. My 2003 "may not need a replacement." Said would do a check to see. Under protest I signed, after 1 and half hours, requested another signature which also under protest I signed. "It won't cost you anything." 85 Year old single woman. 50 Miles nearest subaru dealer. Nothing said about result of test. Keys returned to me.
My 2003 subaru outback had a bad airbag inflator and has also blown the head gasket several times, requiring it to be rebuilt three times. While I love my outback, I wonder if I will want to buy another one. Being stranded by my car and having to take the bus in the winter time was very difficult as was hauling groceries on the bus in a rolling suitcase while awaiting repairs.
I recently had my outback towed because my car wouldn't shift out of park. 1St I check the neutral safety switch, good to go no problem. Then move on to my fuses, okay great. Investigate some more to find out the wiring on the outback has some defaults, I look more into it and it seems it's not just me with the problem. My car is old and carries a lot of miles, keep in mind this car is made for that, but people seem to have the same problem as me with lower miles. The cars liftgate wire harness is a huge weakness...
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on this car. I really hope you guys will look more into this and recall it. I love my suby and have grew up in it and now have the honor of owning it. We still have many more years of driving together so please look into this so I can keep her as long as possible. Temp fix it to remove brake #4 harness and unplug to keep from blowing and smoking. Keep in mind only leaves me with 3 brake lights. (The one unplugged is the one on the hatchback right side) this is very unsafe to not had stable wiring in the brake lights, my car was smoking. I currently do have a 30 fuse in that seems to be able to hold better.
We received a postcard about the takata problem from cochran subaru of butler county pa. Per instructions, we called. They told us parts were not available and we would be contacted when parts became available. We have not heard from the dealer or from subaru usa. Where does that leave us?
AIR BAG RECALL.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 subaru outback. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v359000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The vin was unknown. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 subaru outback. The contact stated that the rear suspension subframe was rusted and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that there was a recall regarding the rear suspension subframe corrosion, but the vin was not included. The manufacturer was not notified. The recall details and failure mileage were unknown.
Takata recall. Have been waiting nearly 1 year for airbag replacement.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 subaru outback. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v359000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. Updated 03/16/17*lj the consumer stated the recall repair was completed. Updated 09/07/2017*js
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 subaru outback. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v359000 (air bags); however, the part for the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. Parts distribution disconnect.
TAKATA RECALL
Takata recall: the passenger side air bag needs to be replaced. Subaru have told me that they do not have the parts needed for this recall. My wife and I are over seventy and I need to use this vehicle with her in the passenger seat. If replacement is currently impossible, subaru needs to provide me with a loaner.
Takata recall: subaru has sent me a letter informing me of the recall. They further state that I should not drive with a passenger, and that they don't have parts to effect repairs. This is unacceptable. What car should I drive when my family needs to go somewhere?
Takata recall--this is my only mode of transportation. I've read of the deaths from explosion of the takata air bags which could hit anyone in the car. I feel it very unsafe for me and my passengers to ride in this car which makes my car unusable. Subaru has no date in site as to when they can replace this defective air bag. I was about to sell my car, but now it has no value nor would anyone want to buy it or ride in it. I find that having no remedy unsatisfactory as well as having no safe transportation. What am I to do?
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 subaru outback. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v3410000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
After previous repairs to transmission fluid leak and head gasket repair, the car's transmission failed and had to be rebuilt. The transmission failed as I was driving. I could not shift from first to second. I was able to get the car to the dealer by driving in first and living with a sharp clunk into second. I was close to the dealer or else this would have been a tow. If this had happened on the freeway it could have been catastrophic.
Takata recall, I want to make sure my vehicle is not affected. If so, then I want the faulty air bags replaced at no charge to me.
When driving the car down the road a strong odor of raw gasoline was smelt in the cabin of the car, I pulled over and popped the hood open and found gas spraying out of the rubber fuel line on the passenger side of the engine coming from in between the rubber hose and the metal line feeding the fuel injectors as if the hose clamp was lose. It was -5 f outside when this occurred, the car was parked till it warmed up to work on it, 30 f here in minnesota and the fuel leak had disappeared. I checked the tightness of...
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the hose clamp and in was tight. The rubber hose and metal tube also showed no sign of deterioration. The passenger side of the engine compartment was soaked in gasoline when the leak occurred. The has 80,000 mile on it.
Takata recall this may pertain to the takata air bag recall. My wife and I were in a "t-bone" type collision at ~45 mph and the driver and passenger airbags failed to deploy in our 2003 outback. When I check the vin I did not see any open recalls nor did I ever receive any recall notifications for the car.
This car is on the list for recall, but when I put in the vin it says that there is no open recalls. What gives? I have contacted subaru of america and they confirm that my car has a takata airbag inflator on the passenger side. Why am I not getting a recall notice?
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 subaru outback. The contact stated that the while parked, the vehicle rolled away. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the parking mechanism within the transmission failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 194,000.
Subaru Outback: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 131 | 8 | B |
| 2006 | 281 | 7 | C |
| 2005 | 273 | 9 | C |
| 2004 | 90 | 11 | B |
| 2003 | 95 | 15 | B |
| 2002 | 147 | 5 | B |
| 2001 | 170 | 4 | B |
| 2000 | 207 | 2 | C |
| 1999 | 111 | 1 | B |
2003 Subaru Outback vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 Subaru Outback | 95 | 15 | B | |
| 2003 Ford Explorer | 1,313 | 7 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Nissan Murano | 799 | 6 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 761 | 10 | B | Compare |
| 2003 Toyota 4RUNNER | 708 | 3 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Dodge Durango | 339 | 6 | C | Compare |
| 2003 Hyundai Santa FE | 308 | 4 | C | Compare |
| 2003 Kia Sorento | 308 | 1 | C | Compare |
| 2003 Toyota Highlander | 270 | 2 | C | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2003 Subaru Outback
Does the 2003 Subaru Outback have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 15 recalls for the 2003 Subaru Outback: inflator module (January 2020); inflator module (January 2020); inflator module (January 2020); inflator module (May 2016) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Subaru Outback?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the engine & cooling (20), airbags (19), transmission & drivetrain (13).
How many complaints has the 2003 Subaru Outback had?
95 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on November 17, 2002 and the latest on December 17, 2018. Of these, 7 describe a crash and 1 a fire, and together they report 3 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2003 Subaru Outback a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 73 out of 100 (grade B: fewer problems than a typical Subaru Outback year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Subaru Outback years have the most complaints?
2019 (1,036), 2017 (921), 2020 (906). See every Subaru Outback year compared.
What should I do if my 2003 Subaru Outback has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data