1991-2003 · 3 model years

Subaru Wagon Problems by year

Owners have filed 8 complaints about the Subaru Wagon across 3 model years, and it has 0 recalls. The 2002 has the most complaints once its age is allowed for (4). The most reported problem area is the fuel system, followed by the lights.

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Most complaints for its age20024 complaints · 0 recallsSee the 2002

Complaints: 8
Recalls: 0
Crashes: 1
Fires: 0
Injuries: 0
Deaths: 0

Wagon complaints by model year

1991 42002 2003

Highlighted: the year with the most complaints for its age. Older vehicles have had more time to collect complaints - the Safety Index grade allows for that.

Year	Complaints	Crashes	Top problem	Grade
2003	2	0	Engine & cooling	B
2002	4	0	Fuel system	C
1991	2	1	Airbags	C

Most common Wagon problems

Latest Wagon complaints

2002 Subaru Wagon Fuel system

With onset of cold weather (less than 25 f) this year, my 2002 suburu outback station wagon (2.5 Litre) has a strong gasoline odor in the cabin when engine is started. It happens every time now. It is very strong and there seems to be a fuel leak in the engine compartment. I'm concerned that it could cause a fire (particularly in conjunction with an accident or exhaust problem) or a fume related blackout of somebody in the car. I have read on the online discussion that this is a very common problem with suburus...

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in cold climates but that suburu, while aware of the problem, will not take full responsibility for fixing it. My local dealer will be consulted as will suburu of america. It seems like it is a safety issue and should be the subject of a recall as I've never had another car that did this in 35 years of owning vehicles. It seems as though the nhtsa should investigate this as it has potential to be a huge safety issue. *Tr

2002 Subaru Wagon Fuel system

Whenever the temperature drops significantly (e.G. Below 32deg), a strong gasoline smell is emitted from the car upon starting. It eventually seems to go away over 10-30min, but it can be extremely strong. We just encountered the problem today (the coldest day in allentown this winter), but when we had the problem last year, the dealer was unable to identify any clear cause. They also claimed that they could not reproduce the smell.*Cn

2003 Subaru Wagon Lights

Car has less than 38000 miles and both fog lights went out and also one headlight went out...Car is only 3 yrs. Old. Saw another car; same model; 1 yr. Newer with same headlight out. *Nm

2003 Subaru Wagon Engine & cooling

While sitting in traffic, I had my foot slightly on the brake to prevent creep. The engine suddenly revved so high that I had to stand on the brake to keep from crashing into the car in front of me. I put the transmission into park and the engine returned to normal idle. My foot was not on the gas pedal the entire time! *Jb

2002 Subaru Wagon Fuel system

My car will startup just fine. Upon near a standstill at a light or stop sign it will hestitate or stall completely. I have to keep my left foot on the brake and the right foot on the gas pedal to keep it going. This seems to happen more frequently in colder than hotter weather. I have had this vehicle at vanbortel subaru on 11/1 and they released it back to me on 11/3/04 saying the problem was fixed. Its anything but fixed and in fact gotten worse.*Ak

2002 Subaru Wagon Brakes

I have a 2002 subaru outback wagon. When the vehicle reached around 31,000 miles, it began to shake perceptibly when I applied the brakes. The shaking got progressively worse. I brought the vehicle to the dealer, and it was found that the rotors had worn unevenly. The rotors were turned to correct the problem under the vehicle's 36,000 mile/3 year warranty. It is my opinion that the rotors should not wear this quickly in a vehicle (the brake pads themselves were okay and not replaced. *Ak

Questions about the Subaru Wagon

Which Subaru Wagon years have the most problems?

By the number of complaints owners filed with NHTSA: 2002 (4), 1991 (2), 2003 (2). Allowing for how long each has been on the road, the 2002 stands out most. Complaint counts also rise with sales, so compare years of the same model rather than different models.

Which Subaru Wagon years have the fewest complaints?

Among model years that have been on the road for at least three years, 2003 have the best Safety Index - the fewest complaints, crashes and recalls for their age compared with other Wagon years. Always check the exact vehicle's recalls by VIN before you buy.

What are the most common Subaru Wagon problems?

Across every model year, owners report problems with the fuel system (3), lights (1), airbags (1) most often.

How many recalls does the Subaru Wagon have?

NHTSA lists no recalls for any Subaru Wagon model year on file.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data