2002 Subaru Outback engine and engine cooling problems
17 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine and engine cooling on the 2002 Subaru Outback — 12% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“When weather turns cold, the smell of raw gas comes into the car, as well as in the garage after parking. So far the dealer has just tightened a clamp, but what happens if I'm on a hi-way and that happens? I can't drive the car with a gas leak in the engine and to far away from a fire station so do…”
filed Jan 15, 2012
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 subaru outback wagon. The contact stated during routine maintenance with a private mechanic, the mechanic advised that radiator fluid was leaking into the exhaust. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileages were…”
filed Jan 12, 2012
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Engine and Engine Cooling problems in other Outback years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Outback | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 Outback | 1 | 0% |
| 2021 Outback | 2 | 1% |
| 2020 Outback | 3 | 0% |
| 2019 Outback | 1 | 0% |
| 2016 Outback | 3 | 0% |
| 2015 Outback | 3 | 1% |
| 2014 Outback | 1 | 0% |
| 2013 Outback | 1 | 0% |
| 2012 Outback | 2 | 1% |
| 2011 Outback | 8 | 1% |
| 2010 Outback | 23 | 6% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2002 Subaru Outback
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.