2002 Subaru Outback power train problems
20 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2002 Subaru Outback — 14% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“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…”
filed Jul 26, 2016
“Clutch defects not acknowledged and not repaired by the dealer on a subaru outback 20002. Dealership: liberty, 1000 e park avenue, libertyville, il 60048 problem started in 2003 and lasted to this date. In aug 2008, dealer acknowledged present default but refused to concede that there was a problem…”
filed Dec 26, 2008
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS WERE…Campaign 02V282000 · Oct 30, 2002
Related service bulletins
This announcement provides information on the remanufactured CVT transmission program.
SubaruNet Announcement (R · Other · issued May 4, 2026This bulletin announces the service manual correction regarding clutch master cylinder reservoir service procedures.
03-97-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 24, 2026
Power Train problems in other Outback years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Outback | 2 | 3% |
| 2024 Outback | 6 | 6% |
| 2023 Outback | 4 | 5% |
| 2022 Outback | 17 | 4% |
| 2021 Outback | 11 | 4% |
| 2020 Outback | 46 | 5% |
| 2019 Outback | 15 | 1% |
| 2018 Outback | 14 | 2% |
| 2017 Outback | 47 | 5% |
| 2016 Outback | 45 | 7% |
| 2015 Outback | 37 | 7% |
| 2014 Outback | 25 | 12% |
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.