2000 Subaru Outback Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 4%of 207 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 117,200miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the electrical system of the 2000 Subaru Outback, 4% of the 207 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 117,200 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Driving along the free way at normal speeds with traffic and mt car randomly shut off and turned back on, happened 3 or 4 times before I could get off to the side of the road. It seems to be a common issue if googled. Just the electrical turned off and on the engine stayed running.”
NHTSA complaint #10487723, filed 2012-12, 177,000 miles“While driving at low speed on a town street the check engine light came on, followed by the odor of gas fumes. Subsequent inspection by experienced Subaru mechanics revealed a simultaneous failure of the A/C compressor, catalytic converter, a headlight bulb and finally, a damaged fuel line that was spraying a mist of gasoline over the entire engine compartment. The mechanics had never seen a situation like this before, and had no explanation for how these components could have failed at the same time. The fuel line and bulb were replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10863233, filed 2016-05, 124,400 miles“Intermittently, the gear positioning lever sticks in gear. The consumer depresses the brake pedal several times and plays with the lever to unstick it. The dealership has replaced a part in the gear positioning lever, but the problem still exist. Also, the consumer was unable to remove the key from the ignition when the vehicle is in the park gear.”
NHTSA complaint #10076248, filed 2004-06, 20,000 miles“Subaru Outback wagon, year 2000, milage 33,000 - problem: spedometer and tachometer work on and off. They both 'die' then they both come back on again. On the freeway, one finds themselves without speed information without warning”
NHTSA complaint #10037274, filed 2003-09“Consumer wasn't pleased with undated correspondence service program wwp-99. (nar) the service program was about putting a special conditioner in the vehicle's cooling system to prevent head gasket leaks. The consumer believes that engine replacement is the only satisfactory solution. The consumer believes that eh wipers need to be redesigned to prevent the right hand wiper from dumping debris from the right side into the driver's line of sight. The radio contains audible windshield motor noise when the radio station signal is weak. The dealer indicated that this was normal.”
NHTSA complaint #10071638, filed 2004-04Related service bulletins
- 11010925Nov 14, 2024This annocement is to inform dealers to the Gen 3.1 Head Unit OTA will be available via Wi-Fi. The update will take place in multiple batches with the first beginneing November…
- 11008283Sep 27, 2024This Service Information Bulletin announces the preferred practices to be used when handling vehicles equipped with Gen2 Telematics which are enrolled in the Subaru STARLINK®…
- 11008282Sep 27, 2024This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
- 11008280Sep 26, 2024This Service Information bulletin is being released as guidance for proper testing and charging of vehicle batteries.
- 11008279Sep 26, 2024This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.
- 11008276Sep 26, 2024The CP1.5 RCs OTA is available for all mid and high grade CP1.5 head units.
- 11006932Aug 15, 2024This Service Information Bulletin announces important diagnostic information to utilize when the Data Communication Module (DCM) is being tested as a dark current/standby current…
- 11006935Aug 5, 2024This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure for 2025MY vehicles.
- 11006934Aug 5, 2024The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.
- 11006931Aug 5, 2024This Bulletin provides additional diagnostics to follow when addressing a Telematics-related DTC B2A16.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | 29% |
| 2025 | 13 | 16% |
| 2024 | 16 | 15% |
| 2023 | 17 | 19% |
| 2022 | 52 | 11% |
| 2021 | 76 | 26% |
| 2020 | 259 | 29% |
| 2019 | 364 | 35% |
| 2018 | 267 | 33% |
| 2017 | 392 | 43% |
| 2016 | 309 | 48% |
| 2015 | 127 | 25% |
| 2014 | 32 | 15% |
| 2013 | 23 | 8% |
| 2012 | 37 | 13% |
| 2011 | 67 | 10% |
| 2010 | 33 | 9% |
| 2009 | 23 | 22% |
| 2008 | 34 | 15% |
| 2007 | 20 | 15% |
| 2006 | 42 | 15% |
| 2005 | 28 | 10% |
| 2004 | 8 | 9% |
| 2003 | 7 | 8% |
| 2002 | 4 | 3% |
| 2001 | 3 | 2% |
| 2000 | 8 | 4% |
| 1999 | 8 | 7% |
| 1998 | 6 | 5% |
| 1997 | 4 | 5% |
| 1996 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2000 Subaru Outback
42 complaintsEngine cooling
35 complaintsTires
30 complaintsSuspension
24 complaintsVehicle speed control
14 complaintsBody and structure
13 complaintsBrakes
12 complaintsFuel system
12 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsAir bags
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2000 Subaru Outback
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology