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Body and structurePart report

2000 Subaru Outback Body and structure Problems

Complaints
13about this part
Share
6%of 207 total for the year
Median mileage
130,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the body and structure of the 2000 Subaru Outback, 6% of the 207 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 130,000 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.

“Due to heavy corrosion, we had to replace the rear subframe on this vehicle. Obviously the 2003 recall on this part was inadequate. I would like the rear subframe to be recalled as it should have been in the first place, rather than just undercoating the part and having it rot away anyway.”

NHTSA complaint #10785593, filed 2015-10, 154,000 miles

“There was a burned rubber smell and noise coming from the left rear wheel area of the car. The suspension subframe snapped and caused the left rear tire to be shaved from contact with the wheel well. We were told by our mechanic that we had no recourse on this recall and he offered us $500 for the vehicle stating that we could not get it fixed by Subaru. We also called Subaru and they said that there was no recall for our VIN #. We are checking to make sure this is true or not.”

NHTSA complaint #10573240, filed 2014-03, 130,000 miles

“I was driving along, around 50 MPH. I hit a bump in the road, and there was a loud bang. The vehicle jerked and swerved, as it was snowing... I almost lost control. The rear sub-frame was rusted out and had broken, allowing the rear differential to break free and smash up into the fuel tank and cause severe jerking. I had done a little reading, Subaru had a recall on this vehicle for inferior metal on the rear sub-frame. This vehicle was in for the recall in 2003. Where they deemed it not bad enough to replace the sub-frame, but clean it and spray it with anti corrosion substance. …”

NHTSA complaint #10510682, filed 2013-05, 230,000 miles

“After looking at some of the complaints about the sub frame recall.my mechanic looked at the sub frame on a lift and explained that it was rusted thru and unfixable.if this car was properly undercoated under the recall it would not be in this condition.I called Subaru and they said the work was done on the car per the recall.it is funny how there is no other rust than in the spot where the work was supposed to be done.I paid $4200 for this car and want my money back Subaru should be held accountable for unsatisfactory repairs.if this breaks it could cause serious injury to my self and…”

NHTSA complaint #10531578, filed 2013-07, 169,712 miles

“Passenger side sun roof drain plugs up, second time this has happened. Backed up water drains into inside rear cargo area. My vehicle came equipped with the large all weather rubber mat in the cargo area. Since the area where the water pours out is near the right rear of the car the most of the water ends up on the carpet under the mat and it is not always noticeable. Original contractor that fixes leaks for dealer said the fix should take care of problem, did not. …”

NHTSA complaint #10142967, filed 2005-11, 39,744 miles

Related service bulletins

Body and structure: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202615%
202511%
202422%
202322%
202272%
202172%
2020212%
2019273%
2018152%
2017263%
2016193%
2015336%
2014115%
2013114%
201252%
2011112%
2010144%
200955%
200863%
200754%
200621%
200573%
200355%
2002107%
2001159%
2000136%
199944%
199822%
199734%
199637%

Other parts of the 2000 Subaru Outback

Transmission and drivetrain
42 complaints
Engine cooling
35 complaints
Tires
30 complaints
Suspension
24 complaints
Vehicle speed control
14 complaints
Brakes
12 complaints
Fuel system
12 complaints
Electrical system
8 complaints
Seat belts
8 complaints
Other or unknown
6 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaints
Air 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