2001 Subaru Outback Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 2%of 171 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 72,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the electrical system of the 2001 Subaru Outback, 2% of the 171 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 72,500 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
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.
“The contact owns a 2001 Subaru Outback. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the contact noticed a burning smell in the vehicle. Suddenly, there were flames under the buttons of the front driver side arm rest. The contact stopped the vehicle and was able to extinguish the fire. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostics. The mechanic stated there was a short in the wires connected to the side view mirror defroster. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 142,000. …”
NHTSA complaint #10428285, filed 2011-10, 142,000 miles“There is severe hesitation when pressing on gas pedal. Consumer is afraid of being rear ended. Consumer stated that vehicle had a bad hesitation on acceleration from a stop. Also battery was dead.”
NHTSA complaint #8013989, filed 2002-07Related service bulletins
- 11024869Oct 28, 2025This Service Information Bulletin outlines a systematic procedure for diagnosing parasitic draw (dark/standby current) in vehicles experiencing battery drain when the ignition is…
- 11024858Oct 23, 2025This Bulletin outlines a comprehensive update to the dark current/parasitic draw diagnosis & testing procedures.
- 11024857Oct 23, 2025This Bulletin provides details on a new formal testing, charging, and tracking procedure for all 12-volt batteries in new vehicle inventory.
- 11023524Sep 30, 2025This bulletin addresses cases when attempting to complete the STARLINK Telematics subscription process, an Error Code 202 and / or 204 may occur preventing the process from…
- 11023505Sep 5, 2025This bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant…
- 11023500Sep 3, 2025This Bulletin provides details on a new formal testing, charging, and tracking procedure for all 12-volt batteries in new vehicle inventory wjhich must be tested and reported…
- 11022331Aug 26, 2025This Bulletin provides helpful procedures and best practices to utilize when customers present with concerns relating to the operation of their Gen 2/Gen 3 Telematics system…
- 11022319Aug 21, 2025This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.
- 11022309Aug 13, 2025Subaru of America, Inc. will release an OTA to perform a software update to the DCM. This is a preventive OTA.
- 11022305Aug 11, 2025Subaru Service Technical Support Newsletter special edition.
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 2001 Subaru Outback
32 complaintsBrakes
30 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
23 complaintsEngine cooling
22 complaintsSuspension
19 complaintsVehicle speed control
17 complaintsBody and structure
15 complaintsTires
9 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 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