2002 Subaru Outback Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 4%of 143 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 37,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the air bags of the 2002 Subaru Outback, 4% of the 143 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 37,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“Although my car is not listed on the airbag recall, I am concerned my car might have the airbags from takata. The year the takata airbag recall started is 2000. My car is a 2002 Subaru Outback. The 2003 Subaru Outback is on the takata airbag recall list. How can I make sure my car's airbags were not manufactured by takata?”
NHTSA complaint #10649305, filed 2014-10“The contact owns a 2002 Subaru Outback. The current and failure mileage were 37,000. While the vehicle was parked the contact turned the ignition to the battery position to use the windshield wiper, and the passenger's side airbag suddenly deployed. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer, and was told that they didn't know what the failure was. Updated 06/19/07”
NHTSA complaint #10189581, filed 2007-05, 37,000 miles“While driving 25 MPH on a dirt road the consumers vehicle began to fishtail. When the consumer applied the brakes they did not stop the vehicle and the steering failed. The consumer lost control of the vehicle and collided head on with a tree. Neither the front driver nor passenger air bags deployed.”
NHTSA complaint #10012503, filed 2003-03“While driving 25 MPH on a dirt road the consumers vehicle began to fishtail. When the consumer applied the brakes they did not stop the vehicle and the steering failed. The consumer lost control of the vehicle and collided head on with a tree. Neither the front driver nor passenger air bags deployed.”
NHTSA complaint #10012506, filed 2003-03“While driving 25 MPH on a dirt road the consumers vehicle began to fishtail. When the consumer applied the brakes they did not stop the vehicle and the steering failed. The consumer lost control of the vehicle and collided head on with a tree. Neither the front driver nor passenger air bags deployed.”
NHTSA complaint #10012508, filed 2003-03Related service bulletins
- 11005609Jul 15, 2024This announcement provides information on Takata Recall Escalated Towing Program.
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 5 | 6% |
| 2024 | 6 | 6% |
| 2023 | 2 | 2% |
| 2022 | 6 | 1% |
| 2021 | 16 | 5% |
| 2020 | 18 | 2% |
| 2019 | 13 | 1% |
| 2018 | 8 | 1% |
| 2017 | 16 | 2% |
| 2016 | 10 | 2% |
| 2015 | 14 | 3% |
| 2014 | 38 | 18% |
| 2013 | 42 | 14% |
| 2012 | 39 | 13% |
| 2011 | 73 | 11% |
| 2010 | 44 | 12% |
| 2009 | 30 | 28% |
| 2008 | 104 | 46% |
| 2007 | 47 | 36% |
| 2006 | 40 | 14% |
| 2005 | 38 | 14% |
| 2004 | 25 | 28% |
| 2003 | 19 | 20% |
| 2002 | 5 | 4% |
| 2001 | 3 | 2% |
| 2000 | 5 | 2% |
| 1999 | 7 | 6% |
| 1998 | 11 | 9% |
| 1997 | 2 | 3% |
| 1996 | 8 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2002 Subaru Outback
32 complaintsBrakes
31 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
20 complaintsEngine cooling
17 complaintsVehicle speed control
12 complaintsBody and structure
10 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsEngine
5 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaintsTires
5 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsSuspension
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Subaru Outback
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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