2002 Subaru Outback Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 3%of 143 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 115,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the electrical system of the 2002 Subaru Outback, 3% of the 143 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 115,000 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.
“The front headlights are not working. I replaced the headlight but that did not fix the problem. There is no warning light to show the lights are out. This creates a dangerous driving situation that both front lights are out but it seems to be due to electrical or another problem. I have noticed many outbacks with one light out for the same model years. It seems to be a systemic problem unrelated to the bulbs.”
NHTSA complaint #10157900, filed 2006-05, 80,000 miles“Fuse for tail lights blew due to tail light socket partially melting (area where the two contacts for brake/tail light are located-location was the driver's side inside brake/tail light). Was unaware that the tail lights were not working for about 1 week.”
NHTSA complaint #10375520, filed 2011-01, 150,000 miles“Key stuck in the ignition switch compartment. Also, had a problem with the shift gear position indicator. Dealer urged consumer to put a towel at the wheel to hide the keys holder.”
NHTSA complaint #10042485, filed 2003-10Related service bulletins
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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 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 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsEngine
5 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaintsTires
5 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 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