2002 Subaru Outback Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 12%of 143 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 74,048miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2002 Subaru Outback, 12% of the 143 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 74,048 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I replaced the left head gasket (at a local service center) at 122,000 miles due to oil leakage. At 123,000 miles the right head gasket failed. I contacted Subaru because I don't think it's coincidental for both head gaskets to fail that close together. They will not help me because of the miles and because I didn't have the first work done at a dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #10234626, filed 2008-07, 123,000 miles“I recently took my Outback in to a local shop for an oil change, and they notified me that the head gasket has started to leak. Took it to the dealership for a second opinion, and they said the same thing. Called four different places, and got estimates for anywhere from $1500-$2100 (after spending $2k on other wear and tear repairs this summer). Every mechanic I spoke with was keenly aware of this problem, which obviously means this is a very common - and expensive - defect!”
NHTSA complaint #10441912, filed 2011-12, 142,000 miles“2002 Subaru Outback stopped blowing cold air from the A/C. Pep boys charged over $1,000 to repair. There were no Subaru dealers in our city. We are elderly and retired. I was never notified by Subaru that they had a problem with leakage on the 2.5l engine models.”
NHTSA complaint #10193599, filed 2007-06, 60,833 miles“In may of 2007, my 2002 Subaru Outback with 71,000 miles first began having overheating issues. I took it straight to a Subaru dealer where they unplugged a radiator cap and added special coolant conditioner. 3 months later, the random overheating started again. I took the car back immediately to the dealer. The radiator cap was replaced, but this did not solve the overheating. They replaced the thermostat and this did not solve the problem. Finally, they discovered it was head gasket failure with a warped head. The car was at the dealer for over a week for the head gasket repair. …”
NHTSA complaint #10205586, filed 2007-10, 76,000 miles“Our mechanic found our problem is a cracked head gasket. Model-2002 Outback Subaru wagon. Was told these models were made with a thin head gasket that cracks. Told to contact our Subaru dealership to see about a recall. The dealership said, yes a recall on head gaskets but VIN # has to end with proper 7 last digits. Ours, of course, did not have the number they would cover. Was told the service dept. Has been replacing the head gaskets in these models-and Subaru has been paying 1/2. This is acknowledging there is a problem with the head gaskets with that statement. …”
NHTSA complaint #10170819, filed 2006-10, 92,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10198749Jun 7, 2021This bulletin is to advise of SOAâs revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.
- 10186364Jan 12, 2021This bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing.
- 10179416Aug 26, 2020This service information bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing used on the models listed.
- 10020697Nov 8, 2006Throttle position sensor. Vehicles equiped with h-6 3.0l engines.
- 10016869Sep 9, 20052.5l remanufactured sohc short block release.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 | 1 | 0% |
| 2021 | 2 | 1% |
| 2020 | 3 | 0% |
| 2019 | 1 | 0% |
| 2016 | 3 | 0% |
| 2015 | 3 | 1% |
| 2014 | 1 | 0% |
| 2013 | 1 | 0% |
| 2012 | 2 | 1% |
| 2011 | 8 | 1% |
| 2010 | 23 | 6% |
| 2009 | 3 | 3% |
| 2008 | 6 | 3% |
| 2007 | 3 | 2% |
| 2006 | 7 | 3% |
| 2005 | 16 | 6% |
| 2004 | 13 | 14% |
| 2003 | 14 | 15% |
| 2002 | 17 | 12% |
| 2001 | 22 | 13% |
| 2000 | 35 | 17% |
| 1999 | 23 | 21% |
| 1998 | 40 | 32% |
| 1997 | 24 | 30% |
| 1996 | 10 | 22% |
Other parts of the 2002 Subaru Outback
32 complaintsBrakes
31 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
20 complaintsVehicle speed control
12 complaintsBody and structure
10 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsAir bags
5 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 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