2002 Subaru Outback Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 7%of 143 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 150,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the body and structure of the 2002 Subaru Outback, 7% of the 143 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 150,000 miles. 1 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.
“We were driving on highway I-95 going between 55 and 60 miles an hour and the hood latch failed. The hood came up blocking our vision and broke the windshield. Extensive damage to car. We were traveling in the far right lane and were lucky that we could pull the car off the highway into the breakdown lane. We were very lucky no one was behind us.”
NHTSA complaint #10468975, filed 2012-08, 110,000 miles“When getting the car inspected we found out the frame of the car was rusted so badly it was cracked. It was in such a key spot that it wasn't fixable and the car could have easily lost a wheel on the road with little to no warning (a small bump could have been enough to trigger an accident). The car has been taken care of well and when inspected just a year ago at the Subaru dealership there was no mention or sign that this could potentially be a problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10705906, filed 2015-04, 150,000 miles“2002 Subaru Outback rear seat latch clips not accessible to use child safety seats (6 point harness system) clips are tucked too far down into seats. Need extension clip to access.”
NHTSA complaint #10212552, filed 2007-12, 60,000 miles“The contact owns a 2002 Subaru Outback. While the vehicle was being serviced for routine maintenance, the independent mechanic discovered that the rear suspension subframe had fractured due to severe rusting. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 200,000. Update 01/13/16 ma; updated 4/17/18 the consumer stated traded vehicle due to the fact not knowing what to do about fixing it.”
NHTSA complaint #10779649, filed 2015-10, 200,000 miles“The contact owns a 2002 Subaru Outback. While the vehicle was being serviced, the independent mechanic observed that the entire frame was severely corroded and holes were forming. The vehicle needed a new cross member. The vehicle was not repaired. Also, when the vehicle was shifted into the park position while on an incline, it began to roll away without warning. The failure recurred two times. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or diagnosed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #10888639, filed 2016-07, 170,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11022304Aug 11, 2025This bulletin provides information on paint codes for vehicles in the 2026 line up.
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 5% |
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2024 | 2 | 2% |
| 2023 | 2 | 2% |
| 2022 | 7 | 2% |
| 2021 | 7 | 2% |
| 2020 | 21 | 2% |
| 2019 | 27 | 3% |
| 2018 | 15 | 2% |
| 2017 | 26 | 3% |
| 2016 | 19 | 3% |
| 2015 | 33 | 6% |
| 2014 | 11 | 5% |
| 2013 | 11 | 4% |
| 2012 | 5 | 2% |
| 2011 | 11 | 2% |
| 2010 | 14 | 4% |
| 2009 | 5 | 5% |
| 2008 | 6 | 3% |
| 2007 | 5 | 4% |
| 2006 | 2 | 1% |
| 2005 | 7 | 3% |
| 2003 | 5 | 5% |
| 2002 | 10 | 7% |
| 2001 | 15 | 9% |
| 2000 | 13 | 6% |
| 1999 | 4 | 4% |
| 1998 | 2 | 2% |
| 1997 | 3 | 4% |
| 1996 | 3 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2002 Subaru Outback
32 complaintsBrakes
31 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
20 complaintsEngine cooling
17 complaintsVehicle speed control
12 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