2002 Subaru Outback Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 4%of 143 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 33,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the visibility of the 2002 Subaru Outback, 4% of the 143 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 33,500 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 transmission fluid leaks from the engine. As a result, the vehicle stalls without warning. The transmission was replaced twice, however the problem recurred. The left door panel by the window regulator driver window was not working, there was noise when the driver pressed the gas pedal in the gear, and a gas smell was present when the vehicle was accelerated.”
NHTSA complaint #10076081, filed 2004-09, 55,000 miles“My windshield wipers quit totally. When I looked in the vehicle manuel I found that failure of the wipers was not an unexpected event. Manuel says it can happen if wipers are run on a dry windshield. That was not the case with my wipers; they had been run for an extended period of time in a downpour. The dealer replaced the wiper motor but after running my wipers again in a downpour I detected a burnt smell and figure it's only a matter of time until the wiper motor goes again. This is a dangerous situation at 70 MPH.”
NHTSA complaint #767656, filed 2002-09“When trying to open the rear right door the rear door would not open from the outside. Consumer took the vehicle to the dealer on three separate occasions. However, the problem recurred. Wind noise was evident driver's side mirror while driving vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10075862, filed 2004-07“2002 Subaru Outback visibility is poor when it rains. The consumer stated he can't see out of the windshield on the drivers side. There are lines in the windshield and the windshield wipers would freeze when the weather was cold.”
NHTSA complaint #10145347, filed 2005-12Related service bulletins
- 10020532Oct 3, 2006Loose door mirror screws.
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 6 | 7% |
| 2024 | 23 | 22% |
| 2023 | 19 | 21% |
| 2022 | 280 | 60% |
| 2021 | 107 | 36% |
| 2020 | 383 | 43% |
| 2019 | 387 | 37% |
| 2018 | 273 | 33% |
| 2017 | 233 | 25% |
| 2016 | 91 | 14% |
| 2015 | 143 | 28% |
| 2014 | 10 | 5% |
| 2013 | 14 | 5% |
| 2012 | 9 | 3% |
| 2011 | 23 | 4% |
| 2010 | 8 | 2% |
| 2009 | 9 | 8% |
| 2008 | 8 | 4% |
| 2007 | 2 | 2% |
| 2006 | 5 | 2% |
| 2005 | 8 | 3% |
| 2004 | 5 | 6% |
| 2003 | 3 | 3% |
| 2002 | 6 | 4% |
| 2001 | 3 | 2% |
| 2000 | 6 | 3% |
| 1999 | 4 | 4% |
| 1998 | 7 | 6% |
| 1997 | 7 | 9% |
| 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 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