2003 Subaru Outback Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 8%of 93 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 63,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the brakes of the 2003 Subaru Outback, 8% of the 93 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 63,000 miles. 2 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.
“Brake failure at sub-freezing temperatures. Occurs every time temperature is below freezing. Failure appears to be in the master cylinder as in previous year model of this auto.”
NHTSA complaint #10302886, filed 2010-01, 94,500 miles“Dt: the contact stated that at any speed there was a vibration when depressing the brakes. The issue was due to the left front brake pad which separated from its corresponding plate. The brakes were replaced to fix the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10160572, filed 2006-06, 28,502 miles“I recently had my Outback towed because my car wouldn't shift out of park. 1st I check the neutral safety switch, good to go no problem. Then move on to my fuses, okay great. Investigate some more to find out the wiring on the Outback has some defaults, I look more into it and it seems it's not just me with the problem. My car is old and carries a lot of miles, keep in mind this car is made for that, but people seem to have the same problem as me with lower miles. The cars liftgate wire harness is a huge weakness on this car. I really hope you guys will look more into this and recall it. …”
NHTSA complaint #11023309, filed 2017-09“2003 Subaru Outback. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle brake failure. The consumer stated when she applied the brake pedal, it went down to the floor, which resulted in her rear ending the vehicle in front of her. The vehicle was totaled. The consumer referenced a recall. However, her year vehicle was not included.”
NHTSA complaint #10629764, filed 2014-09Related service bulletins
- 11002725Jun 25, 2024This bulletin provides diagnosis and procedure information to be applied when diagnosing potential fluid leaks on front and rear brake calipers. This information has been…
- 10163525Jul 11, 2019This Service Information bulletin announces instruction for application of additional lubrication between the brake caliper support and pad clips. This will prevent the pad from…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 5% |
| 2025 | 7 | 8% |
| 2024 | 4 | 4% |
| 2023 | 7 | 8% |
| 2022 | 11 | 2% |
| 2021 | 8 | 3% |
| 2020 | 15 | 2% |
| 2019 | 22 | 2% |
| 2018 | 18 | 2% |
| 2017 | 25 | 3% |
| 2016 | 19 | 3% |
| 2015 | 28 | 5% |
| 2014 | 22 | 11% |
| 2013 | 31 | 10% |
| 2012 | 40 | 14% |
| 2011 | 78 | 12% |
| 2010 | 40 | 11% |
| 2009 | 8 | 8% |
| 2008 | 31 | 14% |
| 2007 | 8 | 6% |
| 2006 | 19 | 7% |
| 2005 | 31 | 11% |
| 2004 | 3 | 3% |
| 2003 | 7 | 8% |
| 2002 | 31 | 22% |
| 2001 | 30 | 18% |
| 2000 | 12 | 6% |
| 1999 | 9 | 8% |
| 1998 | 15 | 12% |
| 1997 | 9 | 11% |
| 1996 | 7 | 15% |
Other parts of the 2003 Subaru Outback
19 complaintsEngine cooling
14 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
13 complaintsSuspension
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsElectrical system
7 complaintsEngine
5 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsTires
5 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsWheels
4 complaintsSteering
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 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