2003 Subaru Outback Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 8%of 93 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 13,502miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 Subaru Outback, 8% of the 93 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 13,502 miles. 1 a fire, 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.
“2003 Subaru legacy Outback's speedometer/odometer read inaccurately. The speedometer/odometer had an inaccuracy rate of 8-11 percent. There was wind noise coming from the left front window. The dealer adjusted the l/f door. The A/C was not getting cold enough. The tech resecured hose from A/C condenser and recharged the system.”
NHTSA complaint #10178523, filed 2007-01, 26,503 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“Dealer substituted cheap aftermarket security system for requested Subaru upgrade, tampering with factory wiring in process. When challenged, dealer replaced system with Subaru upgrade. However, I am concerned that the stripped, soldered and most likely cut wires in the factory harness could produce a short or backfeed that may damage electrical components or lead to fire. In addition, one bundle of wires interferes with the movement of my right foot from accelerator to brake. Dt”
NHTSA complaint #770289, filed 2002-12“The contact owns a 2003 Subaru Outback. While driving approximately 50 MPH, a fire ignited on the driver side door near the control panel. The vehicle was moved off the roadway and the contact was able to exit the vehicle. The fire was extinguished. The vehicle was towed the dealer yet they were unable to diagnose the cause of the fire. Repairs were made to the vehicle and the body damage. The failure and current mileage was 152,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10350813, filed 2010-08, 152,000 milesRelated 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 2003 Subaru Outback
19 complaintsEngine cooling
14 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
13 complaintsSuspension
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsBrakes
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 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