2003 Subaru Outback Equipment Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 2%of 93 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 15,752miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the equipment of the 2003 Subaru Outback, 2% of the 93 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 15,752 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.
“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“While playing the cd player on the 7th track the cd would skip back and forth. Consumer removed the cd and noticed that the cd was extremely hot. Consumer took vehicle to dealer, and mechanic was not able to duplicate the problem, and the cd player was operating as designed.”
NHTSA complaint #10092632, filed 2004-09, 5,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10241801Aug 1, 2023The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.
- 10240110Jul 11, 2023This bulletin announces the recommended cleaning procedures to followed when encountering vehicles with long time exposure to pollen on painted surfaces on vehicles imported from…
- 10219492Aug 23, 2022This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
- 10219491Aug 23, 2022This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.
- 10198758Jun 17, 2021This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models
- 10198749Jun 7, 2021This bulletin is to advise of SOAâs revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.
- 10187315Feb 1, 2021To help reduce confusion and increase technician efficiency, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has developed the following cross reference list to help locate the appropriate Special…
- 10186364Jan 12, 2021This bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing.
- 10186348Jan 4, 2021The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information.
- 10179378Aug 4, 2020Special Service Tools Cross Reference List.
Equipment: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 2% |
| 2024 | 1 | 1% |
| 2020 | 1 | 0% |
| 2019 | 6 | 1% |
| 2018 | 2 | 0% |
| 2017 | 1 | 0% |
| 2016 | 1 | 0% |
| 2015 | 7 | 1% |
| 2013 | 3 | 1% |
| 2011 | 3 | 0% |
| 2010 | 3 | 1% |
| 2008 | 1 | 0% |
| 2007 | 3 | 2% |
| 2005 | 3 | 1% |
| 2004 | 1 | 1% |
| 2003 | 2 | 2% |
| 2002 | 2 | 1% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
| 2000 | 3 | 1% |
| 1999 | 1 | 1% |
| 1998 | 2 | 2% |
| 1997 | 3 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2003 Subaru Outback
19 complaintsEngine cooling
14 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
13 complaintsSuspension
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsElectrical system
7 complaintsEngine
5 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsTires
5 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsWheels
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Subaru Outback
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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