2003 Subaru Outback Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 5%of 93 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 73,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the body and structure of the 2003 Subaru Outback, 5% of the 93 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 73,000 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.
“While driving home, the car just shut down on the highway,and we had to glide off to the side. Had to have it towed. Our mechanic had to replace the entire engine. He did not know why it failed. Now, after researching this site, I see that there was a recall due to faulty water pump in 2003. I am wondering if this costly incident was a result of this not being repaired? How can I find this out please? I purchased the vehicle certified used from a local dealership. I would also like to mention the unusually large amount of rusting underneath the car, as well as in the wheel areas. Thank you.”
NHTSA complaint #10691408, filed 2015-03, 90,000 miles“My 2003 Subaru Outback, ll bean model with 17,378 miles, developed a serious water leak through the roof, on jun. 2, 2005. I purchased this vehicle new and purchased an extended warranty. This problem re-occurred on october 17th with the interior flooded which necessitated the carpeting in the rear to be completely replaced. On nov. 10th, 2005, after a light rain, the roof leaked again for the 3rd. Time. The car is in the dealer service now.”
NHTSA complaint #10142569, filed 2005-11, 19,035 miles“Water is getting into the rear door of Outback Subaru wagon causing the corroding of rear light harnesses. Taillight failed to operate and had assembly had to be replaced. Dealer can't determine how/why water is getting into the rear door. After heavy rain, the water can be heard moving around in the door. Water drains out when the door is opened.”
NHTSA complaint #10200852, filed 2007-08, 73,000 miles“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“The contact owns a 2003 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the rear suspension subframe was rusted and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that there was a recall regarding the rear suspension subframe corrosion, but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified. The recall details and failure mileage were unknown.”
NHTSA complaint #10948991, filed 2017-02, 100,000 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 2003 Subaru Outback
19 complaintsEngine cooling
14 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
13 complaintsSuspension
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsElectrical system
7 complaintsEngine
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