2003 Subaru Outback Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 10%of 93 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 84,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the suspension of the 2003 Subaru Outback, 10% of the 93 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 84,000 miles. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
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.
“I am the original owner 2003- current/2013. Accelerating from a stop light in traffic, I heard a very loud snap and the right rear side of my car fell to within an inch of the right rear tire. I was able to drive the car, slowly, to a Subaru specialist. I was told the right rear strut rusted and broke after only 7 years and less than 87k miles. I was forced to replace the strut assembly since this was a safety issue. The car has always been driven year round in maine and new hampshire. There's no excuse for this type of rust and breakdown of any major component with relatively low miles. …”
NHTSA complaint #10510665, filed 2013-05, 87,000 miles“Accelerating from complete stop, I heard a loud snap from the right rear wheel well. Upon inspection by an ase mechanic, it was determined that the right rear strut and assembly had rusted out and broken on a vehicle with only 81,000 miles on it. The car is located in a very high salt use state, maine, and this seems to be the exact type of rusting and breakage problem other Subaru's have previously been recalled for in high salt use areas.”
NHTSA complaint #10339457, filed 2010-06, 81,000 miles“Driving home from work noticed car was not handling correctly. Had certified mechanic check and he found the drive side rear spring lower mount had failed due to rust. Also noted that passenger side lower spring mount was starting to fail. The car is driven in the ny , nj, ct, mass, nh and maine states year round. Car has been maintained in accordance with Subaru specifications. I am the original owner and have been at the same address and did not receive any recalls for the rear, nor for the front components. Will be contacting Subaru corporate on the next business day.”
NHTSA complaint #10503356, filed 2013-03, 134,630 miles“Car is a 2003 Subaru Outback with around 60,000 miles on it. It is registered and driven in vermont year-round. The driver's side rear strut rusted severely which resulted in the lower spring mount to separate from the strut. This caused the spring to fall and come to a rest on the lower strut mount bolt. Fortunately, this did not result in an accident when it occurred however this is a concerning failure on a low mileage vehicle. I am currently in the process of having the vehicle repaired which will entail replacing the strut which failed.”
NHTSA complaint #10355798, filed 2010-09, 60,000 miles“My wheel bearing failed in both front wheels--passenger side at about 79,000 miles and drivers side at about 84,000 miles. The car is a 2003 Subaru Outback.”
NHTSA complaint #10239062, filed 2008-08, 84,000 milesRelated recalls
- 03V232000Jun 26, 2003On some passenger and sport utility vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa…Covers: Subaru Outback 2003, Legacy 2003
- 03V153000Apr 22, 2003This recall applies to certain passenger vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa…Covers: Subaru Outback 2000–2003, Legacy 2000–2003
Related service bulletins
- 11008259Sep 4, 2024This bulletin outlines the judgment criteria to be used when inspecting front transverse link bushings to reduce unnecessary bushing replacement.
- 11005593Jul 8, 2024This Bulletin provides guidance for diagnosing a leaking front or rear suspension strut.
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 5% |
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2024 | 3 | 3% |
| 2022 | 3 | 1% |
| 2021 | 2 | 1% |
| 2020 | 3 | 0% |
| 2019 | 7 | 1% |
| 2018 | 9 | 1% |
| 2017 | 6 | 1% |
| 2016 | 1 | 0% |
| 2015 | 5 | 1% |
| 2014 | 5 | 2% |
| 2013 | 15 | 5% |
| 2012 | 4 | 1% |
| 2011 | 21 | 3% |
| 2010 | 26 | 7% |
| 2009 | 5 | 5% |
| 2008 | 12 | 5% |
| 2007 | 14 | 11% |
| 2006 | 37 | 13% |
| 2005 | 56 | 21% |
| 2004 | 4 | 4% |
| 2003 | 9 | 10% |
| 2002 | 4 | 3% |
| 2001 | 19 | 11% |
| 2000 | 24 | 12% |
| 1999 | 13 | 12% |
| 1998 | 3 | 2% |
| 1997 | 4 | 5% |
| 1996 | 4 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2003 Subaru Outback
19 complaintsEngine cooling
14 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
13 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsBrakes
7 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 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