2003 Subaru Outback Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 10%of 93 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 28,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 2003 Subaru Outback, 10% of the 93 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 28,500 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is 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.
“The vehicle surged after coming to a stop when the brakes were applied. The dealer reset the computer, but could not duplicate the problem. The vehicle surged numerous times after that, always after coming to a stop. The consumer had taken the vehicle to a different dealer, who suggested the computer be refreshed. The vehicle had not surged since then.”
NHTSA complaint #10040053, filed 2003-10, 1,300 miles“Accelerator on vehicle stuck on interstate highway. Tried to put vehicle into neutral however RPM's spun to 7000. Had to eventually turn car off in drive after riding approximately 2 miles with both feet on brake. Dealership unable to identify any issues, and told me it'll probably not happen again”
NHTSA complaint #10122351, filed 2005-05, 70,000 miles“Throttle stiff when first opened. Rpm's will jump when throttle pressed. Not smooth at all. Hard to regulate speed, without bucking. Dealer says this is normal for computer regulated car. Baloney.”
NHTSA complaint #10066366, filed 2004-04, 1 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Subaru Outback. While driving 10 MPH, engaging the brakes, the vehicle accelerated to the highest RPM's and hit the vehicle in front of her. The vehicle steering, brakes, gears were all locked. The gas pedal was stuck and the vehicle continued to accelerate rapidly. She was able to turn the engine off by using the key. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that they were unable to diagnose the failure. The front end in the fender area was damaged and the passenger door did not open. …”
NHTSA complaint #10221473, filed 2008-03, 37,000 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the cruise control would not disengage. She had to shift the vehicle into neutral gear in order to slow down. The contact was then able to drive onto the emergency lane and have the vehicle towed to a dealer. The dealers diagnosis confirmed that there was nothing wrong since they were unable to duplicate the failure. The accelerator pedal became stuck and the dealer stated that the floor mat had to be the cause. The vehicle will be taken to the dealer for additional diagnostic test. …”
NHTSA complaint #10348489, filed 2010-08, 85,000 milesRelated recalls
- 04V128000Mar 16, 2004On certain passenger sedans, wagons, and sport utility vehicles, the cruise control cable could come out of its track on the cruise control lever and lodge on…Covers: Subaru Outback 2001–2004, Legacy 2001–2004, Impreza 2002–2004
Vehicle speed control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 10% |
| 2025 | 2 | 2% |
| 2024 | 3 | 3% |
| 2023 | 3 | 3% |
| 2022 | 4 | 1% |
| 2021 | 19 | 6% |
| 2020 | 18 | 2% |
| 2019 | 26 | 3% |
| 2018 | 21 | 3% |
| 2017 | 29 | 3% |
| 2016 | 22 | 3% |
| 2015 | 26 | 5% |
| 2014 | 14 | 7% |
| 2013 | 26 | 9% |
| 2012 | 8 | 3% |
| 2011 | 26 | 4% |
| 2010 | 13 | 4% |
| 2009 | 2 | 2% |
| 2008 | 6 | 3% |
| 2007 | 17 | 13% |
| 2006 | 98 | 35% |
| 2005 | 40 | 15% |
| 2004 | 20 | 22% |
| 2003 | 9 | 10% |
| 2002 | 12 | 8% |
| 2001 | 17 | 10% |
| 2000 | 14 | 7% |
| 1999 | 9 | 8% |
| 1998 | 13 | 10% |
| 1997 | 8 | 10% |
| 1996 | 4 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2003 Subaru Outback
19 complaintsEngine cooling
14 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
13 complaintsSuspension
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 30, 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