2003 Subaru Outback Wheels Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 4%of 93 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 3,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the wheels of the 2003 Subaru Outback, 4% of the 93 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 3,500 miles. 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.
“Wheel wells of Subaru Outback pack up with ice while driving in high moisture content snow and slush, causing tires to rub on ice in wheel wells while driving, impeding turning radius and ABS sytem.”
NHTSA complaint #10066323, filed 2004-04, 3,500 miles“2003 Subaru Outback impreza was on the ohio turnpike when the rear lug nuts broke causing the tire to come off of the vehicle. The consumer stated the tires had been rotated 1 week prior. Ohio traffic crash report# 10-0773-90.”
NHTSA complaint #10285375, filed 2009-09“- the contact stated that a company vehicle, a 2003 Subaru Outback , has the same problem that was mentioned in recall campaign # 02v235000. On 02/10/07 while driving 55 MPH under good road conditions the right rear tire came off the vehicle. The contact stated that there was no notice of the wheel having any problems. The contact stated that the recall stated that the wheels may have an off-center diameter. He changed the tire, and drove the vehicle about 30 miles. The current mileage was 111500.”
NHTSA complaint #10182436, filed 2007-02Related recalls
- 02V235000Sep 5, 2002On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 6-cylinder engines, the aluminum wheels may have an off-center diameter.Covers: Subaru Outback 2003, Legacy 2003
Related service bulletins
- 11032035Apr 20, 2026This Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedures to be followed when addressing customer concerns of steering wheel/vehicle body vibration when driving at highway speeds when…
Wheels: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2024 | 2 | 2% |
| 2021 | 6 | 2% |
| 2020 | 5 | 1% |
| 2019 | 2 | 0% |
| 2018 | 11 | 1% |
| 2017 | 5 | 1% |
| 2016 | 3 | 0% |
| 2015 | 8 | 2% |
| 2014 | 2 | 1% |
| 2013 | 6 | 2% |
| 2012 | 2 | 1% |
| 2011 | 10 | 2% |
| 2010 | 5 | 1% |
| 2008 | 5 | 2% |
| 2007 | 3 | 2% |
| 2006 | 6 | 2% |
| 2005 | 9 | 3% |
| 2004 | 1 | 1% |
| 2003 | 4 | 4% |
| 2002 | 2 | 1% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
| 2000 | 2 | 1% |
| 1999 | 1 | 1% |
| 1998 | 4 | 3% |
| 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 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsTires
5 complaintsFuel system
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