2003 Subaru Outback engine problems
Owners reported engine problems in 19 complaints for the 2003 Subaru Outback, 16% of the complaints on file. It is the 2nd most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 19 16% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 80,000 miles 17 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 0 and 0
- Injuries and deaths
- 0 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When engine problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 4 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 2 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 1 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 1 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 6 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 0 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 3 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 0 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 0 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 0 |
What the data shows
Of the 17 engine complaints that report mileage, the median is about 80,000 miles, and 41% were reported before 60,000 miles.
None of the engine complaints mention a crash, fire, injury or death.
What owners wrote
Car keeps shutting off in infrequent intervals. First at 375 miles and by 9000 miles it did it 9 times. The car has been at the dealer 6 times and just now subaru is admitting to having other cars with this issue. All 2003 6 cylinder engines. I was told after the 4th time at the dealer that they cannot fix it, end of story. Then after filing a complaint with the attorney general office they are working on it again. They are now starting to replace stuff and want to put a black box in.
Consumer states that while driving and without warning the vehicle will stall. The dealer was notified. When braking to stop or make a turn the vehicle will stall. The consumer was told that thee are other vehicles (same make/model) with the same problem. *scc
Other problems reported for the 2003 Subaru Outback
- Air bags 19 complaints