2002 Subaru Wagon problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc:rotor (1) · Fuel System, Other (1) · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery (1)
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (103)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Unknown Or Other 2026-10-05 · SubaruNet Announcement (M · Other
this announcement provides information on a new software update for the midtronics dss and dca machines.
Unknown Or Other 2026-09-18 · 13-109-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this bulletin provides paint code information for 2027 model year vehicles.
Unknown Or Other 2026-09-15 · SubaruNet Announcement (C · Other
this announcement provides an update to all 2027 model year subaru warranty coverages for wear items and adjustments.
Unknown Or Other 2026-09-14 · 15-333-25R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. this is an revised version of the original bulletin.
Electrical System 2026-09-14 · 15-304-22R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of infotainment concerns. this is an revised version of the original bulletin.
Electrical System 2026-08-20 · 15-308-23R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this service information bulletin outlines a systematic procedure for diagnosing parasitic draw (dark/standby current) in vehicles experiencing battery drain when the ignition is off, leading to no-start conditions or frequent jump-starts.this is an revised version of the original bulletin.
Showing the 6 most recent of 103 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2008-12-17 · Fuel System, Gasoline · 105,110 mi“with onset of cold weather (less than 25 f) this year, my 2002 suburu outback station wagon (2.5 litre) has a strong gasoline odor in the cabin when engine is started. it happens every time now. it is very strong and there seems to be a fuel leak in the engine compartment. i'm concerned that it could cause a fire (particularly in conjunction wit…”
2008-01-02 · Fuel System, Other“whenever the temperature drops significantly (e.g. below 32deg), a strong gasoline smell is emitted from the car upon starting. it eventually seems to go away over 10-30min, but it can be extremely strong. we just encountered the problem today (the coldest day in allentown this winter), but when we had the problem last year, the dealer was unable…”
2004-11-15 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery · 39,000 mi“my car will startup just fine. upon near a standstill at a light or stop sign it will hestitate or stall completely. i have to keep my left foot on the brake and the right foot on the gas pedal to keep it going. this seems to happen more frequently in colder than hotter weather. i have had this vehicle at vanbortel subaru on 11/1 and they released…”
2004-10-06 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc:rotor · 31,500 mi“i have a 2002 subaru outback wagon. when the vehicle reached around 31,000 miles, it began to shake perceptibly when i applied the brakes. the shaking got progressively worse. i brought the vehicle to the dealer, and it was found that the rotors had worn unevenly. the rotors were turned to correct the problem under the vehicle's 36,000 mile/3 year …”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.