2000 Subaru Outback: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 207 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (18% of complaints); the 1998 and 1999 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Nov 2013
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 207 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The rear sub-frame is rotted and about to break. While driving the sub-frame is shifting causing loud banging. When starting, stopping and driving the loud banging is heard from the shifting of the rotted sub-frame.”Owner report · Suspension · Feb 2016
“While driving at low speed on a town street the check engine light came on, followed by the odor of gas fumes. Subsequent inspection by experienced subaru mechanics revealed a simultaneous failure of the a/c compressor, catalytic converter, a headlight bulb and finally, a damaged fuel line that was spraying a mist of gasoline over the entire engine compartment. The mechanics had never seen a situation like this before, and had no explanation for how these components could have failed at the same time. The fuel line and bulb were replaced.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Nov 2015
“I was advised by a mechanic on 4/20/15 that the rear cradle is very rusty, enough that I should avoid carrying heavy loads. I just noticed on this website that there was a recall in 2003 for inadequate rustproofing of that part; however, we never received notice of a recall. Can this be repaired or replaced now? There was no incident associated with this problem.”Owner report · Suspension · Apr 2015
Show 7 more owner reports
“Stopped for a red light. When the light turned green car would not go forward because the automatic transmission would not engage forward gears. Evidently this is a common problem with a known defect and expensive repair. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2014
“There was a burned rubber smell and noise coming from the left rear wheel area of the car. The suspension subframe snapped and caused the left rear tire to be shaved from contact with the wheel well. We were told by our mechanic that we had no recourse on this recall and he offered us $500 for the vehicle stating that we could not get it fixed by subaru. We also called subaru and they said that there was no recall for our VIN #. We are checking to make sure this is true or not. *tr”Owner report · Suspension · Mar 2014
“During cold weather when the climate control system is set to fresh air, a gasoline odor enters the cabin. There is apparent fuel line leak that only occurs during cold weather. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jan 2014
“In cold weather (usually 25 f and below) there is a strong fuel smell. Worse the colder it gets. I am worried for my baby's health and also worried I was inhaling this leaking fuel throughout my pregnancy. It is obviously not something that should be happening and is unhealthy. I reported this to a mechanic shop and they rebuilt the engine because of other issues. They said this rebuilding would fix the fuel leak/smell also. It lessened it, but it is still there every time it is cold out. It dissipates after driving it for a while. I have come to understand this is a widespread issue and there really should be a recall. *tr”Owner report · Engine · Nov 2013
“I smelled gas in car in sepy 2013. A fuel pump was gasket was replace.10/2013 fuel pump replaced.11/2013 above fuel pump removed & replaced. Gas smell still present,not as strong.I want to know if this is an issue with subaru's.if so or if not,what will correct the gas smell? *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Sep 2013
“After looking at some of the complaints about the sub frame recall.my mechanic looked at the sub frame on a lift and explained that it was rusted thru and unfixable.if this car was properly undercoated under the recall it would not be in this condition.I called subaru and they said the work was done on the car per the recall.it is funny how there is no other rust than in the spot where the work was supposed to be done.I paid $4200 for this car and want my money back subaru should be held accountable for unsatisfactory repairs.if this breaks it could cause serious injury to my self and others.then the car is junk. *tr”Owner report · Suspension · Jul 2013
“Tl* the contact owns a 2000 subaru outback. The contact stated that while driving 60 mph, he heard an abnormally loud noise from the engine as the vehicle failed to accelerate. The vehicle was moved to the shoulder and upon further inspection, the contact discovered a fire under the hood. The flames spread to the two front tires, which then exploded. The contact was not injured. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and was awaiting diagnosis. The failure and current mileage was 200,000.”Owner report · Engine · May 2013
When filing, owners marked a crash in 17 of these complaints and injuries in 7 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
Airtex Products LP (Airtex) is recalling certain model E8598M, E8518M, E8600M, E8596M, and E8597M fuel pumps manufactured July 26, 2013, and July 29, 2013 and used as aftermarket replacements on Subaru Baja's, Outback's and Legacy's. The affected fuel pumps were sold or installed into the aftermarket applications on or after July 26, 2013, and may may leak fuel from the base of a fuel line connection when the gas tank is full.
Remedy: Airtex will notify owners, and will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Recall is expected to begin on January 2, 2014. Customers may contact Airtex at 1-800-880-3056. The recall is expected to begin during January 2014. This recall is being conducted by Airtex, not by Subaru.
THIS RECALL APPLIES TO CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. CERTAIN REAR SUSPENSION SUBFRAME COMPONENTS WERE PRODUCED WITH POOR PAINT QUALITY WHICH, AFTER CONTINUED EXPOSURE TO CORROSIVE ROAD SALTS FOR A PERIOD OF SEVERAL YEARS, COULD RESULT IN RUST-OUT OF THE COMPONENT AND POSSIBLE BREAKAGE OF THE SUBFRAME.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL CLEAN AND RUST-PROOF THE REAR SUSPENSION SUBFRAME. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 14, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
How other years compare
Check your exact Outback by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2000 Subaru Outback reliable?
NHTSA has 207 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2000 Subaru Outback. The most complained-about area is power train (18% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2000 Subaru Outback problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 68,947 miles or less.
Does the 2000 Subaru Outback have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.