Common Problems, Issues, Recalls, and Reliability

  • Vibration or Shudder on Acceleration

    A vibration or shudder may be noted on acceleration. If the transmission torque converter is suspected a revised part is available to correct this concern.

  • Cooling System Problems Cause Head Gasket Failure

    The head gasket has a high failure rate due to cooling system problems. Subaru is aware of the problem and has extended the warranty to 8 years/100k miles on many vehicles.

  • Subaru Front O2 Sensor Recall

    The front oxygen (air fuel ratio) sensor element may develop a crack, causing the Check Engine Light to illuminate. Subaru has recalled certain models to replace sensors that may fail. The Subaru service program number is WXW-80, this is not a government mandated recall.

  • Engine Oil May Leak From Camshaft/Crankshaft Front Seals

    Front engine oil leaks can develop from the camshaft seal and the crankshaft front seal . If one or more seals require replacement, it may be wise to consider replacing the timing belt as well. These seals are commonly inspected and replaced as needed as part of a timing belt service.

  • Oil Pump Seal May Leak

    The leak may develop from the oil pump seal. Our technicians prefer to use thread locker when replacing the seal to prevent the bolts from becoming loose again.

2002 Questions and Answers

Related Questions

  • Subaru Outback Belt Squealing

    2002 SUBARU OUTBACK, 4 CYL, AWD, AUTOMATIC, 175, 000 MILES

    related to general, noises, squeal

    I have a 02 outback and the engine or belts squeal while idling and goes away after a little bit of driving. I have been using belt dressing/belt quieter but the squealing always returns, how may I..

  • Subaru Outback 2002 Subaru Outback Engine Code P0778

    2002 SUBARU OUTBACK, 2.5L, 4 CYL, AWD, AUTOMATIC, 137, 000 MILES

    related to trouble-codes, p-codes-powertrain, p0700-p0799, p0778

    Start Car Engine Light On, Trans Light On Goes Out. Less Than A Minute The Trans Light Is flashing. Put Car In Gear, Not Sure If It Is In Ist Gear Or Not. Move Car It Feels Life It Shifted (not smoo..

  • Subaru Outback Fuel Pump Relay Location Please

    2002 SUBARU OUTBACK

    related to fuel-system, fuel-pump, relay, location

    I need to know the location of my fuel pump relay? @media(max-width: 960px) { .adt { display: none;padding:0; } } Tuesday, November 15th, 2011 AT 6:01 PM ..

  • Subaru Outback Engine Cooling System

    2002 SUBARU OUTBACK, 3.0L, 6 CYL, AWD, AUTOMATIC, 220, 000 MILES

    related to engine-cooling, radiator, cap

    H6 vdc model. Recent overheat issue. Discovered lower hose had a hole in it and leaked coolant out. Also noticed the radiator cap was broken. I am not sure if pieces of the radiator cap are ..

  • Subaru Outback Location Of Fuel Tank Shut Off Valve

    2002 SUBARU OUTBACK, 3.0L, 6 CYL, 4WD, AUTOMATIC, 208, 000 MILES

    related to fuel-system, tank, location

    Does this vehicle have a fuel pump reset button? Not enough fuel pressure to keep engine running. Have replaced fuel pump and fuel pump relay. @media(max-width: 960px) { .adt { display: none;pad..

  • Subaru Outback Radio And Wipers Sometimes Do Not Work

    2002 SUBARU OUTBACK, 2.5L, 4 CYL, 4WD, AUTOMATIC, 170, 000 MILES

    related to interior, radio, not-working

    When I start the car it may take a while for the radio and wipers to work, sometimes a long while. What could be the problem? @media(max-width: 960px) { .adt { display: none;padding:0; } } ..

  • Subaru Outback Starts An Runs Just For A Few Seconds

    2002 SUBARU OUTBACK, 3.0L, 6 CYL, 4WD, AUTOMATIC, 150, 000 MILES

    related to fuel-system, fuel-pump, relay

    I have replaced the fuel pump, fuel pump relay, fuel pump regulator and removed the fuel line before it goes in fuel filter. Gas squirts very little. Could it be the crank shaft sensor? @media..

  • Subaru Outback 2002 Subaru Outback Air Bag Light Is Lit & Horn...

    2002 SUBARU OUTBACK, 4 CYL, 4WD, AUTOMATIC, 80, 000 MILES

    related to warning-lights, airbag-light

    Can a horn malfunction cause the air bag light to light? And if so, is this an expensive repair? I understand that if the air bags need replacement, this is a major job. Is a cost of $ 800 i..

  • Subaru Outback 2002 Subaru Outback Burning Rubber Smell

    2002 SUBARU OUTBACK, 6 CYL, AWD, AUTOMATIC, 111, 000 MILES

    related to body, hood, open

    My 2002 Subaru Outback 3.0 has recently begun emitting a burning rubber smell detectable around the front right quarter after parking the vehicle, as if it's coming from the wheel. When I open the ..

  • Subaru Outback 2002 Subaru Outback Catalytic Converters

    2002 SUBARU OUTBACK, 4 CYL, AWD, AUTOMATIC, 100, 000 MILES

    related to exhaust, catalytic-converter, replace-remove

    My 2002 Subaru has run great and very little repair problems. Maintenance done regularly. Recently the check engine light showed the cat. Conv. Is failing - light keeps coming on. Finally had it ..

  • Subaru Outback 2002 Subaru Outback Check Engine Light

    2002 SUBARU OUTBACK, 4 CYL, AWD, AUTOMATIC, 15, 500 MILES

    related to warning-lights, check-engine-light

    It actually has 155,000. The check engine light came on. I took it to a friend who said it was the converter clutch solenoid. The light stayed off for 5 days but is back on now. What does the c..

  • Subaru Outback 2002 Subaru Outback Thermostat Or Water Pump

    2002 SUBARU OUTBACK, 4 CYL, AWD, AUTOMATIC, 16, 400 MILES

    related to engine-cooling, water-pump, replace-remove

    My car runs hot mostly when it is cold out, or if I go up steep hills. A mechanic told me it was my water pump but I am not satisfied with that. It started last winter and when it started to run ho..

  • Subaru Outback 2002 Subaru Outback Vibration & Rattle After...

    2002 SUBARU OUTBACK, 4 CYL, AWD, AUTOMATIC, 160, 000 MILES

    related to general, noises, rattle

    I just had my catalytic converter replaced in my Outback. When I got my car back there was a lot of rattle and vibration. I took it back to the dealer and they said it was "normal" to have a rattl..

  • Subaru Outback Windshield Wipers Do Not Work

    2002 SUBARU OUTBACK

    related to body, wiper, not-working

    All wheel drive manual both the passenger side and driver side windshield wipers are not working. When I turn them on I only hear a very faint clicking noise of a motor and when I move the blad..

  • Subaru Outback Taillights Not Working

    2002 SUBARU OUTBACK, 4 CYL, 4WD, AUTOMATIC, 160, 000 MILES

    related to exterior-light, running-light, not-working

    Car listed above is a four door sedan. All exterior lights works inc. Reverse and amber also okay, but for all 4 taillights won't work. Bulbs and fuses okay. Visible connections appear okay. ..

2002 Maintenance and Repair