VehicleVerdict

2000 Subaru Outback problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2000 Subaru Outback sits mid-pack among Outback years: 247 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 260, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations. Reports tied to this model year include 5 deaths and 11 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (44), engine (41), and tires & wheels (36), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

247

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

22

Crash-involved

9

Fires reported

11

Injuries

5

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2000 compare to other Outback years?

Outback NHTSA complaints by model year, 2000 highlighted1,282 complaints1995: 3 complaints1996: 57 complaints1997: 94 complaints1998: 165 complaints1999: 150 complaints2000: 247 complaints2001: 207 complaints2002: 172 complaints2003: 116 complaints2004: 108 complaints2005: 354 complaints2006: 404 complaints2007: 182 complaints2008: 281 complaints2009: 142 complaints2010: 466 complaints2011: 855 complaints2012: 367 complaints2013: 406 complaints2014: 275 complaints2015: 640 complaints2016: 769 complaints2017: 1,102 complaints2018: 986 complaints2019: 1,282 complaints2020: 1,126 complaints2021: 405 complaints2022: 543 complaints2023: 119 complaints2024: 130 complaints2025: 104 complaints2026: 11 complaints
Outback NHTSA complaints by model year, 2000 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Outback years to avoid →

What are the most common 2000 Subaru Outback problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission4418%
Engine4117%
Tires & Wheels3615%
Suspension2410%
Brakes146%
Speed Control146%
Body & Structure135%
Fuel System125%
Seat Belts94%
Electrical System83%
Visibility & Wipers62%
Lighting62%
Other62%
Airbags52%
Steering42%
Child Seat31%
Latches & Locks21%

Does the 2000 Subaru Outback have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

13E065000Fuel SystemNovember 29, 2013 · 397 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

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.

03V153000SuspensionApril 22, 2003 · 170,000 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

IF SUCH BREAKAGE OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED, CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE COULD BE AFFECTED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“CLUTCH AND FLYWHEEL CAUGHT FIRE WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. CAR HAS 36000 MILES ON IT AND IS SERVICED BY THE DEALER REGULARLY. DEALER CHARGED ME $1200 TO REPLACE THE CLUTCH AND SAID THAT IT WAS MY FAULT, THAT I MUST "RIFE THE CLUTCH" OR HABITUALLY OVERLOAD THE VEHICLE, NEITHER OF WHICH IS TRUE. I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 20, 2003 · fire

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 4, 2013 · fire

“TIRE BLEW OUT ON HIGHWAY CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE. NO KNOWN OBJECTS HIT. ACCIDENT OCCURRED AFTER DRIVING FROM SOUTH CAROLINA TO VIRGINIA IN HOT WEATHER. TIRE WAS SHREDDED LEAVING LITTLE TIRE ON WHEEL. *AK( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 225/60R16 )”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · July 22, 2000 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE KEPT PULLING TO THE RIGHT, AND FRONT END WAS WOBBLING, CAUSED BY THE CARRIAGE BOLT THAT FELL OFF. DEALER CONTACTED.*AK WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING THE BIKE RACK DROPPED DOWN. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON DUE TO EVAPORATION LEAK FROM SYSTEM AND LOOSE GAS CAP.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · July 5, 2002

“WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH CRUISE CONTROL FAILED. THIS CAUSED CONSUMER'S TO LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE LEFT THE PAVEMENT AND WENT OVER A STEEP BANK. THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER AT LEAST TWO TIMES LANDING ON IT'S ROOF. CONSUMER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES, AND WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL. VEHICLE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · September 21, 2004 · crash

2000 Subaru Outback — common questions

Is the 2000 Subaru Outback reliable?

It is close to typical for the Outback: 247 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2000 Outback problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (44 complaints), engine (41 complaints), tires & wheels (36 complaints).

Does the 2000 Subaru Outback have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2000 Subaru Outback. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Subaru Outback years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Outback years to avoid are 2019, 2020, 2017, 2018, 2011, 2016, 2015, 2022, 2010, 2013, 2021, 2006, 2005, 2003, 2004. The cleanest record among Outback years belongs to 1995.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.