10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
28,071 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2003 Subaru Outback seat belts / air bags problems

seat belts / air bags problem

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2003 Subaru Outback Owner Comments

problem #18

Aug 242018

Outback

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

2003 Subaru Outback. Consumer writes in regards to defective front passenger side airbag. The consumer refused to have the recall repair completed due to being afraid of entering an intersection leading to the dealer's repair shop.

- El Paso, TX, USA

problem #17

Dec 222017

Outback

  • miles
Takata recall. The closest Subaru dealership is 125 miles away. When I called Subaru we were told that the car must be repaired at a Subaru dealership. This constitutes a hardship for us to have a manufacturer defect repaired for a number of reasons. 1) I am handicapped and have trouble sitting in a car for that long. 2) there is 3 feet of snow on the ground 3) this is our only mode of Transport.

- Dafter, MI, USA

problem #16

Nov 032017

Outback

  • 74,221 miles
On or about Oct 23, 2017, received 3rd notice of airbag recall. Appt with Subaru missoula, mt for recall. At 9:45 on fri Nov 3, 2017 informed that the manager "just a few minutes ago" received, recall of recall" and no parts there. My 2003 "may not need a replacement." Said would do a check to see. Under protest I signed, after 1 and half hours, requested another signature which also under protest I signed. "it won't cost you anything." 85 year old single woman. 50 miles nearest Subaru dealer. Nothing said about result of test. Keys returned to me.

- Hamilton, Mt, MT, USA

problem #15

Sep 152016

Outback

  • 131,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My 2003 Subaru Outback had a bad airbag inflator and has also blown the head gasket several times, requiring it to be rebuilt three times. While I love my Outback, I wonder if I will want to buy another one. Being stranded by my car and having to take the bus in the winter time was very difficult as was hauling groceries on the bus in a rolling suitcase while awaiting repairs.

- Portland, OR, USA

problem #14

Mar 052016

Outback

  • miles
We received a postcard about the takata problem from cochran Subaru of butler county pa. Per instructions, we called. They told us parts were not available and we would be contacted when parts became available. We have not heard from the dealer or from Subaru usa. Where does that leave us?

- Renfrew, PA, USA

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problem #13

Nov 222012

Outback

  • 60 miles
Air bag recall.

- West Palm Beach, FL, USA

problem #12

Jan 192015

Outback

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 Subaru Outback. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V359000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The VIN was unknown. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

- Goffstown, NH, USA

problem #11

Jan 012016

Outback

  • miles
Takata recall. Have been waiting nearly 1 year for airbag replacement.

- Georgetown, SC, USA

problem #10

Jun 172016

Outback 4-cyl

  • miles
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 Subaru Outback. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V359000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. Updated 03/16/17 the consumer stated the recall repair was completed. Updated 09/07/2017

- Reidsville, NC, USA

problem #9

Oct 172016

Outback

  • miles
The contact owns a 2003 Subaru Outback. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V359000 (air bags); however, the part for the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. Parts distribution disconnect.

- Everett, PA, USA

problem #8

Aug 262016

Outback

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Takata recall

- Whitesburg, TN, USA

problem #7

Jul 012016

Outback

  • 140,000 miles
Takata recall: The passenger side air bag needs to be replaced. Subaru have told me that they do not have the parts needed for this recall. My wife and I are over seventy and I need to use this vehicle with her in the passenger seat. If replacement is currently impossible, Subaru needs to provide me with a loaner.

- Anacortes, WA, USA

problem #6

Aug 152016

Outback

  • miles
Takata recall: Subaru has sent me a letter informing me of the recall. They further state that I should not drive with a passenger, and that they don't have parts to effect repairs. This is unacceptable. What car should I drive when my family needs to go somewhere?

- Weaverville, NC, USA

problem #5

Jul 272016

Outback

  • miles
Takata recall--this is my only mode of transportation. I've read of the deaths from explosion of the takata air bags which could hit anyone in the car. I feel it very unsafe for me and my passengers to ride in this car which makes my car unusable. Subaru has no date in site as to when they can replace this defective air bag. I was about to sell my car, but now it has no value nor would anyone want to buy it or ride in it. I find that having no remedy unsatisfactory as well as having no safe transportation. What am I to do?

- East Falmouth, MA, USA

problem #4

Aug 082016

Outback

  • miles
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 Subaru Outback. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V3410000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

- Topsham, ME, USA

problem #3

May 242016

Outback

  • miles
Takata recall, I want to make sure my vehicle is not affected. If so, then I want the faulty air bags replaced at no charge to me.

- Clifton, NJ, USA

problem #2

Aug 062015

Outback

  • 160,000 miles
Takata recall this may pertain to the takata air bag recall. My wife and I were in a "T-bone" type collision at ~45 mph and the driver and passenger airbags failed to deploy in our 2003 Outback. When I check the VIN I did not see any open recalls nor did I ever receive any recall notifications for the car.

- Laramie, WY, USA

problem #1

Apr 012015

Outback

  • miles
This car is on the list for recall, but when I put in the VIN it says that there is no open recalls. What gives" I have contacted Subaru of America and they confirm that my car has a takata airbag inflator on the passenger side. Why am I not getting a recall notice"

- Redding, CA, USA

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