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2001 Subaru Outback Problems and Repair Histories

2001 Subaru Outback  Problems:

2001 Subaru Outback problems reported via the Car Repair History and Car Reliability Surveys

See what people are saying about 2001 Subaru Outback problems

 

2001 Subaru Outbacks for which no problems have been reported are not displayed. So the 2001 Subaru Outback problems and repair histories you see here should not be used to infer car problem frequency.

For 2001 Subaru Outback problem frequency, check the Car Reliability Survey result. For the problems behind the score, check the 2001 Subaru Outback problems and repair histories that follow it.

Year Make/Model Trips/Year/100 Cars Compared to all models for the same year  
2001 Subaru Outback 37 Outbacks, 9.7 months of data per Outback, average 140200 miles

Head gaskets are a common expensive problem with older Subarus.
70
10% Fewest Trips Most Trips
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Non-members can see only ten 2001 Subaru Outback problems and repair histories. Log in or join us to see them all.

Repair costs are in local units.

2001 Subaru Outback

Engine not specified

Subaru Outback in Washington, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Oct 2008 73000   First odometer entry
Dec 2008 75000 250 Car died in middle of a busy street. Was told it needed new alternator, old one running at about 50 percent. Decided to sell instead. 
Jan 2009   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru Outback in District of Columbia, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Sep 2010 175000   First odometer entry
Nov 2010 176000 2800 Transmission, first gear slipping, first estimate at $2800, car has 176K miles... Not worth it, going to attempt a flush and filter replacement in hopes this temporarily resolves slippage... 

 

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2001 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

212-horsepower 3.0L H6 4-speed automatic AWD

Subaru Outback in New York, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Nov 2009 92000   First odometer entry
Feb 2010 93000 200 Idler pulley on serpentine belt seized and unscrewed itself, causing belt to lose tension and power steering, power brakes, alternator, etc to lose power. 
Jul 2011 107000 630 Sway bars AC recharged 
Nov 2011 112000 1350 Bent driveshaft, replaced Exhaust leak, patch welded into place wheel bearing replaced oil leaks, estimate given 
Mar 2013 124000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru Outback in Connecticut, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Jan 2012 116000   First odometer entry
Feb 2012 117000 275 CV joint failure driver side Idler and tensioner pulley bearings failed replaced both pulleys and belt 
Mar 2012 118000 36 Brake hardware on pads was damaged caused clunking noise in front end 
Jun 2012 124000 28 Leaking O-ring on AC comp required replacement and AC recharge 
Mar 2013 139000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru Outback in Oregon, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Jul 2009 106000   First odometer entry
Mar 2010 116000 492 Replaced both rear wheel bearings. Replaced idler bearing. 
Jul 2010 120000 437 Replaced front outer CV boots both sides. Belt broke. Fixed overheating problem by replacing a fan behind the radiator. 
Jan 2012 146000 450 NEW ROTORS, REAR ONLY, PLUS PADS, FRONT OK. PAID FOR REPAIRS WITH VISA. 
Mar 2013 163000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru Outback in Alberta, Canada
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Dec 2010 73780   First odometer entry
Jan 2011 75020 1472 check engine light was on. During repair trips in Oct Nov and Dec technicians informed gaskets, rocker covers needed replaced.  transmission fluid leak detected nov 10 by Kal Tire missed by subaru technicians in oct 10 120 km inspection and service cost was $545. Subuaru service reps made excuses for their failure to notice the leaks. O-ring replaced. 
Dec 2011 79360 500 rear brakes were shot 
May 2012 81800 800 power steering linkage broke replace serpentine belt and tensioner, idler pulley, bracket and bolt. 
Mar 2013 86180   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru Outback in South Africa
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Dec 2009 94240   First odometer entry
Jan 2010 94860 24000 Tail light was leaking into the boot. Needed replacement as it is a sealed unit and seal could not be fixed, but whole light needed to be replaced. Apparently a common problem on these Legacy Outbacks. Left front lower control arm bush was replaced – was leaking oil and rubber was cracked. Front and rear discs skimmed and brake pads replaced – discs were warped and were causing major vibrations on the steering wheel and brake pedal under braking. 
Jul 2010 97960 0 Replaced radiator and main cooling fan. Now looks like head gaskets need replacement. Possibly piston rings and bearings as well. 
Jun 2011   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru Outback in New South Wales, Australia
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Jun 2012 145700   First odometer entry
Dec 2012 154380 400 Radiator replaced. 
Apr 2013 160580   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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2001 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

165-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD

Subaru Outback in Colorado, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Feb 2012 103000   First odometer entry
Jul 2012 107700 2000 repaired head gaskets - oil leak timing belt replaced clutch replaced because engine already out for head gaskets 
Mar 2013 113000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru Outback in California, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Mar 2012 70000   First odometer entry
May 2012 70700 400 CV joint replacement 
Oct 2012 73000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru Outback in Vermont, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Jun 2008 118000   First odometer entry
Jul 2008 119000 160 Knock sensor was not working correctly; car frequently lit CEL. Code "P0325" came up. 
Aug 2008 120000 220 Front brake discs and pads. 
Dec 2008 123000 350 Mechanic replaced the rear-right wheel bearing that was unusually loud. Car was in for other reasons but the bearing was the only non-wear item. 
Feb 2009 124000 450 Radiator was leaking. Noticed it one day while parking car after a snowstorm. Green dots covered the driveway. Mechanic found radiator leaked during high-pressure testing. Dropped car off 8 AM, had loaner for the day. 
Jun 2009 128000 180 Front brakes were warped. Caused noticeable sharking during braking. Made appt. for oil change and to check front brakes. They were resurfaced, and now things are OK. 
Aug 2009 129000 85 Front-right CV boot split, causing a burning smell through the heater vents. Made appt.; fixed in a day. 
Jan 2010 136300 15 Belt slipping. Was tightened right then and there with no appointment needed. Junction Auto (New Haven, VT) is an excellent repair shop. 
Feb 2010 136700 100 Turn signal worn... kept clicking even when not used. Was replaced with one from another car. 
May 2010 140000 1200 Transmission was replaced with used one of similar mileage. There was a bearing failure in the old transmission, causing a clicking sound. Exhaust heat shields rattled since first day of ownership (with 103,000 miles). Never bothered to do anything with it until transmission was replaced. Heat shields were tightened and now car doesn't rattle anymore. 
Sep 2010 144000 200 Oil changed. Needed both steering boots replaced because they were split. Mechanic assumed they were CV boots that needed replacing. Found out they weren't, and didn't have any of the correct ones in stock. Was told to come back 7 days. Steering boots finally arrived. Both were replaced. Four-wheel alignment also done due to taking apart steering components.  
May 2011 150000 893 Both front calipers, all four rotors, plus all brake pads had to be replaced. Front calipers were sticking, rear pads completely worn out, front rotors warped. Heat shields rattling... they were tightened. No more rattles currently. Second time in 50,000 miles of ownership I've needed to do this. 
Oct 2011 153000 0 Bad CV joint. Junction Auto in New Haven, VT promised loaner but said on day of repair I couldn't have one, so CV joint wasn't repaired due to time constraints. Will find different shop. 
Jan 2012 153500 4 Doors froze shut during cold weather. Opened driver's door and weather stripping detached on the bottom, dangling. Super glued back on. 
Feb 2012 154000 60 Viscous coupling binds after it's warmed up. Mechanic replaced fluid. Problem not gone but improved slightly. 
Feb 2013 159000 0 Speedometer and odometer stopped working, but worked while backing up. Disconnected/reconnected battery; worked then failed again. Stopped driving it for a couple hours and it apparently fixed itself. Haven't had an issue since. 
Mar 2013 160000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru Outback in Wisconsin, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Sep 2010 116000   First odometer entry
Nov 2010 120000 120 Pre-cat o2 sensor defective. Replaced o2 sensor. 
Sep 2012 150000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru Outback in California, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Oct 2011 160000   First odometer entry
Dec 2011 164000 1800 Deferred maint: New radiator, new brakes,  catalytic convertors, knock sensor. 
Jan 2012 167000 1200 New axles. Boots for the power steering. 

 

Subaru Outback in Quebec, Canada
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Oct 2010 81220   First odometer entry
Jul 2011 89280 400 I had to replace the exhaust system 
Nov 2012 97120 500 ball joint changed 
Mar 2013 97340 60 coolant fluid leaking 

 

Subaru Outback in California, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
May 2008 75000   First odometer entry
Jun 2008 76000 394 Replaced Rt inner axle boot (DOJ boot) 
Jan 2011 91300 120 The engine code identified the idle air control valve as the problem. My mechanic cleaned the idle air control valve rather than replacing it. This problem crops up every 3 years in the winter time.  
Mar 2012 98000 1143 Replaced timing belt, 2 cam seals, front crank seal, timing belt tensioners, timing belt idler pulley, water pump, thermostat, water pump gasket, thermostat gasket, and spark plugs. 
Aug 2012 100500 260 Difficult to read the mechanics notes, but it looks like "replaced Anful Ratro Sensor." 
Dec 2012 103000 250 Car gradually became more difficult to start, refusing to turn over. When it quit completely, mechanic replaced the starter. 
Mar 2013 106000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru Outback in Michigan, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Jun 2011 47000   First odometer entry
Jun 2012 47000 0 Dead battery 
Mar 2013 48000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru Outback in New York, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
May 2008 118000   First odometer entry
Jun 2011 186000 1800 clutch pedal fell into firewall. rpl master and slave. fail again because of clutch rubber hose. rlp master cylinder again and clutch pack... 
Feb 2012 195500 1400 replaced timing belt, ass. belts, all idles pulleys, water pump, hoses and t-stat... 
Sep 2012 201000 0 would not pass emission test... po420 code was flashing... replaced both o2 sensors and reset the computer... was able to pass inspection.. 
Dec 2012 203000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru Outback in Missouri, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
May 2008 87000   First odometer entry
Dec 2009 99000 160 Fuel rail line is metal, hooked to a rubber fuel line using worm connector. When cold weather sets in, metal line shrinks, allowing fuel leak, which permeates smell in cabin. 
Feb 2010 99000 200 Leaking metal fuel rail line fixed. Valve clatter....told Subarus need valve adjustment every 100K. Will have to take to dealer. Does not prevent driving. Smell of anti-freeze comes from car after shutting engine off. Manifestation of Subaru "Fix" for leaking head gasket/sludge issue with flat-4 engines. Persistent problem that Subaru warranties until 100K. Will take into dealer to fix. 
Jul 2010   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru Outback in California, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Sep 2009 150000   First odometer entry
Jan 2012 206300 150 Replaced tie rod to pass safety inspection. 
Mar 2013 229000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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2001 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

165-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed automatic AWD

Subaru Outback in Oregon, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Mar 2010 95000   First odometer entry
Jun 2011 108000 1700 replace head gasket 
Mar 2012 116000 0 gas smell in car. Mechanic replaced torn fuel hose under warranty from the head gasket replacement CEL came on. Code read catalytic converter malfunction. Repair shop told us not to replace it, they just reset warning light. 
Jan 2013 121000 0 fuel line leak 
Mar 2013 122000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru Outback in North Carolina, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Jun 2011 155000   First odometer entry
Jun 2012 170000 450 Check engine light and grinding noise. Replaced alternator. 
Mar 2013 186000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru Outback in Ontario, Canada
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Mar 2012 135780   First odometer entry
Jun 2012 138880 250 Rusted out joint. Worn out turn signal switch 
Oct 2012 142600 850 Oil leak replaced oil pressure sensor Front wheel boot torn wheel bearing replaced 
Nov 2012 143500 950 Replaced both rear struts and mounts. One mount was broken and one strut was leaking. 
Mar 2013 145700   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru Outback in Iowa, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Nov 2011 203000   First odometer entry
Feb 2012 204700 70 replaced cracked CV joint boot 
Feb 2013 213000 75 Replaced original knock sensor and original spark plug wires 
Mar 2013 213000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru Outback in Wyoming, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Feb 2012 121000   First odometer entry
Mar 2012 121000 30 Ck engine light coming on and going off every week or so. 

 

Subaru Outback in Oregon, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Sep 2011 218000   First odometer entry
Nov 2011 219000 0 Replaced front right tie-rod. 
Nov 2012 230000 162 The check engine light was on. Diagnotics sent back a knock sensor code. The knock sensor had failed and the wires were melted. Replaced sensor and wires. 
Feb 2013 232000 715 catalytic converter, replaced 
Mar 2013 233000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru Outback in California, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Jul 2010 103000   First odometer entry
Aug 2010 105500 150 changed thermostat, water pump, radiator cap, anti-freeze and flushed radiator 
Jun 2012 127000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru Outback in Yukon Territory, Canada
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Apr 2009 110 4 wheel alignment 
Dec 2009 448 Minor tune-up 
Mar 2011 138260 700 Front struts replaced. 

 

Subaru Outback in British Columbia, Canada
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Oct 2009 88660   First odometer entry
Jan 2010 88660 28 wife heard sound from front rim when braking, i checked pads and found one pad on each side wore out. replaced as set  
Jun 2010 96100 24 Resistor block for fan went, only had high speed. 
Sep 2011 119040 250 Torn axle boot above cat. and front bearing making noise. 
Mar 2013 149420   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru Outback in Connecticut, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Aug 2008 60000   First odometer entry
Nov 2008 63000 0 Leak in the cargo area due to "clogged drains" 
Jul 2009 72000 2100 Found oil leak around headgasket.  
Dec 2009 76000 0 replaced 02 sensor. 
Oct 2011   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru Outback in Ohio, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Dec 2009 160000   First odometer entry
Feb 2010 164000 0 Still trying to fix I believe the drain for the moon-roof is clogged. Going to try fixing myself. Two places say the drains are fine??? 
Mar 2010 168000 92 The right front drain tube for the front moon roof was clogged. 
Apr 2010 170300 300 Front axle and serpentine belt replaced. 
Mar 2013 250000 3000 The engine needed to be replaced. 

 

Subaru Outback in Massachusetts, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Apr 2010 119000   First odometer entry
Jun 2010 119800 0 New Alternator and serpentine belt 
Jan 2011 123000 0 Alternator replaced Alternator replaced.  front left interior tie rod replaced Leak in water pump. Replaced water pump, thermostat & gasket New Alternator turned out to have a faulty pulley. Replacement alternator ordered. replaced timing belt 
Mar 2011 123500 1200 Replaced Head Gasket and Valve Cover Gaskets. Valvoline overfilled engine with motor oil. Check Engine light came on b/c Piston 4 misfire due to oil pressure. 
Nov 2011 124000 0 Needed a new catalytic converter. 

 

Subaru Outback in Ohio, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Oct 2009 79000   First odometer entry
Dec 2010 111000 250 replaced timing belt at 110k miles 
Jan 2013 143000 5 Brake light housing was cracked (internally) and leaked water in - continually blowing bulbs (but not fuses...) I pulled the housing, drained the water, drilled a hole in the bottom and its been fine ever since. 
Mar 2013 143000 150 one CV joint on each front half-shaft had a torn boot, both half-shafts replaced ($150 in parts). 

 

Subaru Outback in New York, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
May 2008 82000   First odometer entry
Apr 2009 91000 300 replaced knock sensor 
Feb 2010 103000 2500 Replaced Timing belt, water pump.  Replaced starter. Replaced engine sensor. 
Mar 2013 128000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru Outback in Alberta, Canada
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
May 2008 97960   First odometer entry
Jun 2008 99200 300 After requesting an alighment, it was discovered the right rear alignment parts were seized and needed to be cut out and replaced 
Jun 2011   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru Outback in Illinois, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
May 2009 61000   First odometer entry
Aug 2010 69000 940  
Sep 2012 81000 305 Dealer claimed needed new head gaskets-about $2200.  
Feb 2013 83000 2094 In September dealer claimed needed new head gaskets-about $2200. Today, Jan 24, 2013, a different trusted mechanic confirmed seeing antifreeze between the block and head. So, Jan 30 I dropped off at dealer for repairs; runs quieter now. 

 

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2001 Subaru Outback 4dr Sedan

165-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed automatic AWD

Subaru Outback in California, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Aug 2008 109000   First odometer entry
Oct 2008 115000 1100 New tie rods. 4 wheel alignment. Oil change. New CV joint Brake rotors resurfaced. 
May 2009 120000 0 Car died on road. Wouldn't restart. Tow truck driver was able to start the car. Transmission lockout switch suspected, but wouldn't replicate. 
Jul 2009 124000 0 Check engine light came on after a long trip over mountains, etc. No obvious failure, likely emissions related. Within a week the light went off. I should have it checked out, but likely won't unless it returns. 
Sep 2009 124000 750 #1 cyl misfire. Full valve adjustment. All valves were out of spec. Repair was fully successful, and the car drives like new. fuel injectors replaced.  
Jan 2010 130000 2500 Both head gaskets replaced, heads machined. This is the third time head gaskets were replaced. First repair @45K under warranty, one side replaced, no machining. Second repair at 95k, both gaskets repaired, no machining. This repair at 130k. Timing belt replaced. and Seals. Resurfaced rotors and replaced pads. Cracked axle boot replaced. 
Feb 2010 131000 395 Half shaft replaced. This was in addition to the other side axel boot replaced in January. Two down, two to go. 
Oct 2010 141000 550 Routine brake job. Replaced all 4 rotors, 2 pads. Tires balanced. rotated. 
Mar 2013 161000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

Subaru Outback in Colorado, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
Jan 2010 109000   First odometer entry
Feb 2010 110000 840 Head gaskets and timing belt. Subaru of America paid 75% of the head gaskets, since they were under recall, and BARELY out of warranty.  Also knock sensor. Timing belt is expensive, but listed under the standard maintenance items at 105K miles.  
Aug 2010 118000 15 "Arcing" of #3 spark plug. Local mechanic replaced #3 plug wire with a used one from their shop, and replaced the #3 plug. The electrical charge was flowing down the OUTSIDE of the plug, making a long black streak & burning the plug wire. 
Sep 2010 119000 440 Replaced passenger-side CV Boot. mechanic says that it is always the "right" CV boot that fails, because it is mounted directly above the (hot) catalytic converter. Replaced Turn-Signal module, switch, and stalk. The "Turn Left" position had not worked for months. $114 for the part. Entire assembly replaces. This was NOT the bulb, problem in the switch area. Replaced bad knock sensor causing "Check Engine" light. Mechanic said that it was not a "necessary" fix, but I might lose some power AND having the "Check Engine" light stuck ON all the time might mask any other problems tha 
Mar 2013 155000   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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2001 Subaru Outback 4-door

6-cylinder automatic AWD

Subaru in California, United States
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
May 2008 73000   First odometer entry
Jun 2008 74000 250 The driver and passenger window gaskets, or gussets around the side mirrors were replaced due to excessive wind noise. This is known problem with this model and year Subaru. 
Mar 2010   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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2001 Subaru Outback 4-door

4-cylinder manual AWD

Subaru Outback in Saskatchewan, Canada
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
May 2009 96720   First odometer entry
Dec 2009 99820 0 Headgasket failure. Was leaking badly on one side(driver), and the pass side was just starting to leak. 

 

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2001 Subaru Outback 4-door

4-cylinder automatic AWD

Subaru Outback in Ontario, Canada
Month Year Odometer
(in miles)
Cost Problem/Repair Description
May 2008 49600   First odometer entry
May 2009 57660 800 Electronic device failed and was replaced. As well rear suspension rubber bushings were replaced. Your form above assumes only one problem! 
Jul 2009 58900 995 rotors replaced, pad replaced Bearing in Transmission noisy. Changed transmission oil and added additive, and the noise disappeared. 
Sep 2009   Most recent odometer entry.

 

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