2002 Subaru Wagon problems
The Subaru Outback is an automotive nameplate used by the Japanese automaker Subaru for two different SUV-themed vehicles: a Legacy-derived crossover station wagon, the Outback (1994–present, also sold as Legacy Outback (Japanese: スバル・レガシィアウトバック, Hepburn: Subaru Regashi Autobakku) in some markets), and an Impreza-derived off-road themed hatchback, the Outback Sport (1994–2011).
Most versions of the Outback wagon and Outback Sport have had all-wheel drive as standard equipment.
History
The original Outback station wagon was derived from the wagon variant of the second-generation Subaru Legacy. The first-generation Legacy, which made its debut in 1989, did not receive the cosmetic and suspension modifications to create an Outback version, although Subaru offered an Outdoor option package for the 1994 model year Legacy L all-wheel drive model, which added a compressed air strut height adjustable suspension, a luggage rack, a skidplate, and mud flaps.
Earlier, a raised-roof "Touring Wagon" variant had been offered on the preceding Subaru Leone for the 1988 and 1989 model years. Subaru also sold a raised-roof variant (chassis code BF) of the first-generation Legacy wagon outside the United States. North American Legacy wagons were only offered as the flat-roof variant (chassis code BJ) until a special "GT" model was marketed for the 1994 model year.
The second-generation Legacy wagon became the first generation of the Outback crossover series, called the "Legacy Grand Wagon" in Japan in 1995, and the "Legacy Outback" in most other markets. Compared to the existing Legacy wagon, the "Outback" variant added partial protective plastic side body cladding for off-road conditions, used a raised roof, and would later raise the suspension to provide additional ground clearance. It was introduced at the 1994 New York Auto Show. Aside from other small differences in trim, the Outback shares almost all of its components with the Legacy donor model.
When launched in Australia in 1996, the name "Legacy Outback" was shortened to "Outback", followed in other markets afterwards. In the United States, Subaru also retailed the Legacy SUS sedan between the 1997 and 2007 model years, with similar modifications to distinguish it from the equivalent Legacy model sedan. The Impreza Outback Sport was introduced at the 1996 New York Auto Show, but for the 1997 model year, the donor model names were dropped, and the cars were known as the "Outback" and "Outback Sport".
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Common 2002 Subaru Wagon problems
The Subaru Wagon 2002, also known as the Subaru Impreza, is a popular car model known for its reliability and performance. However, like any car, it has its share of common problems that owners have reported over the years.
One of the most common problems with the Subaru Wagon 2002 is premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, and regenerative braking. This issue can affect the car's braking system, making it difficult to stop the car and causing it to vibrate or pulsate when braking. This problem can be caused by a variety of factors, including worn-out brake pads, damaged brake rotors, or a malfunctioning antilock brake system.
Another common problem with the Subaru Wagon 2002 is shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension. This issue can affect the car's suspension and steering systems, causing it to handle poorly or vibrate when driving. This problem can be caused by a variety of factors, including worn-out shocks or struts, damaged ball joints, or a malfunctioning power steering system.
Additionally, the Subaru Wagon 2002 has been reported to have problems with the AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, and refrigerant leakage. This issue can affect the car's air conditioning and heating systems, making it difficult to keep the car's interior at a comfortable temperature. This problem can be caused by a variety of factors, including a malfunctioning AC compressor, damaged blower motor, or a refrigerant leak.
The Subaru Wagon 2002 has also been reported to have problems with the muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks. This issue can affect the car's exhaust system, causing it to produce excessive noise or emit harmful fumes. This problem can be caused by a variety of factors, including a damaged muffler, leaking exhaust manifold, or a malfunctioning catalytic converter.
Lastly, the Subaru Wagon 2002 has been reported to have problems with the accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks. This issue can affect the car's engine, causing it to run poorly or produce excessive noise. This problem can be caused by a variety of factors, including worn-out accessory belts, damaged engine mounts, or a malfunctioning engine computer.
In summary, the Subaru Wagon 2002 has several common problems that owners have reported over the years, including issues with the braking system, suspension and steering systems, air conditioning and heating systems, exhaust system, and engine. These problems can be caused by a variety of factors, including worn-out parts, damaged components, or malfunctioning systems. It is important to have the car inspected regularly by a qualified mechanic to identify and address these issues before they become more serious.
2002 Subaru Wagon car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Subaru Wagon problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Other problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2002 Subaru Wagon vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2002 Subaru Wagon complaints
The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2002 Subaru Wagon.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-12-15
- VIN: 4S3BH665527
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: WITH ONSET OF COLD WEATHER (LESS THAN 25 F) THIS YEAR, MY 2002 SUBURU OUTBACK STATION WAGON (2.5 LITRE) HAS A STRONG GASOLINE ODOR IN THE CABIN WHEN ENGINE IS STARTED. IT HAPPENS EVERY TIME NOW. IT IS VERY STRONG AND THERE SEEMS TO BE A FUEL LEAK IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I'M CONCERNED THAT IT COULD CAUSE A FIRE (PARTICULARLY IN CONJUNCTION WITH AN ACCIDENT OR EXHAUST PROBLEM) OR A FUME RELATED BLACKOUT OF SOMEBODY IN THE CAR. I HAVE READ ON THE ONLINE DISCUSSION THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH SUBURUS IN COLD CLIMATES BUT THAT SUBURU, WHILE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, WILL NOT TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR FIXING IT. MY LOCAL DEALER WILL BE CONSULTED AS WILL SUBURU OF AMERICA. IT SEEMS LIKE IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE THE SUBJECT OF A RECALL AS I'VE NEVER HAD ANOTHER CAR THAT DID THIS IN 35 YEARS OF OWNING VEHICLES. IT SEEMS AS THOUGH THE NHTSA SHOULD INVESTIGATE THIS AS IT HAS POTENTIAL TO BE A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-01-02
- VIN: 4S3BH635326
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
- Summary: WHENEVER THE TEMPERATURE DROPS SIGNIFICANTLY (E.G. BELOW 32DEG), A STRONG GASOLINE SMELL IS EMITTED FROM THE CAR UPON STARTING. IT EVENTUALLY SEEMS TO GO AWAY OVER 10-30MIN, BUT IT CAN BE EXTREMELY STRONG. WE JUST ENCOUNTERED THE PROBLEM TODAY (THE COLDEST DAY IN ALLENTOWN THIS WINTER), BUT WHEN WE HAD THE PROBLEM LAST YEAR, THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO IDENTIFY ANY CLEAR CAUSE. THEY ALSO CLAIMED THAT THEY COULD NOT REPRODUCE THE SMELL.*CN
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-11-01
- VIN: JF1SF65522H
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: MY CAR WILL STARTUP JUST FINE. UPON NEAR A STANDSTILL AT A LIGHT OR STOP SIGN IT WILL HESTITATE OR STALL COMPLETELY. I HAVE TO KEEP MY LEFT FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND THE RIGHT FOOT ON THE GAS PEDAL TO KEEP IT GOING. THIS SEEMS TO HAPPEN MORE FREQUENTLY IN COLDER THAN HOTTER WEATHER. I HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE AT VANBORTEL SUBARU ON 11/1 AND THEY RELEASED IT BACK TO ME ON 11/3/04 SAYING THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED. ITS ANYTHING BUT FIXED AND IN FACT GOTTEN WORSE.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-04-04
- VIN: 4S3BH665327
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: I HAVE A 2002 SUBARU OUTBACK WAGON. WHEN THE VEHICLE REACHED AROUND 31,000 MILES, IT BEGAN TO SHAKE PERCEPTIBLY WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES. THE SHAKING GOT PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND IT WAS FOUND THAT THE ROTORS HAD WORN UNEVENLY. THE ROTORS WERE TURNED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM UNDER THE VEHICLE'S 36,000 MILE/3 YEAR WARRANTY. IT IS MY OPINION THAT THE ROTORS SHOULD NOT WEAR THIS QUICKLY IN A VEHICLE (THE BRAKE PADS THEMSELVES WERE OKAY AND NOT REPLACED. *AK
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