2001 Subaru Outback Subaru Outback 2001

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2001 Subaru Outback repairs by problem area

Engine (44%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (16%)

Brakes and Traction Control (2%)

Suspension and Steering (17%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (13%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (5%)

Other (2%)

Chart based on 241 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2001 Subaru Outback.

2001 Subaru Outback repair cost distribution

$2500+ (4%)

$1000 - $2499 (12%)

$500 - $999 (16%)

$100 - $499 (38%)

< $100 (30%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 184 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2001 Subaru Outback

Engine not specified

Subaru Outback in Washington, United States
Oct 2008 - Jan 2009
Dec 2008

75000 mi

US $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. 
Subaru Outback in Colorado, United States
Oct 2012 - Jul 2013
Jun 2013

217000 mi
My check engine light would come on when the ac was on, and the car would overheat. I've replaced the o2 sensor and the thermastat. My friend suggested I pull off the front and power wash the vent to the front. I have not had a problem since 
Subaru Outback in District of Columbia, United States
Sep 2010 - Nov 2010
Nov 2010

176000 mi

US $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 South Wales, Australia
Jun 2012 - Jul 2013
Dec 2012

154380 mi

A $400
Radiator replaced. 
Subaru Outback in Texas, United States
Feb 2013 - Nov 2014
Mar 2013

114000 mi

US $485
U-joint went bad, but entire driveshaft had to be replaced, because the OEM unit has the u-joint as part of the driveshaft, replaced with after market that allows u-joint to be replaced separately. 
Apr 2013

114300 mi

US $240
Replaced power steering pump, went thru 3 remanufactured pumps before 1 was received that did not have a broken connector on it 
May 2013

114900 mi

US $255
Replaced battery, then alternator when car continued to malfunction, local alternator did not work, had to order a Mitsubishi alternator online, which is working so far. A/C hose had a leak, was replaced and system re-charged, charge lasted only 2 uses. 
Jun 2013

116000 mi

US $375
Leak was due to small holes in condenser, which was due to the screws holding in the horn assembly being too long. Found out the car had previously been wrecked, but did not show up on carfax, and repair shop did not use correct screws. 
Subaru Outback in Connecticut, United States
Jan 2012 - Mar 2014
Feb 2012

117300 mi

US $100
CV joint failure driver side Idler and tensioner pulley bearings failed replaced both pulleys and belt 
Jun 2012

124000 mi

US $28
Leaking O-ring on AC comp required replacement and AC recharge 
May 2013

142000 mi

US $35
O ring failed on AC compressor replaced and recharged AC. SO far it's holding a charge 
Jun 2013

145000 mi

US $150
Rear drive shaft vibration. Replaced rear drive shaft with one from junk yard Dealer want $700.00 for new part. 
Feb 2014

150300 mi

US $38
Replaced inner tie rod 
Mar 2014

152000 mi

US $2000
Engine died stalling, started knocking. Engine failure mechanic found it to be rod bearings quoted 3,000 to replace with used engine declined to repair will sell for parts. Engine lost power started ticking then knocking metal found in oil appears one or several connecting rod bearings may have let go. Junking the car most likely 
Subaru Outback in South Africa
Dec 2009 - Jun 2011
Jan 2010

94860 mi

R 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. 
Jul 2010

97960 mi
Replaced radiator and main cooling fan. Now looks like head gaskets need replacement. Possibly piston rings and bearings as well. 
Jan 2011

97960 mi

R 24000
Auto Transmission failed two weeks after engine repairs (engine was removed from vehicle in order to replace head gaskets). New transmission cost is more than vehicle's second hand value!! Had to opt for second hand transmission. 
Subaru Outback in Maryland, United States
Sep 2013 - Jan 2014
Jan 2014

192000 mi

US $1100
Catalytic converter replacement as well as 3 other sensors. My car would not pass emissions testing. It failed again as another catalytic converter is bad. Apparently I have 3!! 
Subaru Outback in Oregon, United States
Jan 2015 - Jul 2016
Jun 2015

293000 mi

US $100
Recharged A/c. 
Jul 2015

296000 mi

US $100
Replaced strut mounts in 11/2014.Took to local les schwab for re-alignement. Started noticing vibration while driving in July, removed front tires to examine rotors,front tire down to cords. Alignment not done. 4 new tires and re-align Persistant oil and coolant leak. Replaced oil filter gasket. Clamps for coolant fell off. Replaced clamps, replaced oil and coolant. 
Apr 2016

322000 mi

US $500
Catalytic converter had being going out this past year, check engine light on giving codes for air sensor, insufficient air flow. Finally blew apart on highway. Bypass CC, new exhaust system. Runs great now. Brake caliper froze up, again. This time ruining the rotor. Replace rotor, caliper and pad(?) 
Jul 2016

322000 mi

US $800
Update on bypass of cc. Failed. Too much pressure. Cheaper to replace ALL cat. Converter(3). Selling car. 
Subaru Outback in Michigan, United States
Jul 2010 - Jul 2014
Jan 2010

140000 mi
Car was running fine until stalling. Would not restart could hear the fuel pump but engine had no fuel pressure. There is a metal can on the fuel pump assembly that is normally under pressure but developed a crack on the mounting tabs=no psi 
Subaru Outback in Colorado, United States
Jun 2016 - Sep 2018
Jan 2017

180000 mi

US $10
Car overheats when under extreme load: going uphill, hot weather. AC makes it worse but happens even without AC. I tried to fix this by replacing the coolant and using the Subaru coolant conditioner, but it still overheats. Possibly head gasket on its way out? The problem is rare enough that I have chosen to live with it. 
Subaru Outback in Ohio, United States
Feb 2016 - Jan 2018
May 2016

155900 mi

US $900
Tie rod was wearing out and was replaced. Wheel bearings were failing and were replaced by mechanic. Cooling hoses were cracked and coming apart. 
Subaru Outback in Utah, United States
Feb 2015 - Jan 2022
Feb 2015

128000 mi

US $250
replaced aftermarket failed alternator, known to work improperly on the H6 subaru, do yourself a favor and get a factory or mitsubishi or denso replacement alternator 
Feb 2018

175000 mi

US $100
replaced serpentine belt and idler pulleys a new o ring for power steering pump 
Subaru Outback in Minnesota, United States
Apr 2015 - Apr 2016
Apr 2016

168000 mi

US $295
right bank CAT below threshold, was replaced. 
Subaru Outback in Pennsylvania, United States
Aug 2015 - Sep 2015
Aug 2015

138000 mi

US $108
The transmission line leading to the radiator had a hole in it. It was replaced. 
Sep 2015

138000 mi
I had a loose body in the catalytic converter that rattled at times. The 'check engine' light was on. However, my mechanic was able to make it pass emissions. 
Subaru Outback in New York, United States
Nov 2009 - Jun 2013
Feb 2010

93600 mi

US $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 mi

US $30
Sway bars AC recharged 
Nov 2011

112000 mi

US $1350
Bent driveshaft, replaced Exhaust leak, patch welded into place wheel bearing replaced oil leaks, estimate given 
Jun 2013

124000 mi
oil leaks 
Subaru Outback in Alberta, Canada
Dec 2010 - Apr 2017
Jan 2011

75020 mi

C $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 mi

C $500
rear brakes were shot 
May 2012

81700 mi

C $800
power steering linkage broke replace serpentine belt and tensioner, idler pulley, bracket and bolt. 
Jun 2013

87420 mi

C $200
right front axle repair 
Jan 2015

82460 mi

C $594
replace sway link leaking oil 
May 2016

108280 mi

C $2400
Major corrosion. Ten percent on rear brakes. Rotors, pads, calipers, plates, shoes front and back replaced. 
Subaru Outback in Oregon, United States
Jul 2009 - Jun 2014
Mar 2010

116000 mi

US $492
Replaced both rear wheel bearings. Replaced idler bearing. 
Jul 2010

120000 mi

US $269
Replaced front outer CV boots both sides. Belt broke. Fixed overheating problem by replacing a fan behind the radiator. 
Jul 2013

166800 mi
A/C would not work under very hot weather. 

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2001 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

165-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD

Subaru Outback in California, United States
Sep 2009 - Feb 2014
Jan 2012

223000 mi

US $150
Replaced tie rod to pass safety inspection. 
Feb 2014

243000 mi
Transmission seized. Needed replacement. 
Subaru Outback in Missouri, United States
May 2008 - Jul 2010
Dec 2009

99000 mi

US $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

99600 mi

US $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. 
Subaru Outback in Michigan, United States
Jun 2011 - Jun 2016
Jun 2012

47000 mi
Dead battery 
Subaru Outback in California, United States
Sep 2014 - Mar 2015
Sep 2014

219000 mi

US $250
starter needed to be replaced 
Subaru Outback in California, United States
Mar 2012 - Jun 2015
May 2012

70900 mi

US $400
CV joint replacement 
Subaru Outback in Vermont, United States
Jan 2013 - Nov 2014
Nov 2014

218000 mi
Motor blew timing belt, interferance engine bit the dust. 
Subaru Outback in New York, United States
May 2008 - Oct 2016
Jun 2011

186000 mi

US $1800
clutch pedal fell into firewall. rpl master and slave. fail again because of clutch rubber hose. rlp master cylinder again and clutch pack... 
Sep 2012

201000 mi
would not pass emission test... po420 code was flashing... replaced both o2 sensors and reset the computer... was able to pass inspection.. 
Aug 2013

210400 mi
skipped a tooth in timing belt... 
Subaru Outback in California, United States
Oct 2011 - Jan 2012
Dec 2011

164000 mi

US $1800
Deferred maint: New radiator, catalytic convertors, knock sensor. 
Jan 2012

167000 mi

US $1200
New axles. Boots for the power steering. 
Subaru Outback in Colorado, United States
Feb 2012 - Sep 2013
Jul 2012

107300 mi

US $2000
repaired head gaskets - oil leak 
Jul 2013

115000 mi

US $500
exhaust replaced from catalytic converter back, not including c.c. 
Subaru Outback in Vermont, United States
Jun 2008 - Apr 2015
Jul 2008

119000 mi

US $160
Knock sensor was not working correctly; car frequently lit CEL. Code "P0325" came up. 
Dec 2008

123000 mi

US $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 mi

US $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. 
Aug 2009

129000 mi

US $85
Front-right CV boot split, causing a burning smell through the heater vents. Made appt.; fixed in a day. 
Jan 2010

150800 mi

US $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

137400 mi

US $100
Turn signal worn... kept clicking even when not used. Was replaced with one from another car. 
May 2010

140000 mi

US $1200
Transmission was replaced with used one of similar mileage. There was a bearing failure in the old transmission, causing a clicking sound. Oxygen sensor replaced 2 days later. Quoted $180. Expressed disappointment, and because I'm a frequent/loyal customer, they waived the labor and half of the cost of the sensor. Paid $60 instead. Very happy with repair shop. 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 mi

US $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 mi

US $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

153200 mi
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

153200 mi

US $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 mi

US $60
Viscous coupling binds after it's warmed up. Mechanic replaced fluid. Problem not gone but improved slightly. 
Feb 2013

158700 mi
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. 
Apr 2013

160300 mi

US $122
Replaced two spark plug wires and cleaned all spark plugs due to poor work done at another business. Car had misfired under load. Repair successful. AWD system binds in front in sharp corners once driven out of town. Dealt with this for two years now. Dealer replaced transmission fluid but did not fix it. 
Aug 2013

162000 mi

US $575
Replaced transmission with one that had 88K on it. Mechanic put in synthetic tranny fluid. Waited about a month to get it done due to scheduling problems on their part. 
Jun 2014

169000 mi

US $250
Replaced oil pan for rust spots. 
Oct 2014

172200 mi

US $526
Rust repair to make it legal for inspection in rear-right door. Half shaft needed replacing, plus a CV boot 
Feb 2015

174100 mi

US $4000
Replaced flange. Replaced radiator Oil leak Entire underside rusting, suggested I trade it in. 
Subaru Outback in California, United States
May 2008 - May 2015
Jun 2008

76000 mi

US $394
Replaced Rt inner axle boot (DOJ boot) 
Jan 2011

109500 mi

US $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.  
Aug 2012

100500 mi

US $260
Difficult to read the mechanics notes, but it looks like "replaced Anful Ratro Sensor." 
Dec 2012

103000 mi

US $250
Car gradually became more difficult to start, refusing to turn over. When it quit completely, mechanic replaced the starter. 
Nov 2013

108000 mi

US $561
When the car refused to start, it had to be towed to the mechanic, who diagnosed a bad fuel pump. He replaced the fuel pump with sending unit. Labor was only $110, but the parts were $414 before tax. 
Sep 2014

111000 mi

US $146
Car failed to start, on more than one occasion. Finally drove it to my mechanic, who replaced a bad crank position sensor. 
Dec 2014

113000 mi
More than once, car failed to start once hot, and had to be push-started. Later, check engine light also went on. Mechanic kept it a week, but since the problem never recurred for him, he fixed nothing, but also charged nothing. 
Apr 2015

113000 mi

US $522
Replaced knock sensor. Cleaned EGM tunnel high resistance. Replaced idle air control valve assembly. Checked codes and tested.  
May 2015

113000 mi
Mechanic advised me that steering rack had a leak some time ago, but also said that I could get by with keeping the steering fluid topped off. During my most recent visit, he reminded me that the rack needed replacement. Mechanic also recommended replacement of both front axles shafts and CV boots. 
Subaru Outback in Pennsylvania, United States
Jun 2017 - Aug 2018
Aug 2018

142000 mi

US $1700
Leaking fluid, shop claimed cracked pan of some sort connected to trans and not rear seal. However replacing trans has different gear shift set up that now needs replaced because of different style and possibly still has leak, just got car back so trying to test it out. Shifter very loose till parts come in to fix it. 
Subaru Outback in California, United States
Nov 2013 - May 2016
Jan 2013

138000 mi

US $1300
heads machined and head gaskets replaced 
Subaru Outback in Oregon, United States
Feb 2011 - Oct 2016
Jun 2011

85000 mi

US $1500
Head gasket was leaking. I researched online and discovered my VIN was part of (lapsed)warranty extension due to defective head gasket. I complained to Subaru of America, they agreed to pay 50% of $1500 repair bill. Head gasket was leaking. I researched online and discovered my VIN was part of warranty extension due to defective head gasket. I complained to Subaru of America, they agreed to pay 50% of $1500 repair bill. 
Oct 2012

91600 mi

US $610
Replaced front/rear pads. Turned front/rear rotors. 
Feb 2013

94300 mi

US $143
Replaced damaged CV boot (axle boot) 
Oct 2016

116000 mi
Check engine light on= code for oxygen sensor. 
Subaru Outback in Wisconsin, United States
Sep 2010 - Sep 2012
Nov 2010

120000 mi

US $120
Pre-cat o2 sensor defective. Replaced o2 sensor. 
Subaru Outback in Quebec, Canada
Oct 2010 - Jul 2013
Jul 2011

89280 mi

C $400
I had to replace the exhaust system 
Nov 2012

96920 mi

C $500
ball joint changed 
Mar 2013

97340 mi

C $60
coolant fluid leaking 

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2001 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

165-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed automatic AWD

Subaru Outback in Connecticut, United States
Aug 2008 - Oct 2011
Nov 2008

63000 mi
Leak in the cargo area due to "clogged drains" 
Jul 2009

72000 mi

US $2100
Found oil leak around headgasket.  
Dec 2009

76000 mi
replaced 02 sensor. 
Subaru Outback in California, United States
Jul 2010 - Jun 2012
Aug 2010

103000 mi

US $150
changed thermostat, water pump, radiator cap, anti-freeze and flushed radiator 
Subaru Outback in Wisconsin, United States
Aug 2016 - Aug 2016
Aug 2016 second head gasket failure during 15 ywar ownership 
Subaru Outback in Michigan, United States
Jul 2012 - Sep 2013
Jul 2013

193800 mi

US $250
Boot was worn and rod needed to be changed 
Aug 2013

194400 mi

US $200
O2 Sensor and a hole in the tail pipe 
Subaru Outback in Alberta, Canada
May 2008 - Jun 2011
Jun 2008

99200 mi

C $300
After requesting an alighment, it was discovered the right rear alignment parts were seized and needed to be cut out and replaced 
Subaru Outback in Pennsylvania, United States
May 2014 - Jun 2014
May 2014

170000 mi

US $1500
Blown Head Gasket...second time replaced first was at 75,000mi by original owner 
Subaru Outback in Ontario, Canada
Mar 2012 - May 2013
Jun 2012

138880 mi

C $150
Rusted out joint. Worn out turn signal switch 
Oct 2012

142600 mi

C $850
Oil leak replaced oil pressure sensor Front wheel boot torn wheel bearing replaced 
Nov 2012

143100 mi

C $950
Replaced both rear struts and mounts. One mount was broken and one strut was leaking. 
May 2013

145700 mi
Front and rear bushings needed to be replaced 
Subaru Outback in Oregon, United States
Mar 2010 - Sep 2013
Jun 2011

108000 mi

US $1700
replace head gasket 
Mar 2012

116000 mi
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 mi
fuel line leak 
Jul 2013

123000 mi

US $713
AC service catalytic converter set off check engine light several gaskets leaking, both transmission fluid and oil leaking 
Subaru Outback in Massachusetts, United States
Apr 2010 - Nov 2011
Jun 2010

119112 mi
front left interior tie rod replaced New Alternator and serpentine belt 
Jan 2011

120000 mi
Leak in water pump. Replaced water pump, thermostat & gasket replaced timing belt New Alternator turned out to have a faulty pulley. Replacement alternator ordered. Alternator replaced.  New Alternator turned out to have a faulty pulley. Replacement alternator ordered. Leak in water pump. Replaced water pump, thermostat & gasket front left interior tie rod replaced replaced timing belt Alternator replaced 
Mar 2011

121000 mi

US $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. Alternator replaced 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 mi
Needed a new catalytic converter. 
Subaru Outback in Yukon Territory, Canada
Jan 2009 - Mar 2011
Apr 2009

109120 mi

C $110
4 wheel alignment 
Dec 2009

118659 mi

C $448
Minor tune-up 
Mar 2011

138260 mi

C $700
Front struts replaced. 
Subaru Outback in Ohio, United States
Dec 2009 - Jun 2022
Feb 2010

164000 mi
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 mi

US $92
The right front drain tube for the front moon roof was clogged. 
Apr 2010

169200 mi

US $300
Front axle and serpentine belt replaced. 
Mar 2013

250000 mi

US $3000
The engine needed to be replaced. 
Jun 2013

254000 mi
The AC system blew an O-ring that needed to be replaced. Fuel system O-ring was leaking and the car smelled like gas. 
Jul 2014

283700 mi

US $250
Sway bars replaced. 
Nov 2014

292000 mi

US $351
Lower ball joint 
Oct 2015

319500 mi

US $1839
Driving back from a 7 hour trip noticed the transmission starting to slip. The AT fluid level light began to flash. The trans went out. It had been whining louder and louder so it's no surprise. Flat bed home. Local shop rebuilt trans. Also replaced the spindle and drive shaft. 
Dec 2015

327000 mi

US $1600
During another long trip the wheel seemed to almost bouncing. The mechanic confirmed all struts needed to be replaced. Rack and pinion boot replaced. 
Jun 2017

357000 mi
After 16 years and almost 360,000 miles the sub-frame has rusted through and it is no longer safe to drive. Trying to figure out what to do with it. 
Nov 2018

357000 mi

US $1000
Replaced rusted subframe. 
Subaru Outback in British Columbia, Canada
Oct 2009 - Jun 2015
Apr 2010

94240 mi
Lug nuts came loose on three tires, lost two, one wheel wobbled badly. 
Jun 2010

96100 mi

C $24
Resistor block for fan went, only had high speed. 
Sep 2011

119040 mi

C $250
Torn axle boot above cat. and front bearing making noise. 
Jun 2013

136400 mi

C $19
Heard clunking and found rear sway bar link was worn ...ordered parts and changed both links. 
Jun 2015

172980 mi
Rack started to leak. 
Subaru Outback in New York, United States
May 2008 - Dec 2014
Apr 2009

91000 mi

US $300
replaced knock sensor 
Feb 2010

103000 mi

US $2500
Replaced Timing belt, water pump.  Replaced starter. Replaced engine sensor. 
Subaru Outback in North Carolina, United States
Jun 2011 - Dec 2014
Jun 2012

170000 mi

US $450
Check engine light and grinding noise. Replaced alternator. 
Apr 2013

186200 mi

US $100
AC not working 
Aug 2013

189600 mi

US $200
AC relay replaced. 
Subaru Outback in Iowa, United States
Nov 2011 - Nov 2016
Feb 2012

205100 mi

US $70
replaced cracked CV joint boot 
Feb 2013

213300 mi

US $75
Replaced original knock sensor and original spark plug wires 
Oct 2013

217200 mi

US $1525
Headgasket failure at no. 3 cylinder - replaced both headgaskets (with complete engine removal) with new MLS Felpro gaskets since they have a very good reliability history Replaced knock sensor (had code). 
Jul 2014

222200 mi

US $266
Schreader valves and another fitting were replaced - system was vacuumed and recharged 
Aug 2015

229000 mi

US $30
Replaced broken rear sway bar ends 
Dec 2015

230000 mi

US $510
EXHAUST SYSTEM CRACKED - REPLACE CAT-BACK WITH NEW AS THERE WAS TOO MUCH CORROSION TO SALVAGE ANY OF THE OLD 
Aug 2016

234000 mi

US $130
Air pressure/temperature sensor quit working. I used a scan tool to find this problem. It was running very rough with the check engine light flashing so we quit using it until it was fixed. 
Subaru Outback in Ohio, United States
Oct 2009 - Oct 2014
Dec 2010

111000 mi

US $250
replaced timing belt at 110k miles 
Jan 2013

163000 mi

US $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 mi

US $150
one CV joint on each front half-shaft had a torn boot, both half-shafts replaced ($150 in parts). 
Nov 2013

163200 mi

US $550
Headgasket failed - I took the time to replace the headgaskets, timing belt and idlers, 4 sparkplugs. I disassembled the heads and had them milled flat. 
Oct 2014

180000 mi
Cell P0420 
Subaru Outback in Wyoming, United States
Feb 2012 - Mar 2012
Mar 2012

121000 mi

US $30
Ck engine light coming on and going off every week or so. 
Subaru Outback in Illinois, United States
May 2009 - Feb 2018
Aug 2010

69000 mi

US $940
 
Sep 2012

81000 mi

US $305
Dealer claimed needed new head gaskets-about $2200.  
Feb 2013

83000 mi

US $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. 
Oct 2015

105000 mi

US $425
Replace driver side inside boot Check engine light, code p0420, cat converter 
Subaru Outback in Oregon, United States
Sep 2011 - Aug 2021
Nov 2011

218700 mi
Replaced front right tie-rod. 
Nov 2012

230500 mi

US $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

232300 mi

US $715
catalytic converter, replaced 
Sep 2013

236000 mi

US $95
Steering wheel wobbles. 
May 2014

241000 mi

US $250
Replaced left tie rod and bellow boot. Replace radiator. replaced right front axle. 
Jun 2015

245000 mi

US $76
Fluid changes & front end shimmy. Inspected & advised that suspension is fine. Advised new tires. They rotated the tires, which helped. I was planning on new tires but wanted suspension evaluation first. 

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2001 Subaru Outback 4dr Sedan

165-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed automatic AWD

Subaru Outback in Colorado, United States
Jan 2010 - Jun 2015
Feb 2010

110000 mi

US $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. 
Aug 2010

118000 mi

US $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 mi

US $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 
Jun 2013

157000 mi

US $25
Replace battery hold down clamp and positive terminal - severely corroded 
Nov 2013

164200 mi

US $420
Dead Alternator. Replaced with Subaru OEM, also replaced all belts. 
Subaru Outback in California, United States
Aug 2008 - Aug 2013
Oct 2008

115000 mi

US $1100
New tie rods. 4 wheel alignment. Oil change. New CV joint 
May 2009

120000 mi
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 mi
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 mi

US $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 mi

US $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. Cracked axle boot replaced. 
Feb 2010

130500 mi

US $395
Half shaft replaced. This was in addition to the other side axel boot replaced in January. Two down, two to go. 

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2001 Subaru Outback 4-door

6-cylinder automatic AWD

Subaru Outback in California, United States
May 2008 - Mar 2010
Jun 2008

74000 mi

US $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. 

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2001 Subaru Outback 4-door

4-cylinder manual AWD

Subaru Outback in Saskatchewan, Canada
May 2009 - Dec 2009
Dec 2009

99820 mi
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
May 2008 - Sep 2009
May 2009

57660 mi

C $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 mi

C $995
Bearing in Transmission noisy. Changed transmission oil and added additive, and the noise disappeared. 

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See TrueDelta's information for all Subaru models.

2001 Subaru Outback Repair Histories

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2001 Subaru Outback problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.