2003 Subaru Outback Subaru Outback 2003

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2003 Subaru Outback repairs by problem area

Engine (38%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (12%)

Brakes and Traction Control (7%)

Suspension and Steering (20%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (17%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (3%)

Other (4%)

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Chart based on 242 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2003 Subaru Outback.

2003 Subaru Outback transmission repair cost distribution

$2500+ (0%)

$1000 - $2499 (14%)

$500 - $999 (21%)

$100 - $499 (34%)

< $100 (31%)

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Chart based on 29 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2003 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

212-horsepower 3.0L H6 4-speed automatic AWD

145680 mi

C $300
front left UJ was starting to make alot of noise wan turning 
150660 mi

C $62
Front driver cv joint wase making alot of noise. 
119000 mi

US $63
Leaking transmission fluid 
122000 mi

US $200
CV joint failed. Was replaced 
128000 mi

US $200
Axle and CV joint replaced. 3rd time. 
150000 mi

US $600
c/v joint boot replaced 
43000 mi

US $800
had to replace 2 cv joints. 
177000 mi

US $270
Shaking continued after last trip to shop. Noticed axle boot was torn. Took car back to shop, and they replaced right axle. 
129000 mi

US $600
Frozen pulley  
82460 mi

C $40
Right front cv boot started to leak grease, found boots starting to crack, installed new cv boot kits on right front axle. 
95000 mi

US $300
Inner CV boots on both front axles split open. 
125860 mi

C $50
diagnosed leaky transmission. Not fixed in this trip 

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2003 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

165-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD

190000 mi

US $1900
Bad clutch, right after a new clutch (defective) had been installed. 
74200 mi Right front half shaft replaced. Inboard boot split, spraying grease all over. 

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2003 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

165-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed automatic AWD

147000 mi

US $300
Front left axle replaced 
135200 mi

US $600
One new front axle. 
155000 mi

C $1200
Replaced the transmission 
165940 mi

C $350
Shifting cable broken 
86124 mi

US $469
Replace right side front axle shaft 
127000 mi

US $1445
Transmission and oil pan leak. Replaced gaskets. 
155890 mi

US $90
Service rear differential 
150700 mi

US $200
Front CV boot leaking throwing grease up under the car causing burning grease smell. CV Boot replaced and car underbody cleaned. 
160300 mi Left front outer CV boot is also damaged, recommended to replace entire front axle due to play in wheels. 
137000 mi

US $65
Right front CV joint boot deteriorated due to heat from nearby cat converter Poor design. 
326200 mi

US $1565
Ring & Pinion failing. Replaced w/used transmission at 327,750 mi. 
139000 mi

US $350
Rear axle differential needed replaced (replace complete axle).  
136000 mi

US $500
Replaced 2 front axles due to vibration when braking 
138000 mi

US $500
Replaced cv axles 

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See TrueDelta's information for all Subaru models.

2003 Subaru Outback Transmission Problems

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 2003 Subaru Outback problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.