2001 Subaru Outback engine and engine cooling problems
22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine and engine cooling on the 2001 Subaru Outback — 13% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Tl* the contact owns a 2001 subaru outback. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked and he noticed that both front sent belts would not properly retract, leaving a lot of slack between vehicle occupants and the seat belts. The vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed or repaired…”
filed Jan 11, 2012
“In 20 degree weather (fahrenheit) an overwhelming gasoline odor filled the cabin of my 2001 subaru legacy wagon (outback). This happened on three different trips around town yesterday. I have a 2.5l engine, using 87 octane gasoline. The check engine light did not eliminate during these episodes. I…”
filed Feb 4, 2011
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Engine and Engine Cooling problems in other Outback years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Outback | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 Outback | 1 | 0% |
| 2021 Outback | 2 | 1% |
| 2020 Outback | 3 | 0% |
| 2019 Outback | 1 | 0% |
| 2016 Outback | 3 | 0% |
| 2015 Outback | 3 | 1% |
| 2014 Outback | 1 | 0% |
| 2013 Outback | 1 | 0% |
| 2012 Outback | 2 | 1% |
| 2011 Outback | 8 | 1% |
| 2010 Outback | 23 | 6% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2001 Subaru Outback
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.