2003 Subaru Outback Consumer Discussions

Subaru Legacy/OutbackTransmission Problems

Re: Subaru Legacy/OutbackTransmission Problems [caliberchic]

Written by: robertandmaria on Oct 31, 2008 07:20 PM

I have a 2003 outback wagon with 120,000 miles. The engine was replaced 2 months ago due to a failed connecting rod bearing. Now 2 months later the transmission has failed. Does anyone have experience with trans failures as a result of engine replacement? I will see the disassembled trans tomorrow so I will have a better feel for what failed. I was only told a shaft ... Read More...

Subaru Legacy/Outback Wagons Maintenance & Repair

Re: 2003 outback catalytic converter [dakotadriver]

Written by: xwesx on Oct 23, 2008 02:04 PM

No, not with a cat. I have used many other non-subaru parts (including a solenoid for a starter) and never had any issues at all. Read More...

Re: 2003 outback catalytic converter [paisan]

Written by: dakotadriver on Oct 23, 2008 07:11 AM

I was told by the local exhaust shop that no generic cat. converters would fit on the Subaru. I was told by another mechanic, after I kept having the same problems with the check engine light coming on (P0420 - Cat inefficiency) after putting the aftermarket part on that (on the forums used by mechanics) they have found that Subaru's seem to not play well with others ... Read More...

Re: 2003 outback catalytic converter [Mr_Shiftright]

Written by: dakotadriver on Oct 22, 2008 01:12 PM

The catalytic converter I purchased (for less than $300) and the official part I was quoted the $950 installed price was both the front and the back combined (with the short piece of pipe connecting the two). I checked and both the 2001 and the 2003 aftermarket part has the same part number, so I still think that $2,500 seems way to steep, unless the official (Subaru) ... Read More...

Re: 2003 outback catalytic converter [bdare]

Written by: dakotadriver on Oct 21, 2008 02:27 PM

I had the same thing happen to my '01 Outback last fall (with 120,000 miles). My local dealer told me the price was $950 installed so I looked for other options. I found some aftermarket catalytic converters online, but once installed it still had the same problem. I have since learned that Subaru's don't like parts made by anyone but Subaru and that I should have ... Read More...

2009 Outback - AWD systems

Re: [kentuckyranger]

Written by: leo2633 on Oct 05, 2008 04:21 PM

I have a 2001 Forester and my wife has a 2003 Outback. Both have the 5 speed manual trans and the limited slip rear differential. I have a set of Blizzak WS50s on steel wheels for both cars, and usually mount them around mid-end December and run them until around mid-late March. We've gone through some pretty good snow storms with both cars with the Blizzaks. I am extremely ... Read More...

Subaru Legacy/Outback Wagons Maintenance & Repair

What should be done for 90K servicing of 2003 Outback VDC? Syn or reg oil?

Written by: mountainwalker on Aug 17, 2008 01:04 PM

We just picked up our 2003 Subaru Outback H6 VDC and while we're at 85K, we might as well do the 90K servicing. Mechanic says we're good for now but that a few fluids are showing the dirt from all the mileage and could use replacement. What should we make sure is done in the 90K servicing? Should we use synthetic or regular oil? Read More...

Why did VDC and ABS lights come on at highway speed of around 75-80mph?

Written by: mountainwalker on Aug 17, 2008 01:00 PM

Hi guys, finally getting settled in on W Coast and just wanted to say thanks again for all your help in finding our Subaru. The 2003 Subaru Outback H6 VDC we bought in N California before moving our here from the E Coast a) drove very smoothly b) has been a huge help in picking up all the light office furniture and supplies we had to buy for our office and home (I found the ... Read More...

03 Outback vibrating more, higher start rev + lower idle, post belt change?

Written by: mountainwalker on Aug 17, 2008 00:52 PM

Hi all, finally getting settled in on W Coast and just wanted to say thanks again for all your help in finding our Subaru. The 2003 Subaru Outback H6 VDC we bought in N California before moving our here from the E Coast a) drove very smoothly b) has been a huge help in picking up all the light office furniture and supplies we had to buy for our office and home (I found the ... Read More...

Subaru Legacy/Outback Accessories and Modifications

Roof Rack

Written by: dweiler1 on Aug 12, 2008 06:28 PM

We have a 2007 Outback and we don't have the cross-bars on the roof rack. How far back can I go to find a used set? 2005? 2003? 2000? Just curious as I would know in a second if it were a Jeep, but not so much with Subarus. To put it simply, if I see a used set on eBay or something, what years could the crossbars come off of and still fit on my 2007? Thanks Read More...