One problem related to engine belts and pulleys has been reported for the 1999 Subaru Outback. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The 1999 Subaru Outback is equipped with a dual overhead cam engine. The timing belt pulley for the cams are made of plastic. My wife and 2 year old daughter had just exited interstate 20 near atlanta when the engine "sounded like an explosion" according to my wife. The engine immediately lost all power and seized, and she had difficulty steering and stopping the car without power steering and brakes. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer and it was discovered that the right cam pulley (plastic) had shattered causing the engine to seize. Had this happened on the interstate at speed, there could have been a very serious accident and injuries. The car had been maintained, including replacement of timing belt at recommended interval. The engine is ruined and requires replacement or rebuilding. Car has been sitting in my garage since.