Four problems related to brake disc pads have been reported for the 2002 Subaru Outback. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Repetitive failure of both front brake rotors. Rotors have thickness variation which causes heavy brake pulsation and steering wheel judder from side to side when braking from greater than 45 mph. First complaint 6/18/03 9971 miles front rotors were resurfaced. Second complaint 5/3/04 16180 miles resurface front rotors. Third complaint 4/7/05 23013 miles resurface front rotors replace front brake pads. Fourth complaint 5/20/08 42147 miles replace front rotors and front brake pads. Fifth complaint 3/17/09 49719 miles resurface front rotors. Subrau does have a customer pay upgrade in their TSB #: 06-33-04 date: 01/15/04 for 2001-2003 Subaru vehicles to modify the disc brake pad.
The dealership replaced at the front rotors and pads at 9000 miles. At 17,000 miles the front rotors and pads were replaced again, due to corrosion.
Brakes, complete brake jobs (rotors and pads replacement) at low mileage.
When the brakes were applied, there was a vibration. The dealer replaced the disc brake.