Three problems related to brake disc rotor have been reported for the 2002 Subaru Outback. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Front brake rotors on my 2002 Outback 3. 0 wagon have warped causing severe shimmy when braking at high speed. They were replaced at about 30,000, and this has happened again. My opinion as a scientist is that the rotors are under-engineered for the size/weight of the vehicle, and that this is a safety issue in that control of the vehicle is comprised at high speed. More specifically, the rotors distort with a normal amount of braking heat, and then return flat when completely cooled, indicating defective metallurgy in their composition.
2002 Subaru Outback h6 awd automatic transmission -- warped and glazed front rotors at relatively low miles (25,600), requiring replacement of pads and turning of rotors. -- dealer initially claimed wear and tear item, but after reviewing service record with Subaru, offered warranty repair. I had frequently complained of a shimmy while driving and recently began experiencing a steering wheel shimmy while braking (since last tire rotation). This is the first indication from dealer that there was any problem with the brakes. Car mostly driven on highway with infrequent braking.
2002 llbean Outback rotor & brake problems. 8/29/02 7,681 miles--vibration when applied brakes--dealer resurfaced front rotors. 12/30/02 12,464 miles---vibration when applied brakes & scratchy noise when applied brakes. ---dealer resurfaced front rotors and replaced front brakes (no pad left). 6/4/03 20,309--vibration when applied brakes. Dealer replaced front rotors & front brakes. 10/4/03 25,460--brought car in for oil change & dealer inspected brakes. Front rotors and brakes needed to be resurfaced. Dealer resurfaced.