One problem related to transmission failure has been reported for the 2002 Subaru Outback. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
5 days after head gasket was replaced I was driving and came to a stop light. As the light turned green and I pressed on the accelerator the car did not move. Then all of a sudden the car started to move but very sluggishly. As I drove home I almost had a couple of accidents due to the non responsive car. Currently it is at a shop, and I am being told that the transmission has failed.