Two problems related to engine and engine cooling have been reported for the 2003 Subaru Outback. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
My 2003 Subaru Outback had a bad airbag inflator and has also blown the head gasket several times, requiring it to be rebuilt three times. While I love my Outback, I wonder if I will want to buy another one. Being stranded by my car and having to take the bus in the winter time was very difficult as was hauling groceries on the bus in a rolling suitcase while awaiting repairs.
The car would die usually while coming to stops. And on most occasions will start back up. At first it seemed to only die in very hot weather and on one occasion it didn't start back up for 15 min. But it has since died on days without extreme temperatures. Most of the times it dies while stopping, twice it died when braking on highways which was very dangerous. This has occurred about 15 times in 4 years. I have brought it in to two different Subaru dealers multiple times. They have never been able to diagnose the problem and have been completely useless. They have reset the computer a few times. One mechanic replaced the fuel pump, the battery has been changed and this still occurs. The oil and filter are changed regularly, I even use 93 instead of the 91 recommended fuel and it has still occurred.