Two problems related to rear suspension have been reported for the 2003 Subaru Outback. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The contact owns a 2003 Subaru Outback. The contact stated she took the vehicle in to the dealer for a regular maintenance when the mechanic noticed that the front and rear suspension was corroded and would need to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted who did not offer any assistance stating that the vehicle was not included in recalls associated with NHTSA campaign id number: 03v153000 (suspension:rear) and NHTSA campaign id number: 03v232000 (suspension:front). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 86,000.
Accelerating from complete stop, I heard a loud snap from the right rear wheel well. Upon inspection by an ase mechanic, it was determined that the right rear strut and assembly had rusted out and broken on a vehicle with only 81,000 miles on it. The car is located in a very high salt use state, maine, and this seems to be the exact type of rusting and breakage problem other Subaru's have previously been recalled for in high salt use areas.