The 2001 Subaru Outback is a wagon that came with a choice of 2.5L 4-cyl and 3.0L 6-cyl engines. At 25 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.
| Body style | Compact Cars, Midsize Station Wagons |
|---|---|
| Engines | 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl |
| Transmissions | Automatic 4-spd, Manual 5-spd |
| Drive | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 18–19 city / 25 highway / 20–21 combined MPG |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $3,200–$4,100 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles) |
| Tailpipe CO₂ | 423–444 grams per mile |
| Versions tested by EPA | 5 configurations: Legacy AWD, Legacy Wagon AWD |
| Age | 25 years |
Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.
NHTSA lists 7 safety recalls covering the 2001 Subaru Outback. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking the car, but check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to yours.
On certain passenger sedans, wagons, and sport utility vehicles, the cruise control cable could come out of its track on the cruise control lever and lodge on the control lever tab when the accelerator pedal is released. If this condition occurs, the throttle will not return to the idle position and will remain in an open position.
Risk: If this occurs during vehicle operation, the driver could lose control of the vehicle, which could result in a crash.
This recall applies to certain passenger vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, virginia, west virginia…
Risk: If such breakage occurs while the vehicle is being operated, control of the vehicle could be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
Certain sport utility and passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions were produced with an improperly manufactured transmission parking rod. When the transmission selector lever is placed in the "p" (park) position, the transmission park mechanism, that is intended to hold your vehicle, may not engage.
Risk: The vehicle could then move/roll without prior warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with manually-adjustable (non-powered) seats. Certain inner front slide rail latch mechanisms may have been improperly welded.
Risk: If an inner slide rail latch mechanism breaks due to improper welding, forward and rearward seat adjustment will no longer be possible. In the event of a crash, the slide rails could break, exposing the occupant to a risk of injury.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. A casting flaw in the right front bearing housing could result in loss of steering if the casting flaw should exist in the tie-rod arm.
Risk: This casting flaw could cause grease leakage, front wheel bearing failure due to loss of grease, or loss of steering due to tie-rod end separation.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Incorrect beige rear center seat belt webbing was installed. The belt length is too short.
Risk: The seat occupant would not be properly restrained in the event of a crash.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Possible fuel leakage of under-hood fuel hoses at low ambient temperatures (-40 degrees c) once the fuel hoses age and become less flexible.
Risk: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Owners have filed 248 complaints about the 2001 Subaru Outback with NHTSA. 27 reports involved a crash and 7 reports involved a fire. Owners reported 12 injuries.
Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.
Manufacturers have filed 155 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 2001 Subaru Outback. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.
Subaru service article locator.
Subaru service article locator.
This bulletin provides information on the load carrying capacity reduced label when a port-installed or retailer-installed accessory exeeds 1.5 percent of the GVWR or 100
Subaru tech tips newsletter article locator.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).
It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. Its parts make up much of its value. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.
Yes. We buy 2001 Outbacks that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.
Yes. Open recalls don't prevent a junk sale. NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2001 Subaru Outback; you can check whether any are still open on yours with the VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.
Data retrieved October 2026.
Get a free offer in minutes. Towing is always free and you get paid at pickup.