A friend is looking at a used 2000 Outback and asked if there were any recalls. Didn't that model year have a problem with the front end (steering/suspension)? Where can I find out?

Call a dealer or check the NHTSA web site.

There is a TSB on the 2000 Outback which refers to the clunk-turn noise, which is apparently caused by the inherent design of the steering rack. The fix is a damper. There was never a recall on this and many Subaru drivers live with this noise as I do. It is a minor annoyance to be sure.

 

The noise does not affect drivability and it is not a safety issue, so, you would be wasting your time searching for a recall notice.

 

The 2000 Outback and the years following have been good solid cars for Subaru.

 

Hope this helps

TSB/recalls to date include:

 

The clunk thingie, we too ignored it.

 

o2 sensor that throws bogus Check Engine Light codes. We had it done twice and it still does it. It's a meaningless problem, so we've learned to just ignore the intermittant CELs.

 

Ther'e another about inadequate paint coverage around the rear strut towers. We ignored that too 'cause Montana doesn't salt. If I lived in the rusr belt I would DEFINATELY respond to that one.

 

The new all 2.5 Ltr engine 'coolent conditioner' notice, actually stopleak to delay potential external head gasket leaks. ours doesn't have ANY, leaks coolant or oil.

 

I like this car better than any of the hundred plus others I have owned, except for a couple of the extreme on-the-edge vehicles.