2002 Subaru Legacy Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

2002 Subaru Legacy recalls

Most common 2002 Subaru Legacy problems

Problem areas named in the 54 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem area	Reports
Engine And Engine Cooling	9
Fuel/Propulsion System	8
Power Train	7
Fuel System, Gasoline	7
Suspension	6
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	6
Tires	5
Unknown Or Other	5
Vehicle Speed Control	4
Engine	4

What owners report

2023-04-10, Unknown Or Other
To whom it may concern. I’ve purchased a second hand vehicle from New Jersey I live in California. It is 2002 Subaru outback H-6 3.0 with 52,000 miles. Upon delivery I took it to orange coast Subaru for general inspection when it was brought to my attention that there’s an open recall from 2004 stating excessive corrosion in the rear sub frame. It applies on vehicles in cold wet states where New Jersey is one of them. Service advisor assure me that all is fine and they marked it as resolved. Upon inspection when I received the car back to my horror the sub frame is corroded to the point of disintegration. I took it back in and I’ve reached out to Subaru of North America where they

2023-02-25, Fuel/Propulsion System
Extreme gas smell in cold weather until car heats up when running heat/defrost. Known issue in other models that warranted a recall.

2021-11-22, Vehicle Speed Control
The contact owns a 2002 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 15 MPH, there was an abnormal sound of metal fragments dropping. The vehicle was seen by an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the underneath of the vehicle was rusted. The contact was unaware of what parts had detached from the vehicle or needed to be replaced. In addition, the vehicle was accelerating independently. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 169,000.

2020-01-31, Visibility/Wiper
UN-FENDERED VEHICLES - I SEE WAY TOO MANY VEHICLES ALLOWED TO BE THE OUTFITTED WITH WIDE TIRES OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLES FENDERS. HEY! I THOUGH TIRES ARE SUPPOSED TO BE COVERED BY THE VEHICLE'S FENDERS SO THEY WOULDN'T THROW OFF ROCKS, SPRAY OR DEBRIS INTO THE AIR AT OTHER VEHICLES ON THE HIGHWAY. THOSE OBNOXIOUS BRIGHT-BLUE HEADLIGHTS. SINCE WHEN DO OUR REGULATORS ALLOW HEADLIGHTS THAT BLIND OTHER DRIVERS ON THE HIGHWAYS AT NIGHT WHEN SWITCHED ON LOW-BEAM? THESE MIGHT BE GREAT FOR THE OTHER DRIVER BUT THEY'RE HELL ON SOMEONE'S RETINAS AT NIGHT IF THEY HAVE THE TEMERITY TO BE DRIVING OUT AHEAD. SURELY WE HAVE THE TECHNOLOGY TO ENFORCE THIS AT THE BRAKE TAG STATION. RAIN-X - WHY DO YOU AL

2020-01-05, Service Brakes
WHEN THE VEHICLE STARTS GOING AROUND 55 - 60 MPH, THE CAR STARTS SHAKING VIGOROUSLY. THE WHEEL ALSO SHAKES WHICH ALSO CONCERNS ME. MOREOVER, WHEN I START TO SLOW THE CAR DOWN, A RATTLING NOISE CONSTANTLY SHAKES MY CAR INCLUDING MY WHEEL FROM SIDE TO SIDE. I THINK THERE MIGHT BE AN ALIGNMENT PROBLEM WITH MY VEHICLE SINCE MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNS ON AND OFF FREQUENTLY.

2002 Subaru Legacy questions

Does the 2002 Subaru Legacy have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2002 Subaru Legacy: Vehicle Speed Control:Cables; Suspension:Rear; Power Train:Automatic Transmission; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Master Cylinder. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Subaru Legacy?

Based on 54 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine And Engine Cooling (9), Fuel/Propulsion System (8), Power Train (7).

How do I check if a recall on my 2002 Subaru Legacy has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.