2001 SUBARU Legacy Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
81
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
14 complaints
WHEN STARTING CAR IN COLD WEATHER THERE IS A VERY STRONG GAS ODOR IN CABIN. SUBSEQUENT RESEARCH HAS INDICATED THAT OTHER 2001 LEGACY WAGONS HAVE BEEN RECALLED DUE TO EXACT SAME PROBLEM. MY CAR WAS NOT RECALLED, WHICH IS CONFUSING GIVEN THAT THE EXACT SAME RISKS ARE ASSOCIATED. *TR
Apr 10, 2014
PURCHASED VEHICLE IN SOUTH CAROLINA AND DROVE IT BACK TO NORTHERN KENTUCKY. IT PRODUCED APPROXIMATELY 380 MILES ON ONE TANK OF FUEL. NOTE: IT WAS WELL INTO THE 50-60 F RANGE OUTSIDE WHILE DRIVING DURING THAT TIME. SUBSEQUENT FILL-UPS IN NORTHERN KENTUCKY (WITH OUTSIDE TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 10-30 F) PRODUCED 160-225 MILES IN-TOWN. I EXPERIENCED A VERY STRONG, RAW FUEL ODOR IN THE PASSENGER CABIN. IT WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC AND THEY FOUND "NOTHING WRONG." THIS OF COURSE, DOES NOT MEAN THERE IS NOTHING WRONG. THE FUEL LINES WERE CHECKED AND TIGHTENED EVEN THOUGH THEY WERE NEITHER LOOSE NOR WORN. AFTER READING THE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM FROM OTHER OWNERS, IT SEEMS THAT SUBARU OWES ME AND MANY OTHERS A RECALL. TODAY IS ABOUT 14 F OUTSIDE AND I DROVE THE SUBARU 16 MILES. THE FUMES WERE SO UNBEARABLE I HAD TO PULL OVER AND WAIT FOR THEM TO SUBSIDE. THIS SEEMS LIKE NOT ONLY AN EMISSIONS VIOLATION, BUT ALSO A FIRE AND HEALTH HAZARD. *TR
Dec 24, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SUBARU LEGACY GT. THE CONTACT STARTED THE IGNITION AND SMELLED A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL INSIDE OF THE CABIN. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ONLY IN FREEZING WEATHER TEMPERATURES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND REMAINED THERE FOR SEVEN DAYS TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THE PROBLEM. THERE WAS A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V393000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS). THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED THE IDENTICAL FAILURE AS MENTIONED IN THE RECALL. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 03/29/11*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER REPLACED THE HOSES UNDER RECALL 00V393000, ALTHOUGH HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WILL HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL THE WINTER TO SEE IF THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN RECTIFIED. UPDATED 08/19/11
Mar 04, 2011
DURING THE WINTER MONTHS, WHEN THE TEMPERATURE IS IN THE 20'S OR BELOW, THERE IS A STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE IN THE CABIN WHEN THE CAR IS IDLING AND WHEN I TURN ON THE HEATER FAN. THE SMELL REMAINS IN MY GARAGE AFTER I STOP THE CAR. MY SON, WHO IS A MECHANIC TIGHTENED THE FUEL LINES WHICH SEEMED TO HELP A BIT BUT THIS PROBLEM HAS PERSISTED EVERY WINTER. THERE WAS A RECALL IN 2001 BUT SUBARU MAINTAINS THAT THE RECALL DOES NOT APPLY TO MY VIN NUMBER AND SAYS THAT I NEED TO BRING THE CAR IN AND PAY FOR THE DIAGNOSIS. THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS DETAILING EXACTLY THE SYMPTOMS OF MY PROBLEM ON THE WEBSITE, ARFE WHICH LEADS ME TO THINK THAT THE PROBLEM SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY A BROADER RECALL BY SUBARU.
Feb 01, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK. THE CONTACT NOTICED A FUEL SMELL AND WHEN SHE WOULD TURN THE HEATING SYSTEM ON, THE SMELL BECAME UNBEARABLE, FORCING THE CONTACT TO ROLL THE WINDOWS DOWN. THE FAILURE BEGAN OCTOBER 2010. NEITHER THE DEALER OR MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED NOR WAS THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 130,000. UPDATED 09/28/11*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE GAS SMELL ONLY OCCURRED WHEN THE TEMPERATURE WAS BELOW 30 DEGREES. UPDATED 10/05/11
Jan 24, 2011
+ 9 more complaints for this component
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
9 complaints
COMPLAINT REGARDING SAFETY RECALL PROBLEM RESULTING IN TWO ACCIDENTS. *MR *SC *JB
Jun 17, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AND COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP, VEHICLE LUNGES FORWARD, AN ACCIDENT OCCURRED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. WHEN IN REVERSE VEHICLE WILL JUST TAKE OFF ON ITS OWN GOING BACKWARD. THERE IS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN REGARDING THIS ISSUE. *AK DEALER NOTIFIED. *TT
Apr 16, 2002
WHILE DRIVING, THROTTLE STUCK AT 53 MPH, CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO STOP BY BRAKING AT A STOP LIGHT, THE VEHICLE IDLED AT 4500 RPM, CONSUMER SHIFTED TO PARK AND BACK TO DRIVE AND THE RPM DROPPED TO 3000 RPMS, CONSUMER PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER AND PARKED VEHICLE FOR 25 MINUTES, AFTER RESTARTING, EVERYTHING WAS WORKING OKAY, CONSUMER IS TAKING VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. *SLC
Mar 17, 2002
WHILE DRIVING, THROTTLE STUCK AT 53 MPH, CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO STOP BY BRAKING AT A STOP LIGHT, THE VEHICLE IDLED AT 4500 RPM, CONSUMER SHIFTED TO PARK AND BACK TO DRIVE AND THE RPM DROPPED TO 3000 RPMS, CONSUMER PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER AND PARKED VEHICLE FOR 25 MINUTES, AFTER RESTARTING, EVERYTHING WAS WORKING OKAY, CONSUMER IS TAKING VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. *SLC
Mar 17, 2002
CONSUMER WAS ATTEMTING TO PULL INTO A PARKING SPACE WHILE LIGHTLY TOUCHING BRAKE PEDAL WHEN VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, RUNNING OVER AN ENBANKMENT AND HITTING THE SIDE OF A BUILDING. BRAKE PEDAL WAS TO THE FLOOR, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. CONSUMER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO NECK AND BACK AREAS OF THE BODY, AND DAMAGE TO VEHICLE WAS ESTIMATED OVER THREE THOUSAND DOLLARS. DEALER HAS YET TO BE CONTACTED. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE DEALER HAS THE VEHICLE TO TRY TO DETERMINE CAUSE OF PROBLEM. *YH
Jan 03, 2002
+ 4 more complaints for this component
TIRES
8 complaints
Headed home from a vet appointment in mountain home. Was driving on the freeway at 80mph when the tire blew at the Wendell exit. Checked the tire to find that the inside wall had failed and had a blowout. The tire was installed June 8th 2025 and had less than 1,000 miles on it. I have never in 26 years of being around vehicles had a brand new tire fail in less than 1,000 miles. Tire was a good year reliant all season 195/65/R15. That tire blowout could have killed me and my family. I stopped at the Walmart that I bought the tire from with the receipt and was told "oh that sucks. We can replace it for you if you want to buy a new one a full price." How can a company sell a tire from a brand like good year that isn't even covered for a 1,000 miles? That's absolutely mind blowing. Had anyone gotten injured from the accident I would filling charges against Walmart for selling me a faulty tire
Jul 13, 2025
BLOW OUT WITH COMPLETE DETACHMENT OF TIRE TREAD FROM WHEEL AT 50 MPH; CAR CRASHED INTO STONE WALL; AIR BAGS DEPLOYED; FIRE IN FORWARD PART OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT PUT OUT BY FIRE COMPANY; FIRE COMPANY COMMENT THAT LOOKED LIKE TIRE FAILURE; TIRES HAD ONLY ~2000 MILES ON THEM; NO INJURIES; ONLY ONE CAR INVOLVED; POLICE FILED A REPORT; CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS; I HAVE THE TIRE TREAD WHICH DETACHED FROM THE WHEEL AND IS A COMPLETE, SINGLE CIRCULAR PIECE; ABOUT 1 INCH OF TIRE RUBBER REMAINED ATTACHED TO EACH RIM OF THE WHEEL. *TR
Jun 02, 2010
REAR PASSENGER SIDE BRIDGESTONE POTENZA RE950 205/55R16 91 H BLEW OUT FOR NO APPARENT REASON. MILEAGE ON TIRE WAS 25000. NO CRASH OR INJURY. MUST REPLACE TIRE PREMATURELY SINCE TREAD WEAR WAS GOOD.
Jun 29, 2005
ALL FOUR TIRES WERE REPLACED 3 TIMES WITHIN 35,000 MILES DUE TO PREMATURE WEAR. THE TIRES WERE REPLACED WITH DIFFERENT MODEL TIRES, BUT FAILURE RECURRED. *AK
Jun 28, 2004
BRIDGESTONE POTENZA 205/60R15----THE TIRE WENT FLAT WHILE TURNING A CORNER WITH NO PRIOR WARNING--THIS TIRE WAS NOT REPAIRABLE & WAS REPLACED----SECOND INCIDENT OCCURED WITH 17944 MILES ON THE CAR HOWEVER IT WAS THE NEW TIRE ON THE SAME WHEEL-RIGHT REAR--IT BLEWOUT WITH ONLY 2058 MILES ON THE TIRE--THERE WAS NO WARNING--IT BLEWOUT, SHREDDED & MADE BLACK SMOKE WHILE DRIVING 70MPH
Oct 21, 2002
+ 3 more complaints for this component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
8 complaints
WHEN I PUT ON THE BRAKES TO STOP THE CAR THE ENGINE STALLS OUT.. *TR
May 19, 2011
TOOK MY 2001 BH5 GTB E-TUNE FOR SERVICE AT SUBARU KENYA. DEALER BLED THE OIL WITHOUT REPLACING IT(AS I FOUND OUT LATER). CRUISING AT 80KPH, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, CAR LOST ALL POWER, WAS TOWED BACK TO DEALER. DEALER SAID ENGINE HAD CEASED, SO THEY OVERHAULED IT. SAME THING HAPPENED AFTER 234KM. DEALER SAYS THEY DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHAT PROBLEM WAS AND ARE UNABLE TO FIX IT, SO I HAD TO PURCHASE A NEW ENGINE. FHI JAPAN SAYS MY INITIAL ENGINE WAS NOT BUILT FOR AFRICAN MARKET. SURELY, THEY SHOULD HAVE KNOWN BETTER. I AM SO MAD AT SUBARU KENYA( THE MOST INEXPERIENCED SUBARU DEALERS IN THE WORLD) AND FHI JAPAN!! *TR
Feb 22, 2011
MY 2001 LEGACY LEAKED ANTIFREEZE...WAS RECALLED...THE "ADDITIVE" THEY REQUIRED TO BE ADDED WAS DONE...THE HEAD GASKET WAS REPLACED AT ABOUT 25,000 MILES BEFORE WARRANTY EXPIRED...NOW, ABOUT 1 YR AND 10,000 MILES LATER, I AM HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AND THEY ARE SAYING I HAVE TO HAVE THE SAME HEAD GASKET REPLACED!!! THIS DOES NOT SOUND RIGHT TO ME...DO I POSSIBLY HAVE A WARPED BLOCK OR HEAD??? I THINK ALL THE DEALER IS DOING IS JUST PUTTING A "BAND-AID" ON MY PROBLEM *NM
Nov 02, 2005
WHNE THE CAR IS COLD, IT HESITATES AND STALLS WHEN TAKING OFF FROM A STOP SIGN OR OTHER STOP. DEALER DOES NOT KNOW HOW TO FIX. FAILS EVERY TIME THE CAR IS OPERATED COLD. *AK
Dec 20, 2004
MY SUBARU LEGACY, 2001, 25,000 MILES, CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE FRONT RIGHT PART UNDER THE HOOD SUDDENLY ON MY WAY HOME 2/5/03, I WAS LOCKED IN THE CAR AND UNABLE TO GET OUT TILL THE CAR FILLED WITH SMOKE, I WAS PANICKING, AS I WAS UNABLE TO BREATH. AT THAT POINT I THOUGHT I WOULD PASS OUT, OR DIE SOON, THE PEOPLE OUTSIDE COULD NOT GET ME OUT. MY CAR WAS TOTALED, AND STILL UNDER WARRANTY. SUBARU HAS NOT RESPONDED, I AM WITHOUT A CAR. THIS HAS BEEN VERY STRESSFUL FOR ME AND MY FAMILY. WE TRUSTED THE NAME OF SUBARU AND WHAT IT STANDS FOR TILL NOW. AFTER OUR INSURANCE COMPANY SENT A FORENSIC MECHANIC TO INVESTIGATE, IT WAS DETERMINED NOT TO BE ARSON, AND TO BE THE FAULT OF THE MANUFACTURER. WE ALWAYS TOOK VERY GOOD CARE OF THIS CAR SO THIS HAPPENING WAS QUITE A SHOCK TO US AND OUR OTHER FRIENDS THAT OWN SUBARU'S. WE ALL ARE NOT SO PATIENTLY WAITING TO HEAR FROM SUBARU. I WOULD LIKE A NEW CAR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. *JB
May 21, 2003
+ 3 more complaints for this component
SUSPENSION
6 complaints
The contact owns a 2001 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while his son was driving at highway speeds, the vehicle would wobble without warning. After the contact test drove the vehicle and experienced the failure himself, he took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and discovered that the rear control arm had rotted out due to severe corrosion. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the vehicle had been placed under NHTSA Campaign Number: 03V153000 (Suspension). The manufacturer was then notified of the failure and confirmed the prior recall on the vehicle; however, they could not offer any further assistance. The contact also took the vehicle to the dealer where they informed him that the entire subframe had rotted out due to corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in their possession. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Dec 01, 2021
1. DRIVING CAR OVER SPEED BUMP AT POSTED SPEED LIMIT 2. FAILURE: FRONT SWAY BAR BROKE AT BOTH THE RIGHT AND LEFT SIDE OF CAR AT THE FRAME BUSHINGS BETWEEN WHEEL AND BODY FRAME. 3. NEW SWAY BAR, LINKERS AND BUSHINGS ARE REQUIRED - REPAIR HAS YET TO BE DONE AS IT BROKE YESTERDAY. *TR
Jan 26, 2009
ON A 2001 SUBARU LEGACY, THE SEALED FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS AND HUBS HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 68,000 MILES. SEALED WHEEL BEARINGS SHOULD LAST MUCH LONGER. I HAVE READ THAT OTHERS HAVE ALSO RUN IN PROBLEMS WITH SEALED WHEEL BEARINGS ON OTHER YEARS AND MODELS OF SUBARU. I SUSPECT A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. *TR
Jul 15, 2008
WHEEL BEARING FAILURE AT 59,000 MILES
Sep 05, 2007
I HAVE BROUGHT MY VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER IN DELRAY BEACH FL AND IT STILLS PULLS TO THE RIGHT AND I HAD THE CUDTOMER SERVICE REP DRIVE IT WITH ME IN THE CAR AND HE AGREED THAT IT HAS A PULL TO THE RIGHT . I HAVE SPOKEN TO SUBARU AND THEY HAVE DONE NOTHING TO TAKE CARE OF THIS PROBLEM. IT IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE.*AK
Feb 03, 2002
+ 1 more complaint for this component
AIR BAGS
4 complaints
(EVENT)MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR 2001 SUBARU FORESTER AT 55MPH WHEN SHE WAS HIT FROM BEHIND, CAUSING OUR CAR TO SWERVE. SHE HIT A LAMPOST WITH THE FRONT OF THE FORESTER HARD ENOUGH TO KNOCK THE POST DOWN, STOPPING OUR CAR. NOBODY WAS CRITICALLY INJURED. (FAILURE) THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. (FOLLOWUP) THE CAR HAS BEEN DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS. WE ARE WORKING OUT COMPENSATION WITH THE INSURANCE COMPANY OF THE CAR THAT HIT OURS. I AM CALLING SUBARU TO TELL THEM ABOUT THE AIR BAG FAILURE.
Jun 26, 2005
CONSUMER PARKED VEHICLE IN FRONT OF MOBILE HOME AND TURNED OFF IGNITION. VEHICLE WENT FORWARD INTO CLUB HOUSE BUILDING, AND HIT A POOL TABLE WITH THE IGNITION OFF. POOL TABLE STOPPED VEHICLE, HOWEVER AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. CONTACT DEALER AND THEY WERE INVESTIGATING.*AK *JB
Jan 04, 2002
CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN 30 MPH FRONT END COLLISION WITH A BUILDING IN WHICH FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE AND DRIVER SIDE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED TO CONSUMERS BACK AND NECK. DAMAGE TO VEHICLE WAS ESTIMATED OVER FOUR THOUSAND DOLLARS. DEALER HAS YET TO BE CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
Jan 03, 2002
CONSUMERWAS TRAVELING ABOUT 50MPH ON HIGHWAY AND ANOTHER VEHICLE SUDDENLY STOPPED IN FRONT OF CONSUMER'S VEHICLE. CONSUMER APPLIED BRAKES, AND VEHICLE STARTED TO FISHTAIL. VEHICLE SLID AND HIT THE MERIDIAN STAND. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO PULL VEHICLE OVER TO THE SHOULDER, AND FRONT REAR TIRE TREAD SEPARATED FROM WHEEL. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK
Jul 09, 2001
VISIBILITY
4 complaints
THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH DUAL SUN ROOFS WHICH LEAKED THROUGH THE MAP LIGHT ONTO THE DRIVER. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AT LEAST 4 TIMES TO HAVE THE PROBLEM REPAIRED. THE MECHANIC WOULD CHECK FOR WATER TIGHTNESS OR LEAKAGE AFTER REPAIRING SUN ROOF. THE PROBLEM WOULD RECUR REGARDLESS OF THE TYPE OF REPAIR THAT WAS DONE. THE CONSUMER HAD CHECKED INTO THE LEMON LAW. *NLM PH *JB
Jun 26, 2003
WATER LEAKED INSIDE THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE SUNROOF, THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE ON 5 OCCASIONS, HOWEVER THEY WERE UNABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *JB
Apr 08, 2003
FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW GLASS EXPLODED WHEN DOOR WAS OPENED. THERE WERE NO OTHER FACTORS INVOLVED; THE DOOR WAS SIMPLY OPENED. NOTHING STRUCK THE GLASS AND THE GLASS HAD NOT BEEN PREVIOUSLY COMPROMISED. PERSON INJURED WAS 16 YEAR OLD GIRL. INJURIES CONSISTED OF CUTS TO FACE, SCRATCHED CORNEA AND CUT UNDERNEATH EYELID FROM EMBEDDED GLASS FRAGMENTS. DEALER SERVICE MANAGER AND MANUFACTURER REPRESENTATIVE REJECTED ANY NOTION THAT THERE WERE DEFECTS IN EITHER THE GLASS ITSELF OR THE WINDOW MECHANISM.*AK
Apr 25, 2002
THE REAR WINDOW HAS WHAT APPEARS TO BE A PATTERN OF FOG SPOTS THAT CANNOT BE REMOVED, WHICH CAUSES POOR VISIBILITY. *ET
Oct 23, 2000
STRUCTURE
3 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2001 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 03V153000 (SUSPENSION). HOWEVER, THE REMEDY FAILED TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE SUB FRAME WAS FOUND CORRODED AND FRACTURED. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,131.
Oct 09, 2014
THE PAINT IS CHIPPING OFF OF MY REAR BUMPER NEAR THE DRIVER'S SIDE UNDER THE TAIL LIGHTS. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER WHEN I WAS HAVING ANOTHER ISSUE LOOKED AT (MY ROUTERS KEEP WARPING). THE DEALER CALLED AND SAID THE PAINT GUY WOULD TAKE A LOOK AND LET ME KNOW. I PICKED UP THE CAR AFTER HOURS AND THERE WAS NO INFO ABOUT THE PAINT. WHEN I CALLED THEY TOLD ME IT WAS NEVER LOOKED AT. I HAD TO TAKE THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER. THE PAINT GUY LOOKED AT AND SAID THAT HE CAN'T MAKE A DECISION ON PAINT, IT HAS TO BE MADE BY THE SUBARU REP. IT HAS BEEN PROBABLY 2 MONTHS AND NO ONE HAS CONTACTED TO TELL ME WHEN THE REP WOULD BE AT THE DEALER TO LOOK AT MY CAR. I ATTEMPTED TO CALL AND WAS TOLD THEY HAVE NEVER RECEIVED HIS SCHEDULE.*AK
Sep 08, 2003
WHEN SNOWING SNOW GET INSIDE OF WHEEL WELL, CAUSING PROBLEM TO TURN VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM. VEHICLE SHAKES AND TREMBLES WHEN PASS 50MPH. VEHICLE IS OFF BALANCE BECAUSE OF TIRES INFLATED WITH THE SNOW INSIDE OF WHEEL WELLS. *AK
Feb 07, 2001
WHEELS
3 complaints
FAILED FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS. *TR
Dec 15, 2011
2001 SUBARU LEGACY BOTH FRONT WHEELS ARE RUSTED AND THE COMPONETS BEHIND THEM. *KB *JB
Sep 20, 2006
TRAVELLING ON A CLEAR DAY ON A WELL-MAINTAINED SECONDARY ROAD. HIT A SOFTBALL-SIZED ROCK WITH THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL. IMMEDIATELY UNABLE TO STEER VEHICLE; STOPPING DIFFICULT AS CAR PULLED STRONGLY TO THE RIGHT. TIRE INTACT. RIM CIRCUMFERENTIALLY SHEARED. OUTER THIRD OF THE RIM REMAINED ATTACHED TO THE AXLE; INNER TWO THIRDS PLUS TIRE DISCONNECTED AND FREELY FLOATING ON THE AXLE. NO INFORMATION HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY THE COMPANY REGARDING WHETHER THE RIM FUNCTIONED AS EXPECTED OR WAS DEFECTIVE.*AK
Jun 19, 2002
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
3 complaints
ON A COLD START, WITH THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE AT OR BELOW FREEZING (32F), THE 3RD TIME I PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL, IT WILL NOT GO DOWN. THERE IS A HARD STOP AND THE BRAKES DO NOT ENGAGE. THE VEHICLE, IF IN MOTION, WILL NOT STOP. REPEATED PUMPING OF THE BRAKE PEDAL EVENTUALLY FREES UP THE BRAKE PEDAL AND BRAKING FUNCTION IS RESTORED. NOTICE A DISTINCT REVVING OF THE ENGINE WHEN THE PROBLEM IS REMEDIED. THIS IS A REPEATABLE PROBLEM. *TR
Feb 16, 2010
WE ARE GOING DOWN A STEEP DIRT ROAD USING 1ST GEAR. TO SLOW THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE AUTOMATICALLY SPEEDS UP, AND WE HAVE TO JAM ON THE BRAKES HARD TO SLOW DOWN. HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY. RPMS CHANGE FROM NORMAL 2200-3200 TO 4500-5000.*AK
Apr 13, 2002
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE AT LOW SPEED AND UPON USING BRAKES HAAD TO PRESS COMPLETELY TO FLOOR BEFORE VEHICLE WILL COME TO COMPLETE STOP. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Jan 02, 2002
POWER TRAIN
2 complaints
I WAS PULLING OUT OF THE PARKING LOT ONTO A MAIN STREET AND WHEN I STARTED TO STEP ON THE GAS THE CAR DIDN'T WANT TO GO SO WELL AND THE RPMS WHAT ARE GETTING PRETTY HIGH AND THE CLUTCH WAS SLIPPING THE FLUID WAS A LITTLE BIT LOW SO WE ADDED THE RECOMMENDED FLUID THE DEXTRON 111.. WE WERE ABLE TO DRIVE ABOUT 5 MILES ON THE FREEWAY ABOUT 60 MILES AN HOUR BACK TO OUR HOUSE THE NEXT MORNING WE GOT UP TO LEAVE THE CAR WOULD BARELY MOVE FORWARD THE CLUTCH SLIPPING REALLY BAD AND ALSO IS DOING THE SAME IN REVERSE.. I HAVE OWNED BY SUBARUS AND I WAS ALSO THE SALES AND FINANCE MANAGER FOR NADER SUBARU IN EUREKA CALIFORNIA IN 2005 TO 2010
Mar 17, 2020
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUAL CLUTCH ASSEMBLY FAILED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH IN HIGH TEMPERATURE CLIMATE. THERE HAVE BEEN THREE FAILURES, ONE OF WHICH THE CONTACT WAS ALMOST INVOLVED IN A CRASH. AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE, TWO PARTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED. SUBARU SUGGESTED THAT THE CONTACT REPLACE A THIRD PART TO AVOID ANOTHER FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 42,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,000.
Jul 20, 2007
ENGINE
2 complaints
SUDDEN ACCELERATION CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. THE SUBARU WAS AT REST IN DRIVE.
Mar 12, 2019
IN COLDER WEATHER I HAVE FUEL LEAKING FROM FUEL LINES UNDER THE HOOD WHICH CREATES A STRONG GAS SMELL INSIDE THE VEHICLE. I WENT ONLINE AND FOUND NHSTA RECALL # 00V393000 . I AM NOT SURE IF THIS IS FOR MY VEHICLE OR NOT. SINCE THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE, COULD IT BE REPAIRED AT AT SUBARU DEALER NEAR ME ?
Nov 14, 2018
SEAT BELTS
2 complaints
MY 7 YR OLD SON, SEATED AND SHOULDER-STRAPPED INTO HIS BOOSTER SEAT IN THE BACK SEAT NEXT TO THE WINDOW, PULLED THE MIDDLE REAR SHOULDER STRAP OUT TO WHERE THE LOCKING MECHANISM BECAME ENGAGED, THEN WRAPPED THE STRAP AROUND HIS NECK. AS THE STRAP WENT BACK IN IT TIGHTENED AROUND HIS NECK TO THE POINT WHERE HE COULD NOT GET IT OFF OVER HIS HEAD OR PULL IT BACK OUT AGAIN, SINCE IT WAS IN LOCKING MODE. WE WERE DRIVING IN THE DARK, AND HE DID NOT TELL US HE WAS STUCK. WE WERE ON A LONG ROAD TRIP TO RELATIVES AND HAD BEEN DRIVING FOR ABOUT 16 HOURS, AND THOUGHT HE WAS ASLEEP IN THE BACK SEAT. EVEN TURNING AROUND TO LOOK AT HIM WE DIDN'T KNOW HE WAS TRAPPED BECAUSE HE HAD A BLANKET OVER HIM. WHEN HE FINALLY STARTED TO WHIMPER A LITTLE WE REALIZED WHAT HAD HAPPENED, PULLED OVER, TRIED TO REMOVE THE STRAP FROM THE LAP SECTION OF THE BELT BUT COULDN'T FIGURE OUT HOW, AND ENDED UP CUTTING THE STRAP TO GET HIM OUT. HE WAS SHAKEN AND HAD SOME RED MARKS ON HIS NECK, BUT OTHERWISE WAS UNHURT. AFTER OUR TRIP WE HAD THE SHOULDER STRAP REPLACED.*JB
Mar 11, 2003
CONSUMER STATES THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT INCLUDING THE ARM THAT IS BOLTED TO THE FLOOR DISCONNECTED FROM THE FLOOR. THE ARM THAT CAME LOOSE CAME OFF WITH THE HEAVY MACHINE BOLT AND ALL THE WASHERS ATTACHED. MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED. *TT
Apr 05, 2002
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
ALWAYS, WHEN THE CIRCULATION FRESH AIR BUTTON IS PRESSED TO ALLOW OUTSIDE AIR TO ENTER THE CABIN, THERE IS THE NOXIOUS ODOR OF GASOLINE. I REPLACED THE ENGINE BECAUSE OF A TIMING BELT RELATED PROBLEM AT 160,000 MILES AND THE PROBLEM OF GAS ODOR STOPPED FOR A FEW MONTHS BUT IT IS BACK, BAD AS EVER. WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN? YEARS AND YEARS
Sep 14, 2020
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
GAS FUEL LINES IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT LEAKING IN COLD WEATHER. GAS POOLING ON ENGINE CREATING FIRE HAZARD. SAME ISSUE AS OTHER SUBARU. STRONG FUEL SMELL INSIDE CABIN AND OUT. *TR
Nov 11, 2014
SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
COLD WEATHER BELOW 32 DEGREES NO BRAKE PEDAL ON COLD START- DIFFICULT TO STOP CAR MOVING UNDER 5MPH. AFTER WARM UP FOR 5-10 MINUTES- DEPENDING ON HOW COLD THE TEMP. PEDAL COMES BACK AND BRAKES SEEM TO OPERATE NORMALLY. *TR
Jan 29, 2014
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1 complaint
THIS CAR WAS "INSPECTED" ON JULY 25, 2011 AT AFFORDABLE AUTO GLASS, 806 ELM STREET, WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA (MASSACHUSETTS INSPECTION STATION PB 024377). UPON PURCHASING THIS CAR IN OCTOBER, 2011, I ATTEMPTED TO GET A RI INSPECTION STICKER FOR IT WHEN REGISTERING IT IN RI. IT FAILED ON SEVERAL COUNTS (BALD TIRES, BAD REAR BRAKES, 2 BAD FRONT AXLES). I WOULD LIKE THIS STATION INVESTIGATED TO FIND OUT HOW THIS CAR COULD HAVE PASSED A MASS INSPECTION ONLY 3 MONTHS BEFORE I BOUGHT IT. IN ADDITION TO THE FAILED ITEMS, ONE FRONT BRAKE CALIPER WAS FROZEN AND THE BRACKET HOLDING THE OTHER FRONT BRAKE CALIPER WAS BROKEN.
Nov 02, 2011
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
1 complaint
I HAVE A SUBARU LEGACY GT. EVERY TIME THE TEMPERATE GETS TO ABOUT 20 DEGREES OR COLDER, THE ENGINE EMITS A STRONG RAW FUEL SMELL INTO THE CABIN. THE CAR HAS DONE SO ALMOST CONSTANTLY SINCE PURCHASE, HAS BEEN REPAIRED TWICE FOR THE PROBLEM (ATTRIBUTED TO A PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL LINES) AND HAS BEEN THE SUBJECT OF A PRIOR NHTSA COMPLAINT. CARS MANUFACTURER AROUND THE DATE OF MINE HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THIS PROBLEM, BUT MY CAR WAS NOT INCLUDED. TODAY WAS THE FIRST DAY BELOW 20 DEGREES IN SEVERAL MONTHS AND THE FUEL SMELL REAPPEARED. CAR NOW NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED AGAIN FOR THIS PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE SIMPLY CANNOT BE DRIVEN IN EXTREMELY COLD WEATHER AS IT IS A HEALTH HAZARD TO BREATHE THESE FUMES, AS WELL AS A FIRE DANGER. A SEARCH OF THE INTERNET REVEALS A NUMBER OF OTHER OWNERS WITH THE EXACT SAME COMPLAINT. *TR
Dec 06, 2007
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
TSB NUMBERS 115899 & 115398 I HAVE A 2001 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK. IT STARTED GIVING ME TROUBLE AND, I FOUND OUT THAT THERE ARE LOT OF OTHER PEOPLE LIKE ME WHO ARE FACING THIS PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE HESITATES WHILE DRIVING. IT DOESN'T PICK-UP SPEED EVEN IF YOU GIVE IT GAS. DOESN'T CROSS 35 MPH FOR SOMETIME IRRESPECTIVE OF IF YOU GIVE MORE GAS. BUT SUDDENLY PICKS UP THE SPEED. I ONCE TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND HE CHANGED THE OXYGEN SENSOR OR KNOCK SENSOR. IT WORKED ALRIGHT FOR A MONTH AFTER THAT. AGAIN IT STARTED DOING IT. I NEED HELP WITH THIS. I AM TOLD THAT THIS SITE HELPS ME IN FILING THIS COMPLAINT. *JB
Nov 01, 2005
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
EXCESSIVE BRAKE REPAIRS. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MY BRAKES EVERY 30,000 MILES. I HAVE NEVER HAD A CAR OR TRUCK THAT HAS NEEDED TO HAVE ALL THE COMPONENTS OF THE BRAKING SYSTEM REPLACED WITH SUCH FREQUENCY. WHILE AT THE DEALER ANOTHER OWNER WAS COMPLAINING TO SERVICE ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE
Mar 29, 2005
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
VEHICLE'S HEAD GASKET BLEW OUT. *MR THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED AND THE WINDSHIELD DID NOT DEFROST PROPERLY. THE FOUND THAT THE HEATER CORE WAS BAD. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE HEAD GASKET. *SC THE RADIATOR WAS REPLACED. *JB
Aug 04, 2004
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
DRIVING ON SECONDARY ROAD - WELL KNOW TO ME - AT DUSK @ 45 MPH APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION WITH A MAJOR ROAD. BEGAN TO TAP GENTLY ON BRAKE TO EASE TO MY "YIELD" OR STOP IN CASE DRIVER ON OTHER ROAD DID NOT DO SO. EACH TIME I HIT BRAKES, THE ENGINE WOULD REV UP & PULL FORWARD @ INCREASED SPEED. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO BRAKE, I ATTEMTED TO DOWNSHIFT, PUT IN PARK AND PULL UP PARKING BRAKE -- ALL TO NO AVAIL, EXCEPT ENGINE AND FRONT END MADE LOUD GRINDING NOISES. THE CAR WOULD STILL NOT STOP AND WHEN I WAS ABOUT 25' FROM THE INTERSECTION, I HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO DRIVE INTO A "SNOW BANK" WHICH TURNED OUT TO BE SEVERAL INCHES OF SNOW OVER A PILE OF GRAVEL. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE FRONT OF THE CAR & IT WAS TOWED. THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER HAD A DIFFICULT TIME STARTING THE CAR SO HE COULD WINCH IT ONTO HIS FLATBED TRUCK. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE SUBARU DEALER FROM WHOM I PURCHASED THE CAR. THE SERVICE MANAGER MAINTAINS THAT THE PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY "BIRDSEED IN THE FILTER" IN THE AIR BOX GOING TO THE THROTTLE. (HE ALSO SAID THE SEED INDICATED THAT THERE MAY HAVE BEEN A MOUSE NEST, BUT HE FOUND NO EVIDENCE OF A NEST AT THAT TIME.) I TOLD HIM THAT I FOUND THAT HARD TO BELIEVE SINCE MY CAR IS IN A HEATED AREA OF THE GARAGE AND ANY MICE HAVE MUCH WARMER PLACES TO STAY. MY OWN MECHANIC SAID THE BIRDSEED EXPLANATION WAS IMPLAUSIBLE AND, IF ANYTHING, THE BIRDSEED WOULD HAVE LED THE CAR TO STALL OUT - NOT INCREASE ACCELERATION. I CHECKED YOUR WEB SITE AND FOUND OTHER 2001 LEGACIES WITH "FUEL: THROTTLE LINKAGES & CONTROL PROBLEMS. I PRINTED THESE OUT AND TOOK THEM TO THE DEALER. HE SAID HE CHECKED THE THROTTLE LINKAGES AND CONTROLS ELECTRONICALLY AND FOUND THEM TO BE FINE BUT WOULD NOT PUT THIS IN WRITING. HE STANDS FAST ON HIS BIRDSEED EXPLANATION. AM AN EXPERIENCED & SAFE DRIVER - HAVE "PLATINUM" LEVEL OF SAFE DRIVER DISCOUNT. THIS CAR IS MY 6TH NEW SUBARU IN UNDER 20 YEARS. HAVE ALWAYS FOUND THEM RELIABLE IN THE PAST. AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS CAR.*AK
Jan 28, 2004
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
1 complaint
CAR AT ISSUE IS A 2001 SUBARU LEGACY GT LIMITED. ON TWO OCCASIONS IN THE PAST MONTH, A STRONG RAW GAS SMELL FILLED THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND PASSENGER COMPARTMENT OF THE CAR. ON BOTH OCCASIONS, THE TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE WAS BELOW 10 DEGREES. AFTER THE FIRST OCCURRENCE, CAR WAS LEFT AT DEALER WHO FOUND NOTHING WRONG. THE CAR WAS FINE FOR NEXT 5 DAYS (WEATHER WAS 10 TO 30 DEGREES). ON DAY 6, WEATHER DROPPED TO ABOUT 8 DEGREES AND GAS SMELL RETURNED. CAR WAS LEFT IN GARAGE AFTER DRIVING AND GARAGE FILLED WITH VERY STRONG GAS SMELL. THERE IS AN OBVIOUS CORRELATION BETWEEN EXTREME COLD (10 DEGREES OR LESS) AND THIS PROBLEM. WILL RETURN CAR TO DEALER FOR SECOND ATTEMPT AT REPAIR BUT SINCE WEATHER IS EXPECTED TO BE OVER 10 DEGREES FOR NEXT 2 WEEKS AM NOT SURE WILL BE ABLE TO REPLICATE PROBLEM. SEEMS LIKELY THAT THE PROBLEM IS A GAS LEAK AT COLD TEMPERATURES, WHICH MAY WELL BE A SAFETY HAZARD AND FIRE/EXPLOSION DANGER. *CB
Jan 16, 2004
STEERING
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35MPH POWER STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING.*AK
Aug 27, 2003
EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR FAILED ON 06/01/03. DEALER ADVISED CONSUMER TO REPLACE IT WITH A BRAND NEW COMPRESSOR. REPLACEMENT COMPRESSOR FAILED ON 07/01/03. DEALER REPLACED COMPRESSOR AND "RECEPTACLE". ON 07/26/03 WHILE DRIVING, CONSUMER TURNED ON AIR CONDITIONING AND VEHICLE STALLED. VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY BEING CHECKED BY DEALER. 2001, SUZUKI XL7 UNLIMITED.*AK
Jul 30, 2003
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
FUEL SYSTEM ISSUE. I HAVE OWNED MY VEHICLE FOR APPROXIMATELY 9 MONTHS. I BOUGHT IT AS A USED CAR FROM SLOANE IN PHILADELPHIA. IT HAS APPROXIMATELY 17000 MILES ON IT AND IS CONSIDERED STILL UNDER WARRANTY. I HAVE HAD TO TAKE IT IN FOR SERVICE 4 TIMES FOR THE VEHICLE HESITATING UPON ACCELERATION. THE SERVICE CENTER FIRST SAID THE HESITATION CAME FROM A BAD BATTERY, SECOND INCIDENT THEY STATED THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG, THIRD INCIDENT, WHEN I ALMOST GOT IN AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE THE VEHICLE STARTED TO STALL UP ENTERING THE FREEWAY TRAFFIC, I BROUGHT IT BACK IN FOR SERVICE. THEY DID A THOROUGH CHECK AND SAID IT WAS THE OXYGEN SENSOR. THEY REPLACED IT. APPROXIMATELY 2 WEEKS LATER, THE VEHICLE BEGAN HESITATING ONCE AGAIN! AGAIN, AT A CRUCIAL POINT IN A TRAFFIC SITUATION. I RETURNED THE VEHICLE AGAIN FOR SERVICE, THEY STATED IT WAS THE CODES, THEY JUST NEEDED TO BE CLEARED. THE VEHICLE IS STILL HESITATING AND IS CAUSING A POTENTIAL FOR SERIOUS INJURY UPON DRIVING UNDER CRUCIAL SITUATIONS. I HAVE NOW RESORTED TO PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION. AUDIO SYSTEM ISSUE: VEHICLE'S RADIO WILL DISPLAY ALL IT'S FEATURES, BUT WILL NOT PLAY ANY SOUND THROUGH SPEAKERS. THIS HAS BEEN ADDRESSED WITH THE SERVICE TEAM ON 3 PAST OCCASIONS, BUT IT HAS NOT BEEN REMEDIED. LAST KNOW PROBLEM WAS THE SPEAKER AMPS AND GROUNDING MECHANISM FOR SPEAKER, ALSO THE RADIO, WHEN IT DOES WORK GETS INTERFERENCE WHEN THE REAR DEFROST IS ON. *NLM
Jun 03, 2003
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 2001 SUBARU Legacy have?
The 2001 SUBARU Legacy currently has 81 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.
What are the most common problems with 2001 SUBARU Legacy?
The most common problems reported for the 2001 SUBARU Legacy are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.
Where does this 2001 SUBARU Legacy problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 2001 SUBARU Legacy comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
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