2002 SUBARU Legacy Problems

Complaints Reported

Complaints by Component

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

9 complaints

CAR HAD BEEN PARKED FOR 2 1/2 DAYS. ON COLD START IT MADE A HORRIBLE NOISE, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND CAR DIED. I TOWED IT TO AN AUTO REPAIR SHOP. THEY SAID NOISE WAS INTERNAL MOTOR NOISE. I AUTHORIZED R&R OF THE OIL PAN AND THE FOUND THE #3 ROD BEARING SPUN. THIS VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN ABUSED NOR NEGLECTED AND I HAVE SERVICE RECORDS SHOWING EVERY SERVICE DONE ON TIME. ALL OIL CHANGES WERE DONE EVERY 3500 MILES. ALSO.. AT 92K MILES MY CAR DEVELOPED A HEAD GASKET LEAK. SUBARU HAS A WARRANTY EXTENSION FOR 99-2002 SUBARU LEGACY HEADGASKETS UP TO 8 YEARS OR 100,000 MILES. SUBARU DECLINED COVERAGE ON MY VEHICLE DUE TO VIN # BEING OUTSIDE OF VIN # GROUP THEY HAD EXTENDED. *TR

May 17, 2010

ENGINE BEGAN LEAKING COOLANT AT AN ACCELERATED LEVEL. ONLINE RESEARCH YIELDED A CAMPAIGN FOR REPAIRS THAT EXTENDS THE WARRANTY OF THE KNOWN ISSUE. THE WWP-99 CAMPAIGN COVERAGE WAS DENIED BY THE MANUFACTURER. *TR

Aug 18, 2008

STARTED WITH A BURNING SMELL, WHEN HAVING MY CAR INSPECTED, I WAS ADVISED THAT I HEAD A SMALL HEAD GASKET LEAK. (MY CAR WAS RECALLED AND HAD THE STOP LEAK PUT IN IT) OBVIOUSLY IT DIDN'T WORK. THE LEAK IS WORSE AND I AM SCHEDULING AN APPOINTMENT, WONDERING WHERE THE MONEY IS GOING TO COME FROM TO FIX A PROBLEM SUBARU WAS AWARE OF , IE. THE RECALL! *TR

Jul 24, 2007

COOLANT LEAK. DEALER UNSUCCESSFULLY ATTEMPTED TO SEAL. DEALER REPLACED ONE OF TWO HEAD GASKETS($1328.00). DEALER DENIED ANY RECALL. FOUND SUBARU SERVICE PROGRAM WWP-99 ON INTERNET, SAME MODEL YEAR, ENGINE AND PROBLEM. DEALER AND SUBARU ARE DENYING ANY RESPONSIBILITY SAYING CAR NOT INCLUDED IN VIN RANGE. *NM

Apr 17, 2006

Injuries: 1

LEAKING HEAD GASKET. *JB

Feb 26, 2006

+ 4 more complaints for this component

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

5 complaints

THE FUEL LINES LEAK OUT RAW GASOLINE ONTO THE HOT ENGINE ANY TIME IT IS COLD OUTSIDE. I HAVE REPLACED THE FUEL LINE BUT IT STILL LEAKS WHEN COLD. THIS IS A VERY GREAT FIRE HAZARD.

Jan 11, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2002 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WOULD BE AN ODOR OF FUEL ENTERING INTO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13E065000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.

Dec 29, 2015

ANY TIME IT IS COLD, AROUND 32F OR LOWER, WHETHER THE VEHICLE IS RUNNING OR NOT, THERE IS A TERRIBLE FUEL SMELL INSIDE THE CABIN. I HAVE ACTUALLY WITNESSED FUEL EVAPORATING OUT MY WINDOW. I CAN'T IMAGINE THIS IS A SAFE CONDITION AND A SHORT INTERNET SEARCH REVEALED THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY SUBARU DOESN'T HAVE TO PAY TO FIX THIS GLARING SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

Nov 12, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A STRONG GASOLINE ODOR COMING FROM INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHEN HE TURNED ON THE HEATER OR DEFROSTER, THE FUMES WERE EXTREMELY STRONG. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 215,000.

Jan 24, 2014

IN VERY COLD WEATHER (<20-25 DEGREES F) THERE IS A RAW FUEL SMELL THAT FILLS THE INTERIOR CABIN. THIS OCCASIONALLY IMPROVED WHEN THE ENGINE WARMS UP BUT RETURNS WHEN RESTATING THE CAR. THIS IS VERY CONCERNING FOR A DEFECT THAT MAY LEAD TO FIRE. *TR

Jan 23, 2014

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

5 complaints

NHTSA REF # 302836, SAFETY ISSUE, BRAKES ROTORS RUST TO POINT OF FAILURE, SUBARU SERVICE TOLD ME THEY WERE A SAFETY CONCERN. VIN [XXX], 2002 SUBARU LEGACY L, 43,351 MILES, REPAIR PARTS, SUBARU, FRONT BRAKES PN'S 26296AE220 & 26300AE00C, REAR BRAKES PN'S 26700AE04C & 26696AE020 REPLACED ON ALL 4 WHEELS. I HAVE NEVER HAD TO REPLACE BRAKES ON ANY OF THE MANY VEHICLES I HAVE DRIVEN OVER FORTY PLUS YEARS OF DRIVING. THE SERVICE REP LOOKED TO SEE IF THERE WAS A RECALL WHICH TELLS ME THEY HAVE HAD SAFETY RECALLS. I ORIGINALLY WENT TO THE DEALER TO HAVE MY OIL CHANGED AND WHILE IN THE WAITING ROOM A SALES PERSON CAME OUT AND SPOKE TO A PRIEST WHO OWNED A 2008 OUTBACK AND THE SALES PERSON ASK IF HE WANTED TO TRADE HIS VEHICLE BEFORE IT NEEDED BRAKE WORK. MY EXPERIENCE TELLS ME THAT MY BRAKING DISTANCE WAS COMPROMISED BY MANY FEET OF STOPPING DISTANCE. THE TOTAL COST OF REPAIR WAS $966.48. I HAVE ALL THE DOCUMENTS TO VALIDATE STATEMENTS MADE ON THIS COMPLAINT. I CALLED SUBARU OF AMERICA, THEY WE NOT INTERESTED IN MY COMPLAINT IF IT DID NOT MEET ONE OF THEIR TWO CRITERIA WHICH WERE, WAS THE CAR IN WARRANTY OR WAS THERE A RECALL, THEY WERE NOT INTEREST IN UNDERSTANDING A SAFETY PROBLEM, THEY DID OFFER ME $500 FOR A NEW SUBARU . REFERENCE NUMBER FOR SUBARU WAS REF # 1-1103069413. BRAKE ROTOR DESIGN IS OBSERVING THE LAWS OF PHYSICS AND OVER DESIGNING THE ROTOR SO THE HEAT AT FULL LOAD IS NOT SO GREAT TO CAUSE BRAKING FADE AND CONTINUOUS OVERHEATING OF THE BRAKES CAUSING THEM TO RUST. COMPLAINED ON 5/21/10 THE BRAKES WERE MAKING NOISE AND WERE NOT WORKING PROPERLY NOTED ON SERVICE WORK ORDER NO RESPONSE FROM DEALER ON BRAKES. THIS VEHICLE IS IN SHOW ROOM CONDITION. I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS SAFE DRIVER COURSES AND AWARDS. I HAVE BEEN TRAINED TO LOOK AHEAD IN TRAFFIC AND SLOW THE VEHICLE WITH THE INTENT NEVER TO HAVING TO STOP PREVENTING A REAR END COLLISION AND CONSERVE FUEL. MY CONTENTION IS THE BRAKES ARE DESIGNED TO MEET FULL LOAD WITH NO SAFETY MARGIN. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Oct 13, 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK. WHEN THE TEMPERATURE IS BELOW 32 DEGREES, THE BRAKES FAIL IF THE MASTER CYLINDER IS NOT WARMED. THE CONTACT MUST ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO WARM UP APPROXIMATELY FIVE MINUTES IN ORDER FOR THE BRAKES TO FUNCTION. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 02V079000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC: FOUNDATION COMPONENTS: MASTER CYLINDER) AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE REPAIR SHOP WILL REPLACE THE MASTER CYLINDER AT THE COST OF $400. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE IS 128,000. UPDATED 3/5/09 *CN UPDATED 03/10/09. *JB

Feb 06, 2009

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO SLOW DOWN AND MAKE A LEFT TURN, THE BRAKES FAILED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. THIS OCCURRED UNDER NORMAL BRAKING AND ROAD CONDITIONS. THE OCCUPANT WAS WEARING A SEATBELT WHEN THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A BODY REPAIR SHOP FOR REPAIRS. AFTER BODY REPAIRS WERE MADE, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, BUT WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. ALSO, THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP THAT DETERMINED THE MASTER CYLINDER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.

Jan 26, 2006

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

BRAKE LINE REPAIR/VALVE REPLACEMENT 2002 SUBARU LEGACY. *BF WHEN THE TEMPERATURE WAS BELOW 20 DEGREES THE BRAKES FADED RESULTING IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT A VALVE AND LINE IN THE BRAKE SYSTEM WERE DEFECTIVE. *NM

Mar 07, 2005

AFTER RECALL 00V079000 REPAIRS FOR THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER WAS PERFORMED THE DEFECT REOCCURRED.*AK

Jul 21, 2003

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

5 complaints

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUBARU LEGACY. IN VERY COLD TEMPERATURE, THE RUBBER HOSES ON THE FUEL LINES ABOVE THE ENGINE BECOME LOOSE. AS A RESULT, FUEL LEAKS. THE CONTACT HAD TO EXIT THE VEHICLE AND TIGHTEN THE HOSE CLAMPS. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE DEFECT AND THAT THE HOSE CLAMPS NEEDED TO BE TIGHTENED EACH TIME. WHEN HE TIGHTENS THE CLAMPS, THE REPAIR ONLY LASTS FOR ONE MONTH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 46,000.

Feb 14, 2008

AFTER DRIVING 5-10 MINUTES, THERE WAS A STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE COMING INTO THE CAR. I TOOK THE CAR TO MORRIE'S SUBARU IN BROOKLYN PARK, MINNESOTA WHERE THEY SAID I HAD A MAJOR BREAK IN ONE OF THE FUEL HOSES, A CRACK IN ANOTHER HOSE, AND THE OTHER TWO HOSES LOOKED "IFFY." THE MECHANIC SAID HE WAS SURPRISED THE VEHICLE DIDN'T START ON FIRE BECAUSE IT WAS LEAKING SO MUCH GAS. I DISPUTED THE CHARGE OF $904.98, AND THE SERVICE DIRECTOR, JEFF ANTONSEN, SAID I HAD TO PAY IN FULL IN ORDER TO GET MY CAR BACK. HE REFERRED ME TO CALL 1-800-SUBARU-3. AFTER WAITING 3 DAYS FOR THEM TO RETURN MY CALL, CHANEL SAID SHE WOULD ISSUE ME A CHECK FOR 1/2 OF THE PARTS AND LABOR, $418.51, AS A GOODWILL ASSISTANCE GESTURE. I FEEL THIS WAS A DANGEROUS SAFETY DEFECT AND THAT THE FUEL HOSES WERE MADE OF DEFECTIVE MATERIAL SINCE ALL FOUR OF THEM WERE BAD. I AM DISPUTING THE REMAINING $486.47.8JB

Feb 18, 2007

OUR 2002 SUBARU LEGACY WAGON HAS AN OBNOXIOUS SMELL OF GAS IN THE INTERIOR AFTER STARTING IN COLD WEATHER. WE HAVE A SMALL 1-YEAR OLD WHO IS RISKING BRAIN DAMAGE FROM THESE FUMES AND I HAVE RESEARCHED THE ISSUES WITH THE PROBLEM THAT SUBARU IS NOT ACKNOWLEDGING AS A RECALL BUT A HIDDEN SERVICE BULLETIN. THE POSSIBILITY OF AN ENGINE FIRE AND THE INHALATION OF GAS FUMES POSES THREATS FAR BEYOND WHAT TYPICALLY SHOULD CALL FOR A SERVICE RECALL. THE DEALERSHIP IS GOING TO BE LOOKING AT THE ISSUE TODAY AND I IMAGINE CHARGING US $500-$750 TO FIX, AND WE HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO THIS ISSUE FOR AWHILE. HOW CAN A MANUFACTURER MAKE A DEFECTIVE PART THE LEAVES SUCH A RISK WITHOUT A RECALL? AT LEAST I UNDERSTAND WHILE I AM LIGHT-HEADED THIS MORNING. RIDICULOUS!! *JB

Feb 05, 2007

SMELL OF GASOLINE EVIDENT IN CAR WHEN DRIVING, SMELL WAS VERY STRONG ON FEB. 19,2006. THE TEMP. OUTSIDE WAS 9 DEGREES. THE NEXT DAY ON FEB. 20TH THE FUMES WERE STILL EVIDENT AND STRONG, TEMP. WAS IN THE 20'S. I COULD NOT USE MY HEATER AND WINDOWS HAD TO BE ROLLED DOWN TO DRIVE TO AVOID BECOMING ILL FROM THE FUMES. FUMES WERE APPARENT ABOUT A MONTH PRIOR BUT NOT TO A DEGREE OR LENGTH OF TIME THAT WOULD BE URGENT ( I FIRST ATTRIBUTED THE SMELL TO ANOTHER CARS FUMES). ON FEB. 20TH, 2006 I BROUGHT THE CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP AND AT FIRST THE DEALERSHIP COULD NOT FIND A LEAK OF ANY KIND IN THE FUEL LINE. FURTHER INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE GASOLINE WAS PUDDLING AND IF THERE WAS A SPARK COULD HAVE IGNITED THE CAR. I WAS TOLD TO LEAVE THE CAR TO BE FIXED AND IT IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALERSHIP WAITING FOR REPAIRS AND THE PARTS. THE PROCEDURE FOR FIXING THE PROBLEM IS REFERRED IN THE SUBARU TSB 09-36-03 ISSUED ON APRIL 1, 2003. MY CAR IS NOT A IMPREZA WRX VEHICLE, IT IS A SUBARU LEGACY LIMITED OUTBACK. DURING THE TIME I WAS WAITING FOR THE RESULTS OF MY VEHICLE ANOTHER CUSTOMER CAME IN AND HAD THE SAME PROBLEM ONLY HIS WAS NOT LEAKING AND TO MY UNDERSTANDING WAS NOT AS URGENT AS MY CARS CONDITION. *JB

Feb 22, 2006

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO RESTART VEHICLE, AND HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. MECHANIC DETERMINEDTHAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK

Nov 29, 2004

POWER TRAIN

5 complaints

MY SUBARU LEGACY 2002 WAS RECALLED FOR A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM IN 2003. THIS WAS REPAIRED IN FEB 2003 BY THE CA DEALER WHERE WE PURCHASED THE CAR. IN JUNE OF 2003 WE WERE TRANSFERRED BY THE US COAST GUARD TO VIRGINIA. ON MAY 12, 2004 I NOTICED A STRANGE WHEEL NOISE AND TOOK IT TO THE SUBARU DEALER IN THE AREA FOR DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR. I WAS TOLD LATER THAT THE BRAKES WERE ONLY 50% WORN AND THAT ALL OF THE FLUIDS WERE OK. I WAS TOLD TO PICK UP MY CAR THAT NIGHT AS EVERYTHING WAS FINE. THE PAPER WORK GIVEN TO ME WHEN I PICKED UP THE CAR STATED " CHECKED FRONT AND REAR BRAKES; 50% LEFT; HEARD SOME FRONT DIFFERENTIAL NOISE; CHECKED FLUIDS; CHECKED OK." BY MAY 20TH THE NOISE WAS EXTREME AND I MET WITH THE MECHANIC THE NEXT MORNING. HE INSTANTLY DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS THE DIFFERENTIAL. I WAS TOLD THAT A PART WOULD HAVE TO BE ORDERED AND I INFORMED HIM THAT THE CAR WAS UNDER WARRANTY. ON MAY 24TH I WAS INFORMED THAT THE COST OF THE REPAIR WOULD BE APPROXIMATELY $3500 AS A NEW TRANSMISSION WAS NEEDED AND THAT THE WARRANTY WOULD NOT COVER UNLESS I PRODUCE ALL OF MY SERVICE RECORDS. WE AUTHORIZED THE WORK TO BE DONE AS THIS CAR IS OUR ONLY TRANSPORTATION. MY CONCERN IS THAT THERE IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE SUBARU TRANSMISSION FOR THE 2002 LEGACY MODEL. I HAVE ALSO HEARD OF A WOMAN WHO HAD RECALL TRANSMISSION WORK DONE AND THEN DROVE TO NEW ENGLAND. WHEN SHE ARRIVED AT HER DESTINATION HER CAR HAD PROBLEMS. WHAT WAS UNCOVERED WAS THAT THE RECALL HAD BEEN REPAIRED WITH USED PARTS AND HAD FAILED! IS THIS A COMMON PRACTICE WITH SUBARU? WE HAVE SPOKEN WITH SUBARU AMERICA AT THEIR 800 NUMBER AND WERE TOLD THAT THEY WOULD NOT HONOR THE WARRANTY UNLESS THE SERVICE RECORDS SHOWED THAT ALL SERVICES HAD BEEN PERFORMED APPROPRIATELY. WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF LOCATING THESE RECORDS BUT ARE VERY UNHAPPY WITH SUBARU'S ATTITUDE REGARDING A CAR THAT IS ONLY TWO YEARS OLD AND IS IN NEED OF A NEW TRANSMISSION. *NM

May 25, 2004

I HAVE A 2002 SUBARU LEGACY GT, 5-SPEED MANUAL. MOST OF THE TIME THE CLUTCH IS STIFF, BUT ONCE IN A WHILE THE CLUTCH BECOMES EXTREMELY EASY TO PUSH DOWN, (YOU CAN USE ONE FINGER TO PUSH IN THE CLUTCH). DEALER COULD NOT FIND ANY PROBLEM AND SAID CLUTCH WAS NORMAL. YOU CAN TELL THE DIFFERENCE.*AK

Jan 29, 2004

I HAVE A 2002 LEGACY GT WITH MANUAL 5-SPD TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE FREQUENTLY STALLS OR HESITATES IN FIRST GEAR. I AM AN EXPERIENCED DRIVER OF MANUAL-TRANSMISSION VEHICLES, AND OTHER DRIVERS HAVE CONFIRMED THAT THE CAR IS EASILY STALLED IN FIRST GEAR. I HAVE HEARD OTHER SUBARU DRIVERS COMPLAIN ABOUT THIS DEFECT, PARTICULARLY ON NPR'S "CAR TALK" PROGRAM. THIS ISSUE POSES A REAL SAFETY HAZARD WHEN ACCELERATING INTO HIGHWAY TRAFFIC. *AK

Aug 03, 2003

WHILE VEHICLE WAS STILL IN PARK IT WILL SLOWLY START TO ROLL BACK IN REVERSE, CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK

Aug 30, 2002

Crash: 1

WHILE IDLING IN PARK VEHICLE JUMPED INTO DRIVE, RESULTING IN A COLLISION. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

Sep 13, 2001

Crash: 1

TIRES

4 complaints

2002 SUBARU OUTBACK LEGACY, LEFT REAR TIRE FAILED CAUSING UNIT 1 TO SPIN, STRIKING THE CONCRETE WALL WITH THE RIGHT REAR BEFORE COMING TO REST. *BF ACCORDING TO THE POLICE REPORT, THE TIRE BLEW OUT. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0414-90)*JB UPDATED 08/06/10 *BF

Jul 26, 2010

Crash: 1

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK WITH BRIDGE WATER POTENZA RE92 POTENZA 1: 225/60/R16 TIRES. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH THERE WAS A BLOW OUT ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE. THE TIRES WERE REPLACED IN OCTOBER OF 2006. THE FAILURE TIRE WAS RETURNED TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE TIRES FAIURE MILEAGE WAS 9,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Aug 17, 2007

TIRE SIDEWALL SEPARATION WHILE DRIVING APPROX. 45 MPH. BRIDGESTONE POTENZA RE92 P205/55 R16

Sep 25, 2003

WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH TREAD ON RIGHT FRONT TIRE SEPARATED, ORIGINAL MANUFACTURED EQUIPMENT ON A 2002, SUBARU, LEGACY, TIRE SIZE P225560R16, AND 1,200 MILEAGE. *AK *YD

Oct 19, 2001

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

4 complaints

WHEN CHANGING GEARS, THE THROTTLE PEDAL DROPS TO THE FLOOR. THE ENGINE WOULD RACE UP TO 5000 RPMS. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM WHEN THE THROTTLE STUCK OPEN. DEALER CAN'T DUPLICATE BECAUSE IT'S INTERMITTENT. PLEASE DESCRIBE FURTHER. *PH

Nov 12, 2003

VEHICLE HESITATES WHEN ACCELERATED THEN STARTS WITH A SURGE. ROUGH ENGINE PERFORMANCE. NO ACCIDENT YET BUT COULD BE ANY DAY. HAVE INFORMED THE MANUFACTURED OF PROBLEM. THEY HAVE NO FIX TOO DATE ABUT ARE WORKING ON IT. MANY OWNERS HAVE REPORTED SIMILAR PROBLEMS.*AK

Aug 17, 2002

WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PLACED IN EITHER DRIVE OR REVERSE IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATES. THE BRAKES HAVE TO BE PRESSED TO REGAIN SOME CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. *MJ

Aug 08, 2002

WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK VEHICLE, SLOWED DOWN TO APPROX 5 MPH WITH FOOT ON BRAKE, ENGINE RACED AND CAR SURGED AHEAD SUDDENLY, HITTING PARKED TRUCK WITH TAILGATE LOWERED, CAUSING CONSIDERABLE DAMAGE.*AK

Jul 31, 2002

Crash: 1

ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

3 complaints

Extreme gas smell in cold weather until car heats up when running heat/defrost. Known issue in other models that warranted a recall.

Feb 25, 2023

A STRONG FUEL SMELL BEGAN ENTERING THE CAR THROUGH THE HEATING VENTS ON THE CAR. THIS HAS ONLY BEEN NOTICEABLE SINCE THE TEMPERATURE DROPPED BELOW 25 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT. THERE WAS A ALSO A NOTICEABLE TRAIL OF GASOLINE IN THE SNOW FOLLOWING THE CAR. *TR

Jan 05, 2015

WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE "COLD" IN COLD OUTDOOR TEMPERATURES (10 F OR BELOW) THERE IS A VERY STRONG SMELL OF RAW GASOLINE IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE. THE ODOR IS COMING INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT VIA THE HEATING/COOLING VENTS; IF THE HEATING/COOLING FAN IS TURNED OFF THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT DOES NOT BECOME FILLED WITH GASOLINE FUMES. THE ODOR IS STRONG ENOUGH THAT I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF A FIRE. THE ODOR IS STRONG ENOUGH THAT AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE AFTER A COLD WEATHER START MY CLOTHING SMELLS LIKE GASOLINE. THIS HAS BEEN A RECURRING PROBLEM WHENEVER THE VEHICLE IS STARTED IN COLD WEATHER. THE PROBLEM OCCURRED TONIGHT AT A TEMPERATURE OF 0 F. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN OCCURRING SINCE BEFORE THE DATE ABOVE, BUT I DID NOT REALIZE I COULD FILE A COMPLAINT UNTIL NOW. CONTINENTAL MOTORS, AUTHORIZED SUBARU SERVICED REPORTED ON THE PROBLEM AFTER VEHICLE WAS SERVICED ON 2012 DEC 14: "199 CAR DESIGNED TO RUN RICH WHEN VERY COLD. NO PROBLEM FOUND. NO FUEL LEAK NOTED." I AM A FORMER VW MECHANIC AND I KNOW THAT WHEN A VEHICLE RUNS RICH THERE SHOULD NOT BE GASOLINE FUMES IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT - SUBARU'S EXPLANATION IS ILLOGICAL. *TR

Dec 20, 2012

SUSPENSION

3 complaints

I CHECKED UNDER THE CAR AND THE REAR SUSPENSION IS SO RUSTED IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE . I LOOKED ON THE INTERNET AND IT IS A COMMON ISSUE. WITH THE AMOUNT OF UNSAFE CARS DRIVING AROUND WITH THIS ISSUE I WOULD SAY THE BALL WAS REALLY DROPPED ON THE ORIGINAL RECALL

Feb 06, 2018

THE REAR SUSPENSION IS RUSTY THAT IT HAS RUST HOLES THROUGH IT AND THIS IS ALSO THE THAT HOLDS THE DRIVE IN PLACE I HAVE LOOK AT OTHER SUBARUS AND THEY ARE THE SAME WAY IF THAT BREAKS IT COULD CAUSE VARY BAD CRASH. *TR

Sep 08, 2014

CONSUMER HEARD "CLUNKING" NOISE COMING FROM REAR OF THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING. DEALER DISCOVERED THAT THE SHOCK LEAKED WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO BOTTOM OUT. *NLM

Mar 18, 2003

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 complaints

I HAVE NOTICED AN INORDINATE NUMBER OF CARS WITH LED TAIL LIGHTS THAT THE BREAK AND/OR TAIL LIGHTS DO NOT WORK. NOTHING SPECIFIC FOR MAKE OR MODEL BUT IT IS DANGEROUS! I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO SEE IF IT IS BEING CHECKED OUT.

Jan 12, 2018

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON. INTERIOR LIGHTS DO NOT SHUT OFF WHEN DOOR SHUTS. ENGINE SURGES WHEN ACCELERATING SLOWLY. VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 8 TIMES AND COUNTING.

Jan 22, 2003

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 complaints

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE ENGINE WAS SHUT OFF, THE EXTERNAL LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO TURN THE LIGHT SWITCH OFF. HOWEVER, THE LIGHT REMAINED ON CAUSING THE BATTERY TO DIE. THE BATTERY WAS REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE IN ORDER FOR THE LIGHTS TO SHUT OFF. THE PROBLEM RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A MECHANIC FOR A DIAGNOSIS. THE VEHICLE WAS NO REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 400,000.

Sep 03, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR PANEL AND THE DOOR CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONTACT MANEUVERED TO THE SHOULDER AND NOTIFIED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT APPEARED ON THE SCENE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000.

Mar 13, 2012

Fire: 1

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN

2 complaints

THERE WERE PROBLEMS WITH THE FUEL SENSOR, FUEL TRAIN , AND CONTROL MODULE. THE VEHICLE DIDN'T ACCELERATE, AND STALLED. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED. TS SCC

Dec 17, 2002

VEHICLE SHUDDERS, STALLS, STUMBLES ON ACCELERATION. DT

Dec 04, 2002

SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

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 look into it and concluded that the factory warranty is expired, 5 years 60k miles and they will not fix the recall. Base on my research there’s no expiration on manufacture recall and I’m not sure why they will not take care of it . Please help me navigate this matter. Thank you kindly [XXX] The person at Subaru headquarters info is; [XXX] Subaru of America, Inc. Customer Advocacy Department 1-800-SUBARU3 (1-800-782-2783) Direct: [XXX] [email protected] Case number [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Apr 10, 2023

SUSPENSION,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

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.

Nov 22, 2021

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER

1 complaint

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 ALLOW ITW GLOBAL BRANDS TO PUT THIS CRAP ON PEOPLE'S WINDSHIELDS? YOU CAN'T REMOVE IT AND THE ONLY WAY TO KEEP IT FROM SMEARING AND OBSCURING YOUR NIGHT-TIME VISION IS TO USE MORE OF IT. IT'S LIKE GLOBAL BRANDS IS CO-OPTING PEOPLE'S PRIVATE PROPERTY OR HELPING TO BLIND THEM ON THE HIGHWAYS. IF YOU USE THE STUFF AS INTENDED TO BEAD-UP RAIN INSTEAD OF USING WIPERS, YOU'RE BREAKING STATE LAW THAT SAYS YOU MUST USE HEADLIGHTS AND WIPER IN THE RAIN. SPEEDERS - WHAT IS WITH ALL THESE PEOPLE WHO DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAYS LIKE THEY'RE ON METH? DON'T WE HAVE SPEED LIMITS? CAN'T GOVERNMENT USE THE MONEY FROM SPEEDING FINES? ROAD SPRAY - WHY AREN'T TRACTOR TRUCKS AND TRAILERS NOT REQUIRED TO MINIMIZE THE BLINDING WATER SPRAY THEY MAKE ON WET HIGHWAYS? THERE ARE FENDERS AND WHEEL COVERS DESIGNED TO DO THIS.

Jan 31, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE

1 complaint

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.

Jan 05, 2020

SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

I OWN A 2002 SUBARU LEGACY IN WESTERN NEW YORK, I RECENTLY WAS TOLD THERE WAS AN ISSUE THAT WAS RECALLED BACK IN 2004 BUT MY CAR WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OR ADDRESSED OF THE ISSUE WITH CORROSION. THE RECALL ( NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V153000 ) I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGH WAY WHEN I HIT A SMALL BUMP AND THE BACK END OF THE SUBARU DROPPED AND THE TIRE STARTED TO SHRED CAUSING ME TO LOOSE CONTROL OF THE CAR , THANK GOOD THE CAR CAME TO A REST IN THE MEDIAN AND NO CRASH OR FATALITIES OCCURRED.

May 27, 2017

AIR BAGS

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 SUBARU LEGACY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE HYDROPLANED DUE TO WET ROAD CONDITIONS AND CRASHED INTO A CABLE GUARDRAIL. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,500.

Oct 08, 2014

Crash: 1

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

1) CHECK ENGINE LIGHT LIT;2) HESITATION AT DANGEROUS TIMES, ESPECIALLY THROUGH TURNS, OCCASIONAL BACKFIRING;3) THREE TIMES IN SHOP FOR WARRANTY WORK, REPLACING AIR/FUEL RATIO SENSOR AND REPROGRAMMING ECM/ECU/PCM. *AK

May 24, 2004

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,STRUCTURE,TIRES,WHEELS,SEATS

1 complaint

PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE'S BRAKING SYSTEM, REAR TIRE, WHISTLING NOISES COMING FROM DOOR AND OIL LEAK.*MR THE DEALERSHIP REPAIRED EVERYTHING EXCEPT THE WHEEL. THE REAR HATCH WAS ADJUSTED FOR WHISTLING NOISES, AND THE BRAKES WERE DUSTED OFF TO REPAIR THE BRAKE SYSTEM. THE OIL FILTER WAS REPLACED AND THE SEAT BOLTS WERE TIGHTENED TO ELIMINATED THE SEATS FROM MOVING WHILE DRIVING. *PH *JB

Sep 12, 2003

VISIBILITY

1 complaint

THE WINDSHIELD WIPER BOLTS BECAME LOOSE. *JB

Mar 12, 2003

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 35MPH AND NO WARNING THE VEHICLE WILL STALL AND IT WILL BE HARD FOR THE CONSUMER TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. DEALER NOTIFIED. NLM THE CONSUMER IS EXPERIENCING THE FOLLOWING; HESITATED(SEVERE) ON ACCELERATION (ESPECIALLY WHEN THE ENGINE IS COLD/EVEN AFTER WARMED UP), THERE'S A WIND NOISE COMING FROM THE ROOF/ROOF RACK-AND HAPPENS AT SPEEDS OVER 20 MPH/VERY NOISY, A CREAKING NOISE COMING FROM THE LEFT FRONT OF THE VEHICLE-MOSTLY WHEN MAKING TURNS, BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY(MAYBE THE STRUT), STALLING, AND WOULD SIT FOR1-2 HOURS, THEN WOULD START WITH DIFFICULTY, RUNS ROUGH FOR A FEW SECONDS, THEN IS FINE. THE DEALER SUGGESTS THAT THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING WITHIN THE SPECIFICATIONS. (THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS OCCURRENCES) SCC

Sep 30, 2002

4.6/5.0

33 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 2002 SUBARU Legacy have?

The 2002 SUBARU Legacy currently has 59 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 2002 SUBARU Legacy?

The most common problems reported for the 2002 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 2002 SUBARU Legacy problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2002 SUBARU Legacy comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.