1993 Subaru Legacy
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › Subaru › Legacy › 1993
These records cover every 1993 Subaru Legacy. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 1993 Subaru Legacy. Newest first.
When the vehicle IS driven continuously under extremely cold temperatures (-22 degrees f.) and high humidity weather conditions, the transmission breathing (air) vent can be blocked due to moisture freezing at the oil level gauge. If this occurs, pressure inside the transmission case will increase and push out the rear oil seal, causing transmission oil…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Sudden stops without prior warning can cause vehicle occupants to be thrown around the vehicle and cause loss of vehicle control which can result in an accident.
Remedy
Dealers will modify the oil gauge pipe and modify the oil level gauge (dipstick) or replace it, depending on the type of dipstick in the vehicle.
Owner complaints
77 complaints9 involved a crash1 involved a fire7 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Tires › Tread/belt
Two year old tires (all 4, purchased at same time) have circumferential cracks in tread grooves - tire seller says these are very abnormal and IS replacing all of them. have only 20,000 miles of wear on tires rated for 80,000. no catastrophic failures. tires a goodrich traction t/a 195/60r15 88H. dot code on all 4 tires: anrbmc112705. *tr
- Power train › Manual transmission
Dt*: the contact stated there was a recall on the vehicle, nhtsa #94v052000 concerning the manual transmission. the recall work was performed prior to purchase. the transmission locked up while driving 25 mph. the vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop, but has not been inspected.
- Seat belts › Front
Dt: the contact stated the shoulder harness on both front seat belts did not provide adequate restraint when in use. the straps gave way when properly buckled. the seat belts were not covered under warranty. he purchased replacement straps and planned to replace the straps himself. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling
Dear sir/madam: thanks for help. it IS threaten to thousands subaru car drivers, like firestone tires threaten to thousands car drivers using firestone tires. I have a 93 4D legacy sedan, it have a problem since 1994 and become very bad since 7/2000, some time car uncontrollable to…
Dear sir/madam: thanks for help. it IS threaten to thousands subaru car drivers, like firestone tires threaten to thousands car drivers using firestone tires. I have a 93 4D legacy sedan, it have a problem since 1994 and become very bad since 7/2000, some time car uncontrollable to slowdown to 10 to 20 mph and some time engine stopped, put me in very dangerous situation: my car uncontrollable stopped when other cars drive 65+ miles on free way or 45+ mils on local road. I think this a controller design problem, it should not slow down and stop engine without warning light first and should never stop engine. If you search internet with key word "+subaru +legacy +hesitation" you can see many complaints about the malfunctioned controller. I still think subaru have following obligations: 1. After so many complaints from subaru car owners about the malfunctioned controller, subaru should replace malfunctioned controller before the dangerous uncontrollable situation happen. 2. Subaru should replace malfunctioned controller free when a customer complain the problem. Now some dealers just deny the problem if they cannot duplicate the problem, but for some car the problem only happen on certain road and certain speed and difficult to duplicate. Some dealer also like to charge hours to check the problem and fix the problem. zhongmin sun 18666 redmond way, rr2141 redmond, wa 98052 tel:4258369419 email: zhongminsun@msn.com
- Engine and engine cooling
Dear sir/madam: thanks for help. it IS threaten to thousands subaru car drivers, like firestone tires threaten to thousands car drivers using firestone tires. I have a 93 4D legacy sedan, it have a problem since 1994 and become very bad since 7/2000, some time car uncontrollable to…
Dear sir/madam: thanks for help. it IS threaten to thousands subaru car drivers, like firestone tires threaten to thousands car drivers using firestone tires. I have a 93 4D legacy sedan, it have a problem since 1994 and become very bad since 7/2000, some time car uncontrollable to slowdown to 10 to 20 mph and some time engine stopped, put me in very dangerous situation: my car uncontrollable stopped when other cars drive 65+ miles on free way or 45+ mils on local road. I think this a controller design problem, it should not slow down and stop engine without warning light first and should never stop engine. If you search internet with key word "+subaru +legacy +hesitation" you can see many complaints about the malfunctioned controller. I still think subaru have following obligations: 1. After so many complaints from subaru car owners about the malfunctioned controller, subaru should replace malfunctioned controller before the dangerous uncontrollable situation happen. 2. Subaru should replace malfunctioned controller free when a customer complain the problem. Now some dealers just deny the problem if they cannot duplicate the problem, but for some car the problem only happen on certain road and certain speed and difficult to duplicate. Some dealer also like to charge hours to check the problem and fix the problem. zhongmin sun 18666 redmond way, rr2141 redmond, wa 98052 tel:4258369419 email: zhongminsun@msn.com
- Engine and engine cooling
Dear sir/madam: thanks for help. it IS threaten to thousands subaru car drivers, like firestone tires threaten to thousands car drivers using firestone tires. I have a 93 4D legacy sedan, it have a problem since 1994 and become very bad since 7/2000, some time car uncontrollable to…
Dear sir/madam: thanks for help. it IS threaten to thousands subaru car drivers, like firestone tires threaten to thousands car drivers using firestone tires. I have a 93 4D legacy sedan, it have a problem since 1994 and become very bad since 7/2000, some time car uncontrollable to slowdown to 10 to 20 mph and some time engine stopped, put me in very dangerous situation: my car uncontrollable stopped when other cars drive 65+ miles on free way or 45+ miles on local road. I think this a controller design problem, it should not slow down and stop engine without warning light first and should never stop engine. If you search internet with key word "+subaru +legacy +hesitation" you can see many complaints about the malfunctioned controller. I still think subaru have following obligations: 1. After so many complaints from subaru car owners about the malfunctioned controller, subaru should replace malfunctioned controller before the dangerous uncontrollable situation happen. 2. Subaru should replace malfunctioned controller free when a customer complain the problem. Now some dealers just deny the problem if they cannot duplicate the problem, but for some car the problem only happen on certain road and certain speed and difficult to duplicate. Some dealer also like to charge hours to check the problem and fix the problem. zhongmin sun 18666 redmond way, rr2141 redmond, wa 98052 tel:4258369419 email: zhongminsun@msn.com
- Engine and engine cooling
Dear sir/madam: thanks for help. it IS threaten to thousands subaru car drivers, like firestone tires threaten to thousands car drivers using firestone tires. I have a 93 4D legacy sedan, it have a problem since 1994 and become very bad since 7/2000, some time car uncontrollable to…
Dear sir/madam: thanks for help. it IS threaten to thousands subaru car drivers, like firestone tires threaten to thousands car drivers using firestone tires. I have a 93 4D legacy sedan, it have a problem since 1994 and become very bad since 7/2000, some time car uncontrollable to slowdown to 10 to 20 mph and some time engine stopped, put me in very dangerous situation: my car uncontrollable stopped when other cars drive 65+ miles on free way or 45+ miles on local road. I think this a controller design problem, it should not slow down and stop engine without warning light first and should never stop engine. If you search internet with key word "+subaru +legacy +hesitation" you can see many complaints about the malfunctioned controller. I still think subaru have following obligations: 1. After so many complaints from subaru car owners about the malfunctioned controller, subaru should replace malfunctioned controller before the dangerous uncontrollable situation happen. 2. Subaru should replace malfunctioned controller free when a customer complain the problem. Now some dealers just deny the problem if they cannot duplicate the problem, but for some car the problem only happen on certain road and certain speed and difficult to duplicate. Some dealer also like to charge hours to check the problem and fix the problem. zhongmin sun 18666 redmond way, rr2141 redmond, wa 98052 tel:4258369419 email: zhongminsun@msn.com
- Engine and engine cooling
Dear sir/madam: thanks for help. it IS threaten to thousands subaru car drivers, like firestone tires threaten to thousands car drivers using firestone tires. I have a 93 4D legacy sedan, it have a problem since 1994 and become very bad since 7/2000, some time car uncontrollable to…
Dear sir/madam: thanks for help. it IS threaten to thousands subaru car drivers, like firestone tires threaten to thousands car drivers using firestone tires. I have a 93 4D legacy sedan, it have a problem since 1994 and become very bad since 7/2000, some time car uncontrollable to slowdown to 10 to 20 mph and some time engine stopped, put me in very dangerous situation: my car uncontrollable stopped when other cars drive 65+ miles on free way or 45+ miles on local road. I think this a controller design problem, it should not slow down and stop engine without warning light first and should never stop engine. If you search internet with key word "+subaru +legacy +hesitation" you can see many complaints about the malfunctioned controller. I still think subaru have following obligations: thanks zhongmin sun 18666 redmond way, rr2141 redmond, wa 98052 tel:4258369419 email: zhongminsun@msn.com
- Tires
The consumer purchased four new firestone tires. The right rear tire went flat. The vehicle was parked. The cord that meets the rim of the wheel separated from the tire. Contacted the manufacturer was told she could purchase another tire for half price. Please provide any further information. *jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Transmission problem with legacy. *bf the consumer stated that his vehicle will not shift past the second gear. *tc
- Engine and engine cooling
Dear sir/madam: thanks for help. it IS threaten to thousands subaru car drivers, like firestone tires threaten to thousands car drivers using firestone tires. I have a 93 4D legacy sedan, it have a problem since 1994 and become very bad since 7/2000, some time car uncontrollable to slowdown to…
Dear sir/madam: thanks for help. it IS threaten to thousands subaru car drivers, like firestone tires threaten to thousands car drivers using firestone tires. I have a 93 4D legacy sedan, it have a problem since 1994 and become very bad since 7/2000, some time car uncontrollable to slowdown to 10 to 20 mph and some time engine stopped, put me in very dangerous situation: my car uncontrollable stopped when other cars drive 65+ miles on free way or 45+ miles on local road. I think this a controller design problem, it should not slow down and stop engine without warning light first and should never stop engine. I still think subaru have following obligations: 1. After so many complaints from subaru car owners about the malfunctioned controller, subaru should replace malfunctioned controller before the dangerous uncontrollable situation happen. if you search internet with key word "+subaru +legacy +hesitation" you can see many complaints about the malfunctioned controller. 2. Subaru should replace malfunctioned controller free when a customer complain the problem. Now some dealers just deny the problem if they cannot duplicate the problem, but for some car the problem only happen on certain road and certain speed and difficult to duplicate. Some dealer also like to charge hours to check the problem and fix the problem. 3. Subaru should develop some methods and tools to check the malfunctioned controller instead of asking car owner to risk life to test drive the car. 4. Subaru should educate the car owners how to handle the car when the malfunctioned controller making car uncontrollable. I hope subaru can help me: 1. Free replace the malfunctioned controller and free repair my car if any damages caused by the malfunction controller. 2. Or trade me another subaru car. 3. Or subaru buy back my car based on residue value.. thanks, zhongmin sun, 18666 redmond way, rr2141, redmond, wa 98052 tel:4258369419, email: zhongminsun@msn.com. *nm
- Engine and engine cooling
Dear sir/madam: thanks for help. it IS threaten to thousands subaru car drivers, like firestone tires threaten to thousands car drivers using firestone tires. I have a 93 4D legacy sedan, it have a problem since 1994 and become very bad since 7/2000, some time car uncontrollable to slowdown to…
Dear sir/madam: thanks for help. it IS threaten to thousands subaru car drivers, like firestone tires threaten to thousands car drivers using firestone tires. I have a 93 4D legacy sedan, it have a problem since 1994 and become very bad since 7/2000, some time car uncontrollable to slowdown to 10 to 20 mph and some time engine stopped, put me in very dangerous situation: my car uncontrollable stopped when other cars drive 65+ miles on free way or 45+ miles on local road. I think this a controller design problem, it should not slow down and stop engine without warning light first and should never stop engine. I still think subaru have following obligations: 1. After so many complaints from subaru car owners about the malfunctioned controller, subaru should replace malfunctioned controller before the dangerous uncontrollable situation happen. if you search internet with key word "+subaru +legacy +hesitation" you can see many complaints about the malfunctioned controller. 2. Subaru should replace malfunctioned controller free when a customer complain the problem. Now some dealers just deny the problem if they cannot duplicate the problem, but for some car the problem only happen on certain road and certain speed and difficult to duplicate. Some dealer also like to charge hours to check the problem and fix the problem. 3. Subaru should develop some methods and tools to check the malfunctioned controller instead of asking car owner to risk life to test drive the car. 4. Subaru should educate the car owners how to handle the car when the malfunctioned controller making car uncontrollable. I hope subaru can help me: 1. Free replace the malfunctioned controller and free repair my car if any damages caused by the malfunction controller. 2. Or trade me another subaru car. 3. Or subaru buy back my car based on residue value.. thanks, zhongmin sun, 18666 redmond way, rr2141, redmond, wa 98052 tel:4258369419, email: zhongminsun@msn.com. *nm
- Tires › Tread/belt
Dear sir/madam: thanks for help. it IS threaten to thousands subaru car drivers, like firestone tires threaten to thousands car drivers using firestone tires. I have a 1993 4D legacy sedan, it have a problem for 4 month, some time car uncontrollable to slowdown to 10 to 20 mph and some time…
Dear sir/madam: thanks for help. it IS threaten to thousands subaru car drivers, like firestone tires threaten to thousands car drivers using firestone tires. I have a 1993 4D legacy sedan, it have a problem for 4 month, some time car uncontrollable to slowdown to 10 to 20 mph and some time engine stopped, put me in very dangerous situation: my car uncontrollable stopped when other cars drive 65+ miles on free way or 45+ mils on local road. I think this a controller design problem, it should not slow down and stop engine without warning light first and should never stop engine. I still think subaru have following obligations: 1. After so many complaints from subaru car owners about the malfunctioned controller, subaru should replace malfunctioned controller before the dangerous uncontrollable situation happen. check web: http://home.earthlink.net/~hobiegary/hesitation.htm you can see the complaints about the malfunctioned controller. 2. Subaru should replace malfunctioned controller free when a customer complain the problem. Now some dealers just deny the problem if they cannot duplicate the problem, but for some car the problem only happen on certain road and certain speed and difficult to duplicate. Some dealer also like to charge hours to check the problem and fix the problem. 3. Subaru should develop some methods and tools to check the malfunctioned controller instead of asking car owner to risk life to test drive the car. 4. Subaru should educate the car owners how to handle the car when the malfunctioned controller making car uncontrollable. I hope subaru can help me: 1. Free replace the malfunctioned controller and free repair my car if any damages caused by the malfunction controller. 2. Or trade me another subaru car. 3. Or subaru buy back my car based on residue value.. thanks zhongmin sun 18666 redmond way, rr2141 redmond, wa 98052 tel:4258369419 email: zhongminsun@msn.com. *ak
- Tires › Tread/belt
Dear sir/madam: thanks for help. t IS threaten to thousands subaru car drivers, like firestone tires threaten to thousands car drivers using firestone tires.*ak I have a 93 4D legacy sedan, it have a problem for 4 month, some time car uncontrollable to slowdown to 10 to 20 mph and some time…
Dear sir/madam: thanks for help. t IS threaten to thousands subaru car drivers, like firestone tires threaten to thousands car drivers using firestone tires.*ak I have a 93 4D legacy sedan, it have a problem for 4 month, some time car uncontrollable to slowdown to 10 to 20 mph and some time engine stopped, put me in very dangerous situation: my car uncontrollable stopped when other cars drive 65+ miles on free way or 45+ mils on local road. I think this a controller design problem, it should not slow down and stop engine without warning light first and should never stop engine. I still think subaru have following obligations: 1. After so many complaints from subaru car owners about the malfunctioned controller, subaru should replace malfunctioned controller before the dangerous uncontrollable situation happen. check web: http://home.earthlink.net/~hobiegary/hesitation.htm you can see the complaints about the malfunctioned controller. 2. Subaru should replace malfunctioned controller free when a customer complain the problem. Now some dealers just deny the problem if they cannot duplicate the problem, but for some car the problem only happen on certain road and certain speed and difficult to duplicate. Some dealer also like to charge hours to check the problem and fix the problem. 3. Subaru should develop some methods and tools to check the malfunctioned controller instead of asking car owner to risk life to test drive the car. 4. Subaru should educate the car owners how to handle the car when the malfunctioned controller making car uncontrollable. I hope subaru can help me: 1. Free replace the malfunctioned controller and free repair my car if any damages caused by the malfunction controller. 2. Or trade me another subaru car. 3. Or subaru buy back my car based on residue value.. thanks zhongmin sun 18666 redmond way, rr2141 redmond, wa 98052 tel:4258369419 email: zhongminsun@msn.com
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap · Structure › Frame and members
Fuel filler pipe had all kinds of dirt, debris and rust causing it to fail and leak oil. the filer tube rusted and caused fuel to leak from the vehicle. when the consumer pulled the plastic shroud away from the filler pipe he noticed all kinds of road dirt, rust and debris had accumulated and…
Fuel filler pipe had all kinds of dirt, debris and rust causing it to fail and leak oil. the filer tube rusted and caused fuel to leak from the vehicle. when the consumer pulled the plastic shroud away from the filler pipe he noticed all kinds of road dirt, rust and debris had accumulated and caused the pipe to fail. the consumer also has a 1995 legacy l/l and IS concerned that the failure may occur in that vehicle. the consumer requested reimbursement. *nlm
- Seat belts › Front › Anchorage
Consumer noticed the front seat belts doesn't come up properly, dealer replaced the belt three times and the problem still reoccuring. nlm
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
Consumer states that the driver side front door has defective locks, the locks will intermittenly lock. contacted dealer and the dealer IS not willing to do anything. nlm
- Tires › Tread/belt
Consumer stated that on july 1,2000, there was a blowout of the good year eagle ga tires, product code 113-938-444-0, dot #mkj6fjor206 and mkj6fjor393, while driving, at that time it was 88,000 miles on the car, on november 6, 2000, the second blowout occured on a busy freeway, at that time it was…
Consumer stated that on july 1,2000, there was a blowout of the good year eagle ga tires, product code 113-938-444-0, dot #mkj6fjor206 and mkj6fjor393, while driving, at that time it was 88,000 miles on the car, on november 6, 2000, the second blowout occured on a busy freeway, at that time it was 93,837 miles on the car. On september 11, 2001, the third blowout occured on a busy freeway at that time it was 103,214 miles on the car. at consumers request, the dealer examined the blown out tires, he determined that both the blown tires and the remaining tire on the car that was purchased were experiencing belt edge separation. dealer removed the tires and gave tread life credit for the blown tire and two tires they removed from the car. consumer stating that all four tires were defective. *yd
- Power train › Clutch assembly
The clutch on this vehicle has failed three (3) times. it was replaced by the dealer in 1995, replaced again in 1999 and has failed a third time in december 2001. the failure of the clutch IS a severe safety hazard as the driver suddenly finds the vehicle can't move. all of the replacements have been performed by the original dealer using subaru original parts.*ak
- Exterior lighting › Headlights
Soon after purchase, headlight lenses started becoming opaque/fogged in appearance. the headlights of my girlfriend's '92 subaru legacy looked the same. never thought much about it because I lived in a large urban area with well lit streets. was recently transferred to the little city of…
Soon after purchase, headlight lenses started becoming opaque/fogged in appearance. the headlights of my girlfriend's '92 subaru legacy looked the same. never thought much about it because I lived in a large urban area with well lit streets. was recently transferred to the little city of savannah, ga. noticed that it IS hard to see at night. last night someone informed me that I should replace my headlights because they are barely visible. I looked at them and they are extremely dim. called the nearest dealer and the parts manager said that this IS a very common problem caused by the cheap plastic used to make the lens for the headlight assembly. it IS a little late to be reporting it, but this seems to be a definite safety hazard. was there ever a recall for these headlights?*ak
- Seat belts
Both front seat moterized seat belt restraints failed. The cable on both sides came out.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Driving on highway at approximately 65mhp when belts began to make noise. Shortly following car loss power, including steering. It was reported by a mechanic that the crankshaft pulley had come loose and the crankshaft had been damaged beyond repair. Car will need small block overhaul or replacement engine to function again.
- Seat belts
5 minutes after parking vehicle, ignition turned off consumer noticed smoke on inside of vehicle. Fire department put out fire. Vehicle not taken to dealer amount of damage unknown. Consumer stated tha tfire caused by automatic track seat belt motor. Passenger door panel, seat and head rest were melted. Please add further comments.*ak
- Electrical system · Electrical system › Wiring
Vehicle kept stalling out and would not restart for at least 30 minutes. vehicle has been taken to dealer twice. but, could not determine cause. Consumer feels it IS an electrical problem. *ak *slc
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
While driving, the engine stalled, causing a loss of power steering, consumer coasted vehicle to a stop and it immediately restarted. *slc
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10219492This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
- 10219491This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.
- 10209915This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic essential information during diagnosis and repair of the Infotainment concerns. (Applicable to all models with Harman or Denso CP1 Infotainment).
- 10198758This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models
- 10198749This bulletin is to advise of SOAs revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.
- 10187315To help reduce confusion and increase technician efficiency, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has developed the following cross reference list to help locate the appropriate Special Service Tool.
- 10179378Special Service Tools Cross Reference List.
- 10174543All Models (Vehicle Cleaning- COVID-19Best Practices)
- 10161824Subaru Service and Technical Support Line Newletter.
- 10161813To help reduce confusion and increase technician efficiency, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has developed the following cross reference list to help locate the appropriate Special Service Tool.
- 10037968Subaru: there IS a steering wheel vibration at highway speeds due to an imporper wheel balance.
- 10022343Headlight bulb socket repairs.
- 10000642New procedure for replacing rear wheel bearings.
- 602413Various instructions and procedures on air conditioning retrofit.
- 46645Knock sensor.
Every Subaru Legacy model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.