1994 Subaru Legacy
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Subaru › Legacy › 1994
These records cover every 1994 Subaru Legacy. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
60 complaints5 involved a crash4 involved a fire5 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Service brakes
A few months ago, my son was driving my older subaru and said the brakes went down to the floor when he applied them not far from home. He pumped them and slow crept home with the car. I found a rusted out leak at the rear passenger side connection location near the frame on the side of the gas…
A few months ago, my son was driving my older subaru and said the brakes went down to the floor when he applied them not far from home. He pumped them and slow crept home with the car. I found a rusted out leak at the rear passenger side connection location near the frame on the side of the gas tank. I just saw there were a number of recalls for this exact same problem. I have never received or saw one before. Are they still valate? Whom do I contact for service if so? My son was just lucky he wasn't on a highway!
- Seat belts
The retractable mechanized shoulder harness does not work.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
I will be accelerating at any mph and the car will suddenly turn itself off. the battery IS still powering the car (radio playing, lights on), but the engine will be completely stopped. steering and brakes will both lock and require muscling in order to get to the roadside and stop the car. this has occurred 4 times since the date given (6/09). the first time was on the interstate and was a very close call. *Tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
1994 subaru legacy transmission will not shift out of 1ST gear. after car warms up, within a short distance the transmission fails altogether and the car will not move. after a cooling off period, the car will proceed for a short duration. this IS apparently a common issue due to design deficiencies causing an over heating and component failure. it IS not corrected yet. *Tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
Fuel pump wiring shorted out in the gas tank. *tr
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel · Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system
Tl*the contact owns a 1994 subaru legacy. the contact stated that the odometer stopped working for approximately one year. the vehicle was also leaking exhaust fumes, which caused her to have headaches. while driving approximately 25 mph in dry weather, the vehicle stalled. the contact was able…
Tl*the contact owns a 1994 subaru legacy. the contact stated that the odometer stopped working for approximately one year. the vehicle was also leaking exhaust fumes, which caused her to have headaches. while driving approximately 25 mph in dry weather, the vehicle stalled. the contact was able to pull over without crashing. the dealer has been notified. the current and failure mileages were 142,000. updated 02-14-08. *kb the consumer stated have since sold the vehicle to d auto 214-629-0941 but wishes to pursue health damage in respiratory and mental anguish. Updated 02/14/08 *tr
- Seat belts › Front
Dt: 1994 subaru legacy l all wheel drive, the motorized seat belt broke. the seat belt IS connected to the door, and when closing the door the motorized seat belt will not run the track to be in the proper position for safety. this IS on the shoulder portion of the seat belt. The consumer was…
Dt: 1994 subaru legacy l all wheel drive, the motorized seat belt broke. the seat belt IS connected to the door, and when closing the door the motorized seat belt will not run the track to be in the proper position for safety. this IS on the shoulder portion of the seat belt. The consumer was told that the lap belt alone IS not safe use. have contacted the dealer and manufacturer, and they told the consumer there IS no recall on the seat belt, and the motorized seat belt was only under warranty for 3 years. the cost to replace the motor of the seat belt IS at least $400. there have been others with this seat belt motor problem. based on what the manufacturer told the consumer there was no prior warning to the motor going out, no noises, and no indicator lights, it just stopped working. *ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly · Power train › Axle assembly
While driving down the freeway, driver observed smoke coming from rear of vehicle. the vehicle was pulled to the side of the road, both driver and passenger exited safely, and observed flames coming from the area under the rear of the car (station wagon body, AWD model) above the differential and…
While driving down the freeway, driver observed smoke coming from rear of vehicle. the vehicle was pulled to the side of the road, both driver and passenger exited safely, and observed flames coming from the area under the rear of the car (station wagon body, AWD model) above the differential and near the gas tank. responders quenched the fire. the vehicle was examined and found that the wiring for the fuel pump had the insulation melted off, the fuel pump gasket was comprimised, and there was evidence of flames having been in the area. further investigation found that when the vehicle was driven short distances, the differential became "red hot". the axle was replaced, and the vehicle was driven approximately 30 miles on both interstates and secondary roads, after which the differetial was seen smoking from the heat that had built up. the vehicle was returned to the mechanic who replaced the axle a second time, with the same overheating observed. it IS the mechanics' opinion that the initial fire was caused by the overheating differetial. further, his research indicates that the overheating IS caused by a faulty clutch pack and selenoid in the automatic transmission.
- Seat belts › Front › Retractor
We have a 1994 subaru legacy. when the car was out or warranty, the driver side retractable shoulder harness broke. we complained to subaru and they fixed it at no cost to us in 1999. it wasn't working agian and we paid to have it fixed in 2000.about one year ago it broke again. the shoulder…
We have a 1994 subaru legacy. when the car was out or warranty, the driver side retractable shoulder harness broke. we complained to subaru and they fixed it at no cost to us in 1999. it wasn't working agian and we paid to have it fixed in 2000.about one year ago it broke again. the shoulder harness would not retract. we were told by subaru they would not help us. now we find out that it IS a ticketable offense not to have a shoulder harness. there IS a lap blet and an air bag. so we called sabaru and they told us they would be reponsible for 50% of the bill. we went to the subaru dealer yesterday and was told that it would be $1140 to fix it. we feel that IS an excessive amount for a safety item. I called them back and they will not help me out. this safety belt IS poorly designed and they have admitted and redesigned it in future models. our belt automatically retracts when you turn on the car and has a cable and a motor. There IS also a federal law that saftey belts are guarenteed for life. even the lap belt on this vehicle needs replacement as the stiching IS coming out. *ak we would like some help in malking subaru responsible for our safety while we are driving this vehicle. ellen goldberg
- Seat belts
Motorized seatbelt IS stuck in one position. motor still runs upon opening/closing of car door, but belt does not move in track. two feet of track cable has fallen out of its housing.*ak
- Seat belts › Front
Front passenger seat belt sliding retractor will not move, making use of this seat belt inoperable,
- Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections
Vehicle consumed by fire. Fire inspector's report attributes cause to power steering hose separation at pump.
- Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections
Spontaneous explosion and fire destroying 1994 subaru and damaging another car and adjacent home. Fire inspector assessed cause as ruptured power steering hose.
- Air bags › Frontal
I was stopped at a light it felt like my car was rolling back, so I applied my brake and the air bag went off. the car has been tested three times at the request of sabaru corp. To see what went wrong, they can not find the reason, there was no collision, the car starts and runs, I was told it…
I was stopped at a light it felt like my car was rolling back, so I applied my brake and the air bag went off. the car has been tested three times at the request of sabaru corp. To see what went wrong, they can not find the reason, there was no collision, the car starts and runs, I was told it should not do this. they want me to pay $500.00 of the $1000 to repair it and I don't feel that I should have to pay for something that was not my fault.
- Air bags
No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
- Parking brake › Conventional › Mechanical
Consumer stated the parking brake relase button broke, due to being made of plastic. *yd
- Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil springs
While driving heard a bang that came from the left front tire. Then, could hear a clocking noise. Took vehicle to dealer, where they found out that coil spring was broken just like mentioned in recall 01 v 216 000. *ak
- Seat belts
Because the seat belt does not retract automatically I have to climb under the sholder belt when geting in and out of the vehicle I would have thought thet the safe operation of a major item required by law would have to be serviceable for the life of the vehicle not as in this case the half life. *Ak
- Air bags › Frontal · Seat belts
Consumer was traveling about 35mph on a two lane highway and there was construction on the road. there was a sudden stop in front of the lane. consumer's vehicle was third in a three car accident. She went to apply brakes, and automatic seat belt didn't hold . she hit steering wheel. dealership was aware of problem. also, airbags didn't deploy.*ak
- Seat belts
Shoulder belt for the driver's restraint belt system IS stuck in an unusable position and will not move along the track. dealership informed consumer how much repairs would run, and the problem has not been corrected.*ak consumer states that the wire which pulls the movable part IS off the track and hanging, it failed completely sometime in june of 2001. *slc
- Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil springs
While driving under winter weather conditions vehicle was making noises and handling improperly. dealership examined vehicle and determined that front coil springs were broken. *Ak consumer feels that due to improper springs the following also had to be replaced, shocks, shafts, stabilizing links, and bearings. *slc
- Seat belts
Driver side automatic shoulder belt failed in track will not move in either direction, track cable protrudes from track. *ak
- Tires › Tread/belt
My fiancee was killed when his car was involved in a roll over accident due to tread separation on a firestone tire. *ak (tiresize: p185/70r14)( dot number: tire size: p185/70r14 )
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap
Vehicle experienced flame shooting out of filler neck upon taken off gas cap. Manufacturer notified, and informed consumer to take vehicle to a local dealer. dealer claimed that nothing could be found, and dealer's technician informed consumer that static from consumer's hand may have triggered flames. please fill free to provide any further details on this matter. *ak
- Tires › Tread/belt
1ST time was traveling 70mph & heard a thumping sound. Dashboard started to shake. Lost control & started going back and forth. Went left into a barrier. After vehicle stopped, checked tires and noticed right rear tire was shredded. 2ND time was the same type of problem; thumping/ dashboard…
1ST time was traveling 70mph & heard a thumping sound. Dashboard started to shake. Lost control & started going back and forth. Went left into a barrier. After vehicle stopped, checked tires and noticed right rear tire was shredded. 2ND time was the same type of problem; thumping/ dashboard shaking/ loss of control, and felt like a flat. stopped/checked and noticed tread was partially off left front tire. Firestone, fr440, p185/70414 with 60,000 miles on right rear tire, and 65,000 miles on the left front.*ak
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.
- 10240110This bulletin announces the recommended cleaning procedures to followed when encountering vehicles with long time exposure to pollen on painted surfaces on vehicles imported from Japan. This bulletin does not apply to SIA built vehicles.
- 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.
- 46645Knock sensor.
Every Subaru Legacy model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.