2000 Subaru Legacy
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Subaru › Legacy › 2000
These records cover every 2000 Subaru Legacy. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 2000 Subaru Legacy. Newest first.
Airtex Products LP (Airtex) is recalling certain model E8598M, E8518M, E8600M, E8596M, and E8597M fuel pumps manufactured July 26, 2013, and July 29, 2013 and used as aftermarket replacements on Subaru Baja's, Outback's and Legacy's. The affected fuel pumps were sold or installed into the aftermarket applications on or after July 26, 2013, and may may leak…
Risk and remedy
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Airtex will notify owners, and will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Recall is expected to begin on January 2, 2014. Customers may contact Airtex at 1-800-880-3056. The recall is expected to begin during January 2014. This recall is being conducted by Airtex, not by Subaru.
This recall applies to certain passenger vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, virginia, west virginia, wisconsin, and the…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If such breakage occurs while the vehicle IS being operated, control of the vehicle could be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will clean and rust-proof the rear suspension subframe. owner notification began july 14, 2003. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the left-side steering knuckle arm was incorrectly assembled.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition could result in a loss of steering control.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the torque on the left side tie-rod end castle nut and install a new cotter pin.
Vehicle description: sedan l model passenger vehicles. anti-rust coating was incorrectly applied to the transverse link mounting surface of the vehicle body. over time the coating shrinks, causing a torque decrease of the bolt that secures the transverse link bracket to the vehicle body.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This can result in loosening of the bracket and subsequent separation of the transverse link from the vehicle frame.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the vehicles and, if necessary, remove the anti-rust coating under the mounting location of the left transverve link mounting bracket bolt and retorque the mounting bolt to the required torque.
Owner complaints
94 complaints8 involved a crash2 involved a fire3 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Structure › Body · Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 2000 subaru legacy. While the vehicle was undergoing a state inspection, the contact was informed that the rear suspension showed severe rust. The contact stated that the vehicle had been repaired twice per nhtsa campaign number: 03v153000 (suspension) by patriot subaru of…
TL* the contact owns a 2000 subaru legacy. While the vehicle was undergoing a state inspection, the contact was informed that the rear suspension showed severe rust. The contact stated that the vehicle had been repaired twice per nhtsa campaign number: 03v153000 (suspension) by patriot subaru of saco (located at 769 portland rd, saco, me 04072, (207) 284-7900). The contact was informed that there were two sub sections underneath the vehicle that needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 182,159. *Bf consumer states that the recalls that were performed were not done properly which caused the failure. There was not enough undercoating on the bottom of the vehicle. *Dl
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 2000 subaru legacy. While driving various speeds in below freezing temperature, the contact detected an odor of fuel coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 156,000.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Strong fuel smell when starting in cold weather.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2000 subaru legacy. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v323000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The vin was unknown. The contact had not experienced a failure.
- Tires
TL* the contact owns a continental extreme contact tire, size: 205/55r16. The contact stated that the driver of the vehicle was traveling approximately 50 mph when the front passenger's side tire sustained a blow out. The contact also discovered a blister on the sidewall of the rear passenger's…
TL* the contact owns a continental extreme contact tire, size: 205/55r16. The contact stated that the driver of the vehicle was traveling approximately 50 mph when the front passenger's side tire sustained a blow out. The contact also discovered a blister on the sidewall of the rear passenger's side tire. The manufacturer was not contacted in reference to the defect. The failure mileage of the tire was 155. The vehicle failure mileage was 135,904.
- Air bags
Car slid on black ice off the road, down a very steep embankment, into the side of a building, and totaled the front end of the car. The air bags did not deploy. *tr
- Electrical system · Structure › Body · Visibility › Power window devices and controls
Driving to work car running for approximately 20 min. The window control switch inside the driver side door smoked and quickly caught fire. I immediately slowed down and pulled over to the right shoulder and turned off the card. I opened the door and stepped out. Within a few seconds the panel on…
Driving to work car running for approximately 20 min. The window control switch inside the driver side door smoked and quickly caught fire. I immediately slowed down and pulled over to the right shoulder and turned off the card. I opened the door and stepped out. Within a few seconds the panel on the car door also caught fire and starting melting. I had beach towel in the back of the car, and tried to smother the fire with the towel, but quickly decided the fire was too large, growing too quickly and was actually inside the door. I gave up on the towel, and in last ditch effort to the save the car I grabbed, and tore off the plastic door panel and threw it to ground. Some of the melted plastic from the door panel did get on my hands, and I received several burns to my fingers that required medical attention. I was then able to extinguish the remaining fire. the car IS currently at a body shop for repair. The damage to the car appears to be limited to the driver's side door. *Tr
- Engine
I have been experiencing a very powerful fuel smell emitting from the areas of the engine. When I pop the hood the smell IS the strongest. The smell IS of raw gasoline (not exhaust or anything of that sort) and permeates into the cabin and all around the vehicle. The odor emerges only on cold days…
I have been experiencing a very powerful fuel smell emitting from the areas of the engine. When I pop the hood the smell IS the strongest. The smell IS of raw gasoline (not exhaust or anything of that sort) and permeates into the cabin and all around the vehicle. The odor emerges only on cold days, specifically temperatures that drop below 39 f. The odor grows more potent as the car runs and if I activate the heat blowers you and smell it even more. The odor even last long after the car IS shut off, existing around the engine for hours after shut down. *tr
- Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 2000 subaru legacy. The contact stated that the rear suspension was completely rusted. The dealer stated that the vehicle was included in nhtsa recall campaign ID number: 03v153000 (suspension), but the manufacturer stated that they would not repair the vehicle under the recall because of the mileage. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 181,000. *tr
- Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields · Suspension
Rear subframe rusted and broken a part - dealer deemed car unsafe to drive. *tr
- Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 2000 subaru legacy. The contact stated that after taking the vehicle to the dealer for routine maintenance, he was informed that the sub frame was completely rusted and needed to be replaced. He was also informed that the vehicle was previously repaired under nhtsa campaign…
TL* the contact owns a 2000 subaru legacy. The contact stated that after taking the vehicle to the dealer for routine maintenance, he was informed that the sub frame was completely rusted and needed to be replaced. He was also informed that the vehicle was previously repaired under nhtsa campaign ID number 03v153000 (suspension:rear) however, the repair did not prevent the rust. The vehicle was repaired for the sub frame due to the severity of the corrosion. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure and current mileages were approximately 72,204.
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2000 subaru legacy GT AWD. The contact stated that he noticed that the vehicle was on fire. The contact believed that the fire started from the rear passenger side door. There was a police report filed for the incident. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was destroyed. The approximate failure and current mileage was 154,000.
- Tires
I had a blowout on the freeway. purchased replacement tire and drove 313 miles on this brand new tire and it developed a bubble and had to be replaced again. *tr
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns 2000 subaru legacy outback. The contact stated that while driving, the radio stopped functioning on its own and the gauges on the instrument panel were changing uncontrollably. The anti lock braking system warning light and check engine warning light were illuminated. The…
TL* the contact owns 2000 subaru legacy outback. The contact stated that while driving, the radio stopped functioning on its own and the gauges on the instrument panel were changing uncontrollably. The anti lock braking system warning light and check engine warning light were illuminated. The gauges then stopped working. The contact stopped the vehicle and shifted into park. The contact was then unable to shift out of park. The contact was also unable to remove the key from the ignition. The vehicle was not taken to a repair shop or dealer for inspection. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vin was unavailable. The failure and current mileages were 111,000.
- Engine and engine cooling
TL* the contact owns a 2000 subaru legacy. The contact was driving 40 mph when there was an increase in engine rpms and the vehicle abnormally accelerated. The contact mentioned that the check engine and automatic transmission fluid temperature warning lamps were illuminated. The contact also…
TL* the contact owns a 2000 subaru legacy. The contact was driving 40 mph when there was an increase in engine rpms and the vehicle abnormally accelerated. The contact mentioned that the check engine and automatic transmission fluid temperature warning lamps were illuminated. The contact also stated that the failure would recur sporadically and once it did, the vehicle would immediately decelerate without the contact hanging the pressure on the accelerator. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The vin was not available. The failure mileage was 100,000 and the current mileage was 126,000.
- Engine and engine cooling
Chronic, and documented, failure of head gaskets by subaru. causing a large leak of oil that could cause a fire and/or accident.
- Fuel system, gasoline
I bought a used car this past summer. Now that it IS cold whenever we get in the car when it's really cold and there IS a strong gas odor in the car. After doing some research I found that allot of people with this model various years have had the same issue. I would think this a serious safety and health issue. *Tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission · Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 2000 subaru l wagon. while driving the atf warning light would illuminate on the instrument control panel and then the vehicle would down-shift. The computer, transmission computer, spark plug, oxygen sensor, and coil pack have all been replaced. None of the repairs have…
TL* the contact owns a 2000 subaru l wagon. while driving the atf warning light would illuminate on the instrument control panel and then the vehicle would down-shift. The computer, transmission computer, spark plug, oxygen sensor, and coil pack have all been replaced. None of the repairs have remedied the failure. the current mileage was 171,000. The failure mileage was 103,000. updated 11/12/09 *cn the consumer stated the engine light was on most of the time. a local repair shop that works only on subaru's had not idea what was wrong with the vehicle. The dealer stated a throttle position sensor was needed. Updated 11/16/09
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
Coolant leak from drivers side head gasket. *Tr
- Suspension
Tl*the contact owns a 2000 subaru legacy. while driving 60 mph, the contact lost control of the vehicle and began swerving across the lanes. she exited the freeway and drove to a repair shop. the mechanic stated that the unibar frame above the front tires was rusted through and only the…
Tl*the contact owns a 2000 subaru legacy. while driving 60 mph, the contact lost control of the vehicle and began swerving across the lanes. she exited the freeway and drove to a repair shop. the mechanic stated that the unibar frame above the front tires was rusted through and only the transmission brackets were holding the vehicle together. the mechanic would not repair the vehicle. the contact called the manufacturer and was informed that they would pay to move the vehicle from the repair shop, but there was no guarantee that they would pay for the repairs. the contact stated that they would have to declare the vehicle as destroyed. the failure mileage was 136,000.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Power train › Automatic transmission
Tl*the contact owns a 2000 subaru legacy. the contact stated that her vehicle was in the repair shop for transmission failure. the vehicle also shakes severely when approaching a stop sign or traffic light. the vehicle must be shifted into park when the shaking occurs. the vehicle was taken to the dealer, but they could not determine the cause of the failure. the failure mileage was 120,000.
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system · Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Under warranty had three head gaskets on 2000 legacy 2.5L (38,000, 55,000, 75,600 miles respectively). at 97,000 mile spark plug blew out of #2 cyclinder. subaru blamed me since I replaced the plugs at 65,000. I paid $1700 at lynnes subaru in arpil to replace left side head with new one. at…
Under warranty had three head gaskets on 2000 legacy 2.5L (38,000, 55,000, 75,600 miles respectively). at 97,000 mile spark plug blew out of #2 cyclinder. subaru blamed me since I replaced the plugs at 65,000. I paid $1700 at lynnes subaru in arpil to replace left side head with new one. at 99,500 mile I am seeing the coolant starting to drop in reservoir. only 400 miles left on 100K head warranty for right side and 10K mile on warranty for new head. the car IS sitting until I get it into dealer. besides headgaskets, catalytic converter, rear wiper motor, door locks and under dash wiring have all failed. this IS a lemon. can I prosecute under the nj lemon law? IS there any other forum to get subaru to repair or buy back vehcile? *Tr
- Suspension › Front › Macpherson strut
Front left strut broke and came close to puncturing the tire. Could handle the car efficiently-went to local garage 1 mile away , with caution , where peoblem was determined
- Power train › Automatic transmission
2000 subaru legacy l transmission would not go into drive while stopped for a light. Car unable to be moved and stuck in traffic. This caused a very unsafe problem as traffic backed up behind the car. Transmission intermittently refuses to shift. Dealer says new trns. Subaru aware of defect in trans. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
I was driving on a dirt road when the exhaust pipe broke from in front of the muffler. the muffler was not supported by hangers in the front, dropped down and dug into the dirt. the rear of the car pole-vaulted over the muffler, leading to a temporary loss of control. fortunately, I was going…
I was driving on a dirt road when the exhaust pipe broke from in front of the muffler. the muffler was not supported by hangers in the front, dropped down and dug into the dirt. the rear of the car pole-vaulted over the muffler, leading to a temporary loss of control. fortunately, I was going slow and straight at the time, and there was no other traffic. the damage to the rear of the car was substantial. the muffler was replaced, and the damage to the rear quarter panels and trunk was repaired by a body shop. *Tr
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.
- 11010925This annocement is to inform dealers to the Gen 3.1 Head Unit OTA will be available via Wi-Fi. The update will take place in multiple batches with the first beginneing November 15th and the last being Decemeber 3rd. This update is for approximatelt 714,000 VINs.
- 11009701This bulletin details an important regulation issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which impacts the way some vehicles with accessories are sold. This regulation applies to any automobile retailer installing accessories on a vehicle prior to its first sale.
- 11009685This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
- 11008283This Service Information Bulletin announces the preferred practices to be used when handling vehicles equipped with Gen2 Telematics which are enrolled in the Subaru STARLINK Security Plus Service featuring Stolen Vehicle Recovery Plus with Immobilizer.
- 11008282This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
- 11008281This Service Information Bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be followed when diagnosing engine oil leakage on FA and FB type engines.
- 11008280This Service Information bulletin is being released as guidance for proper testing and charging of vehicle batteries.
- 11008279This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.
- 11008276The CP1.5 RCs OTA is available for all mid and high grade CP1.5 head units.
- 11008267This bulletin announces availability of the NEW genuine Subaru engine oil filter.
- 11008259This bulletin outlines the judgment criteria to be used when inspecting front transverse link bushings to reduce unnecessary bushing replacement.
- 11006935This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure for 2025MY vehicles.
- 11006934The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.
- 11006932This Service Information Bulletin announces important diagnostic information to utilize when the Data Communication Module (DCM) is being tested as a dark current/standby current source.
- 11006931This Bulletin provides additional diagnostics to follow when addressing a Telematics-related DTC B2A16.
- 11005624This annoucement provides parts personnel information about remanufactured transmissions that will no longer be available.
- 11005615This announcement provides information for retailers to install the latest infotainment system software for Denso CP 1.5.
- 11005614This bulletin announces important diagnostic information to utilize when testing the Data Communication Module (DCM) as a dark current/standby current source. All models equipped with Telematics except Solterra.
- 11005609This announcement provides information on Takata Recall Escalated Towing Program.
- 11005608This thermo control valve video contains information on the replacement of thermo control valve.
- 11005599This Bulletin provides SOA paint codes to help eliminate possible confusion for 2025 MY vehicles.
- 11005595This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
- 11005593This Bulletin provides guidance for diagnosing a leaking front or rear suspension strut.
- 11002730This information announces reprograming file availability for Gen 4.5 Denso CP1.5 Audio and Navigation systems. Inprovement for CarPlay concerns with hands-free calls when the receiving party is not able to hear the caller.
- 11002725This bulletin provides diagnosis and procedure information to be applied when diagnosing potential fluid leaks on front and rear brake calipers. This information has been developed to reduce unnecessary brake caliper replacement.
- 10241801The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.
- 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.
- 10235830Repair Procedure for High-Pitched Sound
- 10234908Replacement Key and Immobilizer info
- 10234829Repair Procedure for High-Pitched Sound from Extension Housing Area Using Latest Generation Production Parts
- 10234828This Bulletin provides production change, repair procedure and parts information to address a customer concern of a high-pitched sound coming from the transmission extension housing area.
- 10234260Repair Procedure for High-Pitched Sound from Extension Housing Area Using Latest Generation Production Parts
- 102342585MT Transfer Driven Gear Bearings
- 10233111Replacement Key and Immobilizer
- 10232879Replacement Key and Immobilizer info
- 10232535Replacement Key and Immobilizer Info
- 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
Every Subaru Legacy model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.