2001 Subaru Legacy
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Subaru › Legacy › 2001
These records cover every 2001 Subaru Legacy. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
8 recalls name the 2001 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.
On certain passenger sedans, wagons, and sport utility vehicles, the cruise control cable could come out of its track on the cruise control lever and lodge on the control lever tab when the accelerator pedal IS released. if this condition occurs, the throttle will not return to the idle position and will remain in an open position.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If this occurs during vehicle operation, the driver could lose control of the vehicle, which could result in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will install a cruise control cable retaining clip to the cruise control lever tab on the throttle shaft in order to prevent the cruise control cable from coming out of its track. owner notification began on april 12, 2004. owners should contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
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.
Certain sport utility and passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions were produced with an improperly manufactured transmission parking rod. when the transmission selector lever IS placed in the "p" (park) position, the transmission park mechanism, that IS intended to hold your vehicle, may not engage.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The vehicle could then move/roll without prior warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the automatic transmission parking rod assembly. owner notification january 8, 2003. an interim owner notification will be sent during november 2002. 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 equipped with manually-adjustable (non-powered) seats. certain inner front slide rail latch mechanisms may have been improperly welded.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If an inner slide rail latch mechanism breaks due to improper welding, forward and rearward seat adjustment will no longer be possible. in the event of a crash, the slide rails could break, exposing the occupant to a risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will replace one or both front seat inner slide rails. owner notification began march 30, 2001. 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. a casting flaw in the right front bearing housing could result in loss of steering if the casting flaw should exist in the tie-rod arm.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This casting flaw could cause grease leakage, front wheel bearing failure due to loss of grease, or loss of steering due to tie-rod end separation.
Remedy
Dealers will replace all front bearing housings with a lot number of OF15.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. incorrect beige rear center seat belt webbing was installed. the belt length IS too short.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The seat occupant would not be properly restrained in the event of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace all beige colored rear center lap/shoulder belts with lot number 0171.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. possible fuel leakage of under-hood fuel hoses at low ambient temperatures (-40 degrees c) once the fuel hoses age and become less flexible.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect for under-hood fuel hoses with lot numbers 0804 and 0806 and all fuel hoses with those numbers will be replaced.
Owner complaints
77 complaints11 involved a crash2 involved a fire5 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Tires
Headed home from a vet appointment in mountain home. Was driving on the freeway at 80mph when the tire blew at the Wendell exit. Checked the tire to find that the inside wall had failed and had a blowout. The tire was installed June 8th 2025 and had less than 1,000 miles on it. I have never in 26…
Headed home from a vet appointment in mountain home. Was driving on the freeway at 80mph when the tire blew at the Wendell exit. Checked the tire to find that the inside wall had failed and had a blowout. The tire was installed June 8th 2025 and had less than 1,000 miles on it. I have never in 26 years of being around vehicles had a brand new tire fail in less than 1,000 miles. Tire was a good year reliant all season 195/65/R15. That tire blowout could have killed me and my family. I stopped at the Walmart that I bought the tire from with the receipt and was told "oh that sucks. We can replace it for you if you want to buy a new one a full price." How can a company sell a tire from a brand like good year that isn't even covered for a 1,000 miles? That's absolutely mind blowing. Had anyone gotten injured from the accident I would filling charges against Walmart for selling me a faulty tire
- Suspension
The contact owns a 2001 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while his son was driving at highway speeds, the vehicle would wobble without warning. After the contact test drove the vehicle and experienced the failure himself, he took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and discovered that the…
The contact owns a 2001 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while his son was driving at highway speeds, the vehicle would wobble without warning. After the contact test drove the vehicle and experienced the failure himself, he took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and discovered that the rear control arm had rotted out due to severe corrosion. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the vehicle had been placed under NHTSA Campaign Number: 03V153000 (Suspension). The manufacturer was then notified of the failure and confirmed the prior recall on the vehicle; however, they could not offer any further assistance. The contact also took the vehicle to the dealer where they informed him that the entire subframe had rotted out due to corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in their possession. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Always, when the circulation fresh air button IS pressed to allow outside air to enter the cabin, there IS the noxious odor of gasoline. I replaced the engine because of a timing belt related problem at 160,000 miles and the problem of gas odor stopped for a few months but it IS back, bad as ever. When did this happen? Years and years
- Power train
I was pulling out of the parking lot onto a main street and when I started to step on the gas the car didn't want to go so well and the rpms what are getting pretty high and the clutch was slipping the fluid was a little bit low so we added the recommended fluid the dextron 111.. We were able to…
I was pulling out of the parking lot onto a main street and when I started to step on the gas the car didn't want to go so well and the rpms what are getting pretty high and the clutch was slipping the fluid was a little bit low so we added the recommended fluid the dextron 111.. We were able to drive about 5 miles on the freeway about 60 miles an hour back to our house the next morning we got up to leave the car would barely move forward the clutch slipping really bad and also IS doing the same in reverse.. I have owned by subarus and I was also the sales and finance manager for nader subaru in eureka california in 2005 to 2010
- Engine
Sudden acceleration causing an accident. the subaru was at rest in drive.
- Engine
In colder weather I have fuel leaking from fuel lines under the hood which creates a strong gas smell inside the vehicle. I went online and found nhsta recall # 00v393000 . I am not sure if this IS for my vehicle or not. since this IS a major safety issue, could it be repaired at at subaru dealer near me ?
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
Gas fuel lines in engine compartment leaking in cold weather. gas pooling on engine creating fire hazard. same issue as other subaru. strong fuel smell inside cabin and out. *tr
- Structure › Frame and members
TL* the contact owns 2001 subaru legacy outback. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under nhtsa campaign number 03v153000 (suspension). However, the remedy failed to correct the failure. The sub frame was found corroded and fractured. The contact was advised that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 108,131.
- Fuel system, gasoline
When starting car in cold weather there IS a very strong gas odor in cabin. subsequent research has indicated that other 2001 legacy wagons have been recalled due to exact same problem. my car was not recalled, which IS confusing given that the exact same risks are associated. *tr
- Service brakes
Cold weather below 32 degrees no brake pedal on cold start- difficult to stop car moving under 5MPH. after warm up for 5-10 minutes- depending on how cold the temp. Pedal comes back and brakes seem to operate normally. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
Purchased vehicle in south carolina and drove it back to northern kentucky. It produced approximately 380 miles on one tank of fuel. Note: it was well into the 50-60 f range outside while driving during that time. Subsequent fill-ups in northern kentucky (with outside temperatures ranging from…
Purchased vehicle in south carolina and drove it back to northern kentucky. It produced approximately 380 miles on one tank of fuel. Note: it was well into the 50-60 f range outside while driving during that time. Subsequent fill-ups in northern kentucky (with outside temperatures ranging from 10-30 f) produced 160-225 miles in-town. I experienced a very strong, raw fuel odor in the passenger cabin. It was taken to a mechanic and they found "nothing wrong." this of course, does not mean there IS nothing wrong. The fuel lines were checked and tightened even though they were neither loose nor worn. After reading the numerous complaints about this problem from other owners, it seems that subaru owes me and many others a recall. Today IS about 14 f outside and I drove the subaru 16 miles. The fumes were so unbearable I had to pull over and wait for them to subside. This seems like not only an emissions violation, but also a fire and health hazard. *tr
- Wheels
Failed front wheel bearings. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic · Suspension
This car was "inspected" on july 25, 2011 at affordable auto glass, 806 elm street, west springfield, ma (massachusetts inspection station pb 024377). Upon purchasing this car in october, 2011, I attempted to get a ri inspection sticker for it when registering it in ri. It failed on several counts…
This car was "inspected" on july 25, 2011 at affordable auto glass, 806 elm street, west springfield, ma (massachusetts inspection station pb 024377). Upon purchasing this car in october, 2011, I attempted to get a ri inspection sticker for it when registering it in ri. It failed on several counts (bald tires, bad rear brakes, 2 bad front axles). I would like this station investigated to find out how this car could have passed a mass inspection only 3 months before I bought it. In addition to the failed items, one front brake caliper was frozen and the bracket holding the other front brake caliper was broken.
- Engine and engine cooling
When I put on the brakes to stop the car the engine stalls out.. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
TL* the contact owns a 2001 subaru legacy GT. The contact started the ignition and smelled a strong odor of fuel inside of the cabin. The failure occurred only in freezing weather temperatures. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis and remained there for seven days to further…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 subaru legacy GT. The contact started the ignition and smelled a strong odor of fuel inside of the cabin. The failure occurred only in freezing weather temperatures. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis and remained there for seven days to further investigate the problem. There was a recall associated with nhtsa campaign ID number 00v393000 (fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings). The contact experienced the identical failure as mentioned in the recall. The vin was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 100,000. updated 03/29/11*lj the consumer stated the dealer replaced the hoses under recall 00v393000, although his vin was not included in the recall. the consumer stated she will have to wait until the winter to see if the problem has been rectified. updated 08/19/11
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Took my 2001 BH5 gtb e-tune for service at subaru kenya. Dealer bled the oil without replacing it(as I found out later). Cruising at 80kph, check engine light came on, car lost all power, was towed back to dealer. Dealer said engine had ceased, so they overhauled it. Same thing happened after…
Took my 2001 BH5 gtb e-tune for service at subaru kenya. Dealer bled the oil without replacing it(as I found out later). Cruising at 80kph, check engine light came on, car lost all power, was towed back to dealer. Dealer said engine had ceased, so they overhauled it. Same thing happened after 234km. Dealer says they do not understand what problem was and are unable to fix it, so I had to purchase a new engine. Fhi japan says my initial engine was not built for african market. Surely, they should have known better. I am so mad at subaru kenya( the most inexperienced subaru dealers in the world) and fhi japan!! *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
During the winter months, when the temperature IS in the 20'S or below, there IS a strong smell of gasoline in the cabin when the car IS idling and when I turn on the heater fan. The smell remains in my garage after I stop the car. My son, who IS a mechanic tightened the fuel lines which seemed to…
During the winter months, when the temperature IS in the 20'S or below, there IS a strong smell of gasoline in the cabin when the car IS idling and when I turn on the heater fan. The smell remains in my garage after I stop the car. My son, who IS a mechanic tightened the fuel lines which seemed to help a bit but this problem has persisted every winter. There was a recall in 2001 but subaru maintains that the recall does not apply to my vin number and says that I need to bring the car in and pay for the diagnosis. There are many complaints detailing exactly the symptoms of my problem on the website, arfe which leads me to think that the problem should be addressed by a broader recall by subaru.
- Fuel system, gasoline
TL* the contact owns a 2001 subaru legacy outback. The contact noticed a fuel smell and when she would turn the heating system on, the smell became unbearable, forcing the contact to roll the windows down. The failure began october 2010. Neither the dealer or manufacturer had not been notified nor…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 subaru legacy outback. The contact noticed a fuel smell and when she would turn the heating system on, the smell became unbearable, forcing the contact to roll the windows down. The failure began october 2010. Neither the dealer or manufacturer had not been notified nor was the vehicle diagnosed or repaired. The current and failure mileages were 130,000. Updated 09/28/11*lj the consumer stated the gas smell only occurred when the temperature was below 30 degrees. Updated 10/05/11
- Fuel system, gasoline
Raw gas leak in cold weather has been a persistent problem, overwhelming odor in passenger compartment and after parking in basement garage. this was brought to dealers attention at first service when car was new and dealer could not identify any problem. I understand this IS still a common problem with this year and model vehicle for which there has been no recall.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 subaru legacy. Upon entering the vehicle the contact could smell a strong odor of gasoline. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was told this was a known failure due to the fuel lines shrinking in cold weather. an unknown repair was performed…
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 subaru legacy. Upon entering the vehicle the contact could smell a strong odor of gasoline. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was told this was a known failure due to the fuel lines shrinking in cold weather. an unknown repair was performed on the vehicle. A few weeks later the failure recurred. the failure mileage was 128,000 and the current mileage was 130,000. the consumer stated the smell was most prominent during the day. Although the smell would sometimes occur when the heat was on and it intensified when the fan was turned on. the problem began at the end of november. The smell was most pronounced when the temperature dropped into the twenties. The consumer stated she looked for evidence of a gas leak, but was unable to find anything. the consumer believed there as design/defect in materials. The consumer was informed there was no recall on her vehicle and subaru denied any responsibility because of the age and mileage of the vehicle. updated evoq 01/31/11. updated 2/23/11 *cn updated 12/06/2011 *ln
- Tires
Blow out with complete detachment of tire tread from wheel at 50 mph; car crashed into stone wall; air bags deployed; fire in forward part of engine compartment put out by fire company; fire company comment that looked like tire failure; tires had only ~2000 miles on them; no injuries; only one car…
Blow out with complete detachment of tire tread from wheel at 50 mph; car crashed into stone wall; air bags deployed; fire in forward part of engine compartment put out by fire company; fire company comment that looked like tire failure; tires had only ~2000 miles on them; no injuries; only one car involved; police filed a report; car IS a total loss; I have the tire tread which detached from the wheel and IS a complete, single circular piece; about 1 inch of tire rubber remained attached to each rim of the wheel. *Tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
On a cold start, with the ambient temperature at or below freezing (32F), the 3RD time I press the brake pedal, it will not go down. there IS a hard stop and the brakes do not engage. the vehicle, if in motion, will not stop. Repeated pumping of the brake pedal eventually frees up the brake pedal…
On a cold start, with the ambient temperature at or below freezing (32F), the 3RD time I press the brake pedal, it will not go down. there IS a hard stop and the brakes do not engage. the vehicle, if in motion, will not stop. Repeated pumping of the brake pedal eventually frees up the brake pedal and braking function IS restored. notice a distinct revving of the engine when the problem IS remedied. this IS a repeatable problem. *Tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
We started to experience gasoline fumes in the passenger compartment of the car. our dealers service department determined that the fuel line was leaking and needed to be replaced. While no damage of which we are aware has occurred to the car, it would appear that a high risk of fire was present…
We started to experience gasoline fumes in the passenger compartment of the car. our dealers service department determined that the fuel line was leaking and needed to be replaced. While no damage of which we are aware has occurred to the car, it would appear that a high risk of fire was present (or would become present) without replacement of this part (which typically would last the "lifetime" of the car). cost of repair: $355.15. *Tr
- Suspension › Front
1. Driving car over speed bump at posted speed limit 2. Failure: front sway bar broke at both the right and left side of car at the frame bushings between wheel and body frame. 3. New sway bar, linkers and bushings are required - repair has yet to be done as it broke yesterday. *Tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
2001 subaru legacy wagon emits gas smell into cabin on start up in cold weather months. although numerous owners complain with regard to this issue via internet, subaru has yet to issue a tsb. this IS a dangerous condition that subaru should be required to fix free of charge. *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
- 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
- 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
- 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.
Every Subaru Legacy model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.