2002 Subaru Legacy
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2002 Subaru Legacy. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
5 recalls name the 2002 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.
On certain passenger vehicles, the brake master cylinders may not function properly in ambient temperatures below freezing 32 degrees fahrenheit and lower).
Risk and remedy
Risk
At these temperatures, the brakes may not release after being applied, even when the driver's foot IS no longer on the brake pedal. this can occur withour prior warning, possibly resulting in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the master cylinders. owner notification began march 21, 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.
Owner complaints
54 complaints5 involved a crash1 involved a fire2 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Suspension · Unknown or other
To whom it may concern. I’ve purchased a second hand vehicle from New Jersey I live in California. It is 2002 Subaru outback H-6 3.0 with 52,000 miles. Upon delivery I took it to orange coast Subaru for general inspection when it was brought to my attention that there’s an open recall from 2004…
To whom it may concern. I’ve purchased a second hand vehicle from New Jersey I live in California. It is 2002 Subaru outback H-6 3.0 with 52,000 miles. Upon delivery I took it to orange coast Subaru for general inspection when it was brought to my attention that there’s an open recall from 2004 stating excessive corrosion in the rear sub frame. It applies on vehicles in cold wet states where New Jersey is one of them. Service advisor assure me that all is fine and they marked it as resolved. Upon inspection when I received the car back to my horror the sub frame is corroded to the point of disintegration. I took it back in and I’ve reached out to Subaru of North America where they look into it and concluded that the factory warranty is expired, 5 years 60k miles and they will not fix the recall. Base on my research there’s no expiration on manufacture recall and I’m not sure why they will not take care of it . Please help me navigate this matter. Thank you kindly [XXX] The person at Subaru headquarters info is; [XXX] Subaru of America, Inc. Customer Advocacy Department 1-800-SUBARU3 (1-800-782-2783) Direct: [XXX] Customers@subaru.com Case number [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
Extreme gas smell in cold weather until car heats up when running heat/defrost. Known issue in other models that warranted a recall.
- Suspension · Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
The contact owns a 2002 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 15 MPH, there was an abnormal sound of metal fragments dropping. The vehicle was seen by an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the underneath of the vehicle was rusted. The contact was…
The contact owns a 2002 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 15 MPH, there was an abnormal sound of metal fragments dropping. The vehicle was seen by an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the underneath of the vehicle was rusted. The contact was unaware of what parts had detached from the vehicle or needed to be replaced. In addition, the vehicle was accelerating independently. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 169,000.
- Unknown or other · Visibility/wiper
Un-fendered vehicles - I see way too many vehicles allowed to be the outfitted with wide tires outside of the vehicles fenders. Hey! I though tires are supposed to be covered by the vehicle's fenders so they wouldn't throw off rocks, spray or debris into the air at other vehicles on the highway.…
Un-fendered vehicles - I see way too many vehicles allowed to be the outfitted with wide tires outside of the vehicles fenders. Hey! I though tires are supposed to be covered by the vehicle's fenders so they wouldn't throw off rocks, spray or debris into the air at other vehicles on the highway. those obnoxious bright-blue headlights. Since when do our regulators allow headlights that blind other drivers on the highways at night when switched on low-beam? These might be great for the other driver but they're hell on someone's retinas at night if they have the temerity to be driving out ahead. Surely we have the technology to enforce this at the brake tag station. rain-x - why do you allow itw global brands to put this crap on people's windshields? You can't remove it and the only way to keep it from smearing and obscuring your night-time vision IS to use more of it. It's like global brands IS co-opting people's private property or helping to blind them on the highways. If you use the stuff as intended to bead-up rain instead of using wipers, you're breaking state law that says you must use headlights and wiper in the rain. speeders - what IS with all these people who drive on the highways like they're on meth? Don't we have speed limits? Can't government use the money from speeding fines? road spray - why aren't tractor trucks and trailers not required to minimize the blinding water spray they make on wet highways? There are fenders and wheel covers designed to do this.
- Engine · Service brakes · Unknown or other
When the vehicle starts going around 55 - 60 mph, the car starts shaking vigorously. The wheel also shakes which also concerns me. Moreover, when I start to slow the car down, a rattling noise constantly shakes my car including my wheel from side to side. I think there might be an alignment problem with my vehicle since my check engine light turns on and off frequently.
- Suspension
I checked under the car and the rear suspension IS so rusted it IS unsafe to drive . I looked on the internet and it IS a common issue. With the amount of unsafe cars driving around with this issue I would say the ball was really dropped on the original recall
- Unknown or other
I have noticed an inordinate number of cars with led tail lights that the break and/or tail lights do not work. nothing specific for make or model but it IS dangerous! I would really like to see if it IS being checked out.
- Structure › Body · Suspension
I own a 2002 subaru legacy in western new york, I recently was told there was an issue that was recalled back in 2004 but my car was never notified or addressed of the issue with corrosion. The recall ( nhtsa campaign number: 03v153000 ) I was driving on the high way when I hit a small bump and…
I own a 2002 subaru legacy in western new york, I recently was told there was an issue that was recalled back in 2004 but my car was never notified or addressed of the issue with corrosion. The recall ( nhtsa campaign number: 03v153000 ) I was driving on the high way when I hit a small bump and the back end of the subaru dropped and the tire started to shred causing me to loose control of the car , thank good the car came to a rest in the median and no crash or fatalities occurred.
- Fuel/propulsion system
The fuel lines leak out raw gasoline onto the hot engine any time it IS cold outside. I have replaced the fuel line but it still leaks when cold. this IS a very great fire hazard.
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns 2002 subaru legacy. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there would be an odor of fuel entering into the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 13e065000 (fuel system, gasoline). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 180,000.
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
A strong fuel smell began entering the car through the heating vents on the car. this has only been noticeable since the temperature dropped below 25 degrees fahrenheit. there was a also a noticeable trail of gasoline in the snow following the car. *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
Any time it IS cold, around 32F or lower, whether the vehicle IS running or not, there IS a terrible fuel smell inside the cabin. I have actually witnessed fuel evaporating out my window. I can't imagine this IS a safe condition and a short internet search revealed that this IS a very common problem. I don't understand why subaru doesn't have to pay to fix this glaring safety issue. *tr
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2002 subaru legacy. While driving approximately 70 mph, the vehicle hydroplaned due to wet road conditions and crashed into a cable guardrail. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed and no injuries were reported. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 99,500.
- Suspension
The rear suspension IS rusty that it has rust holes through it and this IS also the that holds the drive in place I have look at other subarus and they are the same way if that breaks it could cause vary bad crash. *tr
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2002 subaru legacy. the contact stated that after the engine was shut off, the external lights remained illuminated. the contact attempted to turn the light switch off. However, the light remained on causing the battery to die. the battery was removed from the vehicle in…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 subaru legacy. the contact stated that after the engine was shut off, the external lights remained illuminated. the contact attempted to turn the light switch off. However, the light remained on causing the battery to die. the battery was removed from the vehicle in order for the lights to shut off. the problem recurred multiple times. the vehicle was not taken to a mechanic for a diagnosis. the vehicle was no repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the vin was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 400,000.
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 2002 subaru legacy. The contact stated there was a strong gasoline odor coming from inside and outside of the vehicle. The contact also stated that when he turned on the heater or defroster, the fumes were extremely strong. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 subaru legacy. The contact stated there was a strong gasoline odor coming from inside and outside of the vehicle. The contact also stated that when he turned on the heater or defroster, the fumes were extremely strong. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the problem. The vin was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 215,000.
- Fuel/propulsion system
In very cold weather (<20-25 degrees f) there IS a raw fuel smell that fills the interior cabin. This occasionally improved when the engine warms up but returns when restating the car. this IS very concerning for a defect that may lead to fire. *tr
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
When starting the vehicle "cold" in cold outdoor temperatures (10 f or below) there IS a very strong smell of raw gasoline in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. the odor IS coming into the passenger compartment via the heating/cooling vents; if the heating/cooling fan IS turned off the…
When starting the vehicle "cold" in cold outdoor temperatures (10 f or below) there IS a very strong smell of raw gasoline in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. the odor IS coming into the passenger compartment via the heating/cooling vents; if the heating/cooling fan IS turned off the passenger compartment does not become filled with gasoline fumes. the odor IS strong enough that I am concerned about the possibility of a fire. the odor IS strong enough that after driving the vehicle after a cold weather start my clothing smells like gasoline. this has been a recurring problem whenever the vehicle IS started in cold weather. the problem occurred tonight at a temperature of 0 f. the problem has been occurring since before the date above, but I did not realize I could file a complaint until now. continental motors, authorized subaru serviced reported on the problem after vehicle was serviced on 2012 dec 14: "199 car designed to run rich when very cold. No problem found. No fuel leak noted." I am a former VW mechanic and I know that when a vehicle runs rich there should not be gasoline fumes in the passenger compartment - subaru's explanation IS illogical. *tr
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owned a 2002 subaru legacy. The contact stated that while driving 25 mph, smoke emitted from the front driver side door panel and the door caught on fire. The contact maneuvered to the shoulder and notified the fire department. The fire department appeared on the scene to extinguish…
TL* the contact owned a 2002 subaru legacy. The contact stated that while driving 25 mph, smoke emitted from the front driver side door panel and the door caught on fire. The contact maneuvered to the shoulder and notified the fire department. The fire department appeared on the scene to extinguish the fire. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to an independent repair shop. The failure was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 103,000.
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Nhtsa ref # 302836, safety issue, brakes rotors rust to point of failure, subaru service told me they were a safety concern. Vin [xxx], 2002 subaru legacy l, 43,351 miles, repair parts, subaru, front brakes pn's 26296ae220 & 26300ae00c, rear brakes pn's 26700ae04c & 26696ae020 replaced on all 4…
Nhtsa ref # 302836, safety issue, brakes rotors rust to point of failure, subaru service told me they were a safety concern. Vin [xxx], 2002 subaru legacy l, 43,351 miles, repair parts, subaru, front brakes pn's 26296ae220 & 26300ae00c, rear brakes pn's 26700ae04c & 26696ae020 replaced on all 4 wheels. I have never had to replace brakes on any of the many vehicles I have driven over forty plus years of driving. The service rep looked to see if there was a recall which tells me they have had safety recalls. I originally went to the dealer to have my oil changed and while in the waiting room a sales person came out and spoke to a priest who owned a 2008 outback and the sales person ask if he wanted to trade his vehicle before it needed brake work. My experience tells me that my braking distance was compromised by many feet of stopping distance. The total cost of repair was $966.48. I have all the documents to validate statements made on this complaint. I called subaru of america, they we not interested in my complaint if it did not meet one of their two criteria which were, was the car in warranty or was there a recall, they were not interest in understanding a safety problem, they did offer me $500 for a new subaru . Reference number for subaru was ref # 1-1103069413. Brake rotor design IS observing the laws of physics and over designing the rotor so the heat at full load IS not so great to cause braking fade and continuous overheating of the brakes causing them to rust. complained on 5/21/10 the brakes were making noise and were not working properly noted on service work order no response from dealer on brakes. this vehicle IS in show room condition. I have had numerous safe driver courses and awards. I have been trained to look ahead in traffic and slow the vehicle with the intent never to having to stop preventing a rear end collision and conserve fuel. My contention IS the brakes are designed to meet full load with no safety margin. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia
- Tires
2002 subaru outback legacy, left rear tire failed causing unit 1 to spin, striking the concrete wall with the right rear before coming to rest. *bf according to the police report, the tire blew out. (Ohio traffic crash report # 10-0414-90)*jb updated 08/06/10 *bf
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
Car had been parked for 2 1/2 days. On cold start it made a horrible noise, check engine light came on and car died. I towed it to an auto repair shop. They said noise was internal motor noise. I authorized r&r of the oil pan and the found the #3 rod bearing spun. This vehicle has never been…
Car had been parked for 2 1/2 days. On cold start it made a horrible noise, check engine light came on and car died. I towed it to an auto repair shop. They said noise was internal motor noise. I authorized r&r of the oil pan and the found the #3 rod bearing spun. This vehicle has never been abused nor neglected and I have service records showing every service done on time. All oil changes were done every 3500 miles. Also.. At 92K miles my car developed a head gasket leak. Subaru has a warranty extension for 99-2002 subaru legacy headgaskets up to 8 years or 100,000 miles. Subaru declined coverage on my vehicle due to vin # being outside of vin # group they had extended. *Tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 subaru legacy outback. when the temperature IS below 32 degrees, the brakes fail if the master cylinder IS not warmed. the contact must allow the vehicle to warm up approximately five minutes in order for the brakes to function. the manufacturer stated that the vin was…
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 subaru legacy outback. when the temperature IS below 32 degrees, the brakes fail if the master cylinder IS not warmed. the contact must allow the vehicle to warm up approximately five minutes in order for the brakes to function. the manufacturer stated that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign ID number 02v079000 (service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder) and advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer to be diagnosed. the repair shop will replace the master cylinder at the cost of $400. the failure mileage was 115,000 and current mileage IS 128,000. updated 3/5/09 *cn updated 03/10/09. *Jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
Engine began leaking coolant at an accelerated level. online research yielded a campaign for repairs that extends the warranty of the known issue. the wwp-99 campaign coverage was denied by the manufacturer. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 subaru legacy. in very cold temperature, the rubber hoses on the fuel lines above the engine become loose. as a result, fuel leaks. the contact had to exit the vehicle and tighten the hose clamps. the dealer and manufacturer stated that they were aware of the defect…
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 subaru legacy. in very cold temperature, the rubber hoses on the fuel lines above the engine become loose. as a result, fuel leaks. the contact had to exit the vehicle and tighten the hose clamps. the dealer and manufacturer stated that they were aware of the defect and that the hose clamps needed to be tightened each time. when he tightens the clamps, the repair only lasts for one month. the failure mileage was 30,000 and current mileage was 46,000.
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.