KnownCarProblems2000 Subaru Legacy Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 94 complaints with NHTSA about the 2000 Subaru Legacy, most often about the wheels and tires (19% of complaints). It is 10th of 26 Legacy model years by number of complaints and has 3 recalls.
Most common 2000 Subaru Legacy problems
Wheels and tires
18 complaints · 19%Parts named most often: tread/belt, sidewall.
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.
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…
Engine
17 complaints · 18%Half of these problems showed up before 110,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine, exhaust system, cooling system.
Tl 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…
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…
Transmission
14 complaints · 15%Half of these problems showed up before 76,000 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, clutch assembly, manual transmission.
At about 76,000 miles, very occasionally, the car hesitated before engaging in drive. The problem started occurring more often recently, and now at 82,000, according to a Subaru dealer, the transmission apparently needs to be replaced. I am trying a "flush" before replacing the transmission. I believe Subaru should…
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.
Suspension
13 complaints · 14%Half of these problems showed up before 136,000 miles. Parts named most often: front, rear.
Tl 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 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…
Speed control
10 complaints · 11%Parts named most often: linkages, accelerator pedal.
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…
Body and structure
8 complaints · 9%Parts named most often: body, frame and members.
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…
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…
Brakes
7 complaints · 7%Parts named most often: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, foundation components.
Electrical
6 complaints · 6%Parts named most often: ignition.
Intermittently, while driving the consumer experienced electrical system failure. The radio, followed by the windshield wiper and the exterior auto. The outside mirrors failed to function. The dealership has pulled the steering column apart and checked the fuse and wiring for moisture, but no moisture was found. A…
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.…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2000 Subaru Legacy recalls
Suspension: rear
Risk: If such breakage occurs while the vehicle is being operated, control of the vehicle could be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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 district of columbia. Certain rear suspension subframe components were produced with poor paint quality which, after continued exposure to corrosive road salts for a period of several years, could result in rust-out of the component and possible breakage of the subframe.
Steering: tie rod assembly
Risk: This condition could result in a loss of steering control.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the torque on the left side tie-rod end castle nut and install a new cotter pin.
Full defect summary
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The left-side steering knuckle arm was incorrectly assembled.
Transmission: center support bearing
Risk: This can result in loosening of the bracket and subsequent separation of the transverse link from the vehicle frame.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2000 Subaru Legacy
- What are the most common problems with the 2000 Subaru Legacy?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: wheels and tires (18 complaints); engine (17 complaints, typically around 110,000 miles); transmission (14 complaints, typically around 76,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2000 Subaru Legacy have?
- 3 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from April 22, 2003 (suspension). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2000 a bad year for the Subaru Legacy?
- It is 10th of 26 Legacy model years by number of complaints, with 94 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.