KnownCarProblems2002 Subaru Legacy Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 54 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002 Subaru Legacy, most often about the fuel system (28% of complaints, typically around 68,000 miles). It is 18th of 26 Legacy model years by number of complaints and has 4 recalls.
Most common 2002 Subaru Legacy problems
Fuel system
15 complaints · 28%Half of these problems showed up before 68,000 miles. Parts named most often: delivery, fuel injection 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…
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…
Engine
13 complaints · 24%Half of these problems showed up before 51,500 miles. Parts named most often: engine, cooling 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 passenger compartment…
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.
Transmission
7 complaints · 13%Parts named most often: automatic transmission, clutch assembly, manual transmission, driveline.
There were problems with the fuel sensor, fuel train , and control module. The vehicle didn't accelerate, and stalled. The dealer was contacted. Ts scc
1) check engine light lit;2) hesitation at dangerous times, especially through turns, occasional backfiring;3) three times in shop for warranty work, replacing air/fuel ratio sensor and reprogramming ECM/ecu/PCM.
Brakes
7 complaints · 13%Half of these problems showed up before 48,500 miles. Parts named most often: foundation components.
Brake line repair/valve replacement 2002 Subaru Legacy. When the temperature was below 20 degrees the brakes faded resulting in extended stopping distance. The dealer determined that a valve and line in the brake system were defective.
: the contact stated while attempting to slow down and make a left turn, the brakes failed causing the vehicle to hit another vehicle. This occurred under normal braking and road conditions. The occupant was wearing a seatbelt when the accident occurred. The vehicle was taken to a body repair shop for repairs. After…
Suspension
6 complaints · 11%Parts named most often: rear.
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…
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
Wheels and tires
5 complaints · 9%Parts named most often: sidewall, tread/belt.
Other or unspecified
5 complaints · 9%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.
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…
Speed control
4 complaints · 7%Parts named most often: 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 unaware of what parts had…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2002 Subaru Legacy recalls
Speed control: cables
Risk: If this occurs during vehicle operation, the driver could lose control of the vehicle, which could result in a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
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.
Transmission: automatic transmission
Risk: The vehicle could then move/roll without prior warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Brakes: master cylinder
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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
On certain passenger vehicles, the brake master cylinders may not function properly in ambient temperatures below freezing 32 degrees fahrenheit and lower).
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 2002 Subaru Legacy
- What are the most common problems with the 2002 Subaru Legacy?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: fuel system (15 complaints, typically around 68,000 miles); engine (13 complaints, typically around 51,500 miles); transmission (7 complaints).
- How many recalls does the 2002 Subaru Legacy have?
- 4 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from March 16, 2004 (speed control). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2002 a bad year for the Subaru Legacy?
- It is 18th of 26 Legacy model years by number of complaints, with 54 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.