2000 Subaru Legacy
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1987 | 1 |
| 1988 | 1 |
| 1989 | 1 |
| 1990 | 81 |
| 1991 | 78 |
| 1992 | 57 |
| 1993 | 78 |
| 1994 | 61 |
| 1995 | 182 |
| 1996 | 123 |
| 1997 | 139 |
| 1998 | 114 |
| 1999 | 94 |
| 2000 | 94 |
| 2001 | 77 |
| 2002 | 54 |
| 2003 | 60 |
| 2004 | 49 |
| 2005 | 184 |
| 2006 | 87 |
| 2007 | 33 |
| 2008 | 65 |
| 2009 | 65 |
| 2010 | 150 |
| 2011 | 167 |
| 2012 | 90 |
| 2013 | 66 |
| 2014 | 53 |
| 2015 | 159 |
| 2016 | 147 |
| 2017 | 119 |
| 2018 | 117 |
| 2019 | 123 |
| 2020 | 121 |
| 2021 | 31 |
| 2022 | 32 |
| 2023 | 10 |
| 2024 | 17 |
| 2025 | 6 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
18% of complaints: tires — 17 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tread/belt and sidewall.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
NO SUMMARY( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 16 )
NHTSA ODI report, 20000824
18% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 17 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and exhaust system.
15% of complaints: power train — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and clutch assembly.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
NEW TRANSMISSION WAS PUT IN AT AROUND 40K MILES. NOW THE CAR IS AT 85K MILES. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AND GAVE MY CAR A LITTLE GAS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20050307
CLUTCH FAILED AFTER ONLY 30K MILES OF NORMAL DRIVING. THIS WAS PRECEDED BY FOUL BURNING ODOR, WHICH STARTED SIX MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE OF CAR NEW FROM THE DEALER. *NLM
NHTSA ODI report, 20030620
TRANSMISSION IS LEAKING, DRIPPING FLUID ON EXHAUST SYSTEM WHICH IS CREATING BURNING SMELL AND AT TIMES SOME SMOKE. FIRE HAZZARD?
NHTSA ODI report, 20020904
15% of complaints: suspension — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing front and shock absorber.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190822
Also filed under STRUCTURE
11% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing linkages and accelerator pedal.
CRASHSAFETY TIMELINE
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
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 RE
Campaign 99V249000 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE LEFT-SIDE STEERING KNUCKLE ARM WAS INCORRECTLY ASSEMBLED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TORQUE ON THE LEFT SIDE TIE-ROD END CASTLE NUT AND INSTALL A NEW COTTER PIN.
Campaign 00V091000 — check if this car was fixed
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,
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
Campaign 03V153000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 13E065000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2000 Subaru Legacy — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for tires issues (17 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (17 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 13E065000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 99V249000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 00V091000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V153000 (suspension) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2000 Subaru Legacy reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2000 Subaru Legacy is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2000 Subaru Legacy?
The most-reported component is tires, accounting for 18% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2000 Subaru Legacy have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.