2002 Subaru Legacy
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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
- 54
- Recalls
- 5
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Engine and engine cooling
Campaigns on file for 2002
None on file
17% of complaints
Complaints per year
2002: 54 complaints
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 | 151 |
| 2011 | 167 |
| 2012 | 90 |
| 2013 | 66 |
| 2014 | 53 |
| 2015 | 160 |
| 2016 | 147 |
| 2017 | 119 |
| 2018 | 117 |
| 2019 | 123 |
| 2020 | 121 |
| 2021 | 31 |
| 2022 | 34 |
| 2023 | 10 |
| 2024 | 17 |
| 2025 | 6 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine and engine cooling
17% · 9 reportsMost commonly citing engine and cooling system.
Show complaint excerpts
Coolant leak. Dealer unsuccessfully attempted to seal. Dealer replaced one of two head gaskets($1328.00). Dealer denied any recall. Found Subaru service program wwp-99 on internet, same model year, engine and problem.
NHTSA ODI report, 2006-04-17
Fuel/propulsion system
15% · 8 reportsShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-12-20
Fuel system, gasoline
13% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing hoses, lines/piping, and fittings and fuel injection system.
Service brakes
13% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
When the vehicle starts going around 55 - 60 MPH, the car starts shaking vigorously. The wheel also shakes which also concerns me.
NHTSA ODI report, 2020-01-05
Power train
13% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing manual transmission and differential unit.
Show complaint excerpts
While idling in park vehicle jumped into drive, resulting in a collision. Please provide further information.
NHTSA ODI report, 2001-09-13
Safety timeline
5 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2002-03-21Service brakes, hydraulic02V079000 On certain passenger vehicles, the brake master cylinders may not function properly in ambient temperatures below freezing 32 degrees fahrenheit and lower).
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…
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2003-01-08Power train02V282000 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…
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…
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2003-07-14Suspension03V153000 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…
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…
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2004-04-12Vehicle speed control04V128000 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…
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…
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Date not on fileFuel system, gasoline13E065000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2002 Subaru Legacy — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 9 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel/propulsion system: 8 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel system, gasoline: 7 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 13E065000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 02V079000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 02V282000 · Power train
- Recall 03V153000 · Suspension
- Recall 04V128000 · Vehicle speed control
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2002 Subaru Legacy reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Subaru Legacy is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2002 Subaru Legacy?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 17% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2002 Subaru Legacy have?
- 5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.