1993 Subaru Legacy

Routine

Owners filed 77 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 1 time.

Not among the Subaru Legacy years to avoid. Which Subaru Legacy years to avoid →

Most common 1993 Subaru Legacy problems

15 of the 77 complaints (19%) are about the engine.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags9
706
Seat Belts7
010
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine7
000
Tires › Tread/Belt6
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline · engine6
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes5
100
Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage5
000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission4
000
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration3
000
Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Windshield › Electrical Heating Element2
000

1 safety recall

Part 573 reports
Power Train › Manual Transmission94V052000
Filed Mar 23, 199431,295 vehiclesSubaru of America, Inc.

Defect. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN CONTINUOUSLY UNDER EXTREMELY COLD TEMPERATURES (-22 DEGREES F.) AND HIGH HUMIDITY WEATHER CONDITIONS, THE TRANSMISSION BREATHING (AIR) VENT CAN BE BLOCKED DUE TO MOISTURE FREEZING AT THE OIL LEVEL GAUGE. IF THIS OCCURS, PRESSURE INSIDE THE TRANSMISSION CASE WILL INCREASE AND PUSH OUT THE REAR OIL SEAL, CAUSING TRANSMISSION OIL LEAKAGE. THE LACK OF LUBRICATION CAN BURN THE INTERNAL COMPONENTS OF THE TRANSMISSION, CAUSE THE TRANSMISSION TO SEIZE AND THE VEHICLE TO COME TO A SUDDEN STOP.

Risk. SUDDEN STOPS WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING CAN CAUSE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS TO BE THROWN AROUND THE VEHICLE AND CAUSE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL WHICH CAN RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE OIL GAUGE PIPE AND MODIFY THE OIL LEVEL GAUGE (DIPSTICK) OR REPLACE IT, DEPENDING ON THE TYPE OF DIPSTICK IN THE VEHICLE.

All 1 campaign on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Oct 15, 2007114,385 milesME

TWO YEAR OLD TIRES (ALL 4, PURCHASED AT SAME TIME) HAVE CIRCUMFERENTIAL CRACKS IN TREAD GROOVES - TIRE SELLER SAYS THESE ARE VERY ABNORMAL AND IS REPLACING ALL OF THEM. HAVE ONLY 20,000 MILES OF WEAR ON TIRES RATED FOR 80,000. NO CATASTROPHIC FAILURES. TIRES A GOODRICH TRACTION T/A 195/60R15 88H. DOT CODE ON ALL 4 TIRES: ANRBMC112705. *TR

Power Train › Manual Transmission
Filed Feb 22, 2006167,000 milesWI

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE VEHICLE, NHTSA #94V052000 CONCERNING THE MANUAL TRANSMISSION. THE RECALL WORK WAS PERFORMED PRIOR TO PURCHASE. THE TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP, BUT HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED.

Seat Belts › Front
Filed Nov 29, 200598,000 milesHI

DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE SHOULDER HARNESS ON BOTH FRONT SEAT BELTS DID NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE RESTRAINT WHEN IN USE. THE STRAPS GAVE WAY WHEN PROPERLY BUCKLED. THE SEAT BELTS WERE NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. HE PURCHASED REPLACEMENT STRAPS AND PLANNED TO REPLACE THE STRAPS HIMSELF. *AK

Tires
Filed Jan 5, 2005MA

THE CONSUMER PURCHASED FOUR NEW FIRESTONE TIRES. THE RIGHT REAR TIRE WENT FLAT. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE CORD THAT MEETS THE RIM OF THE WHEEL SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE. CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER WAS TOLD SHE COULD PURCHASE ANOTHER TIRE FOR HALF PRICE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Nov 24, 2004WA

DEAR SIR/MADAM: THANKS FOR HELP. IT IS THREATEN TO THOUSANDS SUBARU CAR DRIVERS, LIKE FIRESTONE TIRES THREATEN TO THOUSANDS CAR DRIVERS USING FIRESTONE TIRES. I HAVE A 93 4D LEGACY SEDAN, IT HAVE A PROBLEM SINCE 1994 AND BECOME VERY BAD SINCE 7/2000, SOME TIME CAR UNCONTROLLABLE TO SLOWDOWN TO 10 TO 20 MPH AND SOME TIME ENGINE STOPPED, PUT ME IN VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION: MY CAR UNCONTROLLABLE STOPPED WHEN OTHER CARS DRIVE 65+ MILES ON FREE WAY OR 45+ MILES ON LOCAL ROAD. I THINK THIS A CONTROLLER DESIGN PROBLEM, IT SHOULD NOT SLOW DOWN AND STOP ENGINE WITHOUT WARNING LIGHT FIRST AND SHOULD NEVER STOP ENGINE. IF YOU SEARCH INTERNET WITH KEY WORD "+SUBARU +LEGACY +HESITATION" YOU CAN SEE MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE MALFUNCTIONED CONTROLLER. I STILL THINK SUBARU HAVE FOLLOWING OBLIGATIONS: THANKS ZHONGMIN SUN 18666 REDMOND WAY, RR2141 REDMOND, WA 98052 TEL:4258369419 EMAIL: [email protected]

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Nov 24, 2004WA

DEAR SIR/MADAM: THANKS FOR HELP. IT IS THREATEN TO THOUSANDS SUBARU CAR DRIVERS, LIKE FIRESTONE TIRES THREATEN TO THOUSANDS CAR DRIVERS USING FIRESTONE TIRES. I HAVE A 93 4D LEGACY SEDAN, IT HAVE A PROBLEM SINCE 1994 AND BECOME VERY BAD SINCE 7/2000, SOME TIME CAR UNCONTROLLABLE TO SLOWDOWN TO 10 TO 20 MPH AND SOME TIME ENGINE STOPPED, PUT ME IN VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION: MY CAR UNCONTROLLABLE STOPPED WHEN OTHER CARS DRIVE 65+ MILES ON FREE WAY OR 45+ MILES ON LOCAL ROAD. I THINK THIS A CONTROLLER DESIGN PROBLEM, IT SHOULD NOT SLOW DOWN AND STOP ENGINE WITHOUT WARNING LIGHT FIRST AND SHOULD NEVER STOP ENGINE. IF YOU SEARCH INTERNET WITH KEY WORD "+SUBARU +LEGACY +HESITATION" YOU CAN SEE MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE MALFUNCTIONED CONTROLLER. I STILL THINK SUBARU HAVE FOLLOWING OBLIGATIONS: 1. AFTER SO MANY COMPLAINTS FROM SUBARU CAR OWNERS ABOUT THE MALFUNCTIONED CONTROLLER, SUBARU SHOULD REPLACE MALFUNCTIONED CONTROLLER BEFORE THE DANGEROUS UNCONTROLLABLE SITUATION HAPPEN. 2. SUBARU SHOULD REPLACE MALFUNCTIONED CONTROLLER FREE WHEN A CUSTOMER COMPLAIN THE PROBLEM. NOW SOME DEALERS JUST DENY THE PROBLEM IF THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, BUT FOR SOME CAR THE PROBLEM ONLY HAPPEN ON CERTAIN ROAD AND CERTAIN SPEED AND DIFFICULT TO DUPLICATE. SOME DEALER ALSO LIKE TO CHARGE HOURS TO CHECK THE PROBLEM AND FIX THE PROBLEM. ZHONGMIN SUN 18666 REDMOND WAY, RR2141 REDMOND, WA 98052 TEL:4258369419 EMAIL: [email protected]

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Nov 24, 2004WA

DEAR SIR/MADAM: THANKS FOR HELP. IT IS THREATEN TO THOUSANDS SUBARU CAR DRIVERS, LIKE FIRESTONE TIRES THREATEN TO THOUSANDS CAR DRIVERS USING FIRESTONE TIRES. I HAVE A 93 4D LEGACY SEDAN, IT HAVE A PROBLEM SINCE 1994 AND BECOME VERY BAD SINCE 7/2000, SOME TIME CAR UNCONTROLLABLE TO SLOWDOWN TO 10 TO 20 MPH AND SOME TIME ENGINE STOPPED, PUT ME IN VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION: MY CAR UNCONTROLLABLE STOPPED WHEN OTHER CARS DRIVE 65+ MILES ON FREE WAY OR 45+ MILES ON LOCAL ROAD. I THINK THIS A CONTROLLER DESIGN PROBLEM, IT SHOULD NOT SLOW DOWN AND STOP ENGINE WITHOUT WARNING LIGHT FIRST AND SHOULD NEVER STOP ENGINE. IF YOU SEARCH INTERNET WITH KEY WORD "+SUBARU +LEGACY +HESITATION" YOU CAN SEE MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE MALFUNCTIONED CONTROLLER. I STILL THINK SUBARU HAVE FOLLOWING OBLIGATIONS: 1. AFTER SO MANY COMPLAINTS FROM SUBARU CAR OWNERS ABOUT THE MALFUNCTIONED CONTROLLER, SUBARU SHOULD REPLACE MALFUNCTIONED CONTROLLER BEFORE THE DANGEROUS UNCONTROLLABLE SITUATION HAPPEN. 2. SUBARU SHOULD REPLACE MALFUNCTIONED CONTROLLER FREE WHEN A CUSTOMER COMPLAIN THE PROBLEM. NOW SOME DEALERS JUST DENY THE PROBLEM IF THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, BUT FOR SOME CAR THE PROBLEM ONLY HAPPEN ON CERTAIN ROAD AND CERTAIN SPEED AND DIFFICULT TO DUPLICATE. SOME DEALER ALSO LIKE TO CHARGE HOURS TO CHECK THE PROBLEM AND FIX THE PROBLEM. ZHONGMIN SUN 18666 REDMOND WAY, RR2141 REDMOND, WA 98052 TEL:4258369419 EMAIL: [email protected]

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Nov 24, 2004WA

DEAR SIR/MADAM: THANKS FOR HELP. IT IS THREATEN TO THOUSANDS SUBARU CAR DRIVERS, LIKE FIRESTONE TIRES THREATEN TO THOUSANDS CAR DRIVERS USING FIRESTONE TIRES. I HAVE A 93 4D LEGACY SEDAN, IT HAVE A PROBLEM SINCE 1994 AND BECOME VERY BAD SINCE 7/2000, SOME TIME CAR UNCONTROLLABLE TO SLOWDOWN TO 10 TO 20 MPH AND SOME TIME ENGINE STOPPED, PUT ME IN VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION: MY CAR UNCONTROLLABLE STOPPED WHEN OTHER CARS DRIVE 65+ MILES ON FREE WAY OR 45+ MILS ON LOCAL ROAD. I THINK THIS A CONTROLLER DESIGN PROBLEM, IT SHOULD NOT SLOW DOWN AND STOP ENGINE WITHOUT WARNING LIGHT FIRST AND SHOULD NEVER STOP ENGINE. IF YOU SEARCH INTERNET WITH KEY WORD "+SUBARU +LEGACY +HESITATION" YOU CAN SEE MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE MALFUNCTIONED CONTROLLER. I STILL THINK SUBARU HAVE FOLLOWING OBLIGATIONS: 1. AFTER SO MANY COMPLAINTS FROM SUBARU CAR OWNERS ABOUT THE MALFUNCTIONED CONTROLLER, SUBARU SHOULD REPLACE MALFUNCTIONED CONTROLLER BEFORE THE DANGEROUS UNCONTROLLABLE SITUATION HAPPEN. 2. SUBARU SHOULD REPLACE MALFUNCTIONED CONTROLLER FREE WHEN A CUSTOMER COMPLAIN THE PROBLEM. NOW SOME DEALERS JUST DENY THE PROBLEM IF THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, BUT FOR SOME CAR THE PROBLEM ONLY HAPPEN ON CERTAIN ROAD AND CERTAIN SPEED AND DIFFICULT TO DUPLICATE. SOME DEALER ALSO LIKE TO CHARGE HOURS TO CHECK THE PROBLEM AND FIX THE PROBLEM. ZHONGMIN SUN 18666 REDMOND WAY, RR2141 REDMOND, WA 98052 TEL:4258369419 EMAIL: [email protected]

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Nov 24, 2004WA

DEAR SIR/MADAM: THANKS FOR HELP. IT IS THREATEN TO THOUSANDS SUBARU CAR DRIVERS, LIKE FIRESTONE TIRES THREATEN TO THOUSANDS CAR DRIVERS USING FIRESTONE TIRES. I HAVE A 93 4D LEGACY SEDAN, IT HAVE A PROBLEM SINCE 1994 AND BECOME VERY BAD SINCE 7/2000, SOME TIME CAR UNCONTROLLABLE TO SLOWDOWN TO 10 TO 20 MPH AND SOME TIME ENGINE STOPPED, PUT ME IN VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION: MY CAR UNCONTROLLABLE STOPPED WHEN OTHER CARS DRIVE 65+ MILES ON FREE WAY OR 45+ MILS ON LOCAL ROAD. I THINK THIS A CONTROLLER DESIGN PROBLEM, IT SHOULD NOT SLOW DOWN AND STOP ENGINE WITHOUT WARNING LIGHT FIRST AND SHOULD NEVER STOP ENGINE. IF YOU SEARCH INTERNET WITH KEY WORD "+SUBARU +LEGACY +HESITATION" YOU CAN SEE MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE MALFUNCTIONED CONTROLLER. I STILL THINK SUBARU HAVE FOLLOWING OBLIGATIONS: 1. AFTER SO MANY COMPLAINTS FROM SUBARU CAR OWNERS ABOUT THE MALFUNCTIONED CONTROLLER, SUBARU SHOULD REPLACE MALFUNCTIONED CONTROLLER BEFORE THE DANGEROUS UNCONTROLLABLE SITUATION HAPPEN. 2. SUBARU SHOULD REPLACE MALFUNCTIONED CONTROLLER FREE WHEN A CUSTOMER COMPLAIN THE PROBLEM. NOW SOME DEALERS JUST DENY THE PROBLEM IF THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, BUT FOR SOME CAR THE PROBLEM ONLY HAPPEN ON CERTAIN ROAD AND CERTAIN SPEED AND DIFFICULT TO DUPLICATE. SOME DEALER ALSO LIKE TO CHARGE HOURS TO CHECK THE PROBLEM AND FIX THE PROBLEM. ZHONGMIN SUN 18666 REDMOND WAY, RR2141 REDMOND, WA 98052 TEL:4258369419 EMAIL: [email protected]

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Oct 8, 2004WA

DEAR SIR/MADAM: THANKS FOR HELP. IT IS THREATEN TO THOUSANDS SUBARU CAR DRIVERS, LIKE FIRESTONE TIRES THREATEN TO THOUSANDS CAR DRIVERS USING FIRESTONE TIRES. I HAVE A 93 4D LEGACY SEDAN, IT HAVE A PROBLEM SINCE 1994 AND BECOME VERY BAD SINCE 7/2000, SOME TIME CAR UNCONTROLLABLE TO SLOWDOWN TO 10 TO 20 MPH AND SOME TIME ENGINE STOPPED, PUT ME IN VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION: MY CAR UNCONTROLLABLE STOPPED WHEN OTHER CARS DRIVE 65+ MILES ON FREE WAY OR 45+ MILES ON LOCAL ROAD. I THINK THIS A CONTROLLER DESIGN PROBLEM, IT SHOULD NOT SLOW DOWN AND STOP ENGINE WITHOUT WARNING LIGHT FIRST AND SHOULD NEVER STOP ENGINE. I STILL THINK SUBARU HAVE FOLLOWING OBLIGATIONS: 1. AFTER SO MANY COMPLAINTS FROM SUBARU CAR OWNERS ABOUT THE MALFUNCTIONED CONTROLLER, SUBARU SHOULD REPLACE MALFUNCTIONED CONTROLLER BEFORE THE DANGEROUS UNCONTROLLABLE SITUATION HAPPEN. IF YOU SEARCH INTERNET WITH KEY WORD "+SUBARU +LEGACY +HESITATION" YOU CAN SEE MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE MALFUNCTIONED CONTROLLER. 2. SUBARU SHOULD REPLACE MALFUNCTIONED CONTROLLER FREE WHEN A CUSTOMER COMPLAIN THE PROBLEM. NOW SOME DEALERS JUST DENY THE PROBLEM IF THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, BUT FOR SOME CAR THE PROBLEM ONLY HAPPEN ON CERTAIN ROAD AND CERTAIN SPEED AND DIFFICULT TO DUPLICATE. SOME DEALER ALSO LIKE TO CHARGE HOURS TO CHECK THE PROBLEM AND FIX THE PROBLEM. 3. SUBARU SHOULD DEVELOP SOME METHODS AND TOOLS TO CHECK THE MALFUNCTIONED CONTROLLER INSTEAD OF ASKING CAR OWNER TO RISK LIFE TO TEST DRIVE THE CAR. 4. SUBARU SHO

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Oct 8, 2004WA

DEAR SIR/MADAM: THANKS FOR HELP. IT IS THREATEN TO THOUSANDS SUBARU CAR DRIVERS, LIKE FIRESTONE TIRES THREATEN TO THOUSANDS CAR DRIVERS USING FIRESTONE TIRES. I HAVE A 93 4D LEGACY SEDAN, IT HAVE A PROBLEM SINCE 1994 AND BECOME VERY BAD SINCE 7/2000, SOME TIME CAR UNCONTROLLABLE TO SLOWDOWN TO 10 TO 20 MPH AND SOME TIME ENGINE STOPPED, PUT ME IN VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION: MY CAR UNCONTROLLABLE STOPPED WHEN OTHER CARS DRIVE 65+ MILES ON FREE WAY OR 45+ MILES ON LOCAL ROAD. I THINK THIS A CONTROLLER DESIGN PROBLEM, IT SHOULD NOT SLOW DOWN AND STOP ENGINE WITHOUT WARNING LIGHT FIRST AND SHOULD NEVER STOP ENGINE. I STILL THINK SUBARU HAVE FOLLOWING OBLIGATIONS: 1. AFTER SO MANY COMPLAINTS FROM SUBARU CAR OWNERS ABOUT THE MALFUNCTIONED CONTROLLER, SUBARU SHOULD REPLACE MALFUNCTIONED CONTROLLER BEFORE THE DANGEROUS UNCONTROLLABLE SITUATION HAPPEN. IF YOU SEARCH INTERNET WITH KEY WORD "+SUBARU +LEGACY +HESITATION" YOU CAN SEE MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE MALFUNCTIONED CONTROLLER. 2. SUBARU SHOULD REPLACE MALFUNCTIONED CONTROLLER FREE WHEN A CUSTOMER COMPLAIN THE PROBLEM. NOW SOME DEALERS JUST DENY THE PROBLEM IF THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, BUT FOR SOME CAR THE PROBLEM ONLY HAPPEN ON CERTAIN ROAD AND CERTAIN SPEED AND DIFFICULT TO DUPLICATE. SOME DEALER ALSO LIKE TO CHARGE HOURS TO CHECK THE PROBLEM AND FIX THE PROBLEM. 3. SUBARU SHOULD DEVELOP SOME METHODS AND TOOLS TO CHECK THE MALFUNCTIONED CONTROLLER INSTEAD OF ASKING CAR OWNER TO RISK LIFE TO TEST DRIVE THE CAR. 4. SUBARU SHO

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Sep 23, 2004DC

TRANSMISSION PROBLEM WITH LEGACY. *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE WILL NOT SHIFT PAST THE SECOND GEAR. *TC

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Sep 21, 2004WA

DEAR SIR/MADAM: THANKS FOR HELP. T IS THREATEN TO THOUSANDS SUBARU CAR DRIVERS, LIKE FIRESTONE TIRES THREATEN TO THOUSANDS CAR DRIVERS USING FIRESTONE TIRES.*AK I HAVE A 93 4D LEGACY SEDAN, IT HAVE A PROBLEM FOR 4 MONTH, SOME TIME CAR UNCONTROLLABLE TO SLOWDOWN TO 10 TO 20 MPH AND SOME TIME ENGINE STOPPED, PUT ME IN VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION: MY CAR UNCONTROLLABLE STOPPED WHEN OTHER CARS DRIVE 65+ MILES ON FREE WAY OR 45+ MILS ON LOCAL ROAD. I THINK THIS A CONTROLLER DESIGN PROBLEM, IT SHOULD NOT SLOW DOWN AND STOP ENGINE WITHOUT WARNING LIGHT FIRST AND SHOULD NEVER STOP ENGINE. I STILL THINK SUBARU HAVE FOLLOWING OBLIGATIONS: 1. AFTER SO MANY COMPLAINTS FROM SUBARU CAR OWNERS ABOUT THE MALFUNCTIONED CONTROLLER, SUBARU SHOULD REPLACE MALFUNCTIONED CONTROLLER BEFORE THE DANGEROUS UNCONTROLLABLE SITUATION HAPPEN. CHECK WEB: HTTP://HOME.EARTHLINK.NET/~HOBIEGARY/HESITATION.HTM YOU CAN SEE THE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE MALFUNCTIONED CONTROLLER. 2. SUBARU SHOULD REPLACE MALFUNCTIONED CONTROLLER FREE WHEN A CUSTOMER COMPLAIN THE PROBLEM. NOW SOME DEALERS JUST DENY THE PROBLEM IF THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, BUT FOR SOME CAR THE PROBLEM ONLY HAPPEN ON CERTAIN ROAD AND CERTAIN SPEED AND DIFFICULT TO DUPLICATE. SOME DEALER ALSO LIKE TO CHARGE HOURS TO CHECK THE PROBLEM AND FIX THE PROBLEM. 3. SUBARU SHOULD DEVELOP SOME METHODS AND TOOLS TO CHECK THE MALFUNCTIONED CONTROLLER INSTEAD OF ASKING CAR OWNER TO RISK LIFE TO TEST DRIVE THE CAR. 4. SUBARU SHOULD EDUCATE THE CAR OWNERS HOW TO HA

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Sep 21, 2004WA

DEAR SIR/MADAM: THANKS FOR HELP. IT IS THREATEN TO THOUSANDS SUBARU CAR DRIVERS, LIKE FIRESTONE TIRES THREATEN TO THOUSANDS CAR DRIVERS USING FIRESTONE TIRES. I HAVE A 1993 4D LEGACY SEDAN, IT HAVE A PROBLEM FOR 4 MONTH, SOME TIME CAR UNCONTROLLABLE TO SLOWDOWN TO 10 TO 20 MPH AND SOME TIME ENGINE STOPPED, PUT ME IN VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION: MY CAR UNCONTROLLABLE STOPPED WHEN OTHER CARS DRIVE 65+ MILES ON FREE WAY OR 45+ MILS ON LOCAL ROAD. I THINK THIS A CONTROLLER DESIGN PROBLEM, IT SHOULD NOT SLOW DOWN AND STOP ENGINE WITHOUT WARNING LIGHT FIRST AND SHOULD NEVER STOP ENGINE. I STILL THINK SUBARU HAVE FOLLOWING OBLIGATIONS: 1. AFTER SO MANY COMPLAINTS FROM SUBARU CAR OWNERS ABOUT THE MALFUNCTIONED CONTROLLER, SUBARU SHOULD REPLACE MALFUNCTIONED CONTROLLER BEFORE THE DANGEROUS UNCONTROLLABLE SITUATION HAPPEN. CHECK WEB: HTTP://HOME.EARTHLINK.NET/~HOBIEGARY/HESITATION.HTM YOU CAN SEE THE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE MALFUNCTIONED CONTROLLER. 2. SUBARU SHOULD REPLACE MALFUNCTIONED CONTROLLER FREE WHEN A CUSTOMER COMPLAIN THE PROBLEM. NOW SOME DEALERS JUST DENY THE PROBLEM IF THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, BUT FOR SOME CAR THE PROBLEM ONLY HAPPEN ON CERTAIN ROAD AND CERTAIN SPEED AND DIFFICULT TO DUPLICATE. SOME DEALER ALSO LIKE TO CHARGE HOURS TO CHECK THE PROBLEM AND FIX THE PROBLEM. 3. SUBARU SHOULD DEVELOP SOME METHODS AND TOOLS TO CHECK THE MALFUNCTIONED CONTROLLER INSTEAD OF ASKING CAR OWNER TO RISK LIFE TO TEST DRIVE THE CAR. 4. SUBARU SHOULD EDUCATE THE CAR OWNERS HOW TO HA

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Filler Pipe and Cap
Filed Sep 3, 2003PA

FUEL FILLER PIPE HAD ALL KINDS OF DIRT, DEBRIS AND RUST CAUSING IT TO FAIL AND LEAK OIL. THE FILER TUBE RUSTED AND CAUSED FUEL TO LEAK FROM THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE CONSUMER PULLED THE PLASTIC SHROUD AWAY FROM THE FILLER PIPE HE NOTICED ALL KINDS OF ROAD DIRT, RUST AND DEBRIS HAD ACCUMULATED AND CAUSED THE PIPE TO FAIL. THE CONSUMER ALSO HAS A 1995 LEGACY L/L AND IS CONCERNED THAT THE FAILURE MAY OCCUR IN THAT VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT. *NLM

Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage
Filed Oct 2, 2002WY

CONSUMER NOTICED THE FRONT SEAT BELTS DOESN'T COME UP PROPERLY, DEALER REPLACED THE BELT THREE TIMES AND THE PROBLEM STILL REOCCURING. NLM

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch
Filed Sep 30, 2002WA

CONSUMER STATES THAT THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT DOOR HAS DEFECTIVE LOCKS, THE LOCKS WILL INTERMITTENLY LOCK. CONTACTED DEALER AND THE DEALER IS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING. NLM

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Feb 5, 2002WI

CONSUMER STATED THAT ON JULY 1,2000, THERE WAS A BLOWOUT OF THE GOOD YEAR EAGLE GA TIRES, PRODUCT CODE 113-938-444-0, DOT #MKJ6FJOR206 AND MKJ6FJOR393, WHILE DRIVING, AT THAT TIME IT WAS 88,000 MILES ON THE CAR, ON NOVEMBER 6, 2000, THE SECOND BLOWOUT OCCURED ON A BUSY FREEWAY, AT THAT TIME IT WAS 93,837 MILES ON THE CAR. ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2001, THE THIRD BLOWOUT OCCURED ON A BUSY FREEWAY AT THAT TIME IT WAS 103,214 MILES ON THE CAR. AT CONSUMERS REQUEST, THE DEALER EXAMINED THE BLOWN OUT TIRES, HE DETERMINED THAT BOTH THE BLOWN TIRES AND THE REMAINING TIRE ON THE CAR THAT WAS PURCHASED WERE EXPERIENCING BELT EDGE SEPARATION. DEALER REMOVED THE TIRES AND GAVE TREAD LIFE CREDIT FOR THE BLOWN TIRE AND TWO TIRES THEY REMOVED FROM THE CAR. CONSUMER STATING THAT ALL FOUR TIRES WERE DEFECTIVE. *YD

Power Train › Clutch Assembly
Filed Dec 20, 2001VT

THE CLUTCH ON THIS VEHICLE HAS FAILED THREE (3) TIMES. IT WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALER IN 1995, REPLACED AGAIN IN 1999 AND HAS FAILED A THIRD TIME IN DECEMBER 2001. THE FAILURE OF THE CLUTCH IS A SEVERE SAFETY HAZARD AS THE DRIVER SUDDENLY FINDS THE VEHICLE CAN'T MOVE. ALL OF THE REPLACEMENTS HAVE BEEN PERFORMED BY THE ORIGINAL DEALER USING SUBARU ORIGINAL PARTS.*AK

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Oct 24, 2001GA

SOON AFTER PURCHASE, HEADLIGHT LENSES STARTED BECOMING OPAQUE/FOGGED IN APPEARANCE. THE HEADLIGHTS OF MY GIRLFRIEND'S '92 SUBARU LEGACY LOOKED THE SAME. NEVER THOUGHT MUCH ABOUT IT BECAUSE I LIVED IN A LARGE URBAN AREA WITH WELL LIT STREETS. WAS RECENTLY TRANSFERRED TO THE LITTLE CITY OF SAVANNAH, GA. NOTICED THAT IT IS HARD TO SEE AT NIGHT. LAST NIGHT SOMEONE INFORMED ME THAT I SHOULD REPLACE MY HEADLIGHTS BECAUSE THEY ARE BARELY VISIBLE. I LOOKED AT THEM AND THEY ARE EXTREMELY DIM. CALLED THE NEAREST DEALER AND THE PARTS MANAGER SAID THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM CAUSED BY THE CHEAP PLASTIC USED TO MAKE THE LENS FOR THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY. IT IS A LITTLE LATE TO BE REPORTING IT, BUT THIS SEEMS TO BE A DEFINITE SAFETY HAZARD. WAS THERE EVER A RECALL FOR THESE HEADLIGHTS?*AK

Seat Belts
Filed Aug 30, 2001CO

BOTH FRONT SEAT MOTERIZED SEAT BELT RESTRAINTS FAILED. THE CABLE ON BOTH SIDES CAME OUT.*AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Aug 23, 2001CO

DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 65MHP WHEN BELTS BEGAN TO MAKE NOISE. SHORTLY FOLLOWING CAR LOSS POWER, INCLUDING STEERING. IT WAS REPORTED BY A MECHANIC THAT THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY HAD COME LOOSE AND THE CRANKSHAFT HAD BEEN DAMAGED BEYOND REPAIR. CAR WILL NEED SMALL BLOCK OVERHAUL OR REPLACEMENT ENGINE TO FUNCTION AGAIN.

Seat BeltsFire
Filed Jun 11, 2001NJ

5 MINUTES AFTER PARKING VEHICLE, IGNITION TURNED OFF CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE ON INSIDE OF VEHICLE. FIRE DEPARTMENT PUT OUT FIRE. VEHICLE NOT TAKEN TO DEALER AMOUNT OF DAMAGE UNKNOWN. CONSUMER STATED THA TFIRE CAUSED BY AUTOMATIC TRACK SEAT BELT MOTOR. PASSENGER DOOR PANEL, SEAT AND HEAD REST WERE MELTED. PLEASE ADD FURTHER COMMENTS.*AK

Electrical System › Wiring
Filed May 30, 2001WI

VEHICLE KEPT STALLING OUT AND WOULD NOT RESTART FOR AT LEAST 30 MINUTES. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO DEALER TWICE. BUT, COULD NOT DETERMINE CAUSE. CONSUMER FEELS IT IS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. *AK *SLC

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Dec 21, 2000TX

WHILE DRIVING, THE ENGINE STALLED, CAUSING A LOSS OF POWER STEERING, CONSUMER COASTED VEHICLE TO A STOP AND IT IMMEDIATELY RESTARTED. *SLC

Tires
Filed Oct 12, 2000WA

THREATEN TO THOUSANDS SUBARU CAR DRIVERS, LIKE FIRESTONE TIRES THREATEN TO THOUSANDS CAR DRIVERS USING FIRESTONE TIRES.

Electrical System › Ignition › Module
Filed Oct 11, 2000WA

VEHICLE IS SOMETIMES UNCONTROLLABLE TO SLOWDOWN AT 10 TO 20 MPH AND ENGINE STOPS WHILE OTHER VEHICLES ARE DRIVING 65 MPH, VEHICLE STALLS INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT WARNING, DUE TO MALFUNCTIONED CONTROLLER. *ET

Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear
Filed Sep 18, 2000NH

CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 15MPH ON HIGHWAY AND DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT WINDOW JUST EXPLODED. DEALERSHIP WILL BE NOTIFIED. *AK

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Sep 14, 2000FL

TREAD SEPARATION, 2ND TIRE REPLACED FOR THIS REASON. *AK( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P195/60R15 )

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Aug 16, 2000OK

WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 70 MPH VEHICLE STARTED VIBRATING. THEN PULLED OFF THE ROAD, AND FOUND OUT THAT TREAD SEPARATED. FIRESTONE F570. *AK THE TIRE TREAD WAS FOUND DANGLING FROM THE AXLE. AFTER THIS INCIDENT, ANOTHER TIRE PEELED OFF THE STEEL LAYERS UNDERNEATH AND WAS REPLACED. *YH

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed May 15, 2000MS

THE ENGINE CUTS OFF WHILE GOING DOWN THE ROAD WHICH CAUSES A TOTAL LOSS OF POWER INCLUDING STEERING. AFTER COASTING TO A STOP THE CAR CAN BE IMMEDIATELY RESTARTED. THIS OCCURS WITHOUT WARNING AND AT ANY SPEED. NO INCREMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE PRESENT. CHANCES OF RESULTING IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT ARE VERY HIGH. *AK

Air Bags › FrontalCrash
Filed May 1, 2000NY

CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 45MPH AND A DEER RAN ACROSS THE ROAD. CONSUMER JAMMED THE BRAKES, AND WENT OFF THE ROAD, SLAMMING INTO A DITCH. UPON IMPACT, AIRBAGS DIDN'T GO OFF. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Mar 8, 2000VA

TRAVELED FOR APPROXIMATELY 1 1/2 HOURS AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 45 - 65. CAR LOADED WITH EQUIPMENT AND PASSENGERS. TRAVELING UP MOUNTAIN. CAR LOST COMPRESSION, WHITE "SMOKE" BEGAN COMING OUT FROM HOOD. PULLED TO SIDE OF ROAD. POPPED HOOD. SMOKE APPEARED TO BE COMING FROM BACK OF ENGINE. ALLOWED CAR TO REST FOR 15-20 MINUTES. DID NOT PROCEED UP MOUNTAIN AS WE WERE ONLY 1/2 WAY UP THE MOUNTAIN. TURNED AROUND TO HEAD HOME. CAR RAN FINE GOING HOME. MECHANIC THOROUGHLY CHECKED OUT VEHICLE WITH DIAGNOSTIC AND VISUAL CHECK. COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG ALTHOUGH THE CAR DIED ON HIM ON A SHORT DISTANCE RUN _3-8 MILES. AFTER ALLOWING CAR TO REST, IT STARTED UP FINE. THIS YEAR VEHICLE HAS REQUIRED A 5-10 MINUTE WARMING UP PERIOD BEFORE DRIVING IN COLD WEATHER. HAS BEGUN CHOKING AND STALLING ON SHORT DISTANCE TRIPS. MECHANIC INSPECTED CATALYTIC CONVERTER. CHECKED FINE ON DIAGNOSTIC AND VISUAL INSPECTION. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Mar 7, 2000VA

TRAVELLED OPEN ROAD FOR TWO HOURS. TRAVELING UP A MOUNTAIN WITH CAR LOADED FOR CAMPING, AND 3 PASSENGERS. CAR LOST COMPRESSION AND WHITE "SMOKE" NOT STEAM WAS POURING FROM UNDERNEATH HOOD. PULLED TO SIDE OF THE ROAD, TURNED OFF CAR AND POPPED HOOD. SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE BLACK BOX ON TOP OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. WAITED 15-20 MINUTES FOR SMOKE TO EVAPORATE. STARTED CAR AND CONTINUED 10 - 20 MINUTES TO DESTINATION. NO FURTHER MISHAPS. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Mar 7, 2000VA

TRAVELLING ON INTERSTATE 66 - FOR APPROXIMATELY 1/2 HOUR TO 45 MINUTES.....AT NIGHT.....INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS ALL ON AND ENGINE LOST COMPRESSION....ABLE TO PULL TO SIDE OF THE ROAD......CHECKED OIL....FINE.....WAITED 15-20 MINUTES. CAR STARTED UP AND RAN FINE REST OF TRIP HOME ABOUT 2 HOURS.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited SlipCrash
Filed Jan 22, 2000CO

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED BRAKE FAILURE WHILE APPLYING BRAKES. WHEN COMING TO A SLOW STOP ON WET / ICY ROAD CONDITIONS, VEHICLE REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE IN FRONT. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT NOTHING COULD BE FOUND. *AK

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jan 20, 2000VA

AFTER APPROX. 2 MINUTES AFTER ENGINE START AND AT APPROX. 20MPH, ENGINE RPM'S SUDDENLY AND RAPIDILY ACCELERATED TO 5000 RPM'S. ENGINE DID NOT RETURN TO NORMAL UNTIL ENGINE SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED. COULD NOT STOP CAR EVEN WITH BOTH FEET APPLYING BRAKES. HAD TO JAM TRANSMISSION INTO PARK TO STOP CAR..

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jan 15, 2000VA

AFTER COLD ENGINE START, APPROX. 2 MINUTES OF DRIVING, AT APPROX. 20 MPH ENGINE RPM'S VERY SUDDENLY AND RAPIDLY WENT TO 5000RPMS UNCONTROLLED. DID NOT RETURN TO IDLE UNTIL ENGINE SHUT OFF. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Nov 24, 1999IL

THIS CAR HAS BEEN METICULOUSLY CARED FOR; WE HAVE FULL RECORDS. THIS SHOULD OCCUR AT THIS MILEAGE.

Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage
Filed Sep 21, 1999NM

BOTH OF THE MOTORIZED SEATBELTS FAILED. I KNOW SEVERAL PEOPLE WITH THIS TYPE OF CAR AND EVERYONE OF THEM HAVE HAD THE SAME FAILURE. THE REPAIR IS $800. THE SEATBELTS SHOULD BE RECALLED.

Air Bags › FrontalCrash
Filed Aug 13, 1999OH

VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION, AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. MANUFACTURER AND DEALER HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Jun 20, 1999NV

VEHICLE ENGINE HARD TO START. CRANKS BUT DOES NOT TURN OVER UNTIL 6 OR 7 TIMES TRYING, IF THEN. STRONG SMELL OF GAS. PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT WHEN ENGINE IS WARM. NO PROBLEM WHEN ENGINE IS COLD OR HOT.

Seat Belts
Filed Apr 13, 1999NM

AUTOMATIC SHOULDER BELT IS LOCKED INTO PLACE AND HAS TO BE MANUALLY OPENED. MOTOR IS BROKEN AND MAY NOT PROTECT DRIVER IN CASE OF ACCIDENT. DEALER IS NOT AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. PROBLEM STILL EXISTS, WARRANTY OR INSURANCE WILL NOT COVER. *AK

Seat Belts
Filed Apr 8, 1999WA

THE MOTORIZED SHOULDER HARNESS RETRACTOR OPERATES ERRATICALLY, FREQUENTLY LEAVING THE HARNESS ONLY PARTIALLY RETRACTED. WE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT SAFE OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE BECAUSE OF INTERFERENCE WITH STEERING, TURN SIGNAL OPERATION AND VISIBILITY (INCLUDING VISIBILITY IN LEFT REAR VIEW MIRROR). THERE IS ALSO CONCERN ABOUT STRANGULATION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH BECAUSE OF THE POSITION OF THE BELT WELL FORSARD OF THE BODY, AND BELOW THE LEVEL OF THE NECK. MY WIFE CONSISTENTLY DISCONNECTS THE BELT, LEAVING ONLY THE LAP BELT, BUT THIS CERTAINLY DOESN'T PROVIDE OPTIMAL SAFETY EITHER, PARTICULARLY BECAUSE THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH AN AIR BAG. THE DEALER HAS ESTIMATED REPAIR COSTS AT OVER $500.00. WE FEEL BECAUSE IT IS REQUIRED SAFETY EQUIPMENT, THEY SHOULD REPAIR IT AT THEIR EXPENSE. THANKS FOR YOUR HELP. *AK

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Mar 18, 1999CO

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHEN PULLING INTO CAR WASH RESULTING IN VEHICLE HITTING POLE, WHEN DRIVER PUT CAR INTO REVERSE THE CAR ACCELERATED AGAIN HITTING ANOTHER POLE BEHIND THE CAR.

Seat Belts
Filed Jan 22, 1999AZ

AUTOMACTIC SHOULDER BELT ISN'T WORKING ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE, AND THE CONSUMER CAN HEAR THE MOTOR RUNNING. *AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jan 11, 1999CT

VEHICLE BROUGHT IN FOR SERVICE TWO SEPARATE TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM AT 43,000 MILES, FOR SUSPECTED TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. WAS TOLD THAT THE OIL PUMP, TIMING BELT, AND IDLE CONTROL VALVE WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT UNDER WARRANTY. AT 60,000 MILES THE CAR WAS SERVICED FOR REGULAR MAINTENANCE, AND TOLD TO CHECK THE TRANSMISSION, AS IT WAS STILL NOT FUNCTIONING CORRECTLY. FOUR THOUSAND MILES LATER, AT 64,000 MILES, THE TRANSMISSION SEIZED WHILE DRIVING WITH TWO SMALL CHILDREN AND ONE PASSENGER. THE DEALER REFUSES TO PAY FOR REPAIR AT THIS TIME. RETRIEVED INFORMATION REGARDING THE RECALL ON 1993 LEGACY TRANSMISSIONS, CONCERNED THAT I NEVER RECEIVED THE RECALL INFORMATION, NOR WAS TOLD BY ANY OF THE LAST THREE DEALERS THAT I HAVE DELT WITH ABOUT THIS POTENTIAL LIFE-THREATENING DEFECT!

Structure › Body › Hood
Filed Jan 2, 1999PA

PAINT IS PEELING OFF THE HOOD.

Seat Belts
Filed Nov 17, 1998UT

THE AUTOMATIC SEAT BELTS ON DRIVER & PASSENGER SIDE WENT OUT, NOT RETRACTING OR RELEASING FOR USAGE. INFORMED THE MOTOR HAD FAILED & NEEDED REPLACING. *AK

Steering › Rack and Pinion
Filed Jul 21, 1998PA

RACK AND PINION SEALS LEAK FLUID.

Complaints 1-50 of 77, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2005
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20256000Routine
202417010Routine
202310200Routine
202234210Routine
202131300Routine
2020121610Routine
2019123310Routine
2018117310Routine
2017119210Do not drive
2016147300Do not drive
2015160330Routine
2014531020Routine
2013661200Routine
2012901600Routine
20111671620Routine
20101511811Fatalities reported
2009651310Routine
200865910Routine
200733940Routine
200687711Fatalities reported
2005184940Routine
2004491100Routine
2003601500Routine
200254511Fatalities reported
200177820Routine
200094420Routine
199994310Routine
1998114520Routine
1997139620Routine
1996123440Routine
1995182230Routine
199460041Fatalities reported
1993 — this page77110Routine
199255200Routine
199178300Routine
199081420Routine

Compare every Legacy year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Mar 23, 1994. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.