Engine
2.2L 4-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 106 of 139 complaints with a usable failure date.
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Engine & cooling
34 complaint records2 fire reports
"INTERMITTENT SEVERE HESITATION - HAS BECOME SAFETY ISSUE WHEN SUDDEN POWER LOSS OCCURS IN TRAFFIC UNDER ACCELERATION. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Brakes
31 complaint records8 crash reports
"SECOND MASTER CYLINDER WAS PURCHASED FROM SUBARU SERVICE CENTER, BUT FAILED IN LESS THAN A YEAR AND APPROXIMATELY 8,000 MILES. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →
Electrical system
18 complaint records
"COMPUTER MALFUNCITION ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, LAST INCIDENT RESULTING IN VEHICLE COLLISION DUE TO LOSS OF ABS AND CONTROL OF VEHICLE...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE99067 opened Nov 1999 | closed May 2000 | Electrical System | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - led to recall 00I002000 ODI HAS RECEIVED 5,820 COMPLAINTS CONCERNING A VARIETY OF ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURES THAT RESULT IN THE VEHICLE STALLING.OUR COMPLAINT ANALYSIS INDICATES THAT THE MAJORITY OF THESE COMPAINTS ARE CAUSED BY ALTERNATOR FAILURE.IN SOME INSTANCES, THE VEHICLE IS... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01V216000 | Suspension | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FRONT COIL SPRINGS ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND,... | Normally free |
| 98V091000 | Suspension | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER STATION WAGON, SEDAN AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. DUE TO IMPROPER WELDING, FRACTURES CAN OCCUR ON THE SUPPORT BRACKET OF THE FRONT TRANSVERSE LINK. | Normally free |
| 98V042000 | Power Train | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. DUE TO POOR WELDS, IGNITION KEYS CAN STICK, SHIFT LEVERS/LINKAGES CAN BREAK AND SHIFT LEVERS CAN MOVE. | Normally free |
| 98V035000 | Vehicle Speed Control | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE THROTTLE SHAFT BALL BEARING ON THE SENSOR SIDE OF THE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY WAS NOT INSTALLED IN CERTAIN THROTTLE BODIES. | Normally free |
| 97V210000 | Exterior Lighting | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE WITHIN THE HAZARD WARNING LIGHT SWITCH HOUSING CAN CAUSE A BINDING BETWEEN THE ACTUATING BUTTON AND THE HOUSING. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001183 2001-07-03 | Other | 12,569 | Certain passenger vehicles equipped with front coil springs.The front coil springs were produced with poor paint quality which, after continued exposure to corrosive salt, can result in breakage of the spring. |
| 2000069 2000-03-17 | Other | 46,003 | Certain vehicle do not comply with Regulation 6 - Statement of Compliance. Compliance label was not expressed in both official languages in regard to vehicle classification. |
| 1998107 1998-05-25 | Suspension | 1,866 | A WELD FRACTURE MAY OCCUR ON THE HANGER BRACKET OF THE FRONT TRANSVERSE LINKS. THIS COULD RESULT IN SEPARATION OF THE BRACKET WITH SUBSEQUENT FAILURE OF THE LOWER SUSPENSION MOUNTING AND LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. |
| 1998029 1998-02-19 | Engine | 3,364 | THE THROTTLE SHAFT BALL BEARING ON THE SENSOR SIDE OF THE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY MAY NOT HAVE BEEN INSTALLED ON THESE VEHICLES. THIS COULD EVENTUALLY LEAD TO INCOMPLETE RETURN OF THE THROTTLE VALVE AND CONSEQUENTLY A HIGH IDLING CONDITION. |
| 1998030 1998-02-19 | Powertrain | 1,393 | THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER ASSEMBLIES ON THESE VEHICLES MAY FAIL DUE TO POOR WELDS WITHIN THE ASSEMBLY. THIS CAN RESULT IN STUCK IGNITION KEYS, BROKEN SHIFT LEVERS/LINKAGES AND IMPROPER MOVEMENT OF SHIFT LEVERS. |
Show 1 more Canadian recalls
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997200 1997-11-18 | Lights And Instruments | 1,360 | THE HAZARD WARNING FLASHER BUTTON CAN BIND IN THE HOUSING CAUSING CONTINUED OPERATION OF THE HAZARD WARNING LAMPS, OR THEIR BEING TURNED OFF BUT THE TURN SIGNALS BECOMING INOPERABLE. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12-249-23R Jul 2023 | Equipment | This bulletin announces the recommended cleaning procedures to followed when encountering vehicles with long time exposure to pollen on painted surfaces on vehicles imported from Japan. This bulletin does not apply to SIA built vehicles. | |
| 15-302-22 Aug 2022 | Electrical System | This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. | |
| 01-167-08R Aug 2022 | Equipment | This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models. | |
| 15-192-22R Mar 2022 | Electrical System | This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic essential information during diagnosis and repair of the Infotainment concerns. (Applicable to all models with Harman or Denso CP1 Infotainment). | |
| 01-167-08R Jun 2021 | Equipment | This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models |
Show 32 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 09-51-08R Jun 2021 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This bulletin is to advise of SOAâs revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure. | |
| 14-22-16R Feb 2021 | Equipment | To help reduce confusion and increase technician efficiency, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has developed the following cross reference list to help locate the appropriate Special Service Tool. | |
| 14-22-16R Aug 2020 | Equipment | Special Service Tools Cross Reference List. | |
| 01-181-20 Apr 2020 | Equipment | All Models (Vehicle Cleaning- COVID-19Best Practices) | |
| 06-68-19R Jul 2019 | Service Brakes | This Service Information bulletin announces instruction for application of additional lubrication between the brake caliper support and pad clips. | |
| Subaru Tech Tips May 2019 | Equipment | Subaru Service and Technical Support Line Newletter. | |
| 14-22-16R May 2019 | Equipment | To help reduce confusion and increase technician efficiency, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has developed the following cross reference list to help locate the appropriate Special Service Tool. | |
| SB-05-50-10R Feb 2011 | Tires | SUBARU: THERE IS A STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS DUE TO AN IMPORPER WHEEL BALANCE. *RM | |
| 07 Jul 2007 | Exterior Lighting | HEADLIGHT BULB SOCKET REPAIRS. *KB | |
| 02 Feb 2006 | Engine And Engine Cooling | RUBBING MARK ON TIMING BELT. SUBARU. *TT | |
| 170601 Apr 2005 | Seat Belts | INFORMATION REGARDING SEAT BELT LATCH SLIDES TO THE LOWER SEAT BELT ANCHOR. *YH UPDATED *EH | |
| 063103 Dec 2004 | Service Brakes | REPLACEMENT OF THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) FOR ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) REPAIR. *TT UPDATE. *TT | |
| 035203 May 2003 | Power Train | CLUTCH PEDAL STICKING. *TT | |
| 035002 Dec 2002 | Suspension | NEW PROCEDURE FOR REPLACING REAR WHEEL BEARINGS. *TT | |
| 010102 Jan 2002 | Suspension | INFORMATION REGARDING FRONT SPRING GUARD BULLETIN UPDATE. *YD | |
| 17 Jan 2002 | Power Train | SUBJECT REGARDING SHIFTER RATTLE. *JG | |
| 040901 Aug 2001 | Steering | SUBJECT ON REGARDING STEERING KNOCKING/RATTLE NOISE WHEN TURNING. *ET | |
| WXW81 Oct 2000 | Electrical System | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF ALTERNATOR CHARGING DUE TO A BROKEN BRUSH WIRE. *TT | |
| 034899 Jul 1999 | Power Train | VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS MAY EXHIBIT FIRST GEAR POPPING OUT WHILE DRIVING. *TT | |
| 115398 Jan 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | CUSTOMER MAY COMPLAIN OF A SLIGHT ENGINE HESITATION ON VEHICLES WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS 2.5L AND 2.2L ENGINES. TT | |
| 053398 Sep 1998 | Power Train | 1997 AND LATER LEGACY EXHIBITING BODY DRIVELINE VIBRATION AT HIGH SPEEDS. *YC | |
| 010898 Aug 1998 | Power Train | INFORMATION ON INSTALLING REAR DIFFERENTIAL PROTECTOR . *TT | |
| WXK68 Jun 1998 | Suspension | SUBJECT ON TRANSVERSE LINK ASSEMBLIES. *YC | |
| 010398 Mar 1998 | Exterior Lighting | SOME VEHICLES EXPERIENCE MOISTURE ACCUMULATION IN THE HEADLIGHTS. *YC | |
| 08-06097 Aug 1997 | Service Brakes | SERVICE MANUAL SUPPLEMENT VOLUME 7 FOR THE ABS 5.3I SYSTEM. *TT | |
| 970516971662 May 1997 | Power Train | SUBJECT ON TRANSFER CLUTCH BINDING AND/OR BUCKING ON TURNS. *YC | |
| 01MAR9707 Mar 1997 | Visibility | REAR DEFOGGER TIMER. *JD | |
| SUB129701 Feb 1997 | Structure | CREAKING NOISE EMANATING FROM THE RIGHT REAR ROCKER PANEL AREA ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES- COMING FROM THE AREA JUST IN FRONT OF THE DOG LEG AREA AT THE ROCKER SILL. *JD | |
| SUB15970101 Feb 1997 | Equipment | CHECK TO SEE WHERE THE RADIO FADER CONTROL KNOB IS POSITIONED AFTER INSTALLATION. *JD | |
| SUB199701 Feb 1997 | Suspension | 1995-97 LEGACY REAR WHEEL BEARING/SEAL NOISE. *JD | |
| SUB039701 Jan 1997 | Suspension | HIGH PITCHED NOISE FROM REAR OF VEHICLES- THE CAUSE MAY BE REAR AXLE OIL SEAL NUMBER 2 COMING LOOSE FROM ITS MOUNTING (PLACE VEHICLE ON LIFT AND ROTATING THE TIRE ON THE SIDE SUSPECTED OF NOISE). *JD | |
| SUB049701 Jan 1997 | Steering | CLUNK NOISE FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WHEN TURNING OVER A BUMPY ROAD SURFACE- NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING GEAR BOX. *JD |
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 5 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Subaru Legacy →