2000 Subaru Legacy

94 federal complaints (119 component records) · 3 recall campaigns on file · 89 service bulletins · 6 Canadian recalls
See all 39 model years of the Subaru Legacy →
Engine
2.5L 4-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
4WD/AWD
EPA economy
19 city / 25 hwy
Federal complaints
94
Recall campaigns
3
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
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.

Tires
18
Engine & cooling
18
Suspension
14
Power train
14
Speed control
10
Body & structure
8
Brakes
8
Electrical system
7
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

0 years old: 19 complaints01 years old: 10 complaints2 years old: 4 complaints3 years old: 5 complaints4 years old: 7 complaints5 years old: 7 complaints56 years old: 3 complaints7 years old: 2 complaints8 years old: 3 complaints9 years old: 2 complaints10 years old: 0 complaints1011 years old: 2 complaints12 years old: 3 complaints13 years old: 6 complaints14 years old: 1 complaints15 years old: 0 complaints1516 years old: 3 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 1 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 78 of 94 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 0 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 3 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 5 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 6 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 5 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 3 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 6 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 3 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 0 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 3 complaints200,000+ miles: 2 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 36 of 94 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

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.

Tires

18 complaint records1 crash report
"RIGHT REAR TIRE BLEWOUT WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, CAR BECAME DIFFICULT TO CONTROL.*AK TIRE IS FIRESTONE WILDERNESS. *SLC..."- 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 tires parts in the directory →

Engine & cooling

18 complaint records
"CHRONIC, AND DOCUMENTED, FAILURE OF HEAD GASKETS BY SUBARU. CAUSING A LARGE LEAK OF OIL THAT COULD CAUSE A FIRE AND/OR ACCIDENT...."- 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 →

Suspension

14 complaint records
"FRONT LEFT STRUT BROKE AND CAME CLOSE TO PUNCTURING THE TIRE. COULD HANDLE THE CAR EFFICIENTLY-WENT TO LOCAL GARAGE 1 MILE AWAY , WITH CAUTION , WHERE PEOBLEM WAS DETERMINED..."- 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 suspension parts in the directory →

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.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
03V153000SuspensionTHIS 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,...Normally free
00V091000SteeringVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE LEFT-SIDE STEERING KNUCKLE ARM WAS INCORRECTLY ASSEMBLED.Normally free
99V249000Power TrainVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SEDAN L MODEL PASSENGER VEHICLES. ANTI-RUST COATING WAS INCORRECTLY APPLIED TO THE TRANSVERSE LINK MOUNTING SURFACE OF THE VEHICLE BODY.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.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2003117
2003-04-30
Suspension12,450On certain vehicles operated in the "salt-belt" provinces of Manitoba, Ontario, Québec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland & Labrador.
2001070
2001-03-30
Lights And Instruments3,986Certain vehicles do not comply with the marking requirements of CMVSS 108 - Lighting System and Retroreflective Devices. The High/Low beam headlamp on these vehicles does not bear a "DOT" marking which is required by the standard.
2000087
2000-03-31
Lights And Instruments203On certain vehicles, the headlamp assemblies may not comply with the marking requirements of CMVSS 108 - Lighting System and Retroreflective Devices.
2000068
2000-03-17
Lights And Instruments3,986Certain vehicles do not comply with Cthe requirements of CMVSS 108 - Lighting System and Retroreflective Devices. The H1 low-beam headlamp bulbs do not bear a "DOT" marking as required by the standard.
2000069
2000-03-17
Other46,003Certain vehicle do not comply with Regulation 6 - Statement of Compliance. Compliance label was not expressed in both official languages in regard to vehicle classification.
Show 1 more Canadian recalls
RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
1999174
1999-09-29
Suspension10On certain vehicles, incorrect application of anti-rust coating (PVC) to the transverse link mounting surface can eventually result in a torque decrease of the bolt that secures the transverse link bracket to the vehicle body.

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.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
SubaruNet Announcement
Nov 2024
Electrical SystemThis annocement is to inform dealers to the Gen 3.1 Head Unit OTA will be available via Wi-Fi. The update will take place in multiple batches with the first beginneing November 15th and the last being Decemeber 3rd. This update is for approximatelt 714,000 VINs.
15-130-08R
Oct 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis bulletin details an important regulation issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which impacts the way some vehicles with accessories are sold.
01-167-08R
Oct 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
01-167-08R
Sep 2024
Electrical SystemThis bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
15-298-22R
Sep 2024
Electrical SystemThis Service Information Bulletin announces the preferred practices to be used when handling vehicles equipped with Gen2 Telematics which are enrolled in the Subaru STARLINK® Security Plus Service featuring Stolen Vehicle Recovery Plus with Immobilizer.
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
SubaruNet Announcement
Sep 2024
Electrical SystemThe CP1.5 RCs OTA is available for all mid and high grade CP1.5 head units.
15-320-24
Sep 2024
Electrical SystemThis bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.
07-178-21R
Sep 2024
Electrical SystemThis Service Information bulletin is being released as guidance for proper testing and charging of vehicle batteries.
02-192-24
Sep 2024
EngineThis Service Information Bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be followed when diagnosing engine oil leakage on FA and FB type engines.
02-191-22R
Sep 2024
EngineThis bulletin announces availability of the NEW genuine Subaru engine oil filter.
03-94-24
Sep 2024
SuspensionThis bulletin outlines the judgment criteria to be used when inspecting front transverse link bushings to reduce unnecessary bushing replacement.
15-308-23R
Aug 2024
Electrical SystemThis Service Information Bulletin announces important diagnostic information to utilize when the Data Communication Module (DCM) is being tested as a dark current/standby current source.
15-251-19R
Aug 2024
Electrical SystemThis Bulletin provides additional diagnostics to follow when addressing a Telematics-related DTC B2A16.
01-168-09R
Aug 2024
Electrical SystemThe purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.
15-320-24
Aug 2024
Electrical SystemThis bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure for 2025MY vehicles.
Subarunet Announcement
Jul 2024
Power TrainThis annoucement provides parts personnel information about remanufactured transmissions that will no longer be available.
15-308-23R
Jul 2024
Electrical SystemThis bulletin announces important diagnostic information to utilize when testing the Data Communication Module (DCM) as a dark current/standby current source. All models equipped with Telematics except Solterra.
Thermo Control Valve Vide
Jul 2024
EngineThis thermo control valve video contains information on the replacement of thermo control valve.
13-107-24
Jul 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis Bulletin provides SOA paint codes to help eliminate possible confusion for 2025 MY vehicles.
05-91-24
Jul 2024
SuspensionThis Bulletin provides guidance for diagnosing a leaking front or rear suspension strut.
01-167-08R
Jul 2024
Unknown Or OtherThis bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
SubaruNet Announcement
Jun 2024
Electrical SystemThis information announces reprograming file availability for Gen 4.5 Denso CP1.5 Audio and Navigation systems. Inprovement for CarPlay concerns with hands-free calls when the receiving party is not able to hear the caller.
06-90-24
Jun 2024
Service BrakesThis bulletin provides diagnosis and procedure information to be applied when diagnosing potential fluid leaks on front and rear brake calipers. This information has been developed to reduce unnecessary brake caliper replacement.
01-168-09R
Aug 2023
EquipmentThe purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.
12-249-23R
Jul 2023
EquipmentThis 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
EquipmentThis bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.
01-167-08R
Aug 2022
EquipmentThis bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
15-192-22R
Mar 2022
Electrical SystemThis 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
EquipmentThis bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models
09-51-08R
Jun 2021
EquipmentThis bulletin is to advise of SOA’s revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.
14-22-16R
Feb 2021
EquipmentTo 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.
03-82-18R
Jan 2021
Engine And Engine CoolingThis bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing.
01-168-09R
Jan 2021
EquipmentThe purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information.
03-82-18R
Aug 2020
Engine And Engine CoolingThis service information bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing used on the models listed.
14-22-16R
Aug 2020
EquipmentSpecial Service Tools Cross Reference List.
01-181-20
Apr 2020
EquipmentAll Models (Vehicle Cleaning- COVID-19Best Practices)
06-68-19R
Jul 2019
Service BrakesThis Service Information bulletin announces instruction for application of additional lubrication between the brake caliper support and pad clips.
Subaru Tech Tips
May 2019
EquipmentSubaru Service and Technical Support Line Newletter.
14-22-16R
May 2019
EquipmentTo 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.
03-82-18
Oct 2018
Power TrainThis Service Information bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing used on the models as listed above. During assembly of the bearing, a different type of grease is used which has a higher resistance to heat.
01-168-09R
Nov 2016
EquipmentThe purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.
01-168-09R
Sep 2016
EquipmentThe purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.
01-168-09R
Apr 2016
EquipmentRevised TSB. The Subaru Lock Information Site (SLIS) is located at http://lockinfo.subaru.com, and provides information on how to obtain immobilizer codes and key cut codes for Subaru vehicles from the 2000MY to present.
0116809R
Aug 2014
Electrical SystemReplacement Key and Immobilizer info
0116809R
Jul 2014
Electrical SystemReplacement Key and Immobilizer Info
037012R-1
Jan 2014
Fuel SystemRepair Procedure for High-Pitched Sound from Extension Housing Area Using Latest Generation Production Parts
03-70-12R
Jan 2014
Power TrainREPAIR PROCEDURE FOR HIGH-PITCHED SOUND FROM EXTENSION HOUSING AREA USING LATEST GENERATION PRODUCTION PARTS - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES PRODUCTION CHANGE, REPAIR PROCEDURE AND PARTS INFORMATION TO ADDRESS A CUSTOMER CONCERN OF A HIGH-PITCHED SOUND COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION...
03-70-12R
May 2013
Power TrainThis Bulletin provides production change, repair procedure and parts information to address a customer concern of a high-pitched sound coming from the transmission extension housing area. In cold temperatures, thermal contraction causes shrinking of the transmission case.
037012R
May 2013
Power TrainThis Bulletin provides production change, repair procedure and parts information to address a customer concern of a high-pitched sound coming from the transmission extension housing area.
0116809R
Apr 2013
Electrical SystemReplacement Key and Immobilizer info
01-168-09R
Apr 2013
EquipmentSUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
037012R
Jan 2013
EngineRepair Procedure for High-Pitched Sound
03-70-12R
Jan 2013
Power TrainTHIS BULLETIN PROVIDES PRODUCTION CHANGE, REPAIR PROCEDURE AND PARTS INFORMATION TO ADDRESS A CUSTOMER CONCERN OF A HIGH-PITCHED SOUND COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION EXTENSION HOUSING AREA. IN COLD TEMPERATURES, THERMAL CONTRACTION CAUSES SHRINKING OF THE TRANSMISSION CASE.
037012
Dec 2012
Electrical SystemRepair Procedure for High-Pitched Sound from Extension Housing Area Using Latest Generation Production Parts
03-70-12
Dec 2012
EquipmentREPAIR PROCEDURE FOR HIGH-PITCHED SOUND FROM EXTENSION HOUSING AREA USING LATEST GENERATION PRODUCTION PARTS
036812R
Dec 2012
Power Train5MT Transfer Driven Gear Bearings
SB-05-50-10R
Feb 2011
TiresSUBARU: THERE IS A STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS DUE TO AN IMPORPER WHEEL BALANCE. *RM
07
Jul 2007
Exterior LightingHEADLIGHT BULB SOCKET REPAIRS. *KB
129406
Oct 2006
VisibilityLOOSE DOOR MIRROR SCREWS. *KB
02
Feb 2006
Engine And Engine CoolingRUBBING MARK ON TIMING BELT. SUBARU. *TT

Showing 60 of 89 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Read the tire date codes and look for uneven wear.Uneven wear on this vehicle often points back to the suspension. Four different date codes tell their own story.
  2. 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.
  3. Find the roughest road nearby.Clunks over bumps, a droning hum that changes when the car leans, or a corner that sits low are this vehicle's suspension complaints. Wheel bearings and control arm bushings lead the parts list.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 3 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.
  5. 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 →