Owners have filed 90 complaints
about the 1993 Subaru Legacy with NHTSA between 1995 and 2007.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 18 of 33 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 38
Against the median year of the Subaru Legacy. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 86
16.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
75,000 – 99,999 miles
133.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
133.3%
150,000+ miles
133.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Feb 1995peak 7Oct 2007
Recalls on the 1993 Subaru Legacy
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
94V052000
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 19940675,504 units in Canada
Powertrain
NOTE: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ALL-WHEEL DRIVE MANUAL TRANSMISSION. UNDER COLD AND HUMID CONDITIONS, FROST MAY FORM AT THE TRANSMISSION OIL LEVEL GAUGE (DIPSTICK) WHERE THE BREATHING MECHANISM IS INCORPORATED. THIS COULD CAUSE PRESSURE TO BUILD INSIDE THE TRANSMISSION CASE WHICH IN TURN COULD PUSH OUT THE OIL SEAL. SUBSEQUENT OIL LEAKAGE COULD RESULT IN BURNING OF TRANSMISSION COMPONENTS AND POSSIBLE LOSS OF CONTROL DUE TO WHEEL LOCK-UP. CORRECTION: ON VEHICLES WITH AN ALL METAL TYPE DIPSTICK, THE OIL LEVEL GAUGE TUBE WILL BE MODIFIED AND THE DIPSTICK WILL HAVE A SPACER ADDED. VEHICLES WITH A PLASTIC DIPSTICK WILL HAVE A MODIFIED TYPE DIPSTICK INSTALLED.
Recall 1993039508 units in Canada
Airbag
THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 208 -SEAT BELT INSTALLATIONS. INCORRECT LABELLING FOR SRS (AIR BAG) MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ON SUN VISOR. CORRECTION: SUN VISOR WILL BE REPLACED WITH ONE HAVING CORRECT LABELLING.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Stockholm, NJFire
SEAT BELTS
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.
NHTSA complaint #890117 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Parish, NYCrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
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.
NHTSA complaint #861204 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Boulder, COCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
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.
NHTSA complaint #854333 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Barberton, OHCrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION, AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. MANUFACTURER AND DEALER HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #845052 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Colorado S, CO1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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, RESULTING IN INJURY TO CONSUMER. MJS
NHTSA complaint #544737 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carson City, NVCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
THE LEFT FRONT CORNER OF THE VEHICLE HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE AT ABOUT 35 TO 40MPH AND THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. DRIVER WAS INJURED, NOW IN WHEELCHAIR.
NHTSA complaint #825437 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 114,385 milesPoland, ME
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
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.
NHTSA complaint #10205715 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 167,000 milesFennimore, WI
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #10150921 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesHilo, HI
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
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.
NHTSA complaint #10143940 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Redmond, WA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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: ZHONGMINSUN@MSN.COM
NHTSA complaint #10100452 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Redmond, WA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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: ZHONGMINSUN@MSN.COM
NHTSA complaint #10100453 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Redmond, WA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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: ZHONGMINSUN@MSN.COM
NHTSA complaint #10100454 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Redmond, WA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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: ZHONGMINSUN@MSN.COM
NHTSA complaint #10100455 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Redmond, WA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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: ZHONGMINSUN@MSN.COM
NHTSA complaint #10100456 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Washington, DC
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TRANSMISSION PROBLEM WITH LEGACY. *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE WILL NOT SHIFT PAST THE SECOND GEAR.
NHTSA complaint #10095195 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Needham, MA
TIRES
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.
NHTSA complaint #10096555 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Redmond, WA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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 SHOULD EDUCATE THE CAR OWNERS HOW TO HANDLE THE CAR WHEN THE MALFUNCTIONED CONTROLLER MAKING CAR UNCONTROLLABLE. I HOPE SUBARU CAN HELP ME: 1. FREE REPLACE THE MALFUNCTIONED CONTROLLER AND FREE REPAIR MY CAR IF ANY DAMAGES CAUSED BY THE MALFUNCTION CONTROLLER. 2. OR TRADE ME ANOTHER SUBARU CAR. 3. OR SUBARU BUY BACK MY CAR BASED ON RESIDUE VALUE.. THANKS, ZHONGMIN SUN, 18666 REDMOND WAY, RR2141, REDMOND, WA 98052 TEL:4258369419, EMAIL: ZHONGMINSUN@MSN.COM.
NHTSA complaint #10093799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Redmond, WA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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 SHOULD EDUCATE THE CAR OWNERS HOW TO HANDLE THE CAR WHEN THE MALFUNCTIONED CONTROLLER MAKING CAR UNCONTROLLABLE. I HOPE SUBARU CAN HELP ME: 1. FREE REPLACE THE MALFUNCTIONED CONTROLLER AND FREE REPAIR MY CAR IF ANY DAMAGES CAUSED BY THE MALFUNCTION CONTROLLER. 2. OR TRADE ME ANOTHER SUBARU CAR. 3. OR SUBARU BUY BACK MY CAR BASED ON RESIDUE VALUE.. THANKS, ZHONGMIN SUN, 18666 REDMOND WAY, RR2141, REDMOND, WA 98052 TEL:4258369419, EMAIL: ZHONGMINSUN@MSN.COM.
NHTSA complaint #10093800 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Redmond, WA
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
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 HANDLE THE CAR WHEN THE MALFUNCTIONED CONTROLLER MAKING CAR UNCONTROLLABLE. I HOPE SUBARU CAN HELP ME: 1. FREE REPLACE THE MALFUNCTIONED CONTROLLER AND FREE REPAIR MY CAR IF ANY DAMAGES CAUSED BY THE MALFUNCTION CONTROLLER. 2. OR TRADE ME ANOTHER SUBARU CAR. 3. OR SUBARU BUY BACK MY CAR BASED ON RESIDUE VALUE.. THANKS ZHONGMIN SUN 18666 REDMOND WAY, RR2141 REDMOND, WA 98052 TEL:4258369419 EMAIL: ZHONGMINSUN@MSN.COM
NHTSA complaint #10092985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Redmond, WA
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
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 HANDLE THE CAR WHEN THE MALFUNCTIONED CONTROLLER MAKING CAR UNCONTROLLABLE. I HOPE SUBARU CAN HELP ME: 1. FREE REPLACE THE MALFUNCTIONED CONTROLLER AND FREE REPAIR MY CAR IF ANY DAMAGES CAUSED BY THE MALFUNCTION CONTROLLER. 2. OR TRADE ME ANOTHER SUBARU CAR. 3. OR SUBARU BUY BACK MY CAR BASED ON RESIDUE VALUE.. THANKS ZHONGMIN SUN 18666 REDMOND WAY, RR2141 REDMOND, WA 98052 TEL:4258369419 EMAIL: ZHONGMINSUN@MSN.COM.
NHTSA complaint #10092987 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wyoming, PA
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
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
NHTSA complaint #10038485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wyoming, PA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
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
NHTSA complaint #10038485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jackson, WY
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
CONSUMER NOTICED THE FRONT SEAT BELTS DOESN'T COME UP PROPERLY, DEALER REPLACED THE BELT THREE TIMES AND THE PROBLEM STILL REOCCURING. NLM
NHTSA complaint #8020062 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Edmond, WA
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
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
NHTSA complaint #8019802 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hales Corners, WI
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
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.
NHTSA complaint #564268 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hales Corners, WI
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
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.
NHTSA complaint #564268 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Springfield, VT
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
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.
NHTSA complaint #755874 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Savannah, GA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
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?
NHTSA complaint #753610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Leadville, CO
SEAT BELTS
BOTH FRONT SEAT MOTERIZED SEAT BELT RESTRAINTS FAILED. THE CABLE ON BOTH SIDES CAME OUT.
NHTSA complaint #751410 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Denver, CO
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #751031 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stockholm, NJFire
SEAT BELTS
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.
NHTSA complaint #890117 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.