Owners have filed 119 complaints
about the 2000 Subaru Legacy with NHTSA between 1999 and 2019.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 20 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 — 51
Against the median year of the Subaru Legacy. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 82
16% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 8
5% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
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.
25,000 – 49,999 miles
511.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
818.2%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
818.2%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1329.5%
150,000+ miles
1022.7%
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.
Oct 1999peak 6Aug 2019
Recalls on the 2000 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
13E065000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Airtex Products LP (Airtex) is recalling certain model E8598M, E8518M, E8600M, E8596M, and E8597M fuel pumps manufactured July 26, 2013, and July 29, 2013 and used as aftermarket replacements on Subaru Baja's, Outback's and Legacy's. The affected fuel pumps were sold or installed into the aftermarket applications on or after July 26, 2013, and may may leak fuel from the base of a fuel line connection when the gas tank is full.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
03V153000
SUSPENSION:REAR
THIS RECALL APPLIES TO CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. CERTAIN REAR SUSPENSION SUBFRAME COMPONENTS WERE PRODUCED WITH POOR PAINT QUALITY WHICH, AFTER CONTINUED EXPOSURE TO CORROSIVE ROAD SALTS FOR A PERIOD OF SEVERAL YEARS, COULD RESULT IN RUST-OUT OF THE COMPONENT AND POSSIBLE BREAKAGE OF THE SUBFRAME.
Risk: IF SUCH BREAKAGE OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED, CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE COULD BE AFFECTED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
00V091000
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE LEFT-SIDE STEERING KNUCKLE ARM WAS INCORRECTLY ASSEMBLED.
Risk: THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.
99V249000
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:CENTER SUPPORT BEARING
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SEDAN L MODEL PASSENGER VEHICLES. ANTI-RUST COATING WAS INCORRECTLY APPLIED TO THE TRANSVERSE LINK MOUNTING SURFACE OF THE VEHICLE BODY. OVER TIME THE COATING SHRINKS, CAUSING A TORQUE DECREASE OF THE BOLT THAT SECURES THE TRANSVERSE LINK BRACKET TO THE VEHICLE BODY.
Risk: THIS CAN RESULT IN LOOSENING OF THE BRACKET AND SUBSEQUENT SEPARATION OF THE TRANSVERSE LINK FROM THE VEHICLE FRAME.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 200311712,450 units in Canada
Suspension
On certain vehicles operated in the "salt-belt" provinces of Manitoba, Ontario, Québec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland & Labrador. The rear suspension subframe components were produced with poor paint quality which, after continued exposure to corrosive road salts for a period of several years, may result in rust-out of the component and possible breakage of the subframe. Correction: Dealer will clean and rust-proof with anti-rust oil and anti-rust wax.
Recall 20010703,986 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
Certain 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. Correction: All High/Low beam headlamp bulbs installed since February 8, 2000 have the correct marking. Since the subject bulbs meets or exceed the performance and design requirements of the standard, and the missing marking will not cause a person to replace, fit or use the bulb in a manner for which they are not intended, no further action will be taken.
Recall 2000087203 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
On certain vehicles, the headlamp assemblies may not comply with the marking requirements of CMVSS 108 - Lighting System and Retroreflective Devices. The bulb center mark on the lens has been interchanged between 2-bulb headlamps and 4-bulb headlamps. Correction: No corrective action will be taken due to the inconsequence to vehicle safety. The manufacturing process has been remedied to assure correction of the non-compliance on vehicles manufactured since January 30, 2000.
Recall 200006946,003 units in Canada
Other
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. Correction: No corrective action will be taken for existing vehicles. Correct compliance label will be affixed in current production vehicles.
Recall 20000683,986 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
Certain 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. Correction: Since these bulbs comply with all performance and design requirements of the standard, no corrective action will be taken.
Recall 199917410 units in Canada
Suspension
On 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. Insufficient torque on the bracket bolts can result in loosening of the bracket and subsequent separation of the transverse link from the vehicle frame. Correction: Vehicles will be inspected and if necessary, PVC will be removed from the vehicle body under the transverse link mounting bracket bolt location and mounting bolts will be retorqued to specification.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 90,130 milesRepublic, WACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
CAR SLID ON BLACK ICE OFF THE ROAD, DOWN A VERY STEEP EMBANKMENT, INTO THE SIDE OF A BUILDING, AND TOTALED THE FRONT END OF THE CAR. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #10556556 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 225,000 milesMount Sinai, NYFire1 injured
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
DRIVING TO WORK CAR RUNNING FOR APPROXIMATELY 20 MIN. THE WINDOW CONTROL SWITCH INSIDE THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR SMOKED AND QUICKLY CAUGHT FIRE. I IMMEDIATELY SLOWED DOWN AND PULLED OVER TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER AND TURNED OFF THE CARD. I OPENED THE DOOR AND STEPPED OUT. WITHIN A FEW SECONDS THE PANEL ON THE CAR DOOR ALSO CAUGHT FIRE AND STARTING MELTING. I HAD BEACH TOWEL IN THE BACK OF THE CAR, AND TRIED TO SMOTHER THE FIRE WITH THE TOWEL, BUT QUICKLY DECIDED THE FIRE WAS TOO LARGE, GROWING TOO QUICKLY AND WAS ACTUALLY INSIDE THE DOOR. I GAVE UP ON THE TOWEL, AND IN LAST DITCH EFFORT TO THE SAVE THE CAR I GRABBED, AND TORE OFF THE PLASTIC DOOR PANEL AND THREW IT TO GROUND. SOME OF THE MELTED PLASTIC FROM THE DOOR PANEL DID GET ON MY HANDS, AND I RECEIVED SEVERAL BURNS TO MY FINGERS THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. I WAS THEN ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE REMAINING FIRE. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY AT A BODY SHOP FOR REPAIR. THE DAMAGE TO THE CAR APPEARS TO BE LIMITED TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR.
NHTSA complaint #10555457 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 225,000 milesMount Sinai, NYFire1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
DRIVING TO WORK CAR RUNNING FOR APPROXIMATELY 20 MIN. THE WINDOW CONTROL SWITCH INSIDE THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR SMOKED AND QUICKLY CAUGHT FIRE. I IMMEDIATELY SLOWED DOWN AND PULLED OVER TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER AND TURNED OFF THE CARD. I OPENED THE DOOR AND STEPPED OUT. WITHIN A FEW SECONDS THE PANEL ON THE CAR DOOR ALSO CAUGHT FIRE AND STARTING MELTING. I HAD BEACH TOWEL IN THE BACK OF THE CAR, AND TRIED TO SMOTHER THE FIRE WITH THE TOWEL, BUT QUICKLY DECIDED THE FIRE WAS TOO LARGE, GROWING TOO QUICKLY AND WAS ACTUALLY INSIDE THE DOOR. I GAVE UP ON THE TOWEL, AND IN LAST DITCH EFFORT TO THE SAVE THE CAR I GRABBED, AND TORE OFF THE PLASTIC DOOR PANEL AND THREW IT TO GROUND. SOME OF THE MELTED PLASTIC FROM THE DOOR PANEL DID GET ON MY HANDS, AND I RECEIVED SEVERAL BURNS TO MY FINGERS THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. I WAS THEN ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE REMAINING FIRE. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY AT A BODY SHOP FOR REPAIR. THE DAMAGE TO THE CAR APPEARS TO BE LIMITED TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR.
NHTSA complaint #10555457 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 225,000 milesMount Sinai, NYFire1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DRIVING TO WORK CAR RUNNING FOR APPROXIMATELY 20 MIN. THE WINDOW CONTROL SWITCH INSIDE THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR SMOKED AND QUICKLY CAUGHT FIRE. I IMMEDIATELY SLOWED DOWN AND PULLED OVER TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER AND TURNED OFF THE CARD. I OPENED THE DOOR AND STEPPED OUT. WITHIN A FEW SECONDS THE PANEL ON THE CAR DOOR ALSO CAUGHT FIRE AND STARTING MELTING. I HAD BEACH TOWEL IN THE BACK OF THE CAR, AND TRIED TO SMOTHER THE FIRE WITH THE TOWEL, BUT QUICKLY DECIDED THE FIRE WAS TOO LARGE, GROWING TOO QUICKLY AND WAS ACTUALLY INSIDE THE DOOR. I GAVE UP ON THE TOWEL, AND IN LAST DITCH EFFORT TO THE SAVE THE CAR I GRABBED, AND TORE OFF THE PLASTIC DOOR PANEL AND THREW IT TO GROUND. SOME OF THE MELTED PLASTIC FROM THE DOOR PANEL DID GET ON MY HANDS, AND I RECEIVED SEVERAL BURNS TO MY FINGERS THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. I WAS THEN ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE REMAINING FIRE. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY AT A BODY SHOP FOR REPAIR. THE DAMAGE TO THE CAR APPEARS TO BE LIMITED TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR.
NHTSA complaint #10555457 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 154,000 milesBelen, NMFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SUBARU LEGACY GT AWD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE FIRE STARTED FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT FILED FOR THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 154,000.
NHTSA complaint #10485415 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesNapa, CACrash
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
NEW TRANSMISSION WAS PUT IN AT AROUND 40K MILES. NOW THE CAR IS AT 85K MILES. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AND GAVE MY CAR A LITTLE GAS. THE CAR REVED AND ACCELERATED FOR NO REASON, BUT I LOOKED AT MY GAUGES AND NOTHING LOOKED OUT OF THE ORDINARY, SO I KEPT DRIVING. ABOUT 5 MINUTES LATER, I WAS PULLING INTO MY NEIGHBOR'S DRIVEWAY GOING ABOUT 2 MILES PER HOUR (HER CAR WAS ABOUT 7 FEET AWAY) WHEN THE CAR ACCELERATED (LIKE I HAD FLOORED THE GAS PEDAL), AND I CRASHED INTO HER PARKED CAR. AFTER CAR IS FIXED (THERE IS EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO MY CAR), I WILL TAKE TO MY SUBARU DEALER. IT IS STILL UNDER AN EXTENDED WARRANTY.
NHTSA complaint #10112652 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 182,159 milesVinalhaven, ME
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SUBARU LEGACY. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING A STATE INSPECTION, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION SHOWED SEVERE RUST. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN REPAIRED TWICE PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V153000 (SUSPENSION) BY PATRIOT SUBARU OF SACO (LOCATED AT 769 PORTLAND RD, SACO, ME 04072, (207) 284-7900). THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE TWO SUB SECTIONS UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE THAT NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 182,159. *BF CONSUMER STATES THAT THE RECALLS THAT WERE PERFORMED WERE NOT DONE PROPERLY WHICH CAUSED THE FAILURE. THERE WAS NOT ENOUGH UNDERCOATING ON THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #11245872 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 182,159 milesVinalhaven, ME
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SUBARU LEGACY. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING A STATE INSPECTION, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION SHOWED SEVERE RUST. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN REPAIRED TWICE PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V153000 (SUSPENSION) BY PATRIOT SUBARU OF SACO (LOCATED AT 769 PORTLAND RD, SACO, ME 04072, (207) 284-7900). THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE TWO SUB SECTIONS UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE THAT NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 182,159. *BF CONSUMER STATES THAT THE RECALLS THAT WERE PERFORMED WERE NOT DONE PROPERLY WHICH CAUSED THE FAILURE. THERE WAS NOT ENOUGH UNDERCOATING ON THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #11245872 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 156,000 milesHazlet, NJ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SUBARU LEGACY. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS IN BELOW FREEZING TEMPERATURE, THE CONTACT DETECTED AN ODOR OF FUEL COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 156,000.
NHTSA complaint #10950247 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 286,000 milesBent Mountain, VA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
STRONG FUEL SMELL WHEN STARTING IN COLD WEATHER.
NHTSA complaint #10854533 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sterling, MA
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V323000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10837475 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,904 milesNEW York, NY
TIRES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A CONTINENTAL EXTREME CONTACT TIRE, SIZE: 205/55R16. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH WHEN THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE SUSTAINED A BLOW OUT. THE CONTACT ALSO DISCOVERED A BLISTER ON THE SIDEWALL OF THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED IN REFERENCE TO THE DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE OF THE TIRE WAS 155. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,904.
NHTSA complaint #10572770 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,130 milesRepublic, WACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
CAR SLID ON BLACK ICE OFF THE ROAD, DOWN A VERY STEEP EMBANKMENT, INTO THE SIDE OF A BUILDING, AND TOTALED THE FRONT END OF THE CAR. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #10556556 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 225,000 milesMount Sinai, NYFire1 injured
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
DRIVING TO WORK CAR RUNNING FOR APPROXIMATELY 20 MIN. THE WINDOW CONTROL SWITCH INSIDE THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR SMOKED AND QUICKLY CAUGHT FIRE. I IMMEDIATELY SLOWED DOWN AND PULLED OVER TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER AND TURNED OFF THE CARD. I OPENED THE DOOR AND STEPPED OUT. WITHIN A FEW SECONDS THE PANEL ON THE CAR DOOR ALSO CAUGHT FIRE AND STARTING MELTING. I HAD BEACH TOWEL IN THE BACK OF THE CAR, AND TRIED TO SMOTHER THE FIRE WITH THE TOWEL, BUT QUICKLY DECIDED THE FIRE WAS TOO LARGE, GROWING TOO QUICKLY AND WAS ACTUALLY INSIDE THE DOOR. I GAVE UP ON THE TOWEL, AND IN LAST DITCH EFFORT TO THE SAVE THE CAR I GRABBED, AND TORE OFF THE PLASTIC DOOR PANEL AND THREW IT TO GROUND. SOME OF THE MELTED PLASTIC FROM THE DOOR PANEL DID GET ON MY HANDS, AND I RECEIVED SEVERAL BURNS TO MY FINGERS THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. I WAS THEN ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE REMAINING FIRE. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY AT A BODY SHOP FOR REPAIR. THE DAMAGE TO THE CAR APPEARS TO BE LIMITED TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR.
NHTSA complaint #10555457 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 225,000 milesMount Sinai, NYFire1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
DRIVING TO WORK CAR RUNNING FOR APPROXIMATELY 20 MIN. THE WINDOW CONTROL SWITCH INSIDE THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR SMOKED AND QUICKLY CAUGHT FIRE. I IMMEDIATELY SLOWED DOWN AND PULLED OVER TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER AND TURNED OFF THE CARD. I OPENED THE DOOR AND STEPPED OUT. WITHIN A FEW SECONDS THE PANEL ON THE CAR DOOR ALSO CAUGHT FIRE AND STARTING MELTING. I HAD BEACH TOWEL IN THE BACK OF THE CAR, AND TRIED TO SMOTHER THE FIRE WITH THE TOWEL, BUT QUICKLY DECIDED THE FIRE WAS TOO LARGE, GROWING TOO QUICKLY AND WAS ACTUALLY INSIDE THE DOOR. I GAVE UP ON THE TOWEL, AND IN LAST DITCH EFFORT TO THE SAVE THE CAR I GRABBED, AND TORE OFF THE PLASTIC DOOR PANEL AND THREW IT TO GROUND. SOME OF THE MELTED PLASTIC FROM THE DOOR PANEL DID GET ON MY HANDS, AND I RECEIVED SEVERAL BURNS TO MY FINGERS THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. I WAS THEN ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE REMAINING FIRE. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY AT A BODY SHOP FOR REPAIR. THE DAMAGE TO THE CAR APPEARS TO BE LIMITED TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR.
NHTSA complaint #10555457 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 225,000 milesMount Sinai, NYFire1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DRIVING TO WORK CAR RUNNING FOR APPROXIMATELY 20 MIN. THE WINDOW CONTROL SWITCH INSIDE THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR SMOKED AND QUICKLY CAUGHT FIRE. I IMMEDIATELY SLOWED DOWN AND PULLED OVER TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER AND TURNED OFF THE CARD. I OPENED THE DOOR AND STEPPED OUT. WITHIN A FEW SECONDS THE PANEL ON THE CAR DOOR ALSO CAUGHT FIRE AND STARTING MELTING. I HAD BEACH TOWEL IN THE BACK OF THE CAR, AND TRIED TO SMOTHER THE FIRE WITH THE TOWEL, BUT QUICKLY DECIDED THE FIRE WAS TOO LARGE, GROWING TOO QUICKLY AND WAS ACTUALLY INSIDE THE DOOR. I GAVE UP ON THE TOWEL, AND IN LAST DITCH EFFORT TO THE SAVE THE CAR I GRABBED, AND TORE OFF THE PLASTIC DOOR PANEL AND THREW IT TO GROUND. SOME OF THE MELTED PLASTIC FROM THE DOOR PANEL DID GET ON MY HANDS, AND I RECEIVED SEVERAL BURNS TO MY FINGERS THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. I WAS THEN ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE REMAINING FIRE. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY AT A BODY SHOP FOR REPAIR. THE DAMAGE TO THE CAR APPEARS TO BE LIMITED TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR.
NHTSA complaint #10555457 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,000 milesEast Hampton, CT
ENGINE
I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING A VERY POWERFUL FUEL SMELL EMITTING FROM THE AREAS OF THE ENGINE. WHEN I POP THE HOOD THE SMELL IS THE STRONGEST. THE SMELL IS OF RAW GASOLINE (NOT EXHAUST OR ANYTHING OF THAT SORT) AND PERMEATES INTO THE CABIN AND ALL AROUND THE VEHICLE. THE ODOR EMERGES ONLY ON COLD DAYS, SPECIFICALLY TEMPERATURES THAT DROP BELOW 39 F. THE ODOR GROWS MORE POTENT AS THE CAR RUNS AND IF I ACTIVATE THE HEAT BLOWERS YOU AND SMELL IT EVEN MORE. THE ODOR EVEN LAST LONG AFTER THE CAR IS SHUT OFF, EXISTING AROUND THE ENGINE FOR HOURS AFTER SHUT DOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10553210 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 181,000 milesEast Burke, NH
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V153000 (SUSPENSION), BUT THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE UNDER THE RECALL BECAUSE OF THE MILEAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 181,000.
NHTSA complaint #10522568 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 144,889 milesGuilford, CT
SUSPENSION
REAR SUBFRAME RUSTED AND BROKEN A PART - DEALER DEEMED CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE.
NHTSA complaint #10496080 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 144,889 milesGuilford, CT
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
REAR SUBFRAME RUSTED AND BROKEN A PART - DEALER DEEMED CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE.
NHTSA complaint #10496080 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,204 milesJuneau, AK
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER TAKING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. HE WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V153000 (SUSPENSION:REAR) HOWEVER, THE REPAIR DID NOT PREVENT THE RUST. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE SUB FRAME DUE TO THE SEVERITY OF THE CORROSION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 72,204.
NHTSA complaint #10492162 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 154,000 milesBelen, NMFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SUBARU LEGACY GT AWD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE FIRE STARTED FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT FILED FOR THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 154,000.
NHTSA complaint #10485415 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 57,835 milesWeaverville, CA
TIRES
I HAD A BLOWOUT ON THE FREEWAY. PURCHASED REPLACEMENT TIRE AND DROVE 313 MILES ON THIS BRAND NEW TIRE AND IT DEVELOPED A BUBBLE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED AGAIN.
NHTSA complaint #10466674 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 111,000 milesAnchorage, AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2000 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE RADIO STOPPED FUNCTIONING ON ITS OWN AND THE GAUGES ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WERE CHANGING UNCONTROLLABLY. THE ANTI LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WERE ILLUMINATED. THE GAUGES THEN STOPPED WORKING. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND SHIFTED INTO PARK. THE CONTACT WAS THEN UNABLE TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO UNABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP OR DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 111,000.
NHTSA complaint #10465395 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesGreenville, SC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 40 MPH WHEN THERE WAS AN INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS AND THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID TEMPERATURE WARNING LAMPS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WOULD RECUR SPORADICALLY AND ONCE IT DID, THE VEHICLE WOULD IMMEDIATELY DECELERATE WITHOUT THE CONTACT HANGING THE PRESSURE ON THE ACCELERATOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 126,000.
NHTSA complaint #10441815 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 136,000 milesLitchfield, NH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
CHRONIC, AND DOCUMENTED, FAILURE OF HEAD GASKETS BY SUBARU. CAUSING A LARGE LEAK OF OIL THAT COULD CAUSE A FIRE AND/OR ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #10393252 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tunkhannock, PA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
I BOUGHT A USED CAR THIS PAST SUMMER. NOW THAT IT IS COLD WHENEVER WE GET IN THE CAR WHEN IT'S REALLY COLD AND THERE IS A STRONG GAS ODOR IN THE CAR. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH I FOUND THAT ALLOT OF PEOPLE WITH THIS MODEL VARIOUS YEARS HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE. I WOULD THINK THIS A SERIOUS SAFETY AND HEALTH ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10378651 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,000 milesMorgan Town, WV
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SUBARU L WAGON. WHILE DRIVING THE ATF WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL AND THEN THE VEHICLE WOULD DOWN-SHIFT. THE COMPUTER, TRANSMISSION COMPUTER, SPARK PLUG, OXYGEN SENSOR, AND COIL PACK HAVE ALL BEEN REPLACED. NONE OF THE REPAIRS HAVE REMEDIED THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 171,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000. UPDATED 11/12/09 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON MOST OF THE TIME. A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP THAT WORKS ONLY ON SUBARU'S HAD NOT IDEA WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED A THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR WAS NEEDED. UPDATED 11/16/09
NHTSA complaint #10289405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,000 milesMorgan Town, WV
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SUBARU L WAGON. WHILE DRIVING THE ATF WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL AND THEN THE VEHICLE WOULD DOWN-SHIFT. THE COMPUTER, TRANSMISSION COMPUTER, SPARK PLUG, OXYGEN SENSOR, AND COIL PACK HAVE ALL BEEN REPLACED. NONE OF THE REPAIRS HAVE REMEDIED THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 171,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000. UPDATED 11/12/09 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON MOST OF THE TIME. A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP THAT WORKS ONLY ON SUBARU'S HAD NOT IDEA WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED A THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR WAS NEEDED. UPDATED 11/16/09
NHTSA complaint #10289405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 51,854 milesYonkers, NY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
COOLANT LEAK FROM DRIVERS SIDE HEAD GASKET.
NHTSA complaint #10266122 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 136,000 milesLebanon, NH
SUSPENSION
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 SUBARU LEGACY. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND BEGAN SWERVING ACROSS THE LANES. SHE EXITED THE FREEWAY AND DROVE TO A REPAIR SHOP. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE UNIBAR FRAME ABOVE THE FRONT TIRES WAS RUSTED THROUGH AND ONLY THE TRANSMISSION BRACKETS WERE HOLDING THE VEHICLE TOGETHER. THE MECHANIC WOULD NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THEY WOULD PAY TO MOVE THE VEHICLE FROM THE REPAIR SHOP, BUT THERE WAS NO GUARANTEE THAT THEY WOULD PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO DECLARE THE VEHICLE AS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 136,000.
NHTSA complaint #10257332 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.