2000 Subaru Legacy recalls and problems

The 2000 Subaru Legacy has 3 safety recalls and 94 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Subaru dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
94
Crashes / fires
8 / 2
Injuries / deaths
3 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2000 Subaru Legacy vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2000 Subaru Legacy recalls

Recall 03V-153: Suspension

Reported Apr 22, 2003 · 170,000 vehicles affected · SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

Problem: 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.

Fix: Dealers will clean and rust-proof the rear suspension subframe. Owner notification began july 14, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783.

Recall 00V-091: Steering

Reported Mar 24, 2000 · 129 vehicles affected · SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

Problem: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The left-side steering knuckle arm was incorrectly assembled.

Risk: This condition could result in a loss of steering control.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the torque on the left side tie-rod end castle nut and install a new cotter pin.

Recall 99V-249: Power Train

Reported Sep 17, 1999 · 13 vehicles affected · SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

Problem: 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.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the vehicles and, if necessary, remove the anti-rust coating under the mounting location of the left transverve link mounting bracket bolt and retorque the mounting bolt to the required torque.

2000 Subaru Legacy problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Tires18
Engine and Engine Cooling17
Suspension14
Power Train14
Vehicle Speed Control10
Structure8
Service Brakes, Hydraulic8
Electrical System7
Fuel System, Gasoline4
Seat Belts3
Steering3
Visibility3

Most reported parts

  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 9
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 5
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 5
  • Suspension › Front — 3
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 3
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System — 3
  • Structure › Body › Door — 2
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe — 2

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 99,500 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2000 Subaru Legacy complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Fuel/Propulsion System · at 156,000 miles · reported Feb 8, 2017
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.
Air Bags · reported Feb 22, 2016
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.
Tires · at 135,904 miles · reported Mar 17, 2014
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.
Air Bags · at 90,130 miles · reported Dec 18, 2013
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.
Visibility · at 225,000 miles · reported Dec 10, 2013
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…

Other Subaru Legacy years

Compare all Subaru Legacy years · All Subaru models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2000 Subaru Legacy have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2000 Subaru Legacy: 03V-153 (suspension), 00V-091 (steering), 99V-249 (power train). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2000 Subaru Legacy?

Owners report tires problems most often (18 reports), followed by engine and engine cooling (17). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 99,500 miles.

Are Subaru recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Subaru dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.