2001 Subaru Legacy recalls and problems
The 2001 Subaru Legacy has 7 safety recalls and 77 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Subaru dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2001 Subaru Legacy vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2001 Subaru Legacy recalls
Recall 04V-128: Vehicle Speed Control
Problem: On certain passenger sedans, wagons, and sport utility vehicles, the cruise control cable could come out of its track on the cruise control lever and lodge on the control lever tab when the accelerator pedal is released. If this condition occurs, the throttle will not return to the idle position and will remain in an open position.
Risk: If this occurs during vehicle operation, the driver could lose control of the vehicle, which could result in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will install a cruise control cable retaining clip to the cruise control lever tab on the throttle shaft in order to prevent the cruise control cable from coming out of its track. Owner notification began on april 12, 2004. Owners should contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
Recall 03V-153: Suspension
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 02V-282: Power Train
Problem: Certain sport utility and passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions were produced with an improperly manufactured transmission parking rod. When the transmission selector lever is placed in the "p" (Park) position, the transmission park mechanism, that is intended to hold your vehicle, may not engage.
Risk: The vehicle could then move/roll without prior warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the automatic transmission parking rod assembly. Owner notification january 8, 2003. An interim owner notification will be sent during november 2002. 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 01V-034: Seats
Problem: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with manually-adjustable (Non-powered) seats. Certain inner front slide rail latch mechanisms may have been improperly welded.
Risk: If an inner slide rail latch mechanism breaks due to improper welding, forward and rearward seat adjustment will no longer be possible. In the event of a crash, the slide rails could break, exposing the occupant to a risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace one or both front seat inner slide rails. Owner notification began march 30, 2001. 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-392: Seat Belts
Problem: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Incorrect beige rear center seat belt webbing was installed. The belt length is too short.
Risk: The seat occupant would not be properly restrained in the event of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace all beige colored rear center lap/shoulder belts with lot number 0171.
Recall 00V-393: Fuel System, Gasoline
Problem: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Possible fuel leakage of under-hood fuel hoses at low ambient temperatures (-40 degrees c) once the fuel hoses age and become less flexible.
Risk: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Fix: Dealers will inspect for under-hood fuel hoses with lot numbers 0804 and 0806 and all fuel hoses with those numbers will be replaced.
Recall 00V-391: Steering
Problem: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. A casting flaw in the right front bearing housing could result in loss of steering if the casting flaw should exist in the tie-rod arm.
Risk: This casting flaw could cause grease leakage, front wheel bearing failure due to loss of grease, or loss of steering due to tie-rod end separation.
Fix: Dealers will replace all front bearing housings with a lot number of of15.
2001 Subaru Legacy problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 17 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 11 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 10 | |
| Tires | 8 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 8 | |
| Suspension | 6 | |
| Visibility | 5 | |
| Structure | 3 | |
| Air Bags | 3 | |
| Wheels | 3 | |
| Engine | 3 | |
| Seat Belts | 2 |
Most reported parts
- Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings — 5
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline — 4
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 3
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 3
- Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery — 3
- Air Bags › Frontal — 2
- Suspension › Front — 2
- Tires › Sidewall — 2
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 62,540 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 2001 Subaru Legacy complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Subaru Legacy years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2001 Subaru Legacy have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2001 Subaru Legacy: 04V-128 (vehicle speed control), 03V-153 (suspension), 02V-282 (power train), 01V-034 (seats), 00V-392 (seat belts) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2001 Subaru Legacy?
Owners report fuel system, gasoline problems most often (17 reports), followed by engine and engine cooling (11). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 62,540 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.