The 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.
The risk
The vehicle could then move/roll without prior warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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 details
| NHTSA campaign | 02V-282 (02V282000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | WWK-94 |
| Manufacturer | Subaru of America, Inc. |
| Component | Power train › Automatic transmission |
| Report date | October 30, 2002 |
| Owners notified | January 8, 2003 |
| Vehicles affected | 172,564 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the transmission & drivetrain
- 2003 Subaru Baja transmission problems 7
- 2002 Subaru Forester transmission problems 16
- 2003 Subaru Forester transmission problems 9
- 2002 Subaru Impreza transmission problems 25
- 2003 Subaru Impreza transmission problems 1
- 2001 Subaru Legacy transmission problems 2
- 2002 Subaru Legacy transmission problems 7
- 2003 Subaru Legacy transmission problems 5
- 2001 Subaru Outback transmission problems 23
- 2002 Subaru Outback transmission problems 20
- 2003 Subaru Outback transmission problems 13
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 02V-282 repair free?
Yes. Subaru dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will replace the automatic transmission parking rod assembly. Owner notification January 8, 2003. An interim owner notification will be sent during November 2002.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 172,564 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.