Most common 2002 Subaru Legacy problems
Share of the 54 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Subaru Legacy complaints by model year
Best Legacy years: 2023, 2025, 2021. Years to avoid: 2015, 2016, 2011, 2020, 2019. Compare all years →
2002 Subaru Legacy recalls (4)
Vehicle speed control › Cables
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.
Remedy: 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.
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…
Remedy: 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…
Power train › Automatic transmission
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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the automatic transmission parking rod assembly. Owner notification January 8, 2003. An interim owner notification will be sent during November 2002.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder
On certain passenger vehicles, the brake master cylinders May not function properly in ambient temperatures below freezing 32 degrees fahrenheit and lower).
Remedy: Dealers will replace the master cylinders. Owner notification began March 21, 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…
What 2002 Subaru Legacy owners say
Fuel & propulsion system
Tl* the contact owns 2002 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there would be an odor of fuel entering into the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 13e065000 (fuel system, gasoline). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 180,000.
Extreme gas smell in cold weather until car heats up when running heat/defrost. Known issue in other models that warranted a recall.
Engine & cooling
When the vehicle starts going around 55 - 60 MPH, the car starts shaking vigorously. The wheel also shakes which also concerns me. Moreover, when I start to slow the car down, a rattling noise constantly shakes my car including my wheel from side to side. I think there might be an alignment problem with my vehicle since my check engine light turns on and off frequently.
Extreme gas smell in cold weather until car heats up when running heat/defrost. Known issue in other models that warranted a recall.
Transmission & drivetrain
1) check engine light lit;2) hesitation at dangerous times, especially through turns, occasional backfiring;3) three times in shop for warranty work, replacing air/fuel ratio sensor and reprogramming ECM/ECU/PCM.
My Subaru Legacy 2002 was recalled for a transmission problem in 2003. This was repaired in feb 2003 by the ca dealer where we purchased the car. In June of 2003 we were transferred by the us coast guard to virginia. On May 12, 2004 I noticed a strange wheel noise and took it to the Subaru dealer in the area for diagnosis and repair. I was told later that the brakes were only 50% worn and that all of the fluids were OK. I was told to pick up my car that night as everything was fine. The paper work given to me when I picked up the car stated " checked front and rear brakes; 50% left; heard some front differential noise; checked fluids; checked OK." by May 20th the noise was extreme and I met with the mechanic the next morning. He instantly diagnosed the problem as the differential. I was told that a part would have to be ordered and I informed him that the car was under warranty. …
2002 Subaru Legacy engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 19 / 25 / 21 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 19 / 25 / 21 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 17 / 24 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Subaru Legacy a good car?
Based on 54 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2002 Legacy rates better than average: 53% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Legacy at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Subaru Legacy?
The fuel & propulsion system — 15 complaints, 28% of all complaints for this model year, most often about delivery › hoses, lines/piping, and fittings. Next are the engine & cooling (13) and transmission & drivetrain (7).
How many recalls does the 2002 Subaru Legacy have?
There are 4 recalls for the 2002 Subaru Legacy, the most recent from March 16, 2004 (cables). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Subaru Legacy?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2023, 2025 and 2021. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2015, 2016, 2011, 2020 and 2019. See the full Subaru Legacy years comparison.
At what mileage do 2002 Subaru Legacy problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 68,000 miles; 38% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.