CarRecallDB

2000 Subaru Legacy recalls and problems

3 recalls and 94 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2000 Subaru Legacy.

3
recalls
94
owner complaints
8
complaints mentioning a crash
2
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2000 Subaru Legacy recalls

Suspension: rear

NHTSA campaign 03V153000 · reported April 22, 2003 · SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. · 170,000 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
If such breakage occurs while the vehicle is being operated, control of the vehicle could be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Steering: linkages, tie rod assembly

NHTSA campaign 00V091000 · reported March 24, 2000 · SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. · 129 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The left-side steering knuckle arm was incorrectly assembled.
The risk
This condition could result in a loss of steering control.
The fix
Dealers will inspect the torque on the left side tie-rod end castle nut and install a new cotter pin.

Power train: driveline, center support bearing

NHTSA campaign 99V249000 · reported September 17, 1999 · SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. · 13 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
This can result in loosening of the bracket and subsequent separation of the transverse link from the vehicle frame.
The 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Aug 22, 2019 · Structure · 182,159 miles

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…

Feb 8, 2017 · Fuel/propulsion system · 156,000 miles

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.

Apr 9, 2016 · Fuel/propulsion system · 286,000 miles

STRONG FUEL SMELL WHEN STARTING IN COLD WEATHER.

Feb 22, 2016 · 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…

Mar 17, 2014 · Tires · 135,904 miles

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…

Legacy model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2000 39482
2001 777112
2002 45451
2003 146040

Across all years, the 2005 Legacy has the most complaints (184). All Subaru Legacy years →

Questions

Does the 2000 Subaru Legacy have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2000 Subaru Legacy, the most recent reported on April 22, 2003 (Suspension: rear). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2000 Subaru Legacy?
Owners have filed 94 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is tires (17 complaints), followed by engine and engine cooling (16).
How many 2000 Subaru Legacy complaints mention a crash or fire?
8 of 94 complaints report a crash and 2 a fire; 3 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received August 22, 2019.