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.
2002 Subaru Legacy recalls
Vehicle speed control: cables
NHTSA campaign 04V128000 · reported March 16, 2004 · SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. · 127,580 vehicles potentially affected
- The 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.
- The risk
- If this occurs during vehicle operation, the driver could lose control of the vehicle, which could result in a crash.
- The 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.
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.
Power train: automatic transmission
NHTSA campaign 02V282000 · reported October 30, 2002 · SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. · 172,564 vehicles potentially affected
- 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.
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components, master cylinder
NHTSA campaign 02V079000 · reported March 12, 2002 · SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. · 1,252 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- On certain passenger vehicles, the brake master cylinders may not function properly in ambient temperatures below freezing 32 degrees fahrenheit and lower).
- The risk
- At these temperatures, the brakes may not release after being applied, even when the driver's foot is no longer on the brake pedal. This can occur withour prior warning, possibly resulting in a crash.
- The fix
- 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 reasonable time should contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
What owners report
Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.
Apr 10, 2023 · Unknown or other
To whom it may concern. I’ve purchased a second hand vehicle from New Jersey I live in California. It is 2002 Subaru outback H-6 3.0 with 52,000 miles. Upon delivery I took it to orange coast Subaru for general inspection when it was brought to my attention that there’s an open recall from 2004 stating excessive…
Feb 25, 2023 · Fuel/propulsion system
Extreme gas smell in cold weather until car heats up when running heat/defrost. Known issue in other models that warranted a recall.
Nov 22, 2021 · Vehicle speed control · 169,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 15 MPH, there was an abnormal sound of metal fragments dropping. The vehicle was seen by an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the underneath of the vehicle was rusted. The contact was unaware of what parts had…
Jan 31, 2020 · Visibility/wiper
UN-FENDERED VEHICLES - I SEE WAY TOO MANY VEHICLES ALLOWED TO BE THE OUTFITTED WITH WIDE TIRES OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLES FENDERS. HEY! I THOUGH TIRES ARE SUPPOSED TO BE COVERED BY THE VEHICLE'S FENDERS SO THEY WOULDN'T THROW OFF ROCKS, SPRAY OR DEBRIS INTO THE AIR AT OTHER VEHICLES ON THE HIGHWAY. THOSE OBNOXIOUS…
Jan 5, 2020 · Service brakes · 165,000 miles
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…
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received April 10, 2023.