Reliability & 5-year cost of ownership — 2002 Subaru Legacy
NHTSA data on file today
The 2002 Subaru Legacy has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns and 54 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #13E065000 Fuel Pump may Leak Fuel NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #04V128000 SUBARU/CRUISE CONTROL CABLE NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #03V153000 SUBARU/REAR SUSPENSION SUBFRAME CORROSION NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #02V282000 SUBARU/TRANSMISSION PARKING ROD NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #02V079000 SUBARU/BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Engine and Engine Cooling 9 complaints
- Fuel/Propulsion System 8 complaints
- Fuel System, Gasoline 7 complaints
- Power Train 7 complaints
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic 6 complaints
- Suspension 6 complaints
Of the 54 complaints on file, 5 report a crash and 1 a fire; across all 54 complaints, owners report 2 injuries and 1 death (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Below average
Estimated 5-year repair + maintenance cost: $4,500–$7,500AI estimate — not from NHTSA data
The 2002 Subaru Legacy faces reliability challenges from fuel pump leaks, cruise control cable issues, and potential braking problems in cold temperatures. These factors, along with rear suspension recalls for certain locations, contribute to a below-average rating.
Most-common failures
| Part | Typical mileage (AI estimate) | Cost range (AI estimate) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| fuel pump | 90,000–120,000 miles | $300–$600 | common |
| rear suspension | 80,000–100,000 miles | $400–$800 | common |
| automatic transmission | 100,000–130,000 miles | $1,200–$2,400 | occasional |
| cruise control | 70,000–90,000 miles | $150–$350 | occasional |
| brake master cylinder | 60,000–80,000 miles | $250–$500 | occasional |
AI estimate — not from NHTSA data: the mileage bands and repair-cost ranges above. Get a written repair quote before you budget.
Scheduled maintenance to budget
Routine items every owner should plan for.
- Oil and filter changes every 6,000 miles
- Replace brake fluid bi-annually
- Rotate tires every 6,000 miles
- Replace timing belt at 105,000 miles
- Inspect exhaust system annually
- Replace air filter every 30,000 miles
Warning signs to watch for
Symptoms that signal a major upcoming repair.
- Unusual handling or noises from rear
- Fuel smell near or inside vehicle
- Unresponsiveness of cruise control
- Difficulty shifting gears
- Spongy or weak brakes
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2002 Subaru Legacy at the time. The rating is an AI assessment; cost and mileage figures are AI estimates, not NHTSA data.