2001 Subaru Legacy Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 14%of 77 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 42,931miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2001 Subaru Legacy, 14% of the 77 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 42,931 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Took my 2001 bh5 gtb e-tune for service at Subaru kenya. Dealer bled the oil without replacing it(as I found out later). Cruising at 80kph, check engine light came on, car lost all power, was towed back to dealer. Dealer said engine had ceased, so they overhauled it. Same thing happened after 234km. Dealer says they do not understand what problem was and are unable to fix it, so I had to purchase a new engine. Fhi japan says my initial engine was not built for african market. Surely, they should have known better. …”
NHTSA complaint #10384028, filed 2011-02, 54,000 miles“My 2001 Legacy leaked antifreeze...was recalled...the additive they required to be added was done...the head gasket was replaced at about 25,000 miles before warranty expired...now, about 1 yr and 10,000 miles later, I am having the same problem and they are saying I have to have the same head gasket replaced!!! This does not sound right to me...do I possibly have a warped block or head??? I think all the dealer is doing is just putting a band-aid on my problem”
NHTSA complaint #10141555, filed 2005-11, 26,000 miles“My Subaru Legacy, 2001, 25,000 miles, caught on fire in the front right part under the hood suddenly on my way home 2/5/03, I was locked in the car and unable to get out till the car filled with smoke, I was panicking, as I was unable to breath. At that point I thought I would pass out, or die soon, the people outside could not get me out. My car was totaled, and still under warranty. Subaru has not responded, I am without a car. This has been very stressful for me and my family. We trusted the name of Subaru and what it stands for till now. …”
NHTSA complaint #10019083, filed 2003-05, 2,500 miles“Vehicle's head gasket blew out. The vehicle overheated and the windshield did not defrost properly. The found that the heater core was bad. The consumer requested reimbursement for the head gasket. The radiator was replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10087547, filed 2004-08, 102,790 miles“Whne the car is cold, it hesitates and stalls when taking off from a stop sign or other stop. Dealer does not know how to fix. Fails every time the car is operated cold.”
NHTSA complaint #10104113, filed 2004-12, 51,062 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10198749Jun 7, 2021This bulletin is to advise of SOAâs revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.
- 10186364Jan 12, 2021This bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing.
- 10179416Aug 26, 2020This service information bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing used on the models listed.
- 10020697Nov 8, 2006Throttle position sensor. Vehicles equiped with h-6 3.0l engines.
- 10019343Feb 1, 2006Rubbing mark on timing belt. Subaru.
- 10016869Sep 9, 20052.5l remanufactured sohc short block release.
- 10016482Sep 1, 2003Rough idle/check engine light after battery disconnect.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 17% |
| 2021 | 1 | 3% |
| 2016 | 1 | 1% |
| 2015 | 1 | 1% |
| 2013 | 2 | 3% |
| 2011 | 6 | 4% |
| 2010 | 4 | 3% |
| 2009 | 1 | 2% |
| 2007 | 2 | 6% |
| 2006 | 4 | 5% |
| 2005 | 29 | 16% |
| 2004 | 2 | 4% |
| 2003 | 9 | 15% |
| 2002 | 9 | 17% |
| 2001 | 11 | 14% |
| 2000 | 16 | 17% |
| 1999 | 11 | 12% |
| 1998 | 30 | 26% |
| 1997 | 31 | 22% |
| 1996 | 22 | 18% |
| 1995 | 17 | 9% |
| 1994 | 4 | 7% |
| 1993 | 17 | 22% |
| 1992 | 4 | 7% |
| 1991 | 6 | 8% |
| 1990 | 2 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2001 Subaru Legacy
19 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsTires
8 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsEngine
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsWheels
3 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Subaru Legacy
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology