2002 Subaru Legacy Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 13%of 54 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 48,636miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the brakes of the 2002 Subaru Legacy, 13% of the 54 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 48,636 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11297204, filed 2020-01, 165,000 miles“The contact owns a 2002 Subaru Legacy outback. When the temperature is below 32 degrees, the brakes fail if the master cylinder is not warmed. The contact must allow the vehicle to warm up approximately five minutes in order for the brakes to function. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 02v079000 (service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder) and advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer to be diagnosed. The repair shop will replace the master cylinder at the cost of $400. …”
NHTSA complaint #10257718, filed 2009-02, 115,000 miles“The contact stated while attempting to slow down and make a left turn, the brakes failed causing the vehicle to hit another vehicle. This occurred under normal braking and road conditions. The occupant was wearing a seatbelt when the accident occurred. The vehicle was taken to a body repair shop for repairs. After body repairs were made, the vehicle was taken to the dealership. The dealership inspected the vehicle, but was unable to duplicate the problem. Also, the vehicle was inspected by an independent repair shop that determined the master cylinder needed to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10148750, filed 2006-01, 50,000 miles“Problems with vehicle's braking system, rear tire, whistling noises coming from door and oil leak. The dealership repaired everything except the wheel. The rear hatch was adjusted for whistling noises, and the brakes were dusted off to repair the brake system. The oil filter was replaced and the seat bolts were tightened to eliminated the seats from moving while driving.”
NHTSA complaint #10040384, filed 2003-09Related recalls
- 02V079000Mar 12, 2002On certain passenger vehicles, the brake master cylinders may not function properly in ambient temperatures below freezing 32 degrees fahrenheit and lower).Covers: Subaru Legacy 2002, Outback 2002
Related service bulletins
- 11002725Jun 25, 2024This bulletin provides diagnosis and procedure information to be applied when diagnosing potential fluid leaks on front and rear brake calipers. This information has been…
- 10163525Jul 11, 2019This Service Information bulletin announces instruction for application of additional lubrication between the brake caliper support and pad clips. This will prevent the pad from…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 17% |
| 2024 | 1 | 6% |
| 2022 | 1 | 3% |
| 2021 | 2 | 6% |
| 2020 | 2 | 2% |
| 2019 | 2 | 2% |
| 2018 | 6 | 5% |
| 2017 | 5 | 4% |
| 2016 | 8 | 5% |
| 2015 | 13 | 8% |
| 2014 | 2 | 4% |
| 2013 | 4 | 6% |
| 2012 | 7 | 8% |
| 2011 | 18 | 11% |
| 2010 | 13 | 9% |
| 2009 | 9 | 14% |
| 2008 | 13 | 20% |
| 2007 | 3 | 9% |
| 2006 | 10 | 11% |
| 2005 | 31 | 17% |
| 2004 | 3 | 6% |
| 2003 | 4 | 7% |
| 2002 | 7 | 13% |
| 2001 | 7 | 9% |
| 2000 | 7 | 7% |
| 1999 | 12 | 13% |
| 1998 | 14 | 12% |
| 1997 | 27 | 19% |
| 1996 | 18 | 15% |
| 1995 | 29 | 16% |
| 1994 | 6 | 10% |
| 1993 | 7 | 9% |
| 1992 | 1 | 2% |
| 1991 | 10 | 13% |
| 1990 | 4 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2002 Subaru Legacy
15 complaintsEngine cooling
9 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsTires
5 complaintsEngine
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Subaru Legacy
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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