2002 Subaru Legacy Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 7%of 54 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 108,342miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the engine of the 2002 Subaru Legacy, 7% of the 54 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 108,342 miles.
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“When starting the vehicle cold in cold outdoor temperatures (10 f or below) there is a very strong smell of raw gasoline in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The odor is coming into the passenger compartment via the heating/cooling vents; if the heating/cooling fan is turned off the passenger compartment does not become filled with gasoline fumes. The odor is strong enough that I am concerned about the possibility of a fire. The odor is strong enough that after driving the vehicle after a cold weather start my clothing smells like gasoline. …”
NHTSA complaint #10489327, filed 2012-12, 51,683 miles“A strong fuel smell began entering the car through the heating vents on the car. This has only been noticeable since the temperature dropped below 25 degrees fahrenheit. There was a also a noticeable trail of gasoline in the snow following the car.”
NHTSA complaint #10670127, filed 2015-01Related service bulletins
- 11027982Jan 12, 2026This Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedure for the STARLINK® Remote Engine Start (RES).
- 11027083Dec 8, 2025This Service Information Bulletin provides the Service Manual Correction to the diagnostic procedure for DTC B2A16 (Immobilizer Key Collation Diagnosis).
- 11022305Aug 11, 2025Subaru Service Technical Support Newsletter special edition.
- 11017452Apr 22, 2025This Bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be followed when diagnosing engine oil leakage on FA and FB type engines.
- 11016224Mar 24, 2025The purpose of this bulletin is to advise of SOA’s revised Catalytic Converter Recycling Program shipping procedure.
- 11008282Sep 27, 2024This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
- 11008281Sep 26, 2024This Service Information Bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be followed when diagnosing engine oil leakage on FA and FB type engines.
- 11008267Sep 17, 2024This bulletin announces availability of the NEW genuine Subaru engine oil filter.
- 11006934Aug 5, 2024The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.
- 11005608Jul 11, 2024This thermo control valve video contains information on the replacement of thermo control valve.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 50% |
| 2024 | 1 | 6% |
| 2022 | 1 | 3% |
| 2021 | 2 | 6% |
| 2020 | 4 | 3% |
| 2019 | 6 | 5% |
| 2018 | 10 | 9% |
| 2017 | 5 | 4% |
| 2016 | 7 | 5% |
| 2015 | 23 | 14% |
| 2014 | 5 | 9% |
| 2013 | 18 | 27% |
| 2012 | 23 | 26% |
| 2011 | 22 | 13% |
| 2010 | 31 | 21% |
| 2009 | 7 | 11% |
| 2008 | 4 | 6% |
| 2007 | 7 | 21% |
| 2006 | 16 | 18% |
| 2005 | 4 | 2% |
| 2004 | 5 | 10% |
| 2003 | 4 | 7% |
| 2002 | 4 | 7% |
| 2001 | 3 | 4% |
| 2000 | 1 | 1% |
| 1999 | 2 | 2% |
| 1997 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2002 Subaru Legacy
15 complaintsEngine cooling
9 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsTires
5 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 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