2002 Subaru Legacy Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 7%of 54 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 169,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 2002 Subaru Legacy, 7% of the 54 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 169,000 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.
“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 detached from the vehicle or needed to be replaced. In addition, the vehicle was accelerating independently. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 169,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11441338, filed 2021-11, 169,000 miles“Vehicle hesitates when accelerated then starts with a surge. Rough engine performance. No accident yet but could be any day. Have informed the manufactured of problem. They have no fix too date abut are working on it. Many owners have reported similar problems.”
NHTSA complaint #765790, filed 2002-08“When changing gears, the throttle pedal drops to the floor. The engine would race up to 5000 rpms. This is a very serious problem when the throttle stuck open. Dealer can't duplicate because it's intermittent. Please describe further.”
NHTSA complaint #10047778, filed 2003-11“While attempting to park vehicle, slowed down to approx 5 MPH with foot on brake, engine raced and car surged ahead suddenly, hitting parked truck with tailgate lowered, causing considerable damage.”
NHTSA complaint #765019, filed 2002-07Related recalls
- 04V128000Mar 16, 2004On 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…Covers: Subaru Legacy 2001–2004, Outback 2001–2004, Impreza 2002–2004
Vehicle speed control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 17% |
| 2022 | 2 | 6% |
| 2021 | 1 | 3% |
| 2020 | 4 | 3% |
| 2019 | 4 | 3% |
| 2018 | 3 | 3% |
| 2017 | 2 | 2% |
| 2016 | 9 | 6% |
| 2015 | 14 | 9% |
| 2014 | 3 | 6% |
| 2013 | 4 | 6% |
| 2012 | 4 | 4% |
| 2011 | 5 | 3% |
| 2010 | 8 | 5% |
| 2008 | 5 | 8% |
| 2006 | 30 | 34% |
| 2005 | 15 | 8% |
| 2004 | 5 | 10% |
| 2003 | 5 | 8% |
| 2002 | 4 | 7% |
| 2001 | 9 | 12% |
| 2000 | 10 | 11% |
| 1999 | 12 | 13% |
| 1998 | 10 | 9% |
| 1997 | 9 | 6% |
| 1996 | 7 | 6% |
| 1995 | 3 | 2% |
| 1994 | 2 | 3% |
| 1993 | 4 | 5% |
| 1992 | 2 | 4% |
| 1991 | 5 | 6% |
| 1990 | 5 | 6% |
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 complaintsEngine
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 31, 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