- The problem
- Airtex Products LP (Airtex) is recalling certain model E8598M, E8518M, E8600M, E8596M, and E8597M fuel pumps manufactured July 26, 2013, and July 29, 2013 and used as aftermarket replacements on Subaru Baja's, Outback's and Legacy's. The affected fuel pumps were sold or installed into the aftermarket applications on or after July 26, 2013, and may may leak fuel from the base of a fuel line connection when the gas tank is full.
- The risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
- The fix
- Airtex will notify owners, and will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Recall is expected to begin on January 2, 2014. Customers may contact Airtex at 1-800-880-3056. The recall is expected to begin during January 2014. This recall is being conducted by Airtex, not by Subaru.
Vehicle safety record
2000 Subaru Legacy Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 94 complaints about the 2000 Subaru Legacy with NHTSA, most often about the wheels & tires (18) and the engine & cooling (16). Those complaints describe 8 crashes, 2 fires and 3 injuries. It is covered by 4 recalls, the latest in November 2013 for the fuel pump. For comparison, the 1999 has 97 and the 2001 has 80.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical Legacy year, for its age
#93 most complained-about 2000 vehicle
- Complaints
- 94
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes
- 8
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 3
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2000 Subaru Legacy problems
Share of all 94 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2000 Subaru Legacy recalls 4
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- This recall applies to certain passenger vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, virginia, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia. Certain rear suspension subframe components were produced with poor paint quality which, after continued exposure to corrosive road salts for a period of several years, could result in rust-out of the component and possible breakage of the subframe.
- The risk
- If such breakage occurs while the vehicle is being operated, control of the vehicle could be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will clean and rust-proof the rear suspension subframe. Owner notification began july 14, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The left-side steering knuckle arm was incorrectly assembled.
- The risk
- This condition could result in a loss of steering control.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect the torque on the left side tie-rod end castle nut and install a new cotter pin.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: sedan l model passenger vehicles. Anti-rust coating was incorrectly applied to the transverse link mounting surface of the vehicle body. Over time the coating shrinks, causing a torque decrease of the bolt that secures the transverse link bracket to the vehicle body.
- The risk
- This can result in loosening of the bracket and subsequent separation of the transverse link from the vehicle frame.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect the vehicles and, if necessary, remove the anti-rust coating under the mounting location of the left transverve link mounting bracket bolt and retorque the mounting bolt to the required torque.
What owners say
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94 complaints about the 2000 Subaru Legacy
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 4.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 subaru legacy. While the vehicle was undergoing a state inspection, the contact was informed that the rear suspension showed severe rust. The contact stated that the vehicle had been repaired twice per nhtsa campaign number: 03v153000 (suspension) by patriot subaru of saco (located at 769 portland rd, saco, me 04072, (207) 284-7900). The contact was informed that there were two sub sections underneath the vehicle that needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer...
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was informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 182,159. *Bf consumer states that the recalls that were performed were not done properly which caused the failure. There was not enough undercoating on the bottom of the vehicle. *Dl
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 subaru legacy. While driving various speeds in below freezing temperature, the contact detected an odor of fuel coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 156,000.
STRONG FUEL SMELL WHEN STARTING IN COLD WEATHER.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 subaru legacy. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v323000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The vin was unknown. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Tl* the contact owns a continental extreme contact tire, size: 205/55r16. The contact stated that the driver of the vehicle was traveling approximately 50 mph when the front passenger's side tire sustained a blow out. The contact also discovered a blister on the sidewall of the rear passenger's side tire. The manufacturer was not contacted in reference to the defect. The failure mileage of the tire was 155. The vehicle failure mileage was 135,904.
Car slid on black ice off the road, down a very steep embankment, into the side of a building, and totaled the front end of the car. The air bags did not deploy. *Tr
Driving to work car running for approximately 20 min. The window control switch inside the driver side door smoked and quickly caught fire. I immediately slowed down and pulled over to the right shoulder and turned off the card. I opened the door and stepped out. Within a few seconds the panel on the car door also caught fire and starting melting. I had beach towel in the back of the car, and tried to smother the fire with the towel, but quickly decided the fire was too large, growing too quickly and was...
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actually inside the door. I gave up on the towel, and in last ditch effort to the save the car I grabbed, and tore off the plastic door panel and threw it to ground. Some of the melted plastic from the door panel did get on my hands, and I received several burns to my fingers that required medical attention. I was then able to extinguish the remaining fire. The car is currently at a body shop for repair. The damage to the car appears to be limited to the driver's side door. *Tr
I have been experiencing a very powerful fuel smell emitting from the areas of the engine. When I pop the hood the smell is the strongest. The smell is of raw gasoline (not exhaust or anything of that sort) and permeates into the cabin and all around the vehicle. The odor emerges only on cold days, specifically temperatures that drop below 39 f. The odor grows more potent as the car runs and if I activate the heat blowers you and smell it even more. The odor even last long after the car is shut off, existing around the engine for hours after shut down. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 subaru legacy. The contact stated that the rear suspension was completely rusted. The dealer stated that the vehicle was included in nhtsa recall campaign id number: 03v153000 (suspension), but the manufacturer stated that they would not repair the vehicle under the recall because of the mileage. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 181,000. *Tr
Rear subframe rusted and broken a part - dealer deemed car unsafe to drive. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 subaru legacy. The contact stated that after taking the vehicle to the dealer for routine maintenance, he was informed that the sub frame was completely rusted and needed to be replaced. He was also informed that the vehicle was previously repaired under nhtsa campaign id number 03v153000 (suspension:rear) however, the repair did not prevent the rust. The vehicle was repaired for the sub frame due to the severity of the corrosion. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure and current mileages were approximately 72,204.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 subaru legacy gt awd. The contact stated that he noticed that the vehicle was on fire. The contact believed that the fire started from the rear passenger side door. There was a police report filed for the incident. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was destroyed. The approximate failure and current mileage was 154,000.
I had a blowout on the freeway. Purchased replacement tire and drove 313 miles on this brand new tire and it developed a bubble and had to be replaced again. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns 2000 subaru legacy outback. The contact stated that while driving, the radio stopped functioning on its own and the gauges on the instrument panel were changing uncontrollably. The anti lock braking system warning light and check engine warning light were illuminated. The gauges then stopped working. The contact stopped the vehicle and shifted into park. The contact was then unable to shift out of park. The contact was also unable to remove the key from the ignition. The vehicle was not taken to a repair shop or dealer for inspection. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vin was unavailable. The failure and current mileages were 111,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 subaru legacy. The contact was driving 40 mph when there was an increase in engine rpms and the vehicle abnormally accelerated. The contact mentioned that the check engine and automatic transmission fluid temperature warning lamps were illuminated. The contact also stated that the failure would recur sporadically and once it did, the vehicle would immediately decelerate without the contact hanging the pressure on the accelerator. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to...
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diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The vin was not available. The failure mileage was 100,000 and the current mileage was 126,000.
Chronic, and documented, failure of head gaskets by subaru. Causing a large leak of oil that could cause a fire and/or accident.
I bought a used car this past summer. Now that it is cold whenever we get in the car when it's really cold and there is a strong gas odor in the car. After doing some research I found that allot of people with this model various years have had the same issue. I would think this a serious safety and health issue. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 subaru l wagon. While driving the atf warning light would illuminate on the instrument control panel and then the vehicle would down-shift. The computer, transmission computer, spark plug, oxygen sensor, and coil pack have all been replaced. None of the repairs have remedied the failure. The current mileage was 171,000. The failure mileage was 103,000. Updated 11/12/09 *cn the consumer stated the engine light was on most of the time. A local repair shop that works only on subaru's had not idea what was wrong with the vehicle. The dealer stated a throttle position sensor was needed. Updated 11/16/09
COOLANT LEAK FROM DRIVERS SIDE HEAD GASKET. *TR
Tl*the contact owns a 2000 subaru legacy. While driving 60 mph, the contact lost control of the vehicle and began swerving across the lanes. She exited the freeway and drove to a repair shop. The mechanic stated that the unibar frame above the front tires was rusted through and only the transmission brackets were holding the vehicle together. The mechanic would not repair the vehicle. The contact called the manufacturer and was informed that they would pay to move the vehicle from the repair shop, but there was no guarantee that they would pay for the repairs. The contact stated that they would have to declare the vehicle as destroyed. The failure mileage was 136,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2000 subaru legacy. The contact stated that her vehicle was in the repair shop for transmission failure. The vehicle also shakes severely when approaching a stop sign or traffic light. The vehicle must be shifted into park when the shaking occurs. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but they could not determine the cause of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Under warranty had three head gaskets on 2000 legacy 2.5L (38,000, 55,000, 75,600 miles respectively). At 97,000 mile spark plug blew out of #2 cyclinder. Subaru blamed me since I replaced the plugs at 65,000. I paid $1700 at lynnes subaru in arpil to replace left side head with new one. At 99,500 mile I am seeing the coolant starting to drop in reservoir. Only 400 miles left on 100k head warranty for right side and 10k mile on warranty for new head. The car is sitting until I get it into dealer. Besides...
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headgaskets, catalytic converter, rear wiper motor, door locks and under dash wiring have all failed. This is a lemon. Can I prosecute under the nj lemon law? Is there any other forum to get subaru to repair or buy back vehcile? *Tr
Front left strut broke and came close to puncturing the tire. Could handle the car efficiently-went to local garage 1 mile away , with caution , where peoblem was determined
2000 Subaru legacy l transmission would not go into drive while stopped for a light. Car unable to be moved and stuck in traffic. This caused a very unsafe problem as traffic backed up behind the car. Transmission intermittently refuses to shift. Dealer says new trns. Subaru aware of defect in trans. *Tr
I was driving on a dirt road when the exhaust pipe broke from in front of the muffler. The muffler was not supported by hangers in the front, dropped down and dug into the dirt. The rear of the car pole-vaulted over the muffler, leading to a temporary loss of control. Fortunately, I was going slow and straight at the time, and there was no other traffic. The damage to the rear of the car was substantial. The muffler was replaced, and the damage to the rear quarter panels and trunk was repaired by a body shop. *Tr
Subaru Legacy: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 49 | 11 | C |
| 2003 | 62 | 15 | C |
| 2002 | 58 | 5 | C |
| 2001 | 80 | 8 | C |
| 2000 | 94 | 4 | C |
| 1999 | 97 | 3 | D |
| 1998 | 116 | 5 | D |
| 1997 | 143 | 6 | D |
| 1996 | 129 | 4 | D |
2000 Subaru Legacy vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 Subaru Legacy | 94 | 4 | C | |
| 2000 Honda Accord | 1,193 | 21 | F | Compare |
| 2000 Toyota Camry | 530 | 4 | D | Compare |
| 2000 Volkswagen Passat | 518 | 5 | F | Compare |
| 2000 Hyundai Sonata | 278 | 4 | C | Compare |
| 2000 Nissan Altima | 176 | 2 | C | Compare |
| 2000 Dodge Avenger | 22 | 5 | A | Compare |
| 2000 Chevrolet Malibu | 0 | 5 | C | Compare |
| 2000 Subaru Outback | 207 | 2 | C | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2000 Subaru Legacy
Does the 2000 Subaru Legacy have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2000 Subaru Legacy: fuel pump (November 2013); rear (April 2003); tie rod assembly (March 2000); center support bearing (September 1999). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2000 Subaru Legacy?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the wheels & tires (18), engine & cooling (16), transmission & drivetrain (13).
How many complaints has the 2000 Subaru Legacy had?
94 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on October 15, 1999 and the latest on August 22, 2019. Of these, 8 describe a crash and 2 a fire, and together they report 3 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2000 Subaru Legacy a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 47 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Subaru Legacy year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Subaru Legacy years have the most complaints?
1995 (186), 2005 (184), 2011 (167). See every Subaru Legacy year compared.
What should I do if my 2000 Subaru Legacy has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data