MotorDeets

2000 Subaru Legacy: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2000 Subaru Legacy: 3 recalls, 94 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.

3vehicle recalls
94owner complaints
8mention a crash
21best combined mpg
2000 Subaru Legacy
Photo: DestinationFearFan · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #99V249000 · 1999 · 13 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: 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.

Steering Vehicle recall #00V091000 · 2000 · 129 vehicles

What's wrong: The left-side steering knuckle arm was incorrectly assembled.

Why it matters: 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.

Suspension Vehicle recall #03V153000 · 2003 · 170,000 vehicles

What's wrong: 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…

Why it matters: 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.

1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Fuel system Equipment recall #13E065000 · 2013 · 397 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: 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.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 3 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Tires17
Engine & cooling16
Transmission & drivetrain14
Suspension13
Speed control / throttle10
Body & structure8
Brakes (hydraulic)7
Electrical6

What owners describe

The 2000 Subaru Legacy has 94 owner complaints, ranking #15 of 36 Legacy model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 88). Complaints peaked in 2000 (19 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 94,815 miles. Neighboring years: 1999 (94 complaints, 3 recalls), 2001 (77 complaints, 7 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
2.5 L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive192521Regular
2.5 L 4-cylManual 5-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive192521Regular

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2000 Subaru Legacy.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2000 Subaru Legacy manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2000 Subaru Legacy manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2000 Subaru Legacy manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2000 Subaru Legacy manual

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FAQ

Does the 2000 Subaru Legacy have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2000 Subaru Legacy, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2000 Subaru Legacy problems?

Owners have filed 94 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are tires (17), engine & cooling (16), transmission & drivetrain (14).

What gas mileage does the 2000 Subaru Legacy get?

EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (2.5 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2000 Subaru Legacy repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Legacy years

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