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VIN REPORT

4S3BH8957376493702003 SUBARU LegacyOUTBACK H6

Risk Score
50
HIGH RISK
out of 100
15 Found
15 campaigns
62
Reported to NHTSA
Not Tested
See iihs.org/ratings
23 yrs
Made in UNITED STATES (USA)
D
Score: 60/100
Verdict & Risk Assessment
📄

Executive Summary

2003 SUBARU Legacy was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 15 open recalls on record — these are safety-critical and should be addressed immediately. 62 owner complaints include 4 reported injuries, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.

  • 15 open recalls including safety-critical systems (Airbag system recall; Fuel system recall)
  • 4 injuries reported across 62 owner complaints
  • Safety Systems is flagged in both recalls and owner complaints — double-confirmed failure pattern
  • High lemon law risk indicators — multiple safety-critical recall and complaint patterns present
  • TAKATA AIRBAG RECALL — inflator can rupture and send metal shrapnel into the cabin. Do NOT drive until repaired.
  • Component failure cascade detected — a known defect pattern that typically leads to more severe downstream damage
50/100
High Risk
3 risk factors detected. Review each carefully before committing to purchase.
LOWMODERATEHIGHCRITICAL
Contributing Risk Factors — 3 detected
Critical deferred maintenance — safety-critical components overdue
+20
Takata airbag recall — risk of shrapnel injury
+18
15 model-wide recalls on record
+12
Critical Alerts
TAKATA AIRBAG RECALL — Do Not Drive
Campaigns: 16V361000, 16V358000, 16V359000

Takata airbag inflators can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin — this defect has caused at least 27 deaths and 400+ injuries worldwide. Do NOT drive this vehicle until this recall is repaired. Contact your dealer immediately.

No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.

Vehicle
Make
SUBARU
Model
Legacy
Year
2003
Trim / Series
OUTBACK H6
Body Style
Wagon
Vehicle Type
PASSENGER CAR
Drive Type
AWD/All-Wheel Drive
Engine
3.000000L
Transmission
Automatic
Doors
4
Manufacturer
SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC
Assembly
LAFAYETTE, INDIANA, UNITED STATES (USA)
GVWR
Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
A+Quality90/100
Excellent📍 LAFAYETTE, INDIANA

Builds Subaru Outback and Legacy. Consistently ranked among the top US assembly plants.

Awards & Recognition
  • JD Power Platinum Plant Award
  • JD Power IQS top-ranked non-premium midsize car
Safety
D
Score: 60/100
Crash Test Rating20/40
Recall Safety10/30
Complaint History30/30
68/100High
  • Airbag system recall
  • Fuel system recall
  • Engine recall
0/100
Basic
0 of 20 safety features detected
Missing: Automatic Emergency Braking, Pedestrian AEB, Forward Collision Warning, Electronic Stability Control
Low
  • 1 fuel system recall(s) — potential ignition risk
High
  • 8 recalls on same component: Safety Systems
  • 3 recalls on same component: Suspension/Wheels
  • 2 recalls on same component: Engine/Powertrain
  • Safety system appears in both official recalls and owner complaints

Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.

The same components appear in both official NHTSA recalls and owner-filed complaints — a double-confirmed failure signal.

Safety Systems
8 recalls16 complaints
Engine/Powertrain
2 recalls19 complaints
Suspension/Wheels
3 recalls7 complaints
Fuel System
1 recall2 complaints
Recalls
100/100
Critical Deferred Risk
Critical deferred failure risk — 6 safety-critical or high-cost components are past their service interval. Without immediate attention, repair costs will compound significantly.
No odometer data on record. Mileage is estimated at ~276,000 mi based on average annual driving. Items marked EST. OVERDUE may already be due — verify service history with the seller. Items marked OVERDUE are confirmed past-due based on vehicle age alone.
EST. OVERDUECriticalTiming Belt
Service interval: 7 yr · Vehicle age: 23 yr · Past due by age
Service Timing Belt immediately — already past the 90,000 mi / 7 yr interval
A snapped timing belt causes immediate, catastrophic engine damage — bent valves, destroyed pistons. No warning. Replace before the interval, not after.
EST. OVERDUECriticalTiming Chain Tensioner
Service interval: 10 yr · Vehicle age: 23 yr · Past due by age
Service Timing Chain Tensioner immediately — already past the 120,000 mi / 10 yr interval
Worn chain tensioners cause timing chain skip or snap — common on GM 5.3L/6.2L, Ford EcoBoost, VW/Audi EA888, BMW N47/N63. Listen for cold-start rattles.
EST. OVERDUECriticalWater Pump
Service interval: 8 yr · Vehicle age: 23 yr · Past due by age
Service Water Pump immediately — already past the 100,000 mi / 8 yr interval
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
EST. OVERDUEHighTransmission Fluid / Service
Service interval: 5 yr · Vehicle age: 23 yr · Past due by age
Service Transmission Fluid / Service immediately — already past the 60,000 mi / 5 yr interval
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
EST. OVERDUEHighDifferential / Transfer Case Fluid
Service interval: 4 yr · Vehicle age: 23 yr · Past due by age
Service Differential / Transfer Case Fluid immediately — already past the 50,000 mi / 4 yr interval
On 4WD/AWD vehicles, neglected differential or transfer case fluid causes metal-on-metal wear. Replacement costs $1,500–$4,000.
EST. OVERDUEHighCoolant Flush
Service interval: 5 yr · Vehicle age: 23 yr · Past due by age
Service Coolant Flush immediately — already past the 100,000 mi / 5 yr interval
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
EST. OVERDUEModerateSpark Plugs (iridium/platinum)
Service interval: 8 yr · Vehicle age: 23 yr · Past due by age
Service Spark Plugs (iridium/platinum) immediately — already past the 100,000 mi / 8 yr interval
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
EST. OVERDUEModerateFuel Injectors
Service interval: 10 yr · Vehicle age: 23 yr · Past due by age
Service Fuel Injectors immediately — already past the 120,000 mi / 10 yr interval
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.
CASCADECriticalFailure Cascade
Cascade already triggered — downstream damage likely in progress
Have a specialist inspect all systems connected to the failed component before purchase
One failed component has created stress on connected systems. Repair costs compound quickly — a $500 fix can become $3,000+ if cascade damage is ignored.
1515 RECALLS

NHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 15 recalls below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Estimated Repair Completion (Statistical)

Average repair completion across 15 recalls is ~73%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.

73%
avg repaired

Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.

SUBARU Recall Completion Rate — Industry Context
93%Excellent

SUBARU has an excellent recall completion rate (93%) — owners typically receive a remedy within 15 months.

Avg time to remedy open recall: ~15 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports

Avg Fix Time
15mo
#20V001000
Feb 2020

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

SummarySubaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (STI included), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Read full details...
ConsequenceAn inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Est. Repair Completion~75%

~25% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#20V002000
Feb 2020

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

SummarySubaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Read full details...
ConsequenceAn inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Est. Repair Completion~75%

~25% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#20V003000
Feb 2020

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

SummarySubaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Read full details...
ConsequenceAn inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Est. Repair Completion~75%

~25% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#16V361000
Invalid Date

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

SummarySubaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, and Baja vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming, or "Zone C.". These vehicles may be equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Read full details...
ConsequenceAn inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Est. Repair Completion~85%

~15% chance this vehicle is still unrepaired

Low Risk

Source: NHTSA published Takata completion data

#16V358000
Invalid Date

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

SummarySubaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, 2009-2011 Legacy, Outback, Forester, 2006-2011 Impreza, Tribeca, 2003-2006 Baja, and 2006 Saab 9-2x vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." These vehicles may be equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Read full details...
ConsequenceAn inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Est. Repair Completion~85%

~15% chance this vehicle is still unrepaired

Low Risk

Source: NHTSA published Takata completion data

#16V359000
Invalid Date

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

SummarySubaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, 2006-2008 Impreza, Tribeca, 2006 Saab 9-2x, and 2003-2006 Baja vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." These vehicles may be equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Read full details...
ConsequenceAn inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Est. Repair Completion~85%

~15% chance this vehicle is still unrepaired

Low Risk

Source: NHTSA published Takata completion data

#15V323000
Invalid Date

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

SummarySubaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Subaru Baja vehicles manufactured January 22, 2003, to July 21, 2004, 2004-2005 Impreza vehicles manufactured January 28, 2003, to May 31, 2005, 2003-2008 Subaru Legacy vehicles manufactured January 22, 2003, to May 2, 2008, 2003-2008 Subaru Outback vehicles manufactured February 18, 2003, to May 5, 2008, and 2005 Saab 9-2x vehicles manufactured February 11, 2004, to March 17, 2005. The affected vehicles are equipped with a passenger side frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture upon its deployment.
Read full details...
ConsequenceIn the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Est. Repair Completion~85%

~15% chance this vehicle is still unrepaired

Low Risk

Source: NHTSA published Takata completion data

#14V763000
Jan 2014

AIR BAGS

SummarySubaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy and Outback vehicles, and 2003-2005 Baja vehicles sold, or ever registered, in geographic locations associated with high absolute humidity. Specifically, vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Puerto Rico, Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Saipan, American Samoa, Florida and adjacent counties in southern Georgia, as well as the coastal areas of Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Read full details...
ConsequenceIn the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger’s frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Est. Repair Completion~85%

~15% chance this vehicle is still unrepaired

Low Risk

Source: NHTSA published Takata completion data

#13E065000
Invalid Date

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

SummaryAirtex 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.
Read full details...
ConsequenceA fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Est. Repair Completion~69%

~31% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#04V128000
Invalid Date

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES

SummaryON 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 THE CONTROL LEVER TAB WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS RELEASED. IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, THE THROTTLE WILL NOT RETURN TO THE IDLE POSITION AND WILL REMAIN IN AN OPEN POSITION.
Read full details...
ConsequenceIF THIS OCCURS DURING VEHICLE OPERATION, THE DRIVER COULD LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Est. Repair Completion~64%

~36% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#03V153000
Invalid Date

SUSPENSION:REAR

SummaryTHIS 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.
Read full details...
ConsequenceIF SUCH BREAKAGE OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED, CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE COULD BE AFFECTED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Est. Repair Completion~64%

~36% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#02V235000
May 2002

WHEELS

SummaryON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 6-CYLINDER ENGINES, THE ALUMINUM WHEELS MAY HAVE AN OFF-CENTER DIAMETER.
Read full details...
ConsequenceTHIS CAN RESULT IN THE EVENTUAL LOOSENING OF THE WHEEL HUB-NUTS DURING VEHICLE USAGE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Est. Repair Completion~60%

~40% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#02V282000
Invalid Date

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

SummaryCERTAIN SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS WERE PRODUCED WITH AN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED TRANSMISSION PARKING ROD. WHEN THE TRANSMISSION SELECTOR LEVER IS PLACED IN THE "P" (PARK) POSITION, THE TRANSMISSION PARK MECHANISM, THAT IS INTENDED TO HOLD YOUR VEHICLE, MAY NOT ENGAGE.
Read full details...
ConsequenceTHE VEHICLE COULD THEN MOVE/ROLL WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Est. Repair Completion~64%

~36% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#02V240000
Invalid Date

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM

SummaryON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4-CYLINDER ENGINES, THE WATER PUMP PULLEY CENTER HOLE WAS IMPROPERLY MACHINED.
Read full details...
ConsequenceIN SOME INSTANCES, THE INTERFERENCE FIT BETWEEN THE INNER WALL OF THE PULLEY CENTER HOLE AND THE WATER PUMP DRIVE SHAFT WAS NOT AS TIGHT AS SPECIFIED IN THE DRAWING SPECIFICATION. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE WATER PUMP PULLEY DISLODGING FROM THE WATER PUMP SHAFT, WHICH CAN CAUSE SEVERE ENGINE DAMAGE/SEIZURE DURING VEHICLE USAGE.
Est. Repair Completion~66%

~34% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#03V232000
Invalid Date

SUSPENSION:FRONT

SummaryON SOME PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY 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 LEFT-HAND FRONT TRANSVERSE LINK COMPONENTS WERE PRODUCED WITH POOR PAINT QUALITY. IF THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED FORM AN EXTENSIVE PERIOD IN A SALT-BELT AREA, CONTINUED EXPOSURE TO SALT COULD CAUSE THE LEFT FRONT TRANSVERSE LINK TO RUST AND EVENTUALLY BREAK.
Read full details...
ConsequenceIF THE TRANSVERSE LINK WERE TO BREAK DUE TO RUSTING, CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE COULD BE AFFECTED WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
Est. Repair Completion~64%

~36% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

LONG-STANDING OPEN
WHEELS
24.1yr open
AIR BAGS
12.4yr open
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
6.3yr open
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
6.3yr open
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
6.3yr open

⚠ One or more recalls have been open for over 5 years — may never have been repaired on this vehicle.

01/12/2014
15 total campaigns
Safety SystemsFuel SystemSuspension/WheelsEngine/PowertrainHVAC
13
Part Replacements
0
Software/OTA Updates
0
Buyback/Refund
0
High-Effort Repairs
5 recalls are over 2 years old — statistically less likely to have been completed. Verify repair status with any dealer using your VIN.
RECALL DIDN'T FIX IT

100% of complaints about "WHEELS" were filed AFTER recall campaign 02V235000 (2002-05-09) — the recall remedy may not have fully resolved the issue.

WHEELS
100% post-recall
Recall: 2002-05-090 before · 2 after#02V235000

Continuing complaints after a recall may indicate an inadequate fix, a new failure mode, or that many vehicles never had the recall performed. Verify recall completion status directly with NHTSA.

1 in 17

4 injuries reported across 62 complaints — elevated injury rate for this class of vehicle.

Complaints
Engine/Powertrain
19
Safety Systems
3 crash4 inj16
Suspension/Wheels
7
Other
7
Brakes
3
Electrical
3
Fuel System
2
Body/Structure
2
2013
1
2014
4
2015
3
2016
4
2017
6
2018
2
2019
2
2020
2
2021
3
2023
2
28% trend in recent years (improving reliability)
Declining -100%
0
Last 24 months
2
Prior 24 months
PEAKS WINTER (DEC–FEB)

37% of complaints filed in Jan & Jul — may indicate temperature-sensitive or weather-related failures.

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Engine stalling6
Electrical failure3
Fire/smoke2
Tire blowout1
Transmission slip1
Conditions Reported
Highway/high-speed (8)Cold weather (3)Rain/wet (2)Startup (2)Parking/low-speed (2)
62HIGH VOLUME
4
Crashes
4
Injuries
ODI #11546946SUSPENSION

Dealer has reported rear subframe if broken. I googled this and found recall 03v153000 which seems applicable but subaru says it does not apply to my car. Problem description seems identical.

ODI #11516278SUSPENSION

The contact's daughter owns a 2003 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made squeaking sounds. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the rear lateral link had detached from the rear subframe, and that the rear strut was leaning against the rear driver's side tire. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the rear subframe was corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 03V153000 (Suspension) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

ODI #11428528ENGINE

The contact owns a 2003 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated while driving 30 mph, the vehicle began to stall and then seized. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated a police officer assisted to push the vehicle out of the roadway. The contact stated he was able to restart the vehicle and drive to his destination. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact stated he and his daughter continued to experience the failure while driving the vehicle. The contact then took the vehicle to Fairway Subaru (2209 Laurens Rd, Greenville, SC 29607, (864) 242-5060) and the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact stated he continued to experience the failure. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

ODI #11406860SERVICE BRAKES

FOR THE LAST 2 YEARS THE FRONT BRAKES STALLED 4 TIMES ON THE HIGH WAY. I HAD TO PULL OVER, WAIT 20 MINUTES AND THE BRAKES ARE WORKING AGAIN. THE MECHANIC'S COMPUTER DOESN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG.

ODI #11388808ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

THE ELECTRICAL IN MY CAR SOMETIMES WORKS AND SOMETIMES NOT WHILE DRIVING THE LIGHTS FOR NOTIFICATION OF BRAKE OR ANS GO OFF AND ON. MY HEADLIGHTS WILL OCCASIONALLY BLINK TOO.

ODI #11361474SERVICE BRAKES

BRAKE LINE AT REAR WHEEL CONNECTOR RUSTED THROUGH AND LITERALLY BROKE A HOLE THROUGH THE VERY RUSTED METAL WHILE DRIVING AT ABOUT 30 MPH, BUT LUCKILY THIS WAS ON EMPTY ROAD AND IT EVENTUALLY STOPPED, BUT THE BRAKE PEDAL LOST EFFECTIVENESS AND THE USABILITY IS NOW DANGEROUS, SO IT IS PARKED AT HOME, WHILE MY REGISTRATION, TAX AND INSPECTION LIVES ARE ONLY HALF USED.

ODI #11298432AIR BAGS

DEADLY DEFECTIVE PASSENGER AIRBAG! AIR BAG RECALL. REPORTED ON LOCAL NEWS CHANNEL.

ODI #11242391AIR BAGS

I HAVE AN AIRBAG RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE AND HAVE RECEIVED A NOTICE TO GET IT SERVICED. WHEN CALLING MY LOCAL SUBARU DEALERSHIP THEY TOLD ME I'D BE PUT ON A WAITING LIST AND THAT THEY ARE BOOKED OUT THROUGH THE END OF THE YEAR. IN THE NOTICE IT STATES THAT THIS COULD KILL ME OR MY PASSENGERS. WAITING TILL THE END OF THE YEAR DOESN'T SEEM LIKE THEY CARE ABOUT MY SAFETY. THE DEALERSHIP WAS GUSTMAN SUBARU OF APPLETON WISCONSIN.

ODI #11230014AIR BAGS

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V358000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HUDIBURG SUBARU (210 E INTERSTATE 240 SERVICE RD, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73149, (844) 629-1630) WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE AIR BAGS WERE NOT TAKATA AIR BAGS; THEREFORE, THEY DID NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WOULD RETURN THE VEHICLE AND WANTED TO CHARGE THE CONTACT TO TOW THE VEHICLE BACK TO HIM. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED TO POSSIBLY REIMBURSE THE CONTACT FOR THE TOWING COST. THE CONTACT FELT THAT HE WAS GETTING THE RUN AROUND AND WAS OUT OF A VEHICLE FOR A WEEK. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

ODI #11120474AIR BAGS

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V358000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SUBURBAN SUBARU (14 HARTFORD TURNPIKE, VERNON, CT 06066, 860-406-7281) WHERE THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WAS INSPECTED, BUT WAS NOT REPLACED. APPROXIMATELY ONE MONTH LATER, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CALLED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE AIR BAG ILLUMINATION WAS UNRELATED TO THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 132,800.

ODI #11061248AIR BAGS

ARE THE DEALERS REQUIRED TO TURN IN THE OLD AIR BAGS THAT THEY REPLACE ON RECALL? AFTER THE DEALER "CHECKED" MY AIRBAG SERIAL NUMBER, WHICH TOOK ALL DAY, EVEN THOUGH ALL THEY HAD TO DO IS OPEN THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT AND LOOK, THE DEALER HAD ME SIGN TWO IDENTICAL PIECES OF PAPER WITH LARGE DOLLAR AMOUNTS ON THEM. THE PIECE OF PAPER I RECEIVED HAD ALL ZEROS FOR THE DOLLAR AMOUNTS, SINCE THE DEALER LIED TO ME ABOUT HAVING TO REMOVE THE DASHBOARD TO CHECK THE AIRBAG, I AM SUSPICIOUS. COULD THE DEALER USE THE PAPERS I SIGNED TO CLAIM TO HAVE REPLACED THE AIRBAG, BUT NOT DONE SO??? THE LIKELIHOOD OF THEM GETTING CAUGHT WOULD BE VERY LOW. I KNOW THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS NOT REMOVED BECAUSE OF COBWEBS THAT WERE NOT DISTURBED BETWEEN THE DASH AND THE CAR. THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT THE AIRBAG DID NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED AFTER THEY CHECKED THE SERIAL NUMBER.

ODI #11041030AIR BAGS

TAKATA RECALL. I AM ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY STATIONED OVERSEAS. I HAVE BEEN IN TOUCH WITH SUBARU AMERICA FOR OVER A YEAR AT THIS POINT TRYING TO GET MY AIRBAG REPLACED, AND THEY HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO DELIVER ON THIS. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING A POTENTIALLY UNSAFE CAR AROUND SINCE I WAS NOTIFIED IN SEPT 2016. I HAVE CALLED AND EMAILED BACK AND FORTH MULTIPLE TIMES, AND THEY HAVE FAILED TO DO ANYTHING OR FOLLOW THROUGH ON THEIR PROMISES AS WELL AS TREATED ME DISRESPECTFULLY ON THE PHONE.

ODI #11031858ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL FUEL ODOR WITHIN THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT OBSERVED A LEAK OF FLUID LOCATED UNDER THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE HOOD. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE ODOR WAS MORE STRINGENT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING. THE DIAL FOR THE AIR/HEAT WAS FRACTURED AND COULD NOT BE TURNED OFF. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 175,192.

ODI #11018715AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V358000 (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. SUBARU OF SONORA IN SONORA, CALIFORNIA WAS MADE AWARE OF THE RECALL AND STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE AND WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE IN 90 DAYS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

ODI #11014217AIR BAGS

THIS SYSTEM SAYS MY CAR IS 2003 SUBARU LEGACY. THIS IS NOT CORRECT. MY CAR IS A 2003 SUBARU OUTBACK AND HAS BEEN RECALLED AT LEAST ONCE. THE VIN AS ENTERED IS CORRECT.

ODI #10960003AIR BAGS

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V361000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

ODI #10950265AIR BAGS

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V358000 (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 NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

ODI #10934775AIR BAGS

TAKATA RECALL - I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR SEVERAL MONTHS AFTER RESPONDING TO THE RECALL NOTICE AND STILL NO NEW AIRBAG, DEALERSHIP CAN'T TELL ME WHEN IT WILL BE FIXED. THIS MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO KEEP DRIVING THIS VEHICLE. *TR

ODI #10927853AIR BAGS

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V361000 (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 NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

ODI #10927855AIR BAGS

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V358000 (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 NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

ODI #10817382FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

FOR AT LEAST 3 YRS NOW, WE'VE BEEN EXPERIENCING VERY STRONG RAW FUEL SMELL IN THE CABIN IN COLD WEATHER ESPECIALLY WHEN THE TEMP DROPS NEAR FREEZING POINT IN THE WINTER. THE FUEL SMELL IN THE CABIN HAPPENED WHEN ENGINE WAS ON AND THE CAR WAS EITHER STATIONARY, IN MOTION OF ANY SPEED IN COLD WEATHER. WE DIDN'T NOTICE THE FUEL SMELL IN THE SUMMER OR IN WARM WEATHER MONTHS. THE FUEL SMELL WAS SO BAD THAT AT TIME WE HAD TO OPEN THE WINDOWS IN THE WINTER TO AIR IT OUT. OUR BIGGEST CONCERN IS THAT IT MIGHT CATCH ON FIRE AND COMPROMISE OUR SAFETY. SUBARU HAS RECALL NO. WVK-21 FOR 2002-2003 SUBARU WRX MODELS, BUT NOT FOR OTHER MODELS WITH THE SAME ENGINE AND MODEL YEARS. PLEASE SEE THAT SUBARU INVESTIGATES THE PROBLEM AND MAKES THE APPROPRIATE REPAIRS. MANY THANKS, ANDREW

ODI #10773965FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

FUMES ACCUMULATE IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT WHEN DRIVING IN TEMPERATURES BELOW FREEZING. DEALER STATES 'DIDN'T SMELL ANY FUMES'. REPLACING EXHAUST SYSTEM DIDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM.

ODI #10676414FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

CAR WILL LEAK GAS AS TEMPERATURES GO BELOW FREEZING. LEAK IS LOCATED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT PASSENGER SIDE. *TR

ODI #10672364FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DURING COLDER WEATHER, GASOLINE FUEL FUMES EMITTED INTO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,000.

ODI #10609855TIRES,WHEELS

I HAVE HAD SEVERAL STUDS BREAK OFF OVER THE YEARS AND HAD TO REPLACE ALL OF THE STUDS ON MY 2003 SUBARU LEGACY LAST SUMMER. THE LAST EVENT OCCURRED LAST SUMMER 2013. BY THE TIME I ARRIVED AT MY 400 MILE DESTINATION, I HAD ONLY ONE STUD HOLDING MY TIRE ON. EITHER THIS IS A HUGE METAL DEFECT WITH THE STUDS OR A POTENTIAL CRIMINAL EVENT AGAINST OUR FAMILY. I HAVE KEPT ALL RECORDS FROM VARIOUS GARAGES WHICH HAVE REPLACED THE STUDS OVER THE YEARS. *TR

ODI #10582995FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

SUBSEQUENT TO FILLING GAS TANK, GASOLINE WAS OBSERVED LEAKING FROM THE REAR UNDERCARRIAGE AREA, NEAR THE REAR WHEEL DRIVER'S SIDE. APPROXIMATELY 1/2 TO 1 GALLON OF GAS WAS OBSERVED TO LEAK ONTO THE GROUND. A SLOW FUEL LEAK CONTINUES IN THE SAME AREA, AND A STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT PERSISTS UNTIL THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATES APPROXIMATELY 3/4 FULL. AT THIS POINT, NO LEAKAGE IS OBSERVED, AND A LIGHT SMELL OF GASOLINE PERSISTS. THIS REPRESENTS A DANGEROUS CONDITION AND APPEARS TO BE A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT. *TT

ODI #10565350ENGINE

BLOWN HEADGASKETS. *TR

ODI #10558992ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE CONTACT SMELLED A STRONG GASOLINE ODOR COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS OR REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,000.

ODI #10557005STEERINGCRASH

DRIVING S.IN RT LANE AT 60 MPH ON I-26, LSR EXIT, ON OVERPASS, CAR STARTED TO VEER LEFT. WHEN I CORRECTED TO RIGHT, CAR OVERCORRECTED WAY TOO MUCH, TRIED CORRECTING TO LEFT AND CAR OVERCORRECTED WAY TO MUCH AGAIN. IT STARTED GOING RIGHT AND LEFT AND SPUN IN CIRCLES (AS IF IT WERE ON ICE-IT WAS A WARM, SUNNY DAY) AND HIT THE CONCRETE DIVIDER ON THE LEFT..I BEGGED THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER TO LOOK UNDERNEATH BUT THE CAR WAS SO SMASHED DOWN IN FRONT THAT SHE COULDN'T GET UNDERNEATH TO SEE WHAT CAUSED THE FAILURE. I CALLED AND AGAIN REQUESTED HER TO DO THIS WHEN THEY HAD IT ON A LIFT AT THE JUNKYARD, BUT I DOUBT THAT IT WAS DONE. IT WAS DEFINITELY MECHANICAL FAILURE. IT HAD NEW FRONT BRAKES RECENTLY INSTALLED BY THE DEALER AND A DRIVE SHAFT INSTALLED BY CUSTOM BRAKES A FEW WEEKS BEFORE THE ACCIDENT. AN OIL CHANGE AND SERVICE WAS DONE THE WEEK BEFORE. I HAD PRIOR TO THIS NO NOTICE OF IMPENDING FAILURE OF ANY KIND. FROM THE LOOKS OF THE CAR, IT WAS AMAZING THAT I WALKED AWAY. I HAVE PHOTOS. *TR

ODI #10378172WHEELS

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 SUBARU LEGACY. LAST YEAR THE CONTACT HAD THREE STUDS BREAK OFF ON THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL AND NOW THEY HAVE THREE THAT BROKE OFF ON THE FRONT RIGHT WHEEL. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THEY HAD NEVER SEEN THIS HAPPEN BEFORE. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH A DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY HAD NEVER HEARD OF THE STUDS BREAKING OFF FROM THE WHEEL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,009 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 129,407.

ODI #10375483ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

CYLINDER HEAD GASKET FAILURE. *TR

ODI #10372747AIR BAGSCRASH1 INJURY

VEHICLE INVOLVED IN ONE CAR CRASH ON A GRADED DIRT ROAD AT NIGHT; OVERCORRECTED TO THE LEFT AFTER RIGHT PASSENGER FRONT WHEEL WENT SLIGHTLY INTO SHALLOW DITCH ON RIGHT SIDE OF ROAD. EXTENSIVE RIGHT FRONT BUMPER DAMAGE, CRUSH TO RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER DOOR, AND DISPLACEMENT OF CONSOLE TOWARD DRIVER SEAT BELT ANCHOR. AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY RESULTING IN THE DRIVERS FOREHEAD HITTING STEERING WHEEL WITH TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY (CONCUSSION) AND POSSIBLE LINEAR SKULL FRACTURE. SEAT BELT WAS WORN. (PICTURES OF POST-CRASH VEHICLE, DRIVER AND HEAD STRIKE-ZONE AVAILABLE). UPDATED 05/12 /11 *BF

ODI #10313651SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGSCRASH1 INJURY

TRAVELING WEST ON I90 NEAR MENTOR OHIO I ATTEMPTED TO STOP MY 2003 SUBARU LEGACY WAGON ON A SNOW COVERED PORTION OF THE ROAD. MY SPEED WAS ABOUT 45 MPH. TRAFFIC STOPPED SUDDENLY, AND WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES, THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP. ALSO, THE ABS BRAKE SYSTEM DID NOT ACTIVATE. FURTHER, UPON IMPACT WITH THE TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME, THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR

ODI #10276303ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

NOTICED THE SMELL OF COOLANT WHEN EXITING THE CAR AFTER DRIVING. I INVESTIGATED THIS AND FOUND A SMALL COOLANT LEAK COMING FROM THE BACK OF THE LEFT CYLINDER HEAD. THE CAR IS A 2003 SUBARU LEGACY GT W/ THE 2.5L ENGINE. I HAVE OWNED THE CAR SINCE NEW,AND HAD THE FIRST FEW SERVICES PERFORMED @ THE DEALER PURCHASED,AND EVEN HAD A TRANS RECALL REPAIR PERFORMED THERE AS WELL.THE CAR HAD AROUND 65000 MI. ON IT WHEN THE LEAK WAS FIRST NOTICED BY ME NOT THE DEALERSHIP,EVEN THOUGH IT IS A KNOWN ISSUE AS TOLD BY A SERVICE REP WHEN I QUESTIONED THEM ON IT. IT TOOK SEVERAL VISITS TO GET INFO FROM THEM ON THIS BECAUSE THEY "DIDNT WANT TO REVEAL TOO MUCH INFO" TO ME,THE CONSUMER.APPARENTLY IF SUBARUS COOLANT ADDITIVE WAS ADDED BEFORE 100,000 MI. AND DOCUMENTED @ A CERTIFIED SERVICE CENTER,SUBARU WOULD COVER THE BILL FOR A NEW CYLINDER HEAD GASKET, IF NOT THEN IT WOULD NOT BE COVERED. MY QUESTION IS IF THE ADDITIVE WAS SO IMPORTANT FOR THE HEAD GASKET TO SURVIVE BEING RUN THEN WHY WASNT IT ADDED AT THE FACTORY OR DEALER BEFORE SALE,AND WHOSE JOB WAS IT TO TELL THE CONSUMERS THAT IT NEEDED TO BE ADDED.THE BILL IS AROUND 1200$ AND FROM MY RESEARCH AND OBSERVATIONS OF VEHICLES W THE SAME MOTOR (I WORK IN THE AUTO BODY REPAIR BUSINESS) THIS HAPPENS TO MOST FAIRLY EARLY IN THE ENGINES LIFE.I THINK THAT THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY SUBARU THE MANUFACTURER,AND RESULT IN A TOTAL RECALL AND REPAIR OF THIS PROBLEM.THEY HAVE ALREADY LOST ME AS A CUSTOMER, AND ACTUALLY THE LAST TIME I TRIED CONTACT W THEM THEYRE RESPONSE WAS "WE WILL REMOVE YOU FROM OUR CONTACT LIST". *TR

ODI #10275425TIRES

TIRE VALVE STEM FAILURE. *TR

ODI #10268169STRUCTURE

BROKE TAILGATE WINDOW. GLASS SHOP INDICATED DEALER-ONLY ITEM. DEALER INDICATED NO REPLACEMENT WINDOWS EXISTED IN THE UNITED STATES. DEALER ALSO INDICATED THEY ALREADY HAD ANOTHER SIMILAR VEHICLE IN THEIR SHOP THAT HAD ALREADY BEEN WAITING 3 WEEKS FOR A WINDOW, AND THEY HAD NO IDEA WHEN ONE WOULD COME IN. VEHICLE WAS LESS THAN 5 YEARS OLD AT TIME OF INCIDENT. FORCED TO GET USED TAILGATE/WINDOW FROM JUNKYARD. NO NEW REPLACEMENT WINDOWS EXISTED IN THE UNITED STATES, EVEN THOUGH THE WINDOW WAS THE SAME ON BOTH LEGACY WAGONS (LIKE MINE) AND OUTBACK WAGONS, AND WAS THE SAME FOR AT LEAST SEVERAL MODEL YEARS. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WAS EVEN BUILT IN THE U.S. WINDOW ITSELF WAS NOT DEFECTIVE - PROBLEM WAS NO AVAILABLE REPLACEMENT PARTS. *TR

ODI #10256592ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

VEHICLE HAD COOLANT FLUSH IN DEC 2007 (39,924 MILES). COOLANT LEAKED AFTER THIS SERVICE. IN JAN 2008 (40,912 MILES) SUBARU DEALER PUT ADDITIVE IN COOLANT TO SEAL LEAK AND INDICATED MANUFACTURER EXTENDED DRIVETRAIN WARRANTY FOR THIS MODEL. IN DEC 08 COOLANT LEAKED. HEAD GASKET REPLACED 6 WEEKS AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRED (46,457 MILES). THERE WAS NO EXTENSION TO THE DRIVETRAIN WARRANTY DESPITE BEING TOLD SUCH BY SERVICE ADVISOR (APPARENTLY THAT ENDED IN 2002). SUBARU DID PAY FOR ALL BY $500 OF WORK. SUBARU ALSO INDICATED THEY WOULD NOT GUARANTEE THE DRIVE TRAIN BELT FROM FAILING AND RECOMMENDED REPLACEMENT AT MY COST. *TR

ODI #10255559FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

FUEL SMELL IN CAR WHEN TEMP, IS BELOW ~20 F. RECALL IN 2001 AND SERVICE BULLETIN IN WRX IN 2002-03. BUT NOT FOR THIS MODEL. SMELL IS OVERWHELMING AND FUEL LEAK IS VERY DANGEROUS. SOA SAYS IT IS NOT A PROBLEM FOR THIS PART. CAR ALTHOUGH IT MATCHES SERVICE BULLETIN TO THE DOT. TAKING TO DEALERSHIP TOMORROW TO GET FUEL LINE CLAMPS LOOKED AT, POSSIBLY TIGHTENED. CAN'T DUPLICATE ISSUE UNLESS VERY COLD. *TR

ODI #10251141ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT MY HEAD GASKET IS LEAKING. WILL NEED TO REPAIR FOR $1,200-1,500. *TR

ODI #10244212ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

BOTH HEAD GASKETS BLOWN ON A 2003 SUBARU LEGACY WITH ABOUT 54,000 MILES AND REGULARLY MAINTAINED BY THE DEALER CAR JUST 6 WEEKS OUT OF WARRANTY. *TR

ODI #10223572ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THE SPEEDOMETER DOESN'T WORK. *TR

ODI #10197601ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

CAR HAS 78,000 MILES. DURING REG OIL CHANGE IT WAS DISCOVERED ;HAT MY HEAD GASKETS ARE LEAKING OIL. IF NOT REPAIRED WILL CRACK MY HEADS. COST IS $2,2OO-$2,400. THIS SEEMS VERY PREMATURE FOR SUCH A SERIOUS, EXPENSIVE REPAIR TO BE NEEDED. OF COURSE WARRANTY RAN OUT @ 75,000 MILES. DIDN'T EXTEND WARRANTY BECAUSE IN THE PAST I HAVE FOUND THAT THEY NEVER COVER WHAT BREAKS. *TR

ODI #10197018STRUCTURE

I HAVE A 2003 SUBARU LEGACY SEDAN; AND WHILE TRAVELING ON ROADS WITH SPEED LIMITS OF 45 MPH OR MORE, I HEAR SWISHES FROM THE 2 FRONT WINDOWS. THEY SOUND AS IF I HAVE THEM ROLLED DOWN JUST SLIGHTLY ENOUGH TO WHERE THIS CONSTANT, AND VERY ANNOYING, WHOOSHING IS HEARD. I TRAVEL ON THE HIGHWAY EVERYWHERE I GO, AND THIS SOUND INCREASES AS VELOCITY IS INCREASED. IT'S SO I'M CONSTANTLY CHECKING THE POWER BUTTONS TO MY WINDOWS TO SEE IF I HAVE THEM ROLLED UP ALL THE WAY. ONE DAY ME AND 3 OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS; RODE IN MY CAR TO SPEND THE AFTERNOON TOGETHER AND ONCE WE HIT THE HIGHWAY, THEY ALL COMMENTED ON THE ANNOYING NOISE. THEY EVEN ASKED IF MY WINDOWS WERE ROLLED UP TIGHTLY. MOST OF THE TIME, IT'S SUPERLATIVE TO THE MUSIC COMING FROM MY RADIO. **TR

ODI #10173581POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE

I OWN A 2003 SUBARU LEGACY SEDAN. AS I PICK UP SPEED YOU CAN HEAR AN INCREASING WIND NOISE COMING FROM AROUND THE FRONT 2 WINDOWS. AT SPEEDS OF 65 MPH AND ABOVE IT GETS REALLY BAD AND IT STARTS SOUNDING LIKE A REF BLOWING HIS WHISTLE. I TAKE MANY TRIPS ON THE INTERSTATE AND IT GET REALLY BAD AND IT GETS WORSE IF THE WIND IS BLOWING. THIS IS THE ONLY PROBLEM I HAD OTHER THAN THE TRANSMISSION HESITATING AND SHIFTING HARD UPON STARTING OFF IN DRIVE. OTHER THAN THESE 2 PROBLEMS IN IS A GREAT CAR. *NM

ODI #10167691VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

FOR THE SECOND TIME (SEE MY FIRST REPORT), MY 2003 SUBARU LEGACY WAGON SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WHILE I WAS SITTING AT A STOP LIGHT. I STOOD ON THE BRAKE AND PUT THE TRANSMISSION INTO NEUTRAL UNTIL THE ENGINE STOPPED REVVING. *JB

ODI #10162515ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

I HAVE A 2003 SUBARU LEGACY SEDAN. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN "DRIVE" AND YOU ARE SITTING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT OR STOP SIGN,FOR NO APPARENT REASON THE RPM'S INCREASE BY 200 TO 330 RPM'S AND THE VEHICLE LUNGES FORWARD. THIS IS A CONSTANT ON-GOING PROBLEM AND I HAVE TO VERY CAREFUL WHEN PULLING INTO MY GARAGE TO MAKE SURE I DON'T RUN THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE BACK WALL OF THE GARAGE. I REPORTED THIS TO THE DEALER ON 2 OCCASIONS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THIS IS "NORMAL ENGINE OPERATION". THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ENGINE'S COMPUTER DETERMINES WHAT THE RPM'S SHOULD BE ACCORDING TO THE ELECTRICAL DEMAND. THIS IS AN UNACCEPTABLE EXPLANATION. YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN THE VEHICLE IS ABOUT TO LUNGE FORWARD. *JB

ODI #10148154VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

THE SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER IS NOT ACCURATE. I HAVE CHECKED IT WITH RADAR, GPS AND MULTIPLE MEASURED MILES WITH A STOP WATCH AND HAVE CONSISTENTLY CALCULATED AN 8-10% INACCURACY. FOR EXAMPLE WHEN THE CAR IS TRAVELING AT WHAT THE SPEEDOMETER READS AS 60 MPH, THE RADAR,GPS AND THE MEASURED MILE ALL INDICATE A SPEED OF 54-55 MPH. THE DEALER HAS NEVER TESTED MY VEHICLE OTHER THAN DRIVING IT NEXT TO ANOTHER VEHICLE AND COMPARING THE SPEEDS. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY NOT ACCURATE . I HAVE VOICED MY COMPLAINT NUMEROUS TIME TO THE DEALER AND TO THE FACTORY. THE FACTORY AUTHORIZED THE SPEED SENSORS TO BE CHANGED. NO CURE. THE PROBLEM REMAINS AND WORSENS AS THE TIRES WEAR AND THEIR DIAMETER BECOMES SMALLER. IF THE SPEEDOMETER IS INACCURATE THE ODOMETER COULD ALSO BE WRONG AND THIS WOULD MEAN THAT MY MILEAGE WOULD NOT BE AS GREAT AS IS INDICATED AND MY WARRANTY WOULD EXPIRE THAT MUCH SOONER. ALSO MY GAS MILEAGE WOULD BE LESS AND MY MAINTENANCE INTERVALS WOULD BE SOONER AND I NEVER REALLY KNOW WHAT MY TRUE SPEED IS. THE FACTORY INDICATED TO ME THAT THEY WOULD ONLY ACCEPT DYNONMOMETER TEST AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO DO THE TEST AT MY EXPENSE. THEY DO NOT HAVE SUCH A MACHINE AND WOULD NOT HELP ME ANY FURTHER. I HOPE THAT YOU WILL BE ABLE TO HELP WITH THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE TALKED TO OTHER 2003 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK OWNERS AND MOST OF THEM INDICATED THE SAME PROBLEM AFTER THEY WERE MADE AWARE OF THIS. I WAS TOLD BY A MECHANIC THAT 2003 WAS THE FIRST YEAR THE SPEEDOMETERS/ODOMETERS WERE ELECTRONIC. I DON'T KNOW IF THIS IS TRUE OR NOT, BUT I'M VERY SURE THAT MYSELF AND OTHER SUBARU OUTBACK OWNERS HAVE INACCURATE SPEEDOMETERS. HOPE YOU WILL INVESTIGATE THIS. *JB

ODI #10130208POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2003 SUBARU OUTBACK DEVELOPED A PROBLEM WHERE THE VEHICLE WOULD EXPERIENCE HESITATION UPON ACCELERATION AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE. ***NO ANSWER REQUIRED*** *MR THE VEHICLE LUNGED WHILE IN MOTION WITHOUT THE GAS PEDAL BEING APPLIED, THE CONSUMER HAD DIFFICULTY WITH THE AUTOMATIC SHIFTING, LACK OF POWER UPON ACCELERATION, AND ON OCCASION AN EXTREMELY LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WHEN SHIFTING, BRAKING, OR DISENGAGING THE CRUISE CONTROL WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL. *SC THE ROTORS WERE RESURFACED.*JB

ODI #10122553VISIBILITY

DT: SHORTLY AFTER BUYING THE VEHICLE SUNROOF SHATTERED. THE SUNROOF WAS OPEN AND LOUDLY CRACKED AS IF IN AN EXPLOSION. TOOK VEHICLE TO SUBARU DEALERSHIP AND THEY INSISTED A ROCK MUST HAVE STRUCK VEHICLE. AFTER INSISTING THIS WAS NOT SO OWNER AGREED TO PAY FOR REPLACEMENT. CURRENTLY, A YEAR AND A HALF LATER THIS HAPPENED AGAIN WITHOUT ANY FOREIGN OBJECT STRIKING THE SUNROOF, AND NO EVIDENCE OF ANY KIND. THE SECOND TIME THIS HAPPENED WITHOUT NOTICE AND WAS CLOSED WHEN THE CRACK WAS DISCOVERED. VEHICLE CURRENTLY AWAITING REPAIRS. CONSUMER FELT THIS SUN ROOF WAS DEFECTIVE WITH SOME SORT OF UNDUE STRESS. *AK

ODI #10122186SERVICE BRAKES, AIR

SERVICE WAS DONE AT 60,000 KILOMETERS AND BRAKE ROTORS HAD TO BE REPLACED WHICH IN MY OPINON WAS PREMATURE ON A 3 YEAR OLD VEHICLE. I HAVE OWNED JETTAS AND HONDAS WHICH HAVE GONE 5 YEARS AND 125,000 KILOMETERS WITHOUT ANY MAJOR BRAKE WORK REQUIRED.

ODI #10120362ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2003 SUBARU LEGACY IS LEAKING ANTI-FREEZE. *MR COOLANT LEAKED DUE TO A DEFECTIVE ENGINE DESIGN. THE ALUMINUM BLOCK AND HEAD DID NOT CONTRACT TOGETHER CAUSING THE PROBLEM. *SC *JB

ODI #10108438ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

NOTICED PINGING NOISE FROM ENGINE. SUBARU REPLACED BLOCK. ABOUT A YEAR LATER, HAD PINGING NOISE AGAIN, AND CAR WAS STALLING AFTER COLD NIGHT, FIRST THING IN THE MORNING. SUBARU SAID THEY DIDN'T NOTICE ANY PROBLEM, BUT I HAVE A FEELING I'LL BE GETTING ANOTHER BLOCK IN A YEAR OR SO.*AK

ODI #10095744VISIBILITY

WINDSHIELD HAS A CRACK THAT STARTS ON THE PASSENGER EDGE MIDWAY UP THE WINDSHIELD AND GOES IN TOWARD THE CENTER TOWARD THE REARVIEW MIRROR. NORMALLY I WOULD JUST THINK THIS WAS DUE TO A ROCK CHIP, HOWEVER I HAVE SEEN MULTIPLE VEHICLES (SAME YEAR/MODEL) WITH THE EXACT SAME CRACK.*AK

ODI #10079900POWER TRAIN

WHEN ACCELERATING AT ANY SPEED HESITATES FOR A COUPLE OF SECONDS. *AK THE MANUFACTURER INDICATED THAT THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE FIXED BECAUSE IT WAS A CHARACTERISTIC OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER FEELS THAT THIS PROBLEM WILL CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION OVER TIME. *NM

ODI #10080793TIRES

2003 SUBARU LEGACY, PURCHASED IN JULY, 2003, WITH FOUR FIRESTONE P20555R16 TIRES (POTENZA RE 92, M+S). LEFT FRONT TIRE BLOW-OUT @ 70 MPH ON INTERSTATE WHILE PASSING A SEMI, WITH VEHICLES BEHIND ON BOTH SIDES. AWD SYSTEM ENABLED ME TO SAFELY MOVE INTO THE RIGHT LANE AND OFF THE ROAD. TIRE FULLY EXPLODED, WITH ONLY RIM LEFT. TOOK CAR TO DEALERSHIP, TIRE UNDER WARRANTY, BUT DEALER WOULD NOT REPLACE UNDER WARRANTY, EVEN THOUGH THE TREAD WAS NOT WORN (22,000 MILES), BASED ON CIRCUMFERENCE MEASUREMENT OF TIRE COMPARED TO SPARE WHICH IS SUPPOSED TO BE THE SAME CIRCUMFERENCE. IN 30 YEARS OF DRIVING, I NEVER EXPERIENCED A TIRE BLOWOUT, AND THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I'VE HAD FIRESTONE TIRES ON A CAR. THE AUTO DEALER INFORMED US, AS WELL, THAT ALL 4 TIRES WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO THE AWD SYSTEM, AND NONE WOULD BE UNDER WARRANTY EVEN THOUGH THESE ARE NEW TIRES WITH LITTLE TREAD LOSS. *AK

ODI #10056380POWER TRAIN

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SLIPPING, ENGINE SURGING WHILE IN GEAR. *JB

ODI #10043439ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

THE CAR SUDDENLY STALLED. SUDDENLY I HAD NOTHING, NO POWER TO DO ANYTHING. THEN THE TRANSMISSION FROZE AND I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF A FREEWAY OFF RAMP. I GOT OUT AND MOTIONED PEOPLE AROUND ME. I TOOK A DEEP BREATH. THE CAR EVENTUALLY UNFROZE AND AFTER SEVERAL TRIES STARTED UP LONG ENOUGH FOR ME TO PULL OVER. I TOOK ANOTHER DEEP BREATH, PULLED TOWARDS THE PARKING AREA BUT THE CAR DIED BEFORE I PULLED IN. AFTER A FEW MINUTES PARKED, IT STARTED UP WEAKLY AND I WAS ABLE TO GET IT GOING. SO I DECIDED TO TAKE A CHANCE (THINKING IT WAS SOMETHING ODD AND WOULDN'T HAPPEN AGAIN) AND PULLED BACK INTO TRAFFIC. IT STALLED JUST BEFORE I MERGED INTO 70 MILE AN HOUR TRAFFIC. I FELT ABSOLUTELY TERRIFIED. BY THE GRACE OF GOD, I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SHOULDER. I WAITED A FEW MINUTES, GOT IT TO START AGAIN AND BACKED UP TO A SAFER PLACE, TREMBLING SO HARD I COULD HARDLY DRIVE. *LA

ODI #10043440ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

THE CAR HESITATED STARTING UP, BUT DROVE OK TO POST OFFICE ( 5 MILES FROM MY HOUSE). WHEN LEAVING THE POST OFFICE, THE CAR STALLS. IT THEN STARTED UP, AND THEN STALLED AGAIN AS IT ENTERED THE HIGHWAY. HAD TO PHYSICALLY GET OUT OF THE CAR, UNSCREW THE GAS CAP AND START CAR IN TRAFFIC. IT DIED 500 FEET LATER. I WAS ABLE TO STEER THE CAR TO THE EDGE OF THE ROAD , WHERE I UNSCREWED THE GAS CAP AND WAITED FOR 5 MINUTES. I GOT THE CAR TO START LONG ENOUGH TO PULL INTO THE NEAREST STORE PARKING LOT. IT STALLED AGAIN. CAR WOULDN'T START AT ALL. WENT INTO STORE AND SHOPPED. CAME OUT AND UNSCREWED GAS CAP. CAR STARTED , THEN STALLED. REPEATED THIS THREE TIMES UNTIL THE CAR FINALLY RAN. WAS ABLE TO DRIVE 7 MILES AND PARK THE CAR AT MY OFFICE. IT NEVER STARTED UP AGAIN. *LA

ODI #10028598AIR BAGSCRASH2 INJURIES

AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY IN MVA THAT PROBABLY TOTALED MY 2003 SUBARU LEGACY WAGON(NO OFFICIAL WORD FROM ADJUSTER YET). HIT BY A DRUNK DRIVER(BLOOD ALCOHOL LEVEL.3). HIT BY AN '83 CHEVY CITATION WITH NO FRONT BUMPER. HE WAS GOING 40-45 MPH, I WAS BRAKING MADLY FROM 42 MPH. SUBARU SAYS SENSORS ARE MOUNTED ON BUMPER, BUT EVEN SO, WHAT ABOUT SUVS AND TRUCKS. I WAS VERY LUCKY AND WALKED AWAY WITH MINIMAL INJURIES, BUT THIS FAILURE COULD HAVE KILLED SOMEONE ELSE. PLEASE LOOK INTO IT ASAP. *JB+

ODI #10023728VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

VEHICLE CONTINUES TO ACCELERATE WHILE BREAKING. THIS INCIDENT HAS HAPPEND FIVE TIMES SINCE NEW CAR PURCHASE ON APRIL 29, 2003. CAR TOWED TWICE. IN LAST INCIDENT UPON APPROCHING TRAFFIC LIGHT, BUSY INTERSECTION, CAR UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED AS I TRIED TO COME TO A STOP. ROLLED UP OFF ROAD AND HIT SIGN TO AVOID DRIVER IN FRONT. *NLM

ODI #10001926POWER TRAIN

WHEN THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED ON THE TRANSMISSION, THE DEALER BROKE THE TRANSMISSION PAN BOLT, WHICH CAUSED FLUID TO LEAK OUT, CONSUMER STATED TRANSMISSION MAY HAVE INTERNAL DAMAGE.*JB

ODI #10001641TIRES

WHILE DRIVING THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE BEAD BROKE RELEASING ALL AIR FROM TIRE. CAUSE OF THE BEAD BREAKING IS UNKWOWN. CONSUMER FEELS THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH RIMS ON VEHICLE. PLEASE DESCRIBE FURTHER.

CriticalEGR issue detected

Head gasket failure and engine overheating — EGR cooler failure is the leading cause of catastrophic engine failure on diesel engines

HighFUEL PUMP issue detected

Engine stalling at speed — fuel delivery failure can cause sudden loss of power in traffic or on highways

HighABS issue detected

Loss of brake assist and ABS in emergency — can significantly extend stopping distances

HighTRANSMISSION issue detected

Complete transmission failure — repair costs $3,000–$8,000+; vehicle may become undriveable

Annual complaints and reliability score for SUBARU Legacy — recall years marked in red
036050100202020142002200220052008201120142017202020232026Complaints/yrReliability (0–100)
Annual complaints (left axis)
Reliability score 0–100 (right axis, higher = safer)
Crash-involved complaints that year
Recall issued
Chart Analysis

The blue line shows 62 total NHTSA complaints filed over 20 years, with the worst year being 2017 (6 complaints).

The amber reliability line shows an improving trend — scores have risen from the earlier years toward 87/100 more recently, suggesting the most serious issues are older and may have been addressed through repairs or recalls.

The recalls (red dashed lines) were issued in the same year or before complaints peaked, suggesting the manufacturer identified and acted on the defect relatively quickly.

Red dots on the amber line flag 3 years (2003, 2010, 2013) where complaints included crash events — these are the highest-severity incidents in the dataset.

LIKELY EXPIREDSPECIAL COVERAGEZVW-07 / WTA-01
Subaru EJ25 Head Gasket Extended Coverage
Engine – EJ25 SOHC Head Gaskets
COVERAGE:8 years / 100,000 miles (most programs expired — verify with dealer)

2.5L SOHC EJ-series engines develop external oil and coolant seeping head gaskets due to a multi-layer steel gasket design flaw. Subaru issued two Special Coverage programs (WTA-01 and ZVW-07) over the years. Most coverage for 2002–2009 models has expired but may still apply to late-production or low-mileage examples.

HOW TO CLAIM: Visit a Subaru dealer to verify if any remaining coverage applies by VIN. Symptoms include oil seeping from head gasket area (outside of block), milky oil, or overheating. Many 2002–2009 vehicles are out of coverage — independent specialist repair is common.

Coverage eligibility depends on your VIN, original sale date, and current mileage. Always verify with an authorized dealer or manufacturer customer service — programs may have been updated since this database was compiled.

Details & Analysis
Financial
$53,614
~$894/mo over 5 yrs
$0.2/mi
cost per mile
Fuel
$10,000
Insurance (est.)
$7,500
Maintenance
$25,000
Repair Risk Buffer
$6,000
Depreciation
$5,114

Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $53,614 (~$894/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.

15 open recalls (unverified repair status)−$7,500
5 recalls over 2 years old — likely uncompleted−$2,000
Total recommended deduction−$9,500
1 critical inspection item must be resolved before purchase. Do not skip these checks.
CRITICAL
Verify Takata airbag recall has been completed
Takata inflators can rupture and send shrapnel into the cabin — fatalities have occurred. Confirm repair with NHTSA VIN lookup before purchase.
HIGH
Inspect for egr issue detected — ask for repair records
Head gasket failure and engine overheating — EGR cooler failure is the leading cause of catastrophic engine failure on diesel engines
HIGH
Inspect for fuel pump issue detected — ask for repair records
Engine stalling at speed — fuel delivery failure can cause sudden loss of power in traffic or on highways
HIGH
Inspect for abs issue detected — ask for repair records
Loss of brake assist and ABS in emergency — can significantly extend stopping distances
HIGH
Verify recall AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE has been repaired
Recall on record for: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 W
HIGH
Verify recall AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE has been repaired
Recall on record for: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 W
HIGH
Verify recall AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE has been repaired
Recall on record for: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 W
HIGH
Verify recall AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE has been repaired
Recall on record for: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, and Baja vehicles originally
HIGH
Verify recall AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE has been repaired
Recall on record for: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, 2009-2011 Legacy, Outback, F
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: SUSPENSION
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: ENGINE
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: SERVICE BRAKES
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic
For any used vehicle with a risk score above Low, a $100–$150 independent inspection is always worth it.
MEDIUM
Run a VIN check on NHTSA.gov to confirm all recalls are closed
Free at nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/recalls — enter the VIN and confirm all campaigns show as completed.
MEDIUM
Verify title is clean and check for salvage/rebuilt brands at your state DMV
Title washing across state lines is common — confirm with your state DMV before finalizing purchase.
15%
18-month
28%
2-year
Low Probability
Cumulative 2-year risk: 28%

15% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.

  • Multiple prior recalls — pattern of safety issues on this model

Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.

Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.

History & Auctions
Full Coverage
$1,270–$1,620/yr
~$106–$135/mo
Liability Only
$560–$710/yr
~$47–$59/mo
Category: Standard Vehicle
23-year-old vehicle: −28% (lower ACV reduces comprehensive/collision cost)

Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.

2017–2022 Toyota equivalent classNO CLASS ACTIONS

Toyota models consistently rank in the bottom quartile for NHTSA complaint density across all segments

2018–2022 Honda equivalent classNO CLASS ACTIONS

Honda models have below-average recall rates and no known systemic powertrain defects in recent years

2016–2022 Mazda equivalent classNO CLASS ACTIONS

Mazda has the industry's lowest complaint-per-vehicle rate in multiple consecutive NHTSA reporting years

Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.

Vehicle Identity

VIN4S3BH895737649370
Model Year2003
MakeSUBARU
ModelLegacy
TrimOUTBACK H6
Vehicle TypePASSENGER CAR

Body & Configuration

Body StyleWagon
Doors4
Drive TypeAWD/All-Wheel Drive
TransmissionAutomatic

Engine

Displacement (L)3.000000

Manufacturer

ManufacturerSUBARU OF AMERICA, INC
Assembly CityLAFAYETTE
Assembly CountryUNITED STATES (USA)

VIN Structure

WMI (Chars 1–3)4S3
Check Digit (Char 9)7
Model Year Code (Char 10)3
Plant Code (Char 11)7
Sequence (Chars 12–17)649370

Safety Data

NHTSA Recall Count15
NHTSA Complaint Count62
4
1
S
2
3
3
B
4
H
5
8
6
9
7
5
8
7
9
3
10
7
11
6
12
4
13
9
14
3
15
7
16
0
17
WMI (1–3)
VDS (4–8)
Check Digit (9)
Model Year (10)
Serial (11–17)
4
World Manufacturer
Country & region of manufacture
Position 1
S
Manufacturer
Specific manufacturer identifier
Position 2
3
Vehicle Type
Division or vehicle type
Position 3
BH895
Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)
Body style, engine type, restraint system
Position 4–8
7
Check Digit
Mathematical validation character
Position 9
3
Model Year
Year of manufacture
Position 10
7
Assembly Plant
Where the vehicle was assembled
Position 11
649370
Production Sequence
Unique serial number for this vehicle
Position 12–17
Country of Manufacture
United States
From VIN position 1 (4)
Model Year Character
"3" → 2003
Unambiguous model year
Check Digit (Pos 9)
✓ Valid
ISO 3779 weighted-sum algorithm

Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 5/30/2026, 5:53:21 AM.