2002 Subaru Legacy Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict
Quick Facts · 2002 Subaru Legacy
- Has 5 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump.
- Scores 7 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2004 Subaru Legacy earns a 75.
- The system most likely to surface first: engine head gaskets (2.5l ej25) (major severity).
Should You Buy the 2002 Subaru Legacy?
The 2002 Subaru Legacy is a capable, all-wheel-drive sedan or wagon that offers excellent foul-weather traction and decent practicality. However, it is plagued by well-documented and costly head gasket issues on the 2.5L engine, alongside significant rust susceptibility, which elevate its long-term ownership risks and makes a pre-purchase inspection absolutely critical.
Biggest Strengths
- Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
- Robust manual transmission options
- Strong resale value (if well-maintained)
Top Risk Areas
The systems that break first on the 2002 Subaru Legacy. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.
NHTSA Recalls
5 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
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.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES
ON 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.
What breaks on the 2002 Subaru Legacy?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Subaru Legacy by Year
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Subaru Legacy. Click any year for its full report.
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Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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