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2000 Subaru Legacy transmission problems

14 complaints (15% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 76,000. 1 crash reported.

owner complaints
14
of this car's complaints
15%
typical mileage
76,000
crashes
1
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Automatic transmission
    9
  • Clutch assembly
    2
  • Manual transmission
    1
  • Automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch
    1
  • Automatic transmission: cooling unit and lines
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Subaru Legacy transmission problems in other years

1990199520002005201020152022

Specific symptoms reported on the 2000 Subaru Legacy transmission

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Transmission failure 6

Related recalls

Power train: driveline: center support bearingReported September 17, 1999 · 13 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
This can result in loosening of the bracket and subsequent separation of the transverse link from the vehicle frame.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 99V249000 · Recall details

What 2000 Subaru Legacy owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 22, 2009 · Acceleration, Transmission · 103,000 miles · WV

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

Filed Dec 5, 2008 · Engine, Transmission · 120,000 miles · PA

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.

Filed Mar 4, 2008 · Transmission · 77,600 miles · NH

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.

Filed Nov 30, 2006 · Transmission · 45,926 miles · OH

Summary the transmission failed with 45,926 miles. It was a catastrophic failure caused by a manufacturing defect in the differential assembly rack and pinion. The gears have microscopic cracks and the teeth broke off at 30-35 MPH. The cracks are visible to the naked eye. The transmission shop that repaired the vehicle, said it was the second subaru that had a similar failure. I have asked subaru to review the case. Subaru indicated the failure was due to preventive maintenance issues not a product defect and refused to absorb any of the repair costs of $1695. I have the parts that failed and I will re-contact subaru, request that a zone rep look at the failed components, and review the case again.

Filed Dec 28, 2005 · Acceleration, Transmission · NE

Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle hesitated when applying the accelerator pedal. This happened every time the pedal was applied. The vehicle was calibrated to factory specifications. Other vehicles on the lot were driven and they had the same hesitation. The manufacturer stated this was a common problem with this vehicle. No repairs have been made. *ak updated 01/19/06.

Filed Mar 7, 2005 · Transmission · 85,000 miles · CA · crash

New transmission was put in at around 40k miles. Now the car is at 85k miles. I was driving down the street and gave my car a little gas. The car reved and accelerated for no reason, but I looked at my gauges and nothing looked out of the ordinary, so I kept driving. About 5 minutes later, I was pulling into my neighbor's driveway going about 2 miles per hour (her car was about 7 feet away) when the car accelerated (like I had floored the gas pedal), and I crashed into her parked car. After car is fixed (there is extensive damage to my car), I will take to my subaru dealer. It is still under an extended warranty.

Filed Feb 11, 2005 · Transmission · 76,000 miles · ME

At about 76,000 miles, very occasionally, the car hesitated before engaging in drive. The problem started occurring more often recently, and now at 82,000, according to a subaru dealer, the transmission apparently needs to be replaced. I am trying a "flush" before replacing the transmission. I believe subaru should warranty their transmissions for more than 60,000 miles or recall the part in the transmission that fails.

Filed Jan 12, 2005 · Transmission · 70,000 miles · CT

While at a stop light the gear seemed to lock. The vehicle would not move. Consumer placed the vehicle into a lower gear, and placed the emergency lights on, drove to the mechanic, who changed the transmission fluid. . The engine runs. But transmission seems to be defective.

Filed Jul 22, 2004 · Transmission · 30,000 miles · WA

While subaru does not regard their defective clutch mechanism as a safety problem, I have had two incidents in which in fact my safety has been on the line. I am annoyed at the casual attitude subaru has demonstrated on this issue, and I have gotten excuses or shrugs over the problem. This is the stuttering clutch problem that is apparently well know to subaru and clutch operators of their cars since the late 90's. I am a veteran clutch user, this is not operator error. In my conversation with subaru, they acknowledge that there is an incidence of this problem, and that it was covered by a service bulletin. Relevant internet forums contain many complaints and questions on this problem. The two incidents I have had that qualify this as a safety issue involve the car being unexpectedly unable to move through traffic as cars approached me. If another car had proceeded normally from my stopping place, there would have been no problem with oncoming traffic, but my car will, with increasing regularity, not move properly when it is asked to do so. In the cases I am reporting, as I moved away from a stop, the clutch had begun to engage, moved me into the intersection, but then it has gone into its lurching routine that stops me in front of approaching traffic. Only when I stop and re-engage the clutch several times in succession can I get out of traffic. Subaru will not routinely repair this problem. I have talked to dealers three times, and have received dismissive explanations. One dealer could not duplicate my problem to their satisfaction. I do believe that this is a safety problem, not a mere technical issue. The clutch problems are apparently widespread, and it would not surprise me if accidents have occurred as a result of this problem.

Filed Dec 9, 2003 · Transmission · VA

Transmission failed after 67,500 miles, within the warranty time period but out of the milage limit. Dealer cannot find a replacement.

Questions about the 2000 Subaru Legacy transmission

Does the 2000 Subaru Legacy have transmission problems?

Owners have filed 14 complaints about the transmission of the 2000 Subaru Legacy, 15% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2000 Subaru Legacy transmission problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 76,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2000 Subaru Legacy transmission?

Yes, 1 recall: 99V249000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Subaru Legacy have bad transmission?

The Subaru Legacy model years with the most transmission complaints are 2010 (50 complaints), 2011 (47 complaints) and 2012 (34 complaints).

Other 2000 Subaru Legacy problems

Engine 17Tires 17Suspension 13Acceleration 10Body 8Brakes 7Electrical 6Fuel system 5Airbags 3Seat belts 3Steering 3Visibility 3Lights 1Seats 1Wheels 1

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