2002 Subaru Legacy engine problems

Filed Feb 25, 2023 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

Extreme gas smell in cold weather until car heats up when running heat/defrost. Known issue in other models that warranted a recall.

Filed Jan 5, 2020 · Brakes, Engine · 165,000 miles · NC

When the vehicle starts going around 55 - 60 MPH, the car starts shaking vigorously. The wheel also shakes which also concerns me. Moreover, when I start to slow the car down, a rattling noise constantly shakes my car including my wheel from side to side. I think there might be an alignment problem with my vehicle since my check engine light turns on and off frequently.

Filed Jan 5, 2015 · Engine, Fuel system · MN

A strong fuel smell began entering the car through the heating vents on the car. This has only been noticeable since the temperature dropped below 25 degrees fahrenheit. There was a also a noticeable trail of gasoline in the snow following the car.

Filed Dec 20, 2012 · Engine, Fuel system · 51,683 miles · AK

When starting the vehicle "cold" in cold outdoor temperatures (10 f or below) there is a very strong smell of raw gasoline in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The odor is coming into the passenger compartment via the heating/cooling vents; if the heating/cooling fan is turned off the passenger compartment does not become filled with gasoline fumes. The odor is strong enough that I am concerned about the possibility of a fire. The odor is strong enough that after driving the vehicle after a cold weather start my clothing smells like gasoline. This has been a recurring problem whenever the vehicle is started in cold weather. The problem occurred tonight at a temperature of 0 f. The problem has been occurring since before the date above, but I did not realize I could file a complaint until now. Continental motors, authorized subaru serviced reported on the problem after vehicle was serviced on 2012 dec 14: "199 car designed to run rich when very cold. No problem found. No fuel leak noted." I am a former vw mechanic and I know that when a vehicle runs rich there should not be gasoline fumes in the passenger compartment - subaru's explanation is illogical.

Filed May 17, 2010 · Engine · 126,955 miles · CA

Car had been parked for 2 1/2 days. On cold start it made a horrible noise, check engine light came on and car died. I towed it to an auto repair shop. They said noise was internal motor noise. I authorized r&r of the oil pan and the found the #3 rod bearing spun. This vehicle has never been abused nor neglected and I have service records showing every service done on time. All oil changes were done every 3500 miles. Also.. At 92k miles my car developed a head gasket leak. Subaru has a warranty extension for 99-2002 subaru legacy headgaskets up to 8 years or 100,000 miles. Subaru declined coverage on my vehicle due to VIN # being outside of VIN # group they had extended.

Filed Aug 18, 2008 · Engine · 40,000 miles · AK

Engine began leaking coolant at an accelerated level. Online research yielded a campaign for repairs that extends the warranty of the known issue. The wwp-99 campaign coverage was denied by the manufacturer.

Filed Jul 24, 2007 · Engine · PA

Started with a burning smell, when having my car inspected, I was advised that I head a small head gasket leak. (my car was recalled and had the stop leak put in it) obviously it didn't work. The leak is worse and I am scheduling an appointment, wondering where the money is going to come from to fix a problem subaru was aware of , ie. The recall!

Filed Apr 17, 2006 · Engine · 65,501 miles · CA · 1 injury

Coolant leak. Dealer unsuccessfully attempted to seal. Dealer replaced one of two head gaskets($1328.00). Dealer denied any recall. Found subaru service program wwp-99 on internet, same model year, engine and problem. Dealer and subaru are denying any responsibility saying car not included in VIN range.

Filed Feb 26, 2006 · Engine · 93,000 miles · NY

Leaking head gasket.

Filed Jul 1, 2004 · Engine · 30,000 miles · MA

For 30000 miles motor was quiet then developed a severe knock on cold start up that always lasts until the car warms up.