NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
77 reports48,000 miles · Dec 24, 2013
Fuel System, Gasoline
PURCHASED VEHICLE IN SOUTH CAROLINA AND DROVE IT BACK TO NORTHERN KENTUCKY. IT PRODUCED APPROXIMATELY 380 MILES ON ONE TANK OF FUEL. NOTE: IT WAS WELL INTO THE 50-60 F RANGE OUTSIDE WHILE DRIVING DURING THAT TIME. SUBSEQUENT FILL-UPS IN NORTHERN KENTUCKY (WITH OUTSIDE TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 10-30 F) PRODUCED 160-225 MILES IN-…
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PURCHASED VEHICLE IN SOUTH CAROLINA AND DROVE IT BACK TO NORTHERN KENTUCKY. IT PRODUCED APPROXIMATELY 380 MILES ON ONE TANK OF FUEL. NOTE: IT WAS WELL INTO THE 50-60 F RANGE OUTSIDE WHILE DRIVING DURING THAT TIME. SUBSEQUENT FILL-UPS IN NORTHERN KENTUCKY (WITH OUTSIDE TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 10-30 F) PRODUCED 160-225 MILES IN-TOWN. I EXPERIENCED A VERY STRONG, RAW FUEL ODOR IN THE PASSENGER CABIN. IT WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC AND THEY FOUND "NOTHING WRONG." THIS OF COURSE, DOES NOT MEAN THERE IS NOTHING WRONG. THE FUEL LINES WERE CHECKED AND TIGHTENED EVEN THOUGH THEY WERE NEITHER LOOSE NOR WORN. AFTER READING THE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM FROM OTHER OWNERS, IT SEEMS THAT SUBARU OWES ME AND MANY OTHERS A RECALL. TODAY IS ABOUT 14 F OUTSIDE AND I DROVE THE SUBARU 16 MILES. THE FUMES WERE SO UNBEARABLE I HAD TO PULL OVER AND WAIT FOR THEM TO SUBSIDE. THIS SEEMS LIKE NOT ONLY AN EMISSIONS VIOLATION, BUT ALSO A FIRE AND HEALTH HAZARD. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10557169
180,005 miles · Dec 15, 2011
Wheels
FAILED FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10440112
Mileage unknown · Nov 2, 2011
Service Brakes, HydraulicSuspension
THIS CAR WAS "INSPECTED" ON JULY 25, 2011 AT AFFORDABLE AUTO GLASS, 806 ELM STREET, WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA (MASSACHUSETTS INSPECTION STATION PB 024377). UPON PURCHASING THIS CAR IN OCTOBER, 2011, I ATTEMPTED TO GET A RI INSPECTION STICKER FOR IT WHEN REGISTERING IT IN RI. IT FAILED ON SEVERAL COUNTS (BALD TIRES, BAD REAR BRAKES, 2…
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THIS CAR WAS "INSPECTED" ON JULY 25, 2011 AT AFFORDABLE AUTO GLASS, 806 ELM STREET, WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA (MASSACHUSETTS INSPECTION STATION PB 024377). UPON PURCHASING THIS CAR IN OCTOBER, 2011, I ATTEMPTED TO GET A RI INSPECTION STICKER FOR IT WHEN REGISTERING IT IN RI. IT FAILED ON SEVERAL COUNTS (BALD TIRES, BAD REAR BRAKES, 2 BAD FRONT AXLES). I WOULD LIKE THIS STATION INVESTIGATED TO FIND OUT HOW THIS CAR COULD HAVE PASSED A MASS INSPECTION ONLY 3 MONTHS BEFORE I BOUGHT IT. IN ADDITION TO THE FAILED ITEMS, ONE FRONT BRAKE CALIPER WAS FROZEN AND THE BRACKET HOLDING THE OTHER FRONT BRAKE CALIPER WAS BROKEN.
NHTSA ODI #10434608
Mileage unknown · May 19, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling
WHEN I PUT ON THE BRAKES TO STOP THE CAR THE ENGINE STALLS OUT.. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10402139
100,000 miles · Mar 4, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SUBARU LEGACY GT. THE CONTACT STARTED THE IGNITION AND SMELLED A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL INSIDE OF THE CABIN. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ONLY IN FREEZING WEATHER TEMPERATURES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND REMAINED THERE FOR SEVEN DAYS TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THE PROBLEM. THERE WAS A RECA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SUBARU LEGACY GT. THE CONTACT STARTED THE IGNITION AND SMELLED A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL INSIDE OF THE CABIN. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ONLY IN FREEZING WEATHER TEMPERATURES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND REMAINED THERE FOR SEVEN DAYS TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THE PROBLEM. THERE WAS A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V393000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS). THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED THE IDENTICAL FAILURE AS MENTIONED IN THE RECALL. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 03/29/11*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER REPLACED THE HOSES UNDER RECALL 00V393000, ALTHOUGH HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WILL HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL THE WINTER TO SEE IF THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN RECTIFIED. UPDATED 08/19/11
NHTSA ODI #10386423
54,000 miles · Feb 22, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling
TOOK MY 2001 BH5 GTB E-TUNE FOR SERVICE AT SUBARU KENYA. DEALER BLED THE OIL WITHOUT REPLACING IT(AS I FOUND OUT LATER). CRUISING AT 80KPH, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, CAR LOST ALL POWER, WAS TOWED BACK TO DEALER. DEALER SAID ENGINE HAD CEASED, SO THEY OVERHAULED IT. SAME THING HAPPENED AFTER 234KM. DEALER SAYS THEY DO NOT UNDER…
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TOOK MY 2001 BH5 GTB E-TUNE FOR SERVICE AT SUBARU KENYA. DEALER BLED THE OIL WITHOUT REPLACING IT(AS I FOUND OUT LATER). CRUISING AT 80KPH, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, CAR LOST ALL POWER, WAS TOWED BACK TO DEALER. DEALER SAID ENGINE HAD CEASED, SO THEY OVERHAULED IT. SAME THING HAPPENED AFTER 234KM. DEALER SAYS THEY DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHAT PROBLEM WAS AND ARE UNABLE TO FIX IT, SO I HAD TO PURCHASE A NEW ENGINE. FHI JAPAN SAYS MY INITIAL ENGINE WAS NOT BUILT FOR AFRICAN MARKET. SURELY, THEY SHOULD HAVE KNOWN BETTER. I AM SO MAD AT SUBARU KENYA( THE MOST INEXPERIENCED SUBARU DEALERS IN THE WORLD) AND FHI JAPAN!! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10384028
30,000 miles · Feb 1, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline
DURING THE WINTER MONTHS, WHEN THE TEMPERATURE IS IN THE 20'S OR BELOW, THERE IS A STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE IN THE CABIN WHEN THE CAR IS IDLING AND WHEN I TURN ON THE HEATER FAN. THE SMELL REMAINS IN MY GARAGE AFTER I STOP THE CAR. MY SON, WHO IS A MECHANIC TIGHTENED THE FUEL LINES WHICH SEEMED TO HELP A BIT BUT THIS PROBLEM HAS…
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DURING THE WINTER MONTHS, WHEN THE TEMPERATURE IS IN THE 20'S OR BELOW, THERE IS A STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE IN THE CABIN WHEN THE CAR IS IDLING AND WHEN I TURN ON THE HEATER FAN. THE SMELL REMAINS IN MY GARAGE AFTER I STOP THE CAR. MY SON, WHO IS A MECHANIC TIGHTENED THE FUEL LINES WHICH SEEMED TO HELP A BIT BUT THIS PROBLEM HAS PERSISTED EVERY WINTER. THERE WAS A RECALL IN 2001 BUT SUBARU MAINTAINS THAT THE RECALL DOES NOT APPLY TO MY VIN NUMBER AND SAYS THAT I NEED TO BRING THE CAR IN AND PAY FOR THE DIAGNOSIS. THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS DETAILING EXACTLY THE SYMPTOMS OF MY PROBLEM ON THE WEBSITE, ARFE WHICH LEADS ME TO THINK THAT THE PROBLEM SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY A BROADER RECALL BY SUBARU.
NHTSA ODI #10380589
130,000 miles · Jan 24, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK. THE CONTACT NOTICED A FUEL SMELL AND WHEN SHE WOULD TURN THE HEATING SYSTEM ON, THE SMELL BECAME UNBEARABLE, FORCING THE CONTACT TO ROLL THE WINDOWS DOWN. THE FAILURE BEGAN OCTOBER 2010. NEITHER THE DEALER OR MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED NOR WAS THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED OR RE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK. THE CONTACT NOTICED A FUEL SMELL AND WHEN SHE WOULD TURN THE HEATING SYSTEM ON, THE SMELL BECAME UNBEARABLE, FORCING THE CONTACT TO ROLL THE WINDOWS DOWN. THE FAILURE BEGAN OCTOBER 2010. NEITHER THE DEALER OR MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED NOR WAS THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 130,000. UPDATED 09/28/11*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE GAS SMELL ONLY OCCURRED WHEN THE TEMPERATURE WAS BELOW 30 DEGREES. UPDATED 10/05/11
NHTSA ODI #10378477
7,000 miles · Jan 16, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline
RAW GAS LEAK IN COLD WEATHER HAS BEEN A PERSISTENT PROBLEM, OVERWHELMING ODOR IN PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AND AFTER PARKING IN BASEMENT GARAGE. THIS WAS BROUGHT TO DEALERS ATTENTION AT FIRST SERVICE WHEN CAR WAS NEW AND DEALER COULD NOT IDENTIFY ANY PROBLEM. I UNDERSTAND THIS IS STILL A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS YEAR AND MODEL …
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RAW GAS LEAK IN COLD WEATHER HAS BEEN A PERSISTENT PROBLEM, OVERWHELMING ODOR IN PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AND AFTER PARKING IN BASEMENT GARAGE. THIS WAS BROUGHT TO DEALERS ATTENTION AT FIRST SERVICE WHEN CAR WAS NEW AND DEALER COULD NOT IDENTIFY ANY PROBLEM. I UNDERSTAND THIS IS STILL A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS YEAR AND MODEL VEHICLE FOR WHICH THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL.
NHTSA ODI #10377741
128,000 miles · Jan 7, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SUBARU LEGACY. UPON ENTERING THE VEHICLE THE CONTACT COULD SMELL A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THIS WAS A KNOWN FAILURE DUE TO THE FUEL LINES SHRINKING IN COLD WEATHER. AN UNKNOWN REPAIR WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. A FEW WEEKS LAT…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 SUBARU LEGACY. UPON ENTERING THE VEHICLE THE CONTACT COULD SMELL A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THIS WAS A KNOWN FAILURE DUE TO THE FUEL LINES SHRINKING IN COLD WEATHER. AN UNKNOWN REPAIR WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. A FEW WEEKS LATER THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE SMELL WAS MOST PROMINENT DURING THE DAY. ALTHOUGH THE SMELL WOULD SOMETIMES OCCUR WHEN THE HEAT WAS ON AND IT INTENSIFIED WHEN THE FAN WAS TURNED ON. THE PROBLEM BEGAN AT THE END OF NOVEMBER. THE SMELL WAS MOST PRONOUNCED WHEN THE TEMPERATURE DROPPED INTO THE TWENTIES. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE LOOKED FOR EVIDENCE OF A GAS LEAK, BUT WAS UNABLE TO FIND ANYTHING. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THERE AS DESIGN/DEFECT IN MATERIALS. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THERE WAS NO RECALL ON HER VEHICLE AND SUBARU DENIED ANY RESPONSIBILITY BECAUSE OF THE AGE AND MILEAGE OF THE VEHICLE. UPDATED EVOQ 01/31/11. UPDATED 2/23/11 *CN UPDATED 12/06/2011 *LN
NHTSA ODI #10375054
Official recalls
7Mar 16, 2004
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS DURING VEHICLE OPERATION, THE DRIVER COULD LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A CRUISE CONTROL CABLE RETAINING CLIP TO THE CRUISE CONTROL LEVER TAB ON THE THROTTLE SHAFT IN ORDER TO PREVENT THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLE FROM COMING OUT OF ITS TRACK. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 12, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
Apr 22, 2003
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 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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF SUCH BREAKAGE OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED, CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE COULD BE AFFECTED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL CLEAN AND RUST-PROOF THE REAR SUSPENSION SUBFRAME. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 14, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
Oct 30, 2002
CERTAIN 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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE VEHICLE COULD THEN MOVE/ROLL WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PARKING ROD ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION JANUARY 8, 2003. AN INTERIM OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BE SENT DURING NOVEMBER 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
Feb 7, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUALLY-ADJUSTABLE (NON-POWERED) SEATS. CERTAIN INNER FRONT SLIDE RAIL LATCH MECHANISMS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY WELDED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF AN INNER SLIDE RAIL LATCH MECHANISM BREAKS DUE TO IMPROPER WELDING, FORWARD AND REARWARD SEAT ADJUSTMENT WILL NO LONGER BE POSSIBLE. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SLIDE RAILS COULD BREAK, EXPOSING THE OCCUPANT TO A RISK OF INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE ONE OR BOTH FRONT SEAT INNER SLIDE RAILS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 30, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
Nov 21, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A CASTING FLAW IN THE RIGHT FRONT BEARING HOUSING COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING IF THE CASTING FLAW SHOULD EXIST IN THE TIE-ROD ARM.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CASTING FLAW COULD CAUSE GREASE LEAKAGE, FRONT WHEEL BEARING FAILURE DUE TO LOSS OF GREASE, OR LOSS OF STEERING DUE TO TIE-ROD END SEPARATION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE ALL FRONT BEARING HOUSINGS WITH A LOT NUMBER OF OF15.
Nov 21, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. INCORRECT BEIGE REAR CENTER SEAT BELT WEBBING WAS INSTALLED. THE BELT LENGTH IS TOO SHORT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE SEAT OCCUPANT WOULD NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE ALL BEIGE COLORED REAR CENTER LAP/SHOULDER BELTS WITH LOT NUMBER 0171.
Nov 21, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. POSSIBLE FUEL LEAKAGE OF UNDER-HOOD FUEL HOSES AT LOW AMBIENT TEMPERATURES (-40 DEGREES C) ONCE THE FUEL HOSES AGE AND BECOME LESS FLEXIBLE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR UNDER-HOOD FUEL HOSES WITH LOT NUMBERS 0804 AND 0806 AND ALL FUEL HOSES WITH THOSE NUMBERS WILL BE REPLACED.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗