2002 Subaru Legacy
Introduction
The 2002 Subaru Legacy is a midsize sedan that offers a comfortable ride, reliable performance, and all-wheel drive. It is powered by a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated boxer engine that produces 165 horsepower and 166 lb-ft of torque. The Legacy is available with a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission.
Engine (2.5-liter, boxer)
Valve Cover Gasket Leak: Description/Symptoms: Oil leaking from the valve cover area, visible as an oily residue around the top of the engine. Solution: Replace valve cover gaskets. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ Recalls: None Found
Head Gasket Failure: Description/Symptoms: Coolant or oil leaking from the head gasket area, overheating, and decreased engine power. Solution: Replace head gaskets. This is a major repair that requires engine disassembly. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+ Recalls: None Found
Transmission (4-speed Automatic)
- Transmission Slippage: Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping or hesitating during gear changes, especially when accelerating or shifting into overdrive. Solution: Replace worn clutches or other internal transmission components. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,500+ Recalls: None Found
Transmission (5-speed Manual)
- Synchronizer Wear: Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting into certain gears, especially second gear, due to worn synchronizers. Solution: Replace worn synchronizers. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,200+ Recalls: None Found
Suspension
Rear Sway Bar Link Failure: Description/Symptoms: Worn sway bar links can cause knocking or clunking noises from the rear suspension. Solution: Replace sway bar links. Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+ Recalls: None Found
Strut Top Mounts: Description/Symptoms: Worn strut top mounts can cause noise, vibration, and decreased handling. Solution: Replace strut top mounts. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ Recalls: None Found
Electrical
Alternator Failure: Description/Symptoms: Charging system issues such as dimming headlights, dead battery, or warning lights. Solution: Replace alternator. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+ Recalls: None Found
Battery Drain: Description/Symptoms: Battery draining prematurely, even with the ignition off. Solution: Diagnose and repair electrical components causing the drain. Estimated Cost to Fix: Dependent on the specific issue Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Plastic Bumper Clips Breaking: Description/Symptoms: Plastic bumper clips may break due to age or impact, causing the bumper to sag or come loose. Solution: Replace broken clips. Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150+ Recalls: None Found
Interior
Climate Control Panel Malfunction: Description/Symptoms: Climate control panel buttons or lights may stop working or become intermittent. Solution: Replace control panel. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ Recalls: None Found
Dashboard Rattling: Description/Symptoms: Dashboard may rattle or creak over bumps or rough roads. Solution: Identify and secure loose components or add anti-rattle tape. Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+ Recalls: None Found
Summary
Overall, the 2002 Subaru Legacy is a reliable and practical vehicle. However, it is not without its potential issues, especially as they age. The most common problems include engine oil leaks, head gasket failure, transmission slippage, and suspension component wear. While these issues can be costly to repair, they are generally not overly severe and can be addressed with regular maintenance and timely repairs.