1994 Subaru Legacy AWDSubaru Legacy Awd 1994

Complaint Information: Consumer Complaints, Service Bulletins, OBD II Codes

NHTSA Mandated Recalls

No recalls could be found for this vehicle. To ensure accuracy and for your safety, do a free VIN recall check here or here [USA] - UK - Canada.

Bulletins

Bulletins are notices put out by manufacturers in conjunction with the NHTSA to notify the public of manufacturing issues or changes.

  • 12-249-23R - EQUIPMENT: This bulletin announces the recommended cleaning procedures to followed when encountering vehicles with long time exposure to pollen on painted surfaces on vehicles imported from japan. This bulletin does not apply to sia built vehicles.
  • 01-167-08R - EQUIPMENT: This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the service manuals for individual models.
  • 15-302-22 - EQUIPMENT: This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.
  • 15-192-22R - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic essential information during diagnosis and repair of the infotainment concerns. (applicable to all models with harman or denso cp1 infotainment).
  • 01-167-08R - EQUIPMENT: This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the service manuals for individual models
  • 09-51-08R - EQUIPMENT: This bulletin is to advise of soa⿿s revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.
  • 14-22-16R - EQUIPMENT: To help reduce confusion and increase technician efficiency, subaru of america, inc. (soa) has developed the following cross reference list to help locate the appropriate special service tool.
  • 14-22-16R - EQUIPMENT: Special service tools cross reference list.
  • 01-181-20 - EQUIPMENT: All models (vehicle cleaning- covid-19best practices)
  • Subaru Tech Tips - EQUIPMENT: Subaru service and technical support line newletter.
  • 14-22-16R - EQUIPMENT: To help reduce confusion and increase technician efficiency, subaru of america, inc. (soa) has developed the following cross reference list to help locate the appropriate special service tool.
  • SB-05-50-10R - TIRES: Subaru: there is a steering wheel vibration at highway speeds due to an imporper wheel balance. *rm
  • 07 - EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS: Headlight bulb socket repairs. *kb
  • 035002 - SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING: New procedure for replacing rear wheel bearings. *tt
  • 114695 - UNKNOWN OR OTHER: Knock sensor. *sd
Most Recent Consumer Complaints and Accidents
CrashFireTowedInjuredDeathsFailure
Date
NoNoN NoneNone20200904

A few months ago, my son was driving my older subaru and said the brakes went down to the floor when he applied them not far from home. He pumped them and slow crept home with the car. I found a rusted out leak at the rear passenger side connection location near the frame on the side of the gas tank. I just saw there were a number of recalls for this exact same problem. I have never received or saw one before. Are they still valate? Whom do i contact for service if so? My son was just lucky he wasn't on a highway!

NoNoN NoneNone20200903

A few months ago, my son was driving my older subaru and said the brakes went down to the floor when he applied them not far from home. He pumped them and slow crept home with the car. I found a rusted out leak at the rear passenger side connection location near the frame on the side of the gas tank. I just saw there were a number of recalls for this exact same problem. I have never received or saw one before. Are they still valate? Whom do i contact for service if so? My son was just lucky he wasn't on a highway!

NoNoN NoneNone20130821

The retractable mechanized shoulder harness does not work.

NoNoN NoneNone20090618

I will be accelerating at any mph and the car will suddenly turn itself off. The battery is still powering the car (radio playing, lights on), but the engine will be completely stopped. Steering and brakes will both lock and require muscling in order to get to the roadside and stop the car. This has occurred 4 times since the date given (6/09). The first time was on the interstate and was a very close call. *tr

NoNoN NoneNone20080831

1994 subaru legacy transmission will not shift out of 1st gear. After car warms up, within a short distance the transmission fails altogether and the car will not move. After a cooling off period, the car will proceed for a short duration. This is apparently a common issue due to design deficiencies causing an over heating and component failure. It is not corrected yet. *tr

NoNoN NoneNone20080817

Fuel pump wiring shorted out in the gas tank. *tr

NoNoN NoneNone20060522

Tl*the contact owns a 1994 subaru legacy. The contact stated that the odometer stopped working for approximately one year. The vehicle was also leaking exhaust fumes, which caused her to have headaches. While driving approximately 25 mph in dry weather, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to pull over without crashing. The dealer has been notified. The current and failure mileages were 142,000. Updated 02-14-08. *kb the consumer stated have since sold the vehicle to d auto 214-629-0941 but wishes to pursue health damage in respiratory and mental anguish. Updated 02/14/08 *tr

NoNoN NoneNone20050716

Dt: 1994 subaru legacy l all wheel drive, the motorized seat belt broke. The seat belt is connected to the door, and when closing the door the motorized seat belt will not run the track to be in the proper position for safety. This is on the shoulder portion of the seat belt. The consumer was told that the lap belt alone is not safe use. Have contacted the dealer and manufacturer, and they told the consumer there is no recall on the seat belt, and the motorized seat belt was only under warranty for 3 years. The cost to replace the motor of the seat belt is at least $400. There have been others with this seat belt motor problem. Based on what the manufacturer told the consumer there was no prior warning to the motor going out, no noises, and no indicator lights, it just stopped working. *ak

NoFireN NoneNone20041209

While driving down the freeway, driver observed smoke coming from rear of vehicle. The vehicle was pulled to the side of the road, both driver and passenger exited safely, and observed flames coming from the area under the rear of the car (station wagon body, awd model) above the differential and near the gas tank. Responders quenched the fire. The vehicle was examined and found that the wiring for the fuel pump had the insulation melted off, the fuel pump gasket was comprimised, and there was evidence of flames having been in the area. Further investigation found that when the vehicle was driven short distances, the differential became "red hot". The axle was replaced, and the vehicle was driven approximately 30 miles on both interstates and secondary roads, after which the differetial was seen smoking from the heat that had built up. The vehicle was returned to the mechanic who replaced the axle a second time, with the same overheating observed. It is the mechanics' opinion that the initial fire was caused by the overheating differetial. Further, his research indicates that the overheating is caused by a faulty clutch pack and selenoid in the automatic transmission.

NoFireN NoneNone20030121

Vehicle consumed by fire. Fire inspector's report attributes cause to power steering hose separation at pump.

NoNoN NoneNone20020414

I was stopped at a light it felt like my car was rolling back, so i applied my brake and the air bag went off. The car has been tested three times at the request of sabaru corp. To see what went wrong, they can not find the reason, there was no collision, the car starts and runs, i was told it should not do this. They want me to pay $500.00 of the $1000 to repair it and i don't feel that i should have to pay for something that was not my fault.

NoNoN NoneNone20020301

Front passenger seat belt sliding retractor will not move, making use of this seat belt inoperable,

NoNoN NoneNone20020107

While driving heard a bang that came from the left front tire. Then, could hear a clocking noise. Took vehicle to dealer, where they found out that coil spring was broken just like mentioned in recall 01 v 216 000. *ak

NoNoN NoneNone20011009

Consumer stated the parking brake relase button broke, due to being made of plastic. *yd

NoNoN NoneNone20010531

Motorized seatbelt is stuck in one position. Motor still runs upon opening/closing of car door, but belt does not move in track. Two feet of track cable has fallen out of its housing.*ak

NoNoN NoneNone20010302

While driving under winter weather conditions vehicle was making noises and handling improperly. Dealership examined vehicle and determined that front coil springs were broken. *ak consumer feels that due to improper springs the following also had to be replaced, shocks, shafts, stabilizing links, and bearings. *slc

NoFireN NoneNone20001218

Vehicle experienced flame shooting out of filler neck upon taken off gas cap. Manufacturer notified, and informed consumer to take vehicle to a local dealer. Dealer claimed that nothing could be found, and dealer's technician informed consumer that static from consumer's hand may have triggered flames. Please fill free to provide any further details on this matter. *ak

CrashNoN NoneNone20001010

Consumer was traveling about 35mph on a two lane highway and there was construction on the road. There was a sudden stop in front of the lane. Consumer's vehicle was third in a three car accident. She went to apply brakes, and automatic seat belt didn't hold . She hit steering wheel. Dealership was aware of problem. Also, airbags didn't deploy.*ak

NoNoN NoneNone20000903

1st time was traveling 70mph & heard a thumping sound. Dashboard started to shake. Lost control & started going back and forth. Went left into a barrier. After vehicle stopped, checked tires and noticed right rear tire was shredded. 2nd time was the same type of problem; thumping/ dashboard shaking/ loss of control, and felt like a flat. Stopped/checked and noticed tread was partially off left front tire. Firestone, fr440, p185/70414 with 60,000 miles on right rear tire, and 65,000 miles on the left front.*ak

NoNoN NoneNone20000630

Passenger's side restraint on guiderail was not retracting. Manufacturer has been notified.*ak

NoNoN NoneNone20000602

While driving about any mph vehicle would stall without prior warning, and there was a loss of steering. This would happen more often in cold wheather.*ak

NoNoN NoneNone20000531

The consumer would fill in the information concerning gear steering box failure. *ak

NoNoN NoneNone20000515

The tailate latch handle has completely rusted out...It sometimes will not open, when it does you need a tool to relatch it down or else the door will fly open *ak

NoNoN NoneNone20000430

No summary listed for abov evehicle. *ak

NoNoN NoneNone20000316

Driver side automatic shoulder belt failed in track will not move in either direction, track cable protrudes from track. *ak

NoNoN NoneNone19991209

Shoulder belt for the driver's restraint belt system is stuck in an unusable position and will not move along the track. Dealership informed consumer how much repairs would run, and the problem has not been corrected.*ak consumer states that the wire which pulls the movable part is off the track and hanging, it failed completely sometime in june of 2001. *slc

NoNoN NoneNone19990710

Transmission is going out, and the vehicle is stalling and there is a loss of power. *ak

NoNoN NoneNone19990407

Does not engage on start-up, random engage while driving, safety is the manufacturer's responsibility! Had mechanic disengage motor, now operates manually. Est. Cost of repair- $200-$350.

NoNoN NoneNone19990402

The automatic seatbelt on the front drivers side failed. The cable has come out of the track and the anchor (around the door) no longer moves, although the belt motor still works, the belt cannot be moved into a full back position. This system should not fail and in my opinion should be the sole responsibility of the manufacturer. Subaru has now, after some calls, offered pay for the parts if i pay the labor for installation of a complete new kit for the track, etc. Is this a safety defect that subaru should be solely responsible for? I have been told by an independent mechanic that the seatbelt system should be lubed once a year to prevent the $450 failure that ocurred in this vehicle. However, there is no mention of this in the owner's manual. Your help is appreciated. Please contact me if you have further questions. *mjs

NoNoN NoneNone19990213

No past problems with the car, but now has a leaking gas tank

NoNoN NoneNone19990210

We have a 1994 subaru legacy. When the car was out or warranty, the driver side retractable shoulder harness broke. We complained to subaru and they fixed it at no cost to us in 1999. It wasn't working agian and we paid to have it fixed in 2000.About one year ago it broke again. The shoulder harness would not retract. We were told by subaru they would not help us. Now we find out that it is a ticketable offense not to have a shoulder harness. There is a lap blet and an air bag. So we called sabaru and they told us they would be reponsible for 50% of the bill. We went to the subaru dealer yesterday and was told that it would be $1140 to fix it. We feel that is an excessive amount for a safety item. I called them back and they will not help me out. This safety belt is poorly designed and they have admitted and redesigned it in future models. Our belt automatically retracts when you turn on the car and has a cable and a motor. There is also a federal law that saftey belts are guarenteed for life. Even the lap belt on this vehicle needs replacement as the stiching is coming out. *ak we would like some help in malking subaru responsible for our safety while we are driving this vehicle. Ellen goldberg

CrashNoN 1 Injured1 Dead19980903

My fiancee was killed when his car was involved in a roll over accident due to tread separation on a firestone tire. *ak (tiresize: p185/70r14)( dot number: tire size: p185/70r14 )

NoNoN NoneNone19980830

Driver's shoulder belt got stuck in a forward position, causing shoulder belt to be inoperative, which wont protect the occupant in event of an accident. Please provide further information. *ak

NoNoN NoneNone19980812

While accelerating onto a freeway on-ramp, the overdrive went out, causing loss of power. Driver was able to shift to 3rd gear and get disabled vehicle off the freeway.

NoNoN NoneNone19980618

Automatic seat belt failed.

NoNoN NoneNone19980211

Motor drive belt failed.

NoNoN NoneNone19971031

Anti-lock brakes failed.

NoNoN NoneNone19970818

When shutting the door the seat belt will move halfway up the door and then quit. The seat belt light constantly stays on because the seat belt is not working properly. *ak the seat belt does not work at all. *yd

NoNoN NoneNone19970713

Shoulder harness attached to door is stuck & remains open. Happens rather when door is locked/unlocked or engine is on or off. *ak

NoNoN NoneNone19970530

The automatic shoulder belt on the driver's side is inoperative due to the shoulder belt which is locked in the track. Consumer has contacted the dealer. Please provide any further details. *ak

NoNoN NoneNone19970530

The driver's side seat belt retractor is stuck at the mid-point of the seat belt track assembly, causing the seat belt not to function. *ak *slc

NoNoN NoneNone19970524

Shoulder belt: automatic shoulder belt on the driver's side will not engage as it should when in use. Belt is loose, therefore, feels like it is useless. *ak

NoNoN NoneNone19970330

Front motorbelts failed.

CrashNoN 1 InjuredNone19961016

Consumer had auto accident on 10/18/96 and air bags did not deploy and seat belts did not hold him. *ak

NoNoN NoneNone19960429

Motorbelts failed three times. (qcaw)

CrashNoN 1 InjuredNone19960413

Vehicle parked, put vehicle in drive position, went open throttle, impact 12:00 position speed unknown, driver side air bag did not deploy

NoNoN NoneNone19951031

The sun visor shaft broke off causing the sun visor to fail. Yh

NoNoN NoneNone19950723

When brakes were applied and they would vibrate really hard and sometimes they go out. Please describe. Tt

NoNoN NoneNone19950523

The transmission gets stuck sometimes trying to get into third gear. The dealer says there is nothing more they can do to try and correct problem. Tt

NoNoN NoneNone19950522

After only 7k the brake rotors had to be turned, because of excessive griding sounds. Tt

NoNoN NoneNone19950510

While driving, suddenly throttle stuck to floor wide open, causing vehicle to accelerate out of control. Tt

NoNoN 1 InjuredNone19950212

Finger was caught in the seat belt retractor which caused injury. Tt

NoNoN 1 InjuredNone19940508

Hydraulic shocks make hatchback difficult to close, resulting in injury. *dh

NoNoN NoneNone

Because the seat belt does not retract automatically i have to climb under the sholder belt when geting in and out of the vehicle i would have thought thet the safe operation of a major item required by law would have to be serviceable for the life of the vehicle not as in this case the half life. *ak

NoNoN NoneNone

Motorized seat belts on driver's side failed to work. Remained in the same position at top of door track. Have to unclip shoulder belt to get in or out of vehicle. Lap belt separated. Took vehicle to dealer & mechanic refused to repair seat belt due to being over 100,000 miles. *ak

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