The 2000 Subaru Legacy has 6 recalls, the most serious involving a steering knuckle arm that was incorrectly assembled and can cause a sudden and complete loss of steering control.
Two recalls address a related suspension problem where an anti-rust coating was incorrectly applied to the mounting surface of the transverse link bracket. Over time, the coating shrinks, the bracket bolt loses its holding torque, and the suspension link can separate from the frame entirely, making the vehicle very difficult or impossible to control. A separate rear suspension recall applies only to vehicles registered in certain northern and mid-Atlantic states, where a component can crack and break while driving, raising the risk of a crash. The two remaining recalls are compliance issues: the headlamp bulbs on certain vehicles are missing required regulatory markings, though no specific safety risk has been identified for either.
At a glance
What can fail
Rear suspension subframe components have poor paint quality that allows rust to develop after years of exposure to road salt, potentially causing the subframe to break.
What the fix does
Dealers will clean and apply rust-proofing treatment to the rear suspension subframe at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
High/Low beam headlamp bulbs lack the required 'DOT' marking mandated by lighting standards, though they meet all performance and design requirements.
What the fix does
No action needed. Headlamp bulbs installed since February 8, 2000 have the correct marking. Existing bulbs perform safely despite missing marking.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The left steering knuckle arm was assembled incorrectly, which can affect steering stability.
What the fix does
Dealers will check the tightness of the left tie-rod end castle nut and install a new cotter pin.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
H1 low-beam headlamp bulbs lack required DOT markings, not meeting lighting system standards.
What the fix does
No action needed. Bulbs meet all performance and design requirements despite missing markings.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Anti-rust coating was incorrectly applied to the mounting surface where the transverse link bracket bolts to the vehicle body. This coating reduces bolt torque over time, causing the bracket to loosen and the transverse link to separate from the frame.
What the fix does
The anti-rust coating will be removed from the mounting surface if needed, and the mounting bolts will be retightened to the correct specification.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Anti-rust coating was incorrectly applied to the transverse link mounting surface. The coating shrinks over time, reducing the bolt tension that secures the transverse link bracket to the vehicle body.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the vehicle, remove the anti-rust coating from under the left transverse link mounting bracket if needed, and retorque the bolt to specification.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
