Two problems related to check engine light on have been reported for the 2001 Subaru Legacy. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2001 Subaru Legacy based on all problems reported for the 2001 Legacy.
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!!.
Repeated cold engine hesitation to the point of stalling when gaining speed from a stop. Manufacturer repeatedly stated that there is no fix and the problem was a "condition of operation"characteristic of all 2001 and 2002 engines, that owner would have to warm the engine prior to use and burn a higher grade of gasoline. Engine light on at time of first service with code p0133. Replaced a/f sensor did not fix problem. Condition was not disclosed to me at the time of purchase. Dealer warms engine prior to customer test drive. After being refused a refund, I traded in the car 11/14/01 at oconner vw, augusta me. Informing owner of dealership about problem.