Two problems related to engine and engine cooling have been reported for the 2002 Subaru Legacy. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2002 Subaru Legacy based on all problems reported for the 2002 Legacy.
Extreme gas smell in cold weather until car heats up when running heat/defrost. Known issue in other models that warranted a recall.
For 30000 miles motor was quiet then developed a severe knock on cold start up that always lasts until the car warms up.