Two problems related to service brakes 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.
When the vehicle starts going around 55 - 60 mph, the car starts shaking vigorously. The wheel also shakes which also concerns me. Moreover, when I start to slow the car down, a rattling noise constantly shakes my car including my wheel from side to side. I think there might be an alignment problem with my vehicle since my check engine light turns on and off frequently.
Nhtsa ref # 302836, safety issue, brakes rotors rust to point of failure, Subaru service told me they were a safety concern. VIN [xxx], 2002 Subaru Legacy l, 43,351 miles, repair parts, Subaru, front brakes pn's 26296ae220 & 26300ae00c, rear brakes pn's 26700ae04c & 26696ae020 replaced on all 4 wheels. I have never had to replace brakes on any of the many vehicles I have driven over forty plus years of driving. The service rep looked to see if there was a recall which tells me they have had safety recalls. I originally went to the dealer to have my oil changed and while in the waiting room a sales person came out and spoke to a priest who owned a 2008 outback and the sales person ask if he wanted to trade his vehicle before it needed brake work. My experience tells me that my braking distance was compromised by many feet of stopping distance. The total cost of repair was $966. 48. I have all the documents to validate statements made on this complaint. I called Subaru of America, they we not interested in my complaint if it did not meet one of their two criteria which were, was the car in warranty or was there a recall, they were not interest in understanding a safety problem, they did offer me $500 for a new Subaru . Reference number for Subaru was ref # 1-1103069413. Brake rotor design is observing the laws of physics and over designing the rotor so the heat at full load is not so great to cause braking fade and continuous overheating of the brakes causing them to rust. Complained on 5/21/10 the brakes were making noise and were not working properly noted on service work order no response from dealer on brakes. This vehicle is in show room condition. I have had numerous safe driver courses and awards. I have been trained to look ahead in traffic and slow the vehicle with the intent never to having to stop preventing a rear end collision and conserve fuel. My contention is the brakes are designed to meet full load with no safety margin. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).