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Safety and Reliability Ratings > 2002 > Subaru > LEGACY

2002 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK AWD
Station Wagon
All wheel drive


CARFAX has collected the industry's leading used car safety and reliability ratings into one, convenient report. With this report, you'll know the safety and reliability of your next used car. All information presented in this report is specific to the 2002 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK AWD. Please view the CARFAX Vehicle History Report for the detailed history of a specific used SUBARU.

 

CARFAX Safety Section One  Safety:

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CARFAX Safety Section Two  Reliability:

Use this information to check how reliable a vehicle model is before you buy.


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NHTSA Crash Test Results National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration
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Frontal Crash: Rating:   NHTSA Five Star Legend
Driver Not Tested  
Passenger Not Tested  
Side Crash: Rating:  
Front Seat Rating 5 of 5  
Rear Seat Rating 5 of 5  
Rollover Resistance: Rating:  
Rollover Resistance Not Tested  

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides 3 different ratings - full-width frontal crash test , side impact crash test , and rollover resistance . The frontal crash test indicates how well the safety features and restraints will protect an occupant in a head-on collision. The side-impact test conveys the chance of a severe chest injury, while the rollover resistance rating estimates the risk of rolling over in a single vehicle crash. Go to NHTSA to learn more about these results.


IIHS Crash Test Results Highway Loss Data Institute
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IIHS Crash Test Results for the 2002 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK AWD are not available in CARFAX Safety & Reliability Ratings.




Low-Speed Damage Repair Highway Loss Data Institute
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Front Crash Description: Front Crash Cost:
Front into flat barrier   Not tested by IIHS
Front into angle barrier   Not tested by IIHS
Rear Crash Description: Rear Crash Cost:
Rear into flat barrier   Not tested by IIHS
Rear into pole   Not tested by IIHS
Average Damage Per Test   Not tested by IIHS

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts four 5 mph crash tests to assess bumper performance. These results convey how well this 2002 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK AWD bumpers will protect the car body from damage in low-speed collisions. Low-speed damage repair costs are obtained from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute.


Injury, Collision, & Theft Indicators Highway Loss Data Institute
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Index: Score: Rating:
Injury Index 64 Substantially better than average
Collision Index 65 Substantially better than average
Theft Index 31 Substantially better than average


These scores are stated in relative terms, with 100 being the average for all cars in each category. Scores greater than 100 represent higher risk in each category. For example, an injury indicator score of 122 means that a passenger in this model is 22% more likely to be injured in an accident. The injury, collision, and theft indicators for this 2002 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK AWD are provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute. Learn more about these results.



Safety Recalls
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NHTSA Safety Recalls:
Important: The following recalls were issued for the 2002 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK AWD by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA). To find out if a specific 2002 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK AWD still has open recalls that require repair, CARFAX recommends contacting an authorized dealership for more information.

Recall date: 03-12-2002
Units potentially affected: 1,252
NHTSA campaign number: 02V079000
Defective part or component: BRAKES:HYDRAULIC:MASTER CYLINDER
Description: On certain passenger vehicles, the brake master cylinders may not function properly in ambient temperatures below freezing 32 degrees Fahrenheit and lower). At these temperatures, the brakes may not release after being applied, even when the driver's foot is no longer on the brake pedal. This can occur withour prior warning, possibly resulting in a crash. Dealers will replace the master cylinders. Owner notification began March 21, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
Recall date: 10-30-2002
Units potentially affected: 172,564
NHTSA campaign number: 02V282000
Defective part or component: POWER TRAIN:TRANSMISSION:AUTOMATIC
Description: Certain sport utility and passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions were produced with an improperly manufactured transmission parking rod. When the transmission selector lever is placed in the "P" (Park) position, the transmission park mechanism, that is intended to hold your vehicle, may not engage.
Recall date: Not reported
Units potentially affected: 170,000
NHTSA campaign number: 03V153000
Defective part or component: SUSPENSION:REAR
Description: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, CERTAIN REAR SUSPENSION SUBFRAME COMPONENTS WERE PRODUCED WITH POOR PAINT QUALITY WHICH, AFTER CONTINUED EXPOSURE TO CORROSIVE ROAD SALTS FOR A PERIOD OF SEVERAL YEARS, COULD RESULT IN RUST-OUT OF THE COMPONENT AND POSSIBLE BREAKAGE OF THE SUBFRAME. IF SUCH BREAKAGE OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED, CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE COULD BE AFFECTED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. DEALERS WILL CLEAN AND RUST-PROOF THE REAR SUSPENSION SUBFRAME. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JUNE OR JULY 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
Recall date: 04-12-2004
Units potentially affected: 127,580
NHTSA campaign number: 04V128000
Defective part or component: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES
Description: On certain passenger sedans, wagons, and sport utility vehicles, the cruise control cable could come out of its track on the cruise control lever and lodge on the control lever tab when the accelerator pedal is released. If this condition occurs, the throttle will not return to the idle position but remain in an open position. If this occurs during vehicle operation, the driver could lose control of the vehicle, which could result in a crash. Dealers will install a cruise control cable retaining clip to the cruise control lever tab on the throttle shaft in order to prevent the cruise control cable from coming out of its track. Owner notification began on April 12, 2004. Owners should contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783.


This 2002 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK AWD safety recall information was provided by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Data Loss Institute and is derived from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration list of safety recalls. Please call the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236) to report safety defects or to obtain information on cars, trucks, child seats, and highway or traffic safety. CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by the National Highway Traffic and Saftey Administration, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



Looking at a Specific 2002 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK AWD?
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J.D. Power Ratings
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Ownership: Rating:
Initial Ratings (up to 1 year)  
Overall Quality Rating 2.5 of 5
  Mechanical Quality Rating 2.5 of 5
  Feature and Accessory Quality Rating 2.5 of 5
  Body and Interior Quality Rating 3 of 5
Overall Appeal Rating 2.5 of 5
  Performance Rating 3 of 5
  Comfort Rating 3 of 5
  Feature and Instrument Panel Rating 2.5 of 5
  Style Rating 3 of 5
Midterm Ratings (1-3 Years)  
  Mechanical Reliability No data from source
  Feature and Accessory Reliability No data from source
  Body and Interior Reliability No data from source
Long Term Ratings (3-5 Years)  
Overall Dependability Rating 3 of 5
  Mechanical Dependability Rating 2.5 of 5
  Feature and Accessory Dependability Rating 3.5 of 5
  Body and Interior Dependability Rating 4.5 of 5

J.D. Power and Associates uses selected highlights from the firm's quality and customer satisfaction syndicated studies to create the Power Ratings at the model-level. These ratings and awards are based on model rankings within each vehicle segment, whereas Power Circle Ratings compare all models across segments.

All information provided by J.D. Power and Associates is proprietary information owned by J.D. Power and Associates and is protected by U.S. and international copyright law and conventions. Reproduction of this information, in whole or in part, by any means is prohibited without the express written consent of J.D. Power and Associates, other than printing copies of the JDPA content by site visitors for their personal use. J.D. Power and Associates® is a registered trademark of J.D. Power and Associates.



Identifix Reliability Ratings
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Category: Comments: Rating:
Engine Occasional problems on this vehicle are failures of the Air Fuel Ratio Sensor and Knock Sensor. An additional problem is failure of the Cylinder Head Gaskets. Problems with the Air Fuel Ratio Sensor can cause drivability issues and may also cause the Check Engine Light to illuminate, in some cases the Engine Control Module (ECM) may need to be reprogrammed as well. Problems with the Knock Sensor will cause the Check Engine Light to illuminate. Cylinder Head Gasket failure can cause an engine coolant leak and may also cause the engine to overheat. The cost to replace the Air Fuel Ratio Sensor is estimated at $149.95 for parts and $45.50 for labor. The cost to reprogram the ECM is estimated at $97.50 for labor. The cost to replace the Knock Sensor is estimated at $97.00 for parts and $65.00 for labor. The cost to replace the Cylinder Head Gaskets is estimated at $75.00 for parts and $520.00 for labor. All prices are estimates based on $65.00 per flat rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable sales tax. Significant Problems
Transmission & Driveline Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Steering & Suspension Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Brakes Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Heating & Air Conditioning Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Starting & Charging Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Accessories Infrequent problems reported, all with low repair costs Minimal Problems
Identifix Legend


This 2002 SUBARU LEGACY reliability information was provided by Identifix. Identifix is the nation's largest technical support service for the aftermarket auto repair industry. CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by Identifix, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



Intellichoice Cost of Ownership & Value Rating Intellichoice
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Cost of Ownership (2002 - 2006):
Category:    Outback 4 Dr Wagon:
Depreciation $9,347
Financing $4,979
Insurance $6,125
State Fees $431
Fuel $4,104
Maintenance $3,055
Repairs $730
Total 5-Year Ownership Cost $28,771

Ownership costs are the costs to purchase and operate a vehicle over a period of time. Understanding these costs can save you money and help you make a wiser financial decision when it comes time to select a vehicle. Intellichoice is one of the leading providers of automotive information in the U.S.

Original Manufacturer Warranty
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Coverage: Years/Mileage:
Basic 3 years or 36,000 miles  
Drivetrain 5 years or 60,000 miles  
Emissions No data from source  
Corrosion 5 years with Unlimited mileage  
Transferable No data from source  
Roadside Assistance Roadside assistance is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles.  
Safety Belt & Inflatable Restraint No data from source  
Specific Components 8 years or 80,000 miles  
Notes: Transferable: no cost, unlimited owners covered. Roadside assistance provided during the new vehicle basic warranty period on all 2001 and newer models. Adjustments and wear items covered for 3/36,000 on all 2001 and newer models. Adjustments may be performed one time during the new vehicle warranty. Seatbelts covered for life of vehicle. Subaru postal vehicles carry specific warranty limitations. Manufacturer covers emissions components under basic warranty. Emissions coverage may vary by state. Refer to owners manual for specific details. J&L Warranty Pros recommends performing a vehicle information report to confirm applicable manufacturer warranty coverage.  

This 2002 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK AWD warranty information has been provided by J&L Warranty Pros.


New Car Test Drive Review
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Category: Review:
Summary:

Wild in suburbia, mate.
By Dan Lyons, NewCarTestDrive.com

Subaru's line of Outbacks can conquer the worst road conditions, and the Outback Wagons continue to serve as sensible alternatives to big, heavy sport-utility vehicles. They are practical, comfortable, useful vehicles.

The VDC and Bean models inject power, luxury and enhanced traction into the relentlessly sensible Subaru lineup. Six-cylinder engines coupled with the latest electronic stability control systems improve safety and increase performance at the same time. Though loaded with features, these top two models are also pricey. At $31,895, the Outback VDC is priced close enough to invite comparisons with base models from upscale manufacturers, for example, the Volvo Cross Country ($36,500), Lexus RX300 ($35,955), and Acura MDX ($34,370).

The best values in the Outback lineup remain the less expensive and highly competent four-cylinder models, starting at $22,895.

Overview:

Having released a six-cylinder Outback last year, Subaru has further expanded the line for 2002 with two additional six-cylinder models. Four-cylinder Outbacks continue nearly unchanged.

With either engine, Outback offers an attractive alternative to a bulkier, truck-based sport-utility. Even the powerful six-cylinder versions rate 20/26 mpg city/highway, and while that's not exactly economy-car territory, it's significantly better than the 15/20 mpg you can expect from even a mid-size SUV. Four-cylinder Outbacks deliver more than adequate performance, and get 22/27 mpg.

An Outback won't wring your wallet dry, and it it'll ride and handle much better than a truck. Yet it will give you a tall seating position, large cargo capacity, and foul-weather capability. In other words, the Outback will give you most of the positive attributes of an SUV. Unless you're genuinely interested in serious off-road adventure (and most SUV buyers are not), the Outback gives you everything you need. It works great on wet pavement, dirt roads, and on snow and ice. It's even fun to drive on dry pavement. And isn't that really where you drive most of the time?

Read the complete 2002 Subaru Outback review

© 2002 NewCarTestDrive.com

CARFAX does not review, validate or edit the information and statements provided by NewCarTestDrive.com, which do not represent the opinion of CARFAX.



Awards
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View awardees recognized by Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds.com, Polk Automotive, and J.D. Power and Associates.



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