2001-2003 Subaru Legacy, Outback, Forester, Impreza, and Baja Recall
Subaru announced on Thursday (11-7-03) that they would be recalling 163,243 2001-2003 Legacy, Outback, Forester, Impreza, and Baja models sold in the United States. The recall effects the transmission parking rod that may break or bend causing the car to roll. The inside scope is that the rod that halts motion in the transmission was made too short that over time and stress may break or bend causing the car to roll out of park.
Subaru discovered the problem themselves and say no incidents have been reported involving the faulty transmission. They plan on issuing recalls to the owners (that means me) soon and will have parts available at the dealerships in January.
February 14th, 2004 at 1:52 pm
I am having a problem with my 2001 forester L transmission, whereby when I have it in ‘drive’ it takes several seconds for it to actually get into gear, and when it’s cold and I’m on an uphill slope, I have to use the parking brake to get it moving, even though it’s an automatic. Is this problem covered under the recall?
February 14th, 2004 at 1:53 pm
I meant to say it’s a 2000 forester.
March 24th, 2004 at 7:32 am
I have the same hesitation when I switch from reverse to drive with my Forester. My local mechanic suggested replacing the filter for the transmission and said only Subaru could do it, but when I took it to Subaru, they told me they only replace transmissions–they don’t repair them. I am disgusted to the tune of $3600.oo.
April 6th, 2004 at 6:30 pm
Have 2000 Legacy which is doing exactly what J Boster car is doing. Estimate to replace $3700. So far no one else will touch it.
August 31st, 2004 at 5:56 pm
I am having a couple of problems with my 2001 subaru forester. When at a stop sign or light, the car hesitates when I put my foot on the gas for a few seconds then boom, it jumps into gear which feels like someone rear ended you. The second problem, when I am stopped on a slope in drive mode, the car drifts back as if it’s in reverse when I step on the gas. I have to give it alot of gas or put it in park and then drive again to get the car to move forward. I have taken it a subaru dealer
but they say then can’t seem to get the car to repeat the problem; so therefore they won’t fix it. the car doesn’t do it all the time it seems to be sporadic. Help!!!