Generation-specific owner insights from 18+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
Should I buy a 2009–2014 Legacy?591
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2009–2014
85
recall campaigns
power train
most-complained area
Our take, from owner reports
Owners generally view the 5th generation Legacy as a solid, comfortable, and reliable daily driver that excels in snow and can reach high mileage with routine maintenance.
14 problems reported (1 very frequent, 5 recurrent, 8 isolated) · high confidence
Multiple owners report failures between 124k-172k miles, with replacement costs ranging from $1,700 for used units to over $9,000 for new ones; the CVT is a sealed unit that cannot be rebuilt.
Owners describe the 2013 as "probably the worst year for oil burning issues" due to a brand-new engine with teething problems, fixed in 2014.
Multiple owners report overheating and coolant loss traced to head gaskets, though owners note this generation has fewer issues than earlier EJ engines.
Multiple owners mention consuming wheel bearings, with one joking the car "should reliably consume 1-2 wheel bearing per year.".
Owners report this code persisting after valve body replacement, requiring harness probing and resistance testing.
Owners attribute this to torque converter clutch wear or failing torque converter.
One owner notes the plastic end tanks on the intercooler are known to fail.
One owner reports radiator failure and replacement for around $100.
One owner mentions this as a believed issue.
One owner reports the housing opening being too narrow for most LED bulbs, requiring front-end disassembly.
Mentioned in one discussion about a 2015 model, not this generation.
One owner reports a loose ground connection causing dashboard warning lights.
One owner describes Subaru paint as "junk" and recommends paint protection film.
Mentioned once in the context of earlier generation models, not confirmed for this generation.
Owners do not declare a single consensus best version, but the 3.6R is noted as a desirable variant, with one owner mentioning a clean 3.6R Limited with under 100k miles commanding roughly double the price of a salvage-title example. The 2010 model year is mentioned positively by one owner who reached 120k miles with only general maintenance, and the 2011 is noted as having reached 205,000 miles. The 2013 2.5L is specifically called out as the worst year for oil burning issues due to a new engine design with teething problems that were fixed in 2014.
Owners compare it most often with the 2011 Toyota Corolla, 2017 Hyundai Elantra, 2016 Ford Edge, 2019 Ford Fusion and 2014 Ford Fusion.
Is a 2009–2014 Legacy right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
Owners generally view the 5th generation Legacy as a solid, comfortable, and reliable daily driver that excels in snow and can reach high mileage with routine maintenance. The most significant and recurring concern is the early CVT transmission, which owners describe as having reliability issues, being expensive to replace (often $2,000-$9,000+), and being a sealed unit that cannot be rebuilt. The 2.5L engine is praised for lasting well past 200,000 miles when maintained, though the 2013 model year is singled out as having oil consumption issues due to a new engine design. Owners also note that head gasket problems are less prevalent in this generation compared to earlier EJ engines, and that the car is relatively easy to work on for DIY owners.
Owners comparing the Legacy to competitors note that while the Subaru may lack newer technology and interior refinement compared to cars like the 2017 Elantra, it will outlast and outperform competitors if properly maintained. The CVT is described as dynamically "ehhh" compared to traditional automatics, but the Legacy is considered slightly more reliable than comparable Fords of similar years. One owner comparing a 2012 Legacy to a 2017 Elantra chose the Hyundai for newer features and ease of driving, though acknowledged the Subaru's superior longevity. Several owners cross-shopping against Ford models cited transmission and engine issues in the Fords around similar mileages, making the Subaru the more dependable choice despite its older design.
Owners recommend avoiding early CVT years, with one owner stating "these early years for the CVT's are a bit rough" and another noting "the quality of early CVTs" as a concern when considering a 2009. For the 2.5L, the 2013 model year should be avoided unless documentation shows the engine was replaced, as it had oil consumption issues from a new engine design. The 3.6R appears to be a more robust choice, though CVT concerns still apply to automatic models. Owners also recommend checking whether the timing belt and head gaskets have been addressed on higher-mileage examples, and verifying CVT fluid service history since Subaru's "lifetime fluid" claim is widely disputed.
This generation is best suited for buyers who want a comfortable, snow-capable sedan that can reach 200,000+ miles with proper maintenance, and who are either prepared for potential CVT replacement costs or can find a manual transmission example. Owners strongly advise having any prospective purchase inspected by a mechanic, checking for rust underneath (especially in salt-belt states), verifying CVT fluid service records, and confirming whether the timing belt and water pump have been replaced around the 100k mark. The 2013 2.5L should be avoided unless there is documented proof of engine replacement. Buyers should also be wary of sellers who misrepresent the vehicle, as one dealer incorrectly listed a base model as a GT, and should check for rodent damage and mold in cars that have sat for extended periods.
Owners frequently note that this generation has fewer head gasket issues than earlier EJ25 engines, with one stating "far fewer headgasket issues than earlier ej25 engines" and another confirming these engines use MLS head gaskets. The CVT fluid debate is prominent, with owners disputing Subaru's "lifetime fluid" claim and recommending service around 60k miles per the Japanese manual. One owner reports a CVT failure at 102k miles despite the warranty being extended to 100k because the manufacturer "knew it was problematic." The 2013 model year's electronic parking brake is noted to release by itself if not manually released when starting to drive. Owners also warn about the dangers of working on running engines with loose hair, and recommend checking for animal droppings under seats and spare tire covers in used examples. Analysis based on approximately 18 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 53 | 10 | air bags |
| 2013 | 66 | 12 | engine |
| 2012 | 90 | 16 | power train |
| 2011 | 167 | 16 | power train |
| 2010 | 150 | 18 | power train |
| 2009 | 65 | 13 | air bags |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
2014 · parking brakecampaign 18V626000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with a manual transmission. The electronic parking brake (EPB) may not engage as intended, allowing the vehicle to rollaway if the transmission is not in the proper gear when parked.
2014 · air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator modulecampaign 19V007000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Forester, 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, Legacy, and 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
2014 · air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator modulecampaign 19V009000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
2014 · air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator modulecampaign 19V008000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, and Legacy vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
2014 · electrical system:ignition:switchcampaign 19V297000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy vehicles, 2005-2014 Outback vehicles and 2006-2008 Tribeca vehicles equipped with a mechanical key ignition switch installed as a replacement part. The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switch. If this occurs, the weight on the key ring and certain road conditions could cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.
2014 · visibility:windshield wiper/washer:motorcampaign 16V694000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Legacy vehicles manufactured November 26, 2008, to June 7, 2013, and 2010-2014 Outback vehicles manufactured January 9, 2009 to June 7, 2013. Due to contamination, components within the windshield wiper motor bottom cover may interfere with each other. If an obstruction, such as a buildup of snow or ice prevents the wiper arms from being able to stop in the parked position, the wiper motor may overheat and the bottom cover may melt.
2014 · power train:automatic transmissioncampaign 13V336000
Subaru of America is recalling certain model year 2014 Legacy 3.6R and Outback 3.6R and 2013 Tribeca vehicles manufactured June 12, 2013, through June 28, 2013 and equipped with 5-speed automatic transmissions. In the affected vehicles, the parking rod may come loose inside the automatic transmission.
2014 · air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator modulecampaign 20V001000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (STI included), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
2014 · air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator modulecampaign 20V003000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
2014 · air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator modulecampaign 20V002000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
2013 · air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator modulecampaign 19V009000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
2013 · air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator modulecampaign 19V007000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Forester, 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, Legacy, and 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
20 more recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Owner insights summarize real ownership discussions for this generation only. Complaint and recall data is public NHTSA (US) information. Always verify recalls against your VIN at nhtsa.gov.