Subaru Legacy 6th generation (2014–2019)
Generation-specific owner insights from 18+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
Should I buy a 2014–2019 Legacy?
718
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2014–2019
24
recall campaigns
electrical system
most-complained area
What owners say about this generation
Our take, from owner reports
Owners generally view the 6th generation Legacy as a solid, comfortable, and capable daily driver, particularly praising the 3.6R engine and AWD capability.
14 problems reported (3 very frequent, 4 recurrent, 7 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentCVT transmission failure (2.5L models)
Multiple owners report complete transmission failure between 90,000-138,000 miles, with replacement costs ranging from $1,700 (used) to over $10,000 (new at dealer). Some owners report grinding noises for 18 months before failure.
- Very frequentCVT hesitation/lurching/shuddering
Owners report hesitation when coasting or from stops, often resolved or improved by fluid changes. Some cases progressed to transmission failure.
- Very frequent"Lifetime fluid" misinformation leading to transmission damage
Multiple owners report being told the CVT fluid never needs changing, only to experience issues; owners strongly recommend drain and fill every 30,000-40,000 miles.
+ 11 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentPoor paint quality
Owners describe paint as "junk," with chipping and clear-coat issues reported.
- RecurrentInfotainment screen delamination
Reported on 2019 models, with a known warranty extension (CP1) for Harman Gen3.1 units.
- RecurrentApple CarPlay connectivity issues
Owners report intermittent failures, sometimes traced to incorrect wiring or software bugs requiring updates.
- RecurrentWheel bearing failure
Multiple owners report front and rear wheel bearing failures before 100,000 miles.
- IsolatedOil consumption (2.5L)
One 3.6R owner reports a quart every 1,000 miles after 150,000 miles; the 2013 model year is noted as worse but that is a different generation.
- IsolatedHead gasket or cam carrier oil leaks
One owner reports a diagnosed head gasket leak at 93,000 miles; others suggest it is more likely cam carriers or timing cover, and a small external leak may not be urgent.
- IsolatedTPMS sensor battery failure
One owner reports sensors dying around 2019 model year, with the light degrading from showing pressure to no data.
- IsolatedBattery drain issues
One owner reports parasitic drain possibly related to amplifier or head unit, with a class-action settlement mentioned for battery issues.
- IsolatedActive grille shutter codes (P05A0/P05A1)
Reported on a 2015 model; owners say it is not serious, fixable with actuator replacement or calibration.
- IsolatedDoor hinge bolt corrosion
One owner reports weathered bolts falling out of the front driver door on a 2019 model.
- IsolatedDog-tracking after collision repair
One owner reports a 2017 model that dog-tracks badly after frame repair, with the car appearing twisted.
The version owners recommend
The 3.6R is the consensus pick. Owners describe it as a solid, reliable car they would buy again, with one reporting 197,000 miles with only an oil consumption issue appearing after 150,000 miles. The 2.5L engine is considered acceptable but the CVT pairing is the main liability. The 2017 3.6R specifically receives praise for longevity.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Honda Accord, Toyota Avalon, Ford Fusion, Ford Edge and Hyundai Sonata.
Is a 2014–2019 Legacy right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
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Overall sentiment
Owners generally view the 6th generation Legacy as a solid, comfortable, and capable daily driver, particularly praising the 3.6R engine and AWD capability. The 2.5L models draw more criticism, with the CVT being the most frequently cited weak point: owners report transmission failures, hesitation, and warn strongly against believing the "lifetime fluid" claim. Paint quality is described as poor, and infotainment issues (CarPlay bugs, screen delamination) are recurrent complaints. Later model years (2017-2019) are viewed more favorably than earlier ones, with the 2015-2016 model years seen as riskier for CVT problems.
Positioning vs competitors
Owners cross-shopping the Legacy against the Honda Accord and Toyota Avalon note the Accord is considered the better overall car with a more engaging driving experience, while the Avalon is seen as overpriced with less comfortable seats. The Legacy's main advantage cited is AWD capability for winter conditions, though owners in milder climates acknowledge this is often unnecessary. The 3.6R is compared favorably against the Accord V6, with the CVT feeling acceptable with the torquier engine. Some owners recommend the Lexus GS350 as a more bulletproof alternative with a better ride, sacrificing rear seat fold-down practicality. Ford and Kia/Hyundai competitors from similar years are generally described as less reliable.
Recommended configurations
The 3.6R Limited or Premium trim with the 3.6R engine is the most recommended configuration. Owners advise avoiding early 2.5L models (2015-2016) due to CVT concerns. For the 2.5L, the 2017 and later model years are preferred. The 2019 3.6R is noted as a good choice if priced reasonably, though owners warn that $20k is the going rate and suggest looking for lower mileage examples.
General recommendations
Owners recommend this generation for buyers needing AWD in a comfortable mid-size sedan, particularly in snowy climates. The 3.6R is the engine to seek out for reliability and driving satisfaction. For 2.5L models, prefer 2017 or newer. Before purchasing any example, owners strongly advise verifying CVT fluid service history: many dealerships claim "lifetime fluid" which owners universally reject; the Japanese market manual specifies service at 60,000 miles. A pre-purchase inspection should include checking for CVT hesitation or shuddering, head gasket or cam carrier oil leaks (often misdiagnosed as head gasket failure), and active grille shutter codes (P05A0/P05A1), which are not deal-breakers. Budget for CVT fluid changes every 30,000-40,000 miles using Subaru or Idemitsu fluid only: never a flush, only drain and fill.
Remarks
Owners consistently emphasize that the CVT fluid is not lifetime and that dealership refusal to service it has led to preventable transmission failures. The 3.6R engine is widely regarded as the saving grace of this generation. Several owners report high-mileage success stories (197,000+ miles on 3.6R, 211,000 on earlier models), suggesting the platform is durable when properly maintained. Trade-in values from Subaru dealerships are described as poor, with owners reporting significantly better offers from third-party buyers. The 2019 model year has specific infotainment warranty coverage owners should know about. Analysis based on approximately 18 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
Complaints and recalls by model year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 123 | 3 | visibility/wiper |
| 2018 | 117 | 3 | electrical system |
| 2017 | 119 | 2 | visibility/wiper |
| 2016 | 147 | 3 | electrical system |
| 2015 | 159 | 3 | electrical system |
| 2014 | 53 | 10 | air bags |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices for this generation
2019 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpcampaign 21V587000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
2019 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpcampaign 20V218000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Impreza, Outback, Legacy, and Ascent vehicles. The low pressure fuel pump may become inoperative.
2019 · structurecampaign 19V493000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Legacy and Outback vehicles. Spot welds located on the duct below the cowl panel may have been improperly applied, impacting the vehicle's body strength.
2018 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpcampaign 21V587000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
2018 · visibility:rearview mirrors/devicescampaign 18V935000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Legacy, Outback, and BRZ vehicles. In the affected vehicles, a software issue may cause the audio display system to not initialize, resulting in the camera display remaining blank. If this occurs, the rearview image will not display while backing up the vehicle. As a result, the vehicles fail to comply with requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
2018 · electrical system:softwarecampaign 18V773000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles. Due to a software error, the low fuel warning light may not illuminate at the intended remaining fuel level and the miles-to-empty display may incorrectly indicate a positive number despite the tank being empty.
2017 · steering:columncampaign 16V716000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2017 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured September 21, 2016, to September 23, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the knee guard bracket may not be properly attached to the steering beam assembly.
2017 · steering:columncampaign 16V292000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured February 29, 2016, to May 6, 2016. The steering column on the affected vehicles may have been improperly machined, and as a result, turning the steering wheel may have no effect on the direction of the wheels.
2016 · power train:driveline:driveshaftcampaign 15V794000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2016 Legacy vehicles manufactured October 24, 2015, to November 16, 2015, and Outback vehicles manufactured October 24, 2015, to November 17, 2015. Due to the improper tightening of the securing nuts, the drive shaft may separate from the rear differential.
2016 · steering:columncampaign 16V292000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured February 29, 2016, to May 6, 2016. The steering column on the affected vehicles may have been improperly machined, and as a result, turning the steering wheel may have no effect on the direction of the wheels.
2016 · power train:driveline:driveshaftcampaign 15V502000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015 and 2016 model year Subaru Legacy 4-Door and Outback vehicles manufactured July 3, 2015, to July 27, 2015. Transmission oil may leak from a deformed seal cap on the propeller shaft yoke.
2015 · electronic stability control (esc)campaign 16V251000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured on July 20, 2015. The brake fluid used in these vehicles may contain excess moisture which may adversely affect the performance of the electronic stability control system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
11 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.