Avoid: 2011, 2010, 2005 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)
Best: 2023
24 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 30 model years, the Subaru Legacy has 2,705 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 207 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and air bags. 2005 drew the most complaints (184), 2023 the fewest of the years on the road 3+ years (10).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Subaru Legacy vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $11,500–$22,749.
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2024 | 17 |
| 2023 | 10 |
| 2022 | 32 |
| 2021 | 31 |
| 2020 | 121 |
| 2019 | 123 |
| 2018 | 117 |
| 2017 | 119 |
| 2016 | 147 |
| 2015 | 159 |
| 2014 | 53 |
| 2013 | 66 |
| 2012 | 90 |
| 2011 | 167 |
| 2010 | 150 |
| 2009 | 65 |
| 2008 | 65 |
| 2007 | 33 |
| 2006 | 87 |
| 2005 | 184 |
| 2004 | 49 |
| 2003 | 62 |
| 2002 | 59 |
| 2001 | 81 |
| 2000 | 103 |
| 1999 | 98 |
| 1998 | 124 |
| 1997 | 146 |
| 1996 | 141 |
Highest: 2005 (184 complaints). Lowest: 2023 (10).
Mixed sentiment with a strong generational divide.
Described as significantly worse than EPA estimates and segment competitors, affecting all models.
Early failures, especially in models from approximately 2014-2015; jerky behavior when cold; requires diligent fluid service.
Laggy, unresponsive touchscreen (particularly in models with large screens); system crashes; screen delamination in 2015-2019 models.
Head gasket failures on older models (pre-2010); oil pan leaks on newer turbo models; isolated catastrophic engine failures.
Severe rust on rear wheel arches, strut towers, and sills on older models, especially in regions using road salt.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Legacy. Individual model years are broken down above.
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