Subaru Legacy reliability: common problems by model year
Across 17 model years, the Subaru Legacy has 1,508 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 134 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and electrical system. 2005 drew the most complaints (182), 2022 the fewest (31).
17
Model years tracked
1,508
Owner complaints
134
Recalls
81
Median per year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Subaru Legacy vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $11,500–$22,749.
Which Legacy years have the most problems?
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.
Mixed sentiment with a strong generational divide. Long-term owner reports for older generations (pre-2010) frequently praise the 3.0R and 3.6R flat-six engines for smoothness and potential longevity, with some examples cited as reaching over 200,000 and even
Poor fuel economy: described as significantly worse than EPA estimates and segment competitors, affecting all models. Frequency: very frequent.
CVT transmission reliability concerns: early failures, especially in models from approximately 2014-2015; jerky behavior when cold; requires diligent fluid service. Frequency: very frequent.
Infotainment system problems: laggy, unresponsive touchscreen (particularly in models with large screens); system crashes; screen delamination in 2015-2019 models. Frequency: recurrent.
Engine issues (varies by generation): head gasket failures on older models (pre-2010); oil pan leaks on newer turbo models; isolated catastrophic engine failures. Frequency: recurrent.
Excessive corrosion/rust: severe rust on rear wheel arches, strut towers, and sills on older models, especially in regions using road salt. Frequency: recurrent.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Legacy. Individual model years are broken down above.