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2018 Subaru Legacy: common problems and reliability
· 6th generationOne of the weaker Legacy years.
117 owner complaints, most about electrical system. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 2018 Legacy?The 2018 Subaru Legacy has 117 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and visibility/wiper. Owners most often flag cvt 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.
Safety record for the 2018 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2018 Subaru Legacy vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Legacy years only. How we score it
Is 2018 a good year for the Legacy?
Across the 30 Legacy model years we track, complaint volume runs from 10 (2023) to 184 (2005). With 117 complaints, the 2018 Legacy sits above the model's median of 90.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2018 Legacy
fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
Campaign 21V587000Subaru 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.
visibility:rearview mirrors/devices
Campaign 18V935000Subaru 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."
electrical system:software
Campaign 18V773000Subaru 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.
What owners report on the 6th generation Legacy
Owners generally view the 6th generation Legacy as a solid, comfortable, and capable daily driver, particularly praising the 3.6R engine and AWD capability.
- 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.
- 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.
Owner insights for the 6th generation Legacy. Read the full 6th generation owner report.
Typical used price
Used Legacy listings typically run $11,500–$22,749 across 2003 to 2025 model years.
Other Legacy model years
Compare every Legacy year side by side to see how 2018 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Legacy against its rivals
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