Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 6 | −56% | — | Engine | Good |
| 2024 | 17 | −47% | — | Electrical | Good |
| 2023 | 10 | −68% | 2 | Window & Wiper | Good |
| 2022 | 34 | −38% | 2 | Window & Wiper | Average |
| 2021 | 31 | −50% | 3 | Window & Wiper | Good |
| 2020 | 121 | 1.8× | 6 | Window & Wiper | Caution |
| 2019 | 123 | 1.7× | 3 | Window & Wiper | Caution |
| 2018 | 117 | 1.6× | 3 | Electrical | Caution |
| 2017 | 119 | 1.6× | 2 | Window & Wiper | Caution |
| 2016 | 147 | 1.8× | 3 | Electrical | Caution |
| 2015 | 160 | 2.0× | 3 | Window & Wiper | Avoid |
| 2014 | 53 | −40% | 10 | Airbag | Average |
| 2013 | 66 | −22% | 12 | Engine | Average |
| 2012 | 90 | typical | 16 | Transmission | Average |
| 2011 | 167 | 1.8× | 16 | Transmission | Caution |
| 2010 | 150 | 1.5× | 18 | Transmission | Caution |
| 2009 | 65 | −42% | 13 | Airbag | Good |
| 2008 | 65 | −47% | 9 | Airbag | Good |
| 2007 | 33 | −76% | 9 | Airbag | Good |
| 2006 | 87 | −37% | 7 | Acceleration | Average |
| 2005 | 184 | 1.5× | 9 | Engine | Caution |
| 2004 | 49 | −80% | 10 | Airbag | Good |
| 2003 | 60 | −58% | 14 | Airbag | Good |
| 2002 | 54 | −53% | 4 | Fuel System | Good |
| 2001 | 77 | −26% | 7 | Fuel System | Average |
| 2000 | 94 | typical | 3 | Wheel & Tire | Average |
| 1999 | 94 | typical | 3 | Transmission | Average |
| 1998 | 114 | 1.3× | 4 | Engine | Average |
| 1997 | 139 | 1.6× | 5 | Engine | Caution |
| 1996 | 123 | 1.5× | 3 | Airbag | Caution |
| 1995 | 182 | 2.1× | 2 | Airbag | Avoid |
* Complaints compared with the median Legacy year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Subaru Legacy problems
Latest Subaru Legacy recalls
Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification › Front passenger
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Outback and Legacy vehicles. A capacitor in the sensors for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may crack and short circuit, which can prevent the front passenger air bag from deploying in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the ODS sensors on the front passenger seat, free of charge. Owner notifications were mailed February 3, 2025. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Park/neutral start interlock switch
Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.
Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Outback, Legacy, Ascent, and Impreza vehicles. The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, resulting in the disconnection of the front end of the driveshaft.
Remedy: Dealers will clean the bolt mounting surfaces of the center support brace and install new bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 20, 2023.
Power train › Driveline › Chain/belt
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Outback and Legacy vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the TCU, inspect TCU data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide. If evidence of chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced.
Power train › Driveline › Chain/belt
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the TCU, inspect TCU data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide. If evidence of chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Subaru Legacy should you avoid?
2015, 2016, 2011, 2020, 2019 and 2018 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Legacy years at the same age, led by windows, wipers & sunroof problems in the 2015.
What is the best year for the Subaru Legacy?
2023 has the fewest complaints compared with other Legacy years at the same age, followed by 2025 and 2021. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Subaru Legacy problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the engine & cooling (429), electrical system (415) and air bags (380). Engine complaints peak in the 2010 model year.
How many recalls has the Subaru Legacy had?
76 recalls across 1995–2025. The model year with the most is 2010. See all Subaru Legacy recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.