Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2013 Subaru Legacy owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact's son owns a 2013 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed and approaching a traffic light, the vehicle stalled. The contact's son was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving. However, the failure reoccurred on two different occasions. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The contact stated that her son had added 10 quarts of oil in the vehicle within 2 weeks. The contact referenced Subaru Technical Service Bulletin Number: 02-157-14R. The contact also stated that the exhaust pipe was emitting black smoke. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the vehicle needed an engine compression test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. …
I want to add my report of oil loss in the hope a recall is made. I found out after purchase that 2012-2014 or 2015 has a known problem with piston rings. With normal local driving I need to top off the oil every couple of weeks. With longer trips, say a couple hours of driving one way, the oil gets a quarter to half way down on the dipstick. I carry oil for all roadtrips and can't forget to keep checking the level. My understanding from many sources online is that Subaru is aware they put in bad piston rings and just call it good enough or within spec, but dumping so much oil isn't right. This isn't a wear and tear problem, although it can get worse over time and lead to other problems. The problem goes away when the rings and the engine block is replaced. …
Transmission failed. Began to make bad noises then failed to accelerate in an intersection. Was almost hit by another car. Dealer indicated that the Subaru transmissions were only lasting 90, 000 to 100,000 miles before requiring replacement. Contracted Subaru who said they had a voluntary fix, but we were not notified and were outside of the short time frame for the fix. We replaced transmission at cost of $10,000. Subaru offered 1000 off a new car but was not concerned about the safety issue and would not fix/replace the transmission for this known issue.
Oil is consumed excessively. I had an oil change done at around 120K miles and my oil light is popping on to let me know that I need another oil change. I have only driven it 2,000 miles since my last oil change and my oil level is low. Looking back at the Carfax, the previous owner had oil changed every 2,000-3,000 miles, but the owner's manual states that oil should be changed every 5,000 miles. It seems this is a safety hazard and possible EPA violation.
The vehicle has a CVT transmission. While driving the vehicle when the speed has stabilized above 40 MPH the engine RPM runs at 1750 -1800. Mileage was in the area of 37-40 mpg. I noticed mileage dropping and the engine RPM was settling about 2000-2100. After some research I found out the the only way I could get the RPM to drop into the normal range was to turn off the heater fan or turn the temp to the coldest setting and the RPM would drop from the 2000 range to normal about 1750. There was no other way to make the RPM drop to this range. Contact Subaru and they advised this was normal. I asked the contact person if this was your vehicle would you consider this normal. She said no. So I have been pursing this through Subaru with no results. Its dangerous to have to shift the vehicle with the heater controls. I need help in this matter.
Issue: sudden unintended acceleration. 2013 Subaru Legacy. First occurrence when slowly pulling into driveway. Car surged forward with high engine revs. Dealer applied software update, but problem occurred again one month later when slowly driving up to a mail box at the post office. This latest time, car was slowly moving forward - and then 3 high engine revs and surged forward before I turned off the ignition. When I restarted the car, the same thing happened - with the high engine revs and surging forward. After letting the car sit for a few minutes, I was able to start the car and drive the car normally. If there had been another car in front of me, I would have plowed into that car. This is a very unsafe condition. Dealer now has the car and is attempting to re-create the problem.
Oil consumption. I continue to have a problem with this car. Consumes a quart of full synthetic oil every 3000 miles. I received paperwork about a clas action lawsuit which outlines the problem. It's ridiculous; they expect me to produce every receipt for the oil I've purchased over the last 3 years if I want to be reimbursed! Dealer still says it's "normal"; I have never had any car burn a quart of oil every 3000 miles regardless of make, age or condition. Naturally, every time this happens I'm on the road any from home so I have to add oil to ensure that I get home OK. Really getting perturbed with the lack of action from the dealer. Noticed you have info about the problem on your site but I have never heard anything about a recall from my dealer.
#1 since the vehicle was purchased I had to add at least one quart of oil to the engine between each recommended oil change. I informed the dealer who had me return approx 1300 miles after my last oil change, which I did. The dealer indicated to me that the oil level was fine. By 3,700 miles the oil warning light came on and I had to add a quart of oil. #2 since the vehicle was purchased I had to turn the rotors or purchase new rotors every 6 month. When you try to stop the braking system has extensive shaking when braking. It makes the car hard to stop when the shaking occurs. When you turn the rotors the shaking goes away but will return in about 4 to 6 months.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 MPH, when the oil warning indicator illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle home and added a quart of oil. The contact also stated that the oil consumption on the vehicle had been an issue for approximately a year, a quart of oil had to be added every 3,000 miles. The vehicle was taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnosis or repairs. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 116,000.
Since the vehicle was purchased I had to add at least one quart of oil to the engine between each recommended oil change. I informed the dealer who had me return approx 1300 miles after my last oil change, which I did. The dealer indicated to me that the oil level was fine. By 3,700 miles the oil warning light came on and I had to add a quart of oil. The Subaru has approx 24,550 miles. I have never owned a vehicle where I had to add oil prior to scheduled oil change.
Engine complaints in other Legacy years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2013 Subaru Legacy?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2013 Subaru Legacy, 30% of the model year's 66 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2013 Subaru Legacy engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2013 Subaru Legacy, though it has 12 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2013 Subaru Legacy engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 32,000 miles, and 46% before 25,000 miles.
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.