Engine complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 4 | 67% | 2,000 miles |
| 2024 | 1 | 6% | — |
| 2022 | 1 | 3% | — |
| 2021 | 3 | 10% | 60,000 miles |
| 2020 | 4 | 3% | — |
| 2019 | 6 | 5% | 15,000 miles |
| 2018 | 10 | 9% | 29,000 miles |
| 2017 | 5 | 4% | 31,000 miles |
| 2016 | 8 | 5% | 55,000 miles |
| 2015 | 24 | 15% | 25,000 miles |
| 2014 | 5 | 9% | 63,000 miles |
| 2013 | 20 | 30% | 32,000 miles |
| 2012 | 23 | 26% | 93,000 miles |
| 2011 | 28 | 17% | 100,000 miles |
| 2010 | 35 | 23% | 100,000 miles |
| 2009 | 8 | 12% | 90,000 miles |
| 2008 | 4 | 6% | 75,000 miles |
| 2007 | 9 | 27% | 90,000 miles |
| 2006 | 20 | 23% | 80,000 miles |
| 2005 | 33 | 18% | 48,000 miles |
| 2004 | 7 | 14% | 85,000 miles |
| 2003 | 13 | 22% | 65,000 miles |
| 2002 | 13 | 24% | 52,000 miles |
| 2001 | 14 | 18% | 54,000 miles |
| 2000 | 17 | 18% | 120,000 miles |
| 1999 | 13 | 14% | 141,000 miles |
| 1998 | 30 | 26% | 105,000 miles |
| 1997 | 32 | 23% | 93,000 miles |
| 1996 | 22 | 18% | 75,000 miles |
| 1995 | 17 | 9% | 180,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2025 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, there was white smoke coming from the exhaust pipes. Additionally, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a misfire with a rattling sound coming from behind the dashboard. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The failure persisted, and the vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, and a field tech engineer was sent to inspect the vehicle. The contact was informed that the scavenger pump turbo and catalytic converter were replaced; however, after retrieving the vehicle, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was 1,500.
The Legacy (my third one) was about a month old and had about 30 miles on the odometer. I had no warning of any problem with the car. On or about 5:45 PM on Oct 22, 2025 I was driving my Subaru Legacy when the engine stalled. I was in the HOV lane of an interstate highway. Multiple times the starter failed to restart the engine. Traffic was blocked in my lane and diverting around me. It was dusk with a misty rain. My wife and I were felt we were at high risk of being rearended at any moment. After about 5-10 minutes, during which we called 911, the engine restarted. Seeing no help from the police available, I judged it was best. to get off the highspeed road. I was able to get off the highway and make it home, about 5 miles away. I have not tried to drive the car ever since this terrifying episode.
The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds during colder weather, the heater failed to operate as intended. Additionally, the Eyesight system was inoperable. The check engine and other unknown warning lights were displayed. In addition, the contact stated that the engine failed to warm up as intended after being started, and the engine temperature was 107 F, which was below the normal engine temperature of 200 F. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the Thermal Control Valve needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 09-119-24; however, the vehicle was not repaired because the vehicle had a Salvaged Title. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Vehicle: 2021 Subaru Legacy Base 2.5i Mileage:~65,000 miles My engine suddenly began making loud internal knocking/tapping noises with no warning lights, no overheating, and no prior symptoms. The vehicle immediately became unsafe to operate. I had it towed to a Subaru dealership, where technicians confirmed the noise was coming from inside the engine and recommended a full engine replacement. The failure happened without any warning indicators, misfires, overheating, or oil pressure warnings. All diagnostics (including compression and leakdown) were clean, and the vehicle has been properly maintained. Subaru of America acknowledged the internal failure but only offered $1,000 goodwill toward a multi thousand dollar engine replacement. This appears to be a premature internal engine failure on the FB25 engine, which may indicate a defect. …
One hour into traveling on the highway smoke began to come from under the hood so we pulled off to the side of the road. Upon opening the hood, after the smoke cleared, a fire was observed. At that point the passengers exited the vehicle and called 911. There was no warning lights or sounds indicating any problems prior to this. The car burned very quickly and the firefighters extinguished the fire but not before the entire car was burned to ashes. The car is wrapped and in the possession of the insurance company pending investigation.
The engine thermo control valve has been defective and Subaru has known this issue since 2022 and has tried to do some software update but it is defective [redacted] ) despite multiple tries. This can overheat an engine, result in the front collision warning system (eyesight) and rear auto-braking not working. Specific to my case, the front and rear collision warning systems are off, auto lane departure avoidance system is off, the engine can overheat and has had reduced performance, and the check engine lights are also on.
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment, and the vehicle intermittently stalled. The contact stated that seconds later, the vehicle returned to normal operation. No warning lights were illuminated. The failure reoccurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched and became aware of an unknown NHTSA Campaign Number; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.
Unintended acceleration, on 2 occasions. First occasion, car was in DRIVE waiting at a traffic stop and the engine radically increased it's RPM from idle to over 6000 RPM, remaining there. Braking control maintained the automobile's position. Shifting the car into neutral caused RPM to increase further. The car was shut off, restarted, and seemed to function normally. On the second occasion, which occurred later the same day, the car was off and then started, and while still in PARK with my foot on the brake immediately jumped to over 6000, remaining there. Once again the car was shut off, restarted, and seemed to work normally. It was taken directly (and slowly) to the manufacturer's service center at my local Subaru dealership. They have not been able to re-create the problem as of this date.
Related recalls (4)
Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Hoses/lines/piping/fittings
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010 outback and legacy passenger vehicles manufactured from July 31 through December 1, 2009. A crack or split can occur in the CVT cooler hose resulting in a fluid leak.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners and dealers will replace any affected cooler hoses free of charge. The safety recall began on June 8, 2010. Owners May contact Subaru at 1-800-subaru3 (1-800-782-2783).
Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Subaru is recalling 16,715 my 2007-2008 legacy sedans and wagons, my 2008 impreza sedans and wagons, and my 2009 forester vehicles. Some vehicles May have the cylinder head-side oil supply pipe and turbocharger-side pipe improperly assembled.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect for cracking or an oil leak at the oil supply pipe at the cylinder head-side. An additional bracket will be installed to increase rigidity of the pipe and the pipe assembly will be replaced with a…
Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
On certain sport utility and passenger vehicles equipped with 4-cylinder engines, the water pump pulley center hole was improperly machined.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the water pump. Owner notification began September 12, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a…
Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles, also service parts supplied to Subaru dealers are involved (lot numbers f01 j21d2, f01 j30d2, f02 j09d1, f02 j09d2, and f02 j20d1). The purolator oil filter cans used on these vehicles can fracture causing a vaporized oil spray and subsequent oil leak.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace these engine oil filters.
Frequently asked questions
Which Subaru Legacy years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2010 (35), 2005 (33), 1997 (32), 1998 (30) and 2011 (28) model years. Engine complaints make up 23% of all complaints for the 2010.
Is there a recall for Subaru Legacy engine problems?
Yes — 4 recalls, including 10V-196 (hoses/lines/piping/fittings, May 7, 2010); 08V-460 (engine, Sep 11, 2008); 02V-240 (cooling system, Sep 13, 2002). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Subaru Legacy engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 74,000 miles; 36% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine (74 mentions), followed by the engine › gasoline (52).
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.