Headlight complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 12% | — |
| 2020 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2018 | 2 | 2% | — |
| 2017 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2015 | 3 | 2% | 2,000 miles |
| 2014 | 5 | 9% | 80,000 miles |
| 2013 | 1 | 2% | — |
| 2012 | 3 | 3% | 90,000 miles |
| 2011 | 18 | 11% | 50,000 miles |
| 2010 | 10 | 7% | 47,000 miles |
| 2009 | 2 | 3% | 109,000 miles |
| 2008 | 3 | 5% | 18,000 miles |
| 2007 | 1 | 3% | 70,000 miles |
| 2006 | 1 | 1% | 1,000 miles |
| 2005 | 14 | 8% | 90,000 miles |
| 2003 | 1 | 2% | 200,000 miles |
| 2000 | 1 | 1% | 39,000 miles |
| 1999 | 2 | 2% | — |
| 1998 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 1997 | 4 | 3% | — |
| 1996 | 3 | 2% | — |
| 1995 | 3 | 2% | 22,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
I have a 2015 subaru legacy 2.5i engine. The problem i have is a blown fuse in the main compartment F26 (backup). I have read subaru forum(s) and in earlier years this is same issue that I current have in my car. In the older models this was recalled and the issue was reworked at subaru repair centers at their cost. This issue also said it could cause a over heating and possible cause a fire. Please look into this issue. Kind Regards, Doug Whittemore 57 lexington ave. haverhill, MA 01835
Tl* the contact owns a 2015 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that the vehicle was purchased and unable to be driven for several months due to a failure with the forward collision avoidance feature not functioning properly. The contact notified the first dealer and they were not able to replicate and diagnose the failure. The contact later tested the vehicle numerous times and noticed that the failure was progressing. The vehicle was taken back to the first dealer a second time upon receiving NHTSA campaign number: 15V366000 (exterior lighting, forward collision avoidance) and they indicated that the vehicle did not need to be serviced under the recall. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer to receive the recall remedy and the contact stated that the dealer had the vehicle for longer than two months for the repairs. …
At 87K miles, driver side low beam was burned out, since changing the bulb is done via the fender lining, it is very difficult to do yourself. Brought it to the dealer who then found that 3 other bulbs were out. (inner/outer markers, d/s bulb). The technician mentioned that the 2014 Legacy had a design issue whereby multiple lights can fail, once the low beam goes. He also mentioned the design was corrected for 2015 model year. Cost $94 to change the bulbs.
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated while driving at approximately 58 MPH the driver side headlamp became inoperable. The contact also stated that the fog lamps were also inoperable. The headlamp bulbs and fog lamp bulbs were replaced however, the failure recurred. A local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
Vehicle has an electrical failure that causes the dash check engine, brake, cruise and other lights to activate. While driving, the failure causes: one or both headlights to suddenly fail making the vehicle illegal and dangerous to drive at night, cruise control to suddenly fail, and stability control to become non-functional. The main failure being the headlights/daytime running lights could cause injury or death due to sudden lack of visibility at night. Subaru was unable to diagnose/fix the failure on 2 service occasions. This failure occurs without warning while the vehicle is in motion at both highway speeds and city street speeds. The component causing the failure is unknown.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the headlights failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection where they stated that the headlights needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred 3 times. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 65,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the headlights failed to illuminate. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Frequent replacement of low beam bulbs. Not easy to replace and Subaru service best equipped to do procedure. Labor costs at various dealers for this service widely vary and can increase without reason. Subaru of America recently sent out letter saying warranty on bulbs has been extended (not that there is issue with electrical system). Soa will replace or refund, however, this does not solve the issue of continued (perceived) deficiency in the lighting system overall and refund requirements are very stringent per the letter they sent. I consider this issue as a safety defect. We have both an outback and Legacy that are both affected by this. Have owned Legacy since new and replaced both bulbs four times since taking ownership. Have tried other brand bulbs to no better result (hence my belief it is electrical system). …
Related recalls (2)
Exterior lighting
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010 and 2011 Legacy and Outback vehicles, certain model year 2006 through 2012 Tribeca vehicles sold before January 2012, and certain model year 2009 through 2012 Forester vehicles sold before January 2012.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional fused-harness, free of charge. The recall began February 19, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.
Exterior lighting › Hazard flashing warning lights › Switch
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Insufficient clearance within the hazard warning light switch housing can cause a binding between the actuating button and the housing.
Remedy: Dealers will install a modified hazard warning switch.
Frequently asked questions
Which Subaru Legacy years have headlight problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2011 (18), 2005 (14), 2010 (10) and 2014 (5) model years. Headlight complaints make up 11% of all complaints for the 2011.
Is there a recall for Subaru Legacy headlight problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 12V-602 (exterior lighting, Dec 26, 2012); 97V-210 (switch, Nov 13, 1997). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Subaru Legacy headlight problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 64,000 miles; 45% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the headlights (9 mentions), followed by the tail lights (3).
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.