Suspension complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 3% | — |
| 2018 | 3 | 3% | — |
| 2017 | 2 | 2% | — |
| 2016 | 2 | 1% | 1,000 miles |
| 2015 | 4 | 3% | 5,000 miles |
| 2014 | 1 | 2% | 23,000 miles |
| 2012 | 4 | 4% | 65,000 miles |
| 2011 | 19 | 11% | 2,000 miles |
| 2010 | 7 | 5% | 1,000 miles |
| 2009 | 1 | 2% | 15,000 miles |
| 2007 | 2 | 6% | 61,000 miles |
| 2006 | 4 | 5% | 73,000 miles |
| 2005 | 7 | 4% | 178,000 miles |
| 2004 | 1 | 2% | — |
| 2003 | 2 | 3% | 160,000 miles |
| 2002 | 6 | 11% | 165,000 miles |
| 2001 | 6 | 8% | 68,000 miles |
| 2000 | 13 | 14% | 136,000 miles |
| 1999 | 8 | 9% | 160,000 miles |
| 1998 | 7 | 6% | 130,000 miles |
| 1997 | 9 | 6% | 226,000 miles |
| 1996 | 8 | 7% | 144,000 miles |
| 1995 | 14 | 8% | 190,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
I was going down the hill in my development, I made it approximately 2-300ft at 7-10MPH when suddenly there was a loud "bang". I could not see anything, my airbags had deployed and blocked my field of vision. I ended up hitting an electrical pole. There was no need for the airbags to go off. I could have been killed. There is no airbag recall on my VIN number.
Following an engine-out service at an authorized dealer (Bill Kolb Jr. Subaru), a primary powertrain mounting bolt was left unthreaded by approximately 1 inch, creating an undetected 8,000-mile safety hazard that resulted in extensive drivetrain and suspension component failures. Subsequently, during a diagnostic inspection at another authorized dealer (All American Subaru), heavy rusted metal pliers and loose cowl trim panels were abandoned unsecured inside the wiper cowl tray beneath the windshield, posing a severe roadway projectile and steering/wiper obstruction hazard.
Took it for inspection was told the part that holds the engine up is rotting away and it will not pass inspection next year this is disappointing I have cars older then this and they are in better condition this vehicle was brought brand new this should not occur I could understand if it was old this car is only 8yrs old I have pics to support
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. …
The front subframe and engine cradle broke while driving (corrosion). Car began swaying and brakes were affected. Car pulled hard to the right when applying minor pressure to brakes on highway immediately after hearing the part break. The car only has 110,000 miles on it and according to the repair shop and dealership this is an increasingly common problem for the car make and model for this specific part.
Vehicle: 2012 Subaru Legacy VIN: [redacted] Owner Location: Syracuse, NY (salt-belt state) Dealer: Romano Subaru (Syracuse, NY) Dealer Findings / Estimate: "Urgent Work - Subframe with sway links - $3,119.89" (front subframe replacement required), plus alignment and related items; total estimate $4,394.75. Summary of Safety Defect: The front subframe has corrosion holes near structural/mounting points. This compromises suspension/steering integrity and presents a risk of sudden loss of control while driving. Manufacturer Response (Subaru of America): I opened a case with Subaru Corporate. Subaru denied assistance on the basis of vehicle age (2012) and absence of a front-subframe recall, and instead offered a $500 coupon toward a new vehicle. This response does not address the current safety defect documented by a Subaru dealer. …
This 2011 Subaru Legacy would pull severely to the right when braking, nearly jerking the steering wheel out of the drivers hand. The car was taken to a private auto repair shop where it was found the motor cradle (part #50527AJ00B) was completed rusted out so the A-arm to the wheel was unstable. In trying to locate a new part, online and from local dealers, it was found the part was on backorder. We were number 142 in line to receive the part. There is obviously a severe and dangerous problem with this issue as a car would veer into the other lane or offroad when braking. Subaru corporate office was contacted and I was told I would have to take the vehicle to the Subaru dealer. This would require a tow so I decided to have the private auto repair shop fix it as it was also undriveable. This complaint is to bring attention to this as a safety issue. …
While turning the wheel to back out of a parking spot, we heard a loud clunking sound. From that point on, while braking there were loud clunking sounds and the car pulled to the right. We brought it to our mechanic and was informed the front sub frame/ engine cradle, was completey rusted out due to corrosion from the inside. There was a mounting bolt protruding through a hole in the subframe and the suspension components were loose and damaged. They provided a photo showing the large hole and mounting bolt protruding. We were told it was unsafe to drive. We have to replace the sub frame, control arms and sway bar links. The sub frame supports these components, the engine and other parts!
Related recalls (4)
Suspension › Front
On some passenger and sport utility vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, virginia, west…
Remedy: Dealers will apply anti-rust material to the left front transverse link. Owner notification began August 1, 2003. Owners should contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
Suspension › Rear
This recall applies to certain passenger vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, virginia, west…
Remedy: Dealers will clean and rust-proof the rear suspension subframe. Owner notification began July 14, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free…
Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil springs
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with front coil springs originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new york, new jersey, new hampshire, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island,…
Remedy: Dealers will notifiy customers to bring their vehicle to an authorize dealership to have a spring guard installed on both front struts to prevent tire puncture and replace any broken springs free of charge.
Suspension › Front › Springs › Leaf spring assembly › Hanger,bracket
Vehicle description: passenger station wagon, sedan and sport utility vehicles. Due to improper welding, fractures can occur on the support bracket of the front transverse link.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace if necessary the front suspension support brackets.
Frequently asked questions
Which Subaru Legacy years have suspension problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2011 (19), 1995 (14), 2000 (13), 1997 (9) and 1996 (8) model years. Suspension complaints make up 11% of all complaints for the 2011.
Is there a recall for Subaru Legacy suspension problems?
Yes — 4 recalls, including 03V-232 (front, Jun 26, 2003); 03V-153 (rear, Apr 22, 2003); 01V-216 (coil springs, Jun 25, 2001). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Subaru Legacy suspension problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 89,000 miles; 42% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the front › springs › coil springs (15 mentions), followed by the front (12).
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.