Subaru Legacy: best & worst years

Based on CarVitals reliability verdicts, the Subaru Legacy years to approach with the most caution are 2015. The strongest years in our data are 2007, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. Below is every model year we cover (2005–2024), ranked, with the owner-reported problems behind each call.

Every Subaru Legacy year, ranked

YearVerdictScoreTop owner-reported problems
2024 Recommended 7 Spontaneous windshield cracking persisting into the seventh generation, peaking on the 2020 launch year; Starlink 11.6-inch infotainment freezes and reboots plus battery-drain reports, mainly on the 2020 cars; EyeSight forward-collision and automatic-emergency-braking false-activation reports Full report ↗
2023 Recommended 7 Spontaneous windshield cracking persisting into the seventh generation, peaking on the 2020 launch year; Starlink 11.6-inch infotainment freezes and reboots plus battery-drain reports, mainly on the 2020 cars; EyeSight forward-collision and automatic-emergency-braking false-activation reports Full report ↗
2022 Recommended 7 Spontaneous windshield cracking persisting into the seventh generation, peaking on the 2020 launch year; Starlink 11.6-inch infotainment freezes and reboots plus battery-drain reports, mainly on the 2020 cars; EyeSight forward-collision and automatic-emergency-braking false-activation reports Full report ↗
2021 Recommended 7 Spontaneous windshield cracking persisting into the seventh generation, peaking on the 2020 launch year; Starlink 11.6-inch infotainment freezes and reboots plus battery-drain reports, mainly on the 2020 cars; EyeSight forward-collision and automatic-emergency-braking false-activation reports Full report ↗
2007 Recommended 7 Takata frontal airbag inflator recall (rupture risk), with the heaviest complaint volume on the 2008-2009 build years; EJ25 2.5L head-gasket external coolant and oil seepage, commonly surfacing around 100,000 miles; Premature front brake wear and brake-pedal pulsation reports Full report ↗
2020 Caution 6 Spontaneous windshield cracking persisting into the seventh generation, peaking on the 2020 launch year; Starlink 11.6-inch infotainment freezes and reboots plus battery-drain reports, mainly on the 2020 cars; EyeSight forward-collision and automatic-emergency-braking false-activation reports Full report ↗
2019 Caution 6 Spontaneous windshield cracking, the subject of a class-action settlement covering 2015-2020 Subarus and costly because of driver-assist camera recalibration; Battery parasitic drain and Starlink infotainment electrical faults, heaviest on the 2015-2017 cars; FB25 2.5L excessive oil consumption Full report ↗
2018 Caution 6 Spontaneous windshield cracking, the subject of a class-action settlement covering 2015-2020 Subarus and costly because of driver-assist camera recalibration; Battery parasitic drain and Starlink infotainment electrical faults, heaviest on the 2015-2017 cars; FB25 2.5L excessive oil consumption Full report ↗
2014 Caution 6 Takata frontal airbag inflator recall on the early fifth-generation cars; Lineartronic CVT shudder, bucking and stalling complaints, concentrated on the 2010-2012 launch years; FB25 2.5L excessive oil consumption emerging on the 2012-2013 cars Full report ↗
2013 Caution 6 Takata frontal airbag inflator recall on the early fifth-generation cars; Lineartronic CVT shudder, bucking and stalling complaints, concentrated on the 2010-2012 launch years; FB25 2.5L excessive oil consumption emerging on the 2012-2013 cars Full report ↗
2008 Caution 6 Takata frontal airbag inflator recall (rupture risk), with the heaviest complaint volume on the 2008-2009 build years; EJ25 2.5L head-gasket external coolant and oil seepage, commonly surfacing around 100,000 miles; Premature front brake wear and brake-pedal pulsation reports Full report ↗
2006 Caution 6 Takata frontal airbag inflator recall (rupture risk), with the heaviest complaint volume on the 2008-2009 build years; EJ25 2.5L head-gasket external coolant and oil seepage, commonly surfacing around 100,000 miles; Premature front brake wear and brake-pedal pulsation reports Full report ↗
2017 Caution 5 Spontaneous windshield cracking, the subject of a class-action settlement covering 2015-2020 Subarus and costly because of driver-assist camera recalibration; Battery parasitic drain and Starlink infotainment electrical faults, heaviest on the 2015-2017 cars; FB25 2.5L excessive oil consumption Full report ↗
2016 Caution 5 Spontaneous windshield cracking, the subject of a class-action settlement covering 2015-2020 Subarus and costly because of driver-assist camera recalibration; Battery parasitic drain and Starlink infotainment electrical faults, heaviest on the 2015-2017 cars; FB25 2.5L excessive oil consumption Full report ↗
2012 Caution 5 Takata frontal airbag inflator recall on the early fifth-generation cars; Lineartronic CVT shudder, bucking and stalling complaints, concentrated on the 2010-2012 launch years; FB25 2.5L excessive oil consumption emerging on the 2012-2013 cars Full report ↗
2011 Caution 5 Takata frontal airbag inflator recall on the early fifth-generation cars; Lineartronic CVT shudder, bucking and stalling complaints, concentrated on the 2010-2012 launch years; FB25 2.5L excessive oil consumption emerging on the 2012-2013 cars Full report ↗
2010 Caution 5 Takata frontal airbag inflator recall on the early fifth-generation cars; Lineartronic CVT shudder, bucking and stalling complaints, concentrated on the 2010-2012 launch years; FB25 2.5L excessive oil consumption emerging on the 2012-2013 cars Full report ↗
2009 Caution 5 Takata frontal airbag inflator recall (rupture risk), with the heaviest complaint volume on the 2008-2009 build years; EJ25 2.5L head-gasket external coolant and oil seepage, commonly surfacing around 100,000 miles; Premature front brake wear and brake-pedal pulsation reports Full report ↗
2005 Caution 5 Takata frontal airbag inflator recall (rupture risk), with the heaviest complaint volume on the 2008-2009 build years; EJ25 2.5L head-gasket external coolant and oil seepage, commonly surfacing around 100,000 miles; Premature front brake wear and brake-pedal pulsation reports Full report ↗
2015 Avoid 4 Spontaneous windshield cracking, the subject of a class-action settlement covering 2015-2020 Subarus and costly because of driver-assist camera recalibration; Battery parasitic drain and Starlink infotainment electrical faults, heaviest on the 2015-2017 cars; FB25 2.5L excessive oil consumption Full report ↗

Subaru Legacy problems by year

2024 Subaru Legacy Recommended

A mature seventh-gen Legacy: standard AWD and EyeSight earn top safety marks, complaints are very low, and the 2.4T XT adds real punch. Reliable with modest running costs; main knocks are the laggy 11.6-inch touchscreen and CVT-only drivetrain.

  • Spontaneous windshield cracking persisting into the seventh generation, peaking on the 2020 launch year
  • Starlink 11.6-inch infotainment freezes and reboots plus battery-drain reports, mainly on the 2020 cars
  • EyeSight forward-collision and automatic-emergency-braking false-activation reports

2023 Subaru Legacy Recommended

One of the cleanest Legacy years on record: standard AWD, strong crash-safety scores and very few reported problems. Comfortable and cheap to run; the chief gripes are the frustrating touchscreen and a CVT that mutes the base engine.

  • Spontaneous windshield cracking persisting into the seventh generation, peaking on the 2020 launch year
  • Starlink 11.6-inch infotainment freezes and reboots plus battery-drain reports, mainly on the 2020 cars
  • EyeSight forward-collision and automatic-emergency-braking false-activation reports

2022 Subaru Legacy Recommended

Settled seventh-gen Legacy with standard AWD, excellent safety ratings and low complaint volume. The available 2.4T XT brings welcome power. Dependable and affordable to own; the touchscreen and CVT remain the weak points.

  • Spontaneous windshield cracking persisting into the seventh generation, peaking on the 2020 launch year
  • Starlink 11.6-inch infotainment freezes and reboots plus battery-drain reports, mainly on the 2020 cars
  • EyeSight forward-collision and automatic-emergency-braking false-activation reports

2021 Subaru Legacy Recommended

The seventh-gen Legacy hit its stride: AWD standard, top safety scores and far fewer problems than the 2020 launch year. Comfortable, quiet and economical; the laggy Starlink screen is the main complaint.

  • Spontaneous windshield cracking persisting into the seventh generation, peaking on the 2020 launch year
  • Starlink 11.6-inch infotainment freezes and reboots plus battery-drain reports, mainly on the 2020 cars
  • EyeSight forward-collision and automatic-emergency-braking false-activation reports

2020 Subaru Legacy Caution

Redesigned seventh-gen Legacy with standard AWD and strong safety, but the launch year drew a wave of spontaneous windshield-cracking and electrical complaints. Comfortable and well-equipped; later years of this gen are more sorted.

  • Spontaneous windshield cracking persisting into the seventh generation, peaking on the 2020 launch year
  • Starlink 11.6-inch infotainment freezes and reboots plus battery-drain reports, mainly on the 2020 cars
  • EyeSight forward-collision and automatic-emergency-braking false-activation reports

2019 Subaru Legacy Caution

A well-regarded late sixth-gen Legacy with standard AWD and top safety scores, though spontaneous windshield cracking peaked this year and battery/electrical gremlins persist. Comfortable and economical; verify the windshield and battery history.

  • Spontaneous windshield cracking, the subject of a class-action settlement covering 2015-2020 Subarus and costly because of driver-assist camera recalibration
  • Battery parasitic drain and Starlink infotainment electrical faults, heaviest on the 2015-2017 cars
  • FB25 2.5L excessive oil consumption

2018 Subaru Legacy Caution

Among the more trouble-free sixth-gen Legacy years, with standard AWD and excellent crash-safety ratings. Windshield-cracking and battery-drain complaints still appear. Quiet, comfortable and cheap to run; check for those known electrical issues.

  • Spontaneous windshield cracking, the subject of a class-action settlement covering 2015-2020 Subarus and costly because of driver-assist camera recalibration
  • Battery parasitic drain and Starlink infotainment electrical faults, heaviest on the 2015-2017 cars
  • FB25 2.5L excessive oil consumption

2017 Subaru Legacy Caution

Sixth-gen Legacy with standard AWD and strong safety, but a heavy run of battery-drain/Starlink electrical faults and windshield cracking. Comfortable and economical to own; budget for the electrical and glass issues common to this year.

  • Spontaneous windshield cracking, the subject of a class-action settlement covering 2015-2020 Subarus and costly because of driver-assist camera recalibration
  • Battery parasitic drain and Starlink infotainment electrical faults, heaviest on the 2015-2017 cars
  • FB25 2.5L excessive oil consumption

2016 Subaru Legacy Caution

Standard-AWD sixth-gen Legacy with good safety scores, marred by the generation peak of battery-drain and Starlink electrical complaints plus early windshield cracking. Comfortable and cheap to run, but the electrical record is a real caution.

  • Spontaneous windshield cracking, the subject of a class-action settlement covering 2015-2020 Subarus and costly because of driver-assist camera recalibration
  • Battery parasitic drain and Starlink infotainment electrical faults, heaviest on the 2015-2017 cars
  • FB25 2.5L excessive oil consumption

2015 Subaru Legacy Avoid

The sixth-gen launch year is the Legacy at its most troublesome: spontaneous windshield cracking, battery/electrical faults, FB25 oil consumption and Takata airbag recalls all converge. Standard AWD and good safety cannot offset the reliability red flags.

  • Spontaneous windshield cracking, the subject of a class-action settlement covering 2015-2020 Subarus and costly because of driver-assist camera recalibration
  • Battery parasitic drain and Starlink infotainment electrical faults, heaviest on the 2015-2017 cars
  • FB25 2.5L excessive oil consumption

2014 Subaru Legacy Caution

A settled fifth-gen Legacy with standard AWD and solid safety, with fewer problems than the early years of its generation. A Takata airbag recall applies and the CVT is uninspiring; otherwise comfortable, roomy and economical to own.

  • Takata frontal airbag inflator recall on the early fifth-generation cars
  • Lineartronic CVT shudder, bucking and stalling complaints, concentrated on the 2010-2012 launch years
  • FB25 2.5L excessive oil consumption emerging on the 2012-2013 cars

2013 Subaru Legacy Caution

One of the better fifth-gen Legacy years (a Consumer Reports recommended pick) with standard AWD and good safety. Watch for FB25 oil consumption and a droning CVT, plus the Takata airbag recall; running costs are low.

  • Takata frontal airbag inflator recall on the early fifth-generation cars
  • Lineartronic CVT shudder, bucking and stalling complaints, concentrated on the 2010-2012 launch years
  • FB25 2.5L excessive oil consumption emerging on the 2012-2013 cars

2012 Subaru Legacy Caution

Fifth-gen Legacy with standard AWD and good safety, but early Lineartronic CVT complaints and the onset of FB25 oil consumption weigh it down, alongside the Takata airbag recall. Roomy and cheap to run; have the CVT and oil use checked.

  • Takata frontal airbag inflator recall on the early fifth-generation cars
  • Lineartronic CVT shudder, bucking and stalling complaints, concentrated on the 2010-2012 launch years
  • FB25 2.5L excessive oil consumption emerging on the 2012-2013 cars

2011 Subaru Legacy Caution

Standard-AWD fifth-gen Legacy hampered by CVT shudder and stall complaints and repeated low-beam headlight burnout, plus Takata airbags. Spacious and economical, but the powertrain and lighting issues make a careful inspection essential.

  • Takata frontal airbag inflator recall on the early fifth-generation cars
  • Lineartronic CVT shudder, bucking and stalling complaints, concentrated on the 2010-2012 launch years
  • FB25 2.5L excessive oil consumption emerging on the 2012-2013 cars

2010 Subaru Legacy Caution

The redesigned fifth-gen Legacy is roomier with standard AWD and good safety, but the new Lineartronic CVT drew significant powertrain complaints in its launch year, along with headlight burnout and Takata airbags. Inspect the transmission closely.

  • Takata frontal airbag inflator recall on the early fifth-generation cars
  • Lineartronic CVT shudder, bucking and stalling complaints, concentrated on the 2010-2012 launch years
  • FB25 2.5L excessive oil consumption emerging on the 2012-2013 cars

2009 Subaru Legacy Caution

A capable AWD fourth-gen Legacy, but a heavy Takata airbag recall and the EJ25 head-gasket weakness define this year, which some reliability trackers rate the generation worst. Engaging and durable if maintained; verify the head gaskets.

  • Takata frontal airbag inflator recall (rupture risk), with the heaviest complaint volume on the 2008-2009 build years
  • EJ25 2.5L head-gasket external coolant and oil seepage, commonly surfacing around 100,000 miles
  • Premature front brake wear and brake-pedal pulsation reports

2008 Subaru Legacy Caution

Fourth-gen Legacy with standard AWD and available turbo/flat-six performance, carrying a Takata airbag recall and the EJ25 head-gasket risk. Fun to drive and rugged; check coolant history and airbag-recall completion before buying.

  • Takata frontal airbag inflator recall (rupture risk), with the heaviest complaint volume on the 2008-2009 build years
  • EJ25 2.5L head-gasket external coolant and oil seepage, commonly surfacing around 100,000 miles
  • Premature front brake wear and brake-pedal pulsation reports

2007 Subaru Legacy Recommended

One of the strongest fourth-gen Legacy years, with the lowest complaint volume of its generation, standard AWD and engaging dynamics. The EJ25 head-gasket risk and Takata airbag recall apply, but a well-kept example is a durable, enjoyable buy.

  • Takata frontal airbag inflator recall (rupture risk), with the heaviest complaint volume on the 2008-2009 build years
  • EJ25 2.5L head-gasket external coolant and oil seepage, commonly surfacing around 100,000 miles
  • Premature front brake wear and brake-pedal pulsation reports

2006 Subaru Legacy Caution

A well-liked fourth-gen Legacy with standard AWD and available turbo/flat-six power, though some throttle/cruise hesitation and the EJ25 head-gasket weakness appear. Sporty and durable; verify the head gaskets and the Takata airbag recall.

  • Takata frontal airbag inflator recall (rupture risk), with the heaviest complaint volume on the 2008-2009 build years
  • EJ25 2.5L head-gasket external coolant and oil seepage, commonly surfacing around 100,000 miles
  • Premature front brake wear and brake-pedal pulsation reports

2005 Subaru Legacy Caution

The fourth-gen Legacy first year offers standard AWD and lively turbo/flat-six options, but draws the generation highest complaint count: EJ25 head-gasket leaks, brake wear and airbag issues. Engaging but aging; budget for head-gasket work.

  • Takata frontal airbag inflator recall (rupture risk), with the heaviest complaint volume on the 2008-2009 build years
  • EJ25 2.5L head-gasket external coolant and oil seepage, commonly surfacing around 100,000 miles
  • Premature front brake wear and brake-pedal pulsation reports

Rankings come from CarVitals reliability verdicts, built on public NHTSA complaint and recall data. See how we build these reports, the most reliable used cars overall, browse all Subaru models, or check any listing free with the CarVitals extension.