Subaru Legacy Common Problems

The most common Subaru Legacy problems, based on 570 NHTSA owner complaints (2017–2025), are visibility/wiper, electrical system, unknown or other, engine. The 2019 model year has the most complaints (122). Complaints are owner-reported and differ from official recalls — check a specific VIN's recalls and history at vincheck.it.com.

Most-reported Subaru Legacy problem areas
VISIBILITY/WIPER189 reports
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM132 reports
UNKNOWN OR OTHER120 reports
ENGINE30 reports
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE21 reports
AIR BAGS18 reports
VISIBILITY18 reports
STEERING14 reports
SERVICE BRAKES14 reports
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM13 reports

Subaru Legacy best & worst years (by complaint volume)

Ranked by NHTSA owner-complaint count per model year — a leading reliability signal. The highest-complaint years are worth extra scrutiny; the lowest are the safer bets. Always confirm with a specific VIN's history.

Model yearComplaints
2019 Subaru Legacy122
2020 Subaru Legacy121
2017 Subaru Legacy118
2018 Subaru Legacy115
2022 Subaru Legacy32
2021 Subaru Legacy31
2024 Subaru Legacy15
2023 Subaru Legacy10
2025 Subaru Legacy6

Worst year: 2019 (122 complaints). Best year: 2025 (6).

Complaints by year: 2017 · 2018 · 2019 · 2020 · 2021 · 2022 · 2023 · 2024 · 2025

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common Subaru Legacy problems?

Across 570 NHTSA owner complaints (2017–2025), the most-reported Subaru Legacy problem areas are visibility/wiper, electrical system, unknown or other, engine.

Is the Subaru Legacy reliable?

NHTSA owner complaints are one reliability signal. The Subaru Legacy has 570 on record, most concentrated in the 2019 model year (122). Cross-check recalls and a specific VIN's history before buying.

Which Subaru Legacy years should you avoid?

By NHTSA complaint volume, the 2019 Subaru Legacy draws the most owner complaints (122), while the 2025 has the fewest (6). Complaint counts are one signal — always check a specific VIN's history too.

Which is the most reliable Subaru Legacy year?

Among the years we track, the 2025 Subaru Legacy has the fewest NHTSA complaints (6), a positive reliability signal. Confirm with recalls and the specific vehicle's history before buying.

Do complaints mean the Subaru Legacy was recalled?

Not necessarily. Complaints are individual owner reports; recalls are official safety actions. Check open recalls for a specific Subaru Legacy VIN with our free recall lookup.

Subaru Legacy recalls · Subaru Legacy overview · Full Subaru Legacy VIN history — from $5.12/report

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