Subaru Legacy years to avoid and best years
Newer Subaru Legacy years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2020 has the most complaints per year, at 31 (121 complaints). Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2023 at 3 (from 10 complaints), 2012 at 3 (from 90 complaints), and 2014 at 5 (from 53 complaints). The 2025 Subaru Legacy is too early to compare, at 3 per year so far, from 6 complaints. On the 2020 Subaru Legacy, 50 of 121 complaints name Visibility and wipers.
Data as of .
2023
2012
2014
2025
Subaru Legacy reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Subaru Legacy. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Too early | 3 | 6 | 0 | Air bags | 28 |
| 2024 → | 6 | 17 | 0 | Visibility and wipers | 28 |
| 2023 → Fewest | 3 | 10 | 2 | Air bags | 28 |
| 2022 → | 9 | 32 | 2 | Visibility and wipers | 28.5 |
| 2021 → | 5 | 31 | 3 | Visibility and wipers | 28.5 |
| 2020 → Most | 31 | 121 | 6 | Visibility and wipers | 28.5 |
| 2019 → | 18 | 123 | 3 | Visibility and wipers | 26 |
| 2018 → | 15 | 117 | 3 | Electrical system | 26 |
| 2017 → | 7 | 119 | 2 | Visibility and wipers | 26 |
| 2016 → | 12 | 147 | 3 | Electrical system | 26 |
| 2015 → | 26 | 159 | 3 | Visibility and wipers | 26 |
| 2014 → Fewest | 5 | 53 | 10 | Air bags | 23.7 |
| 2013 → | 7 | 66 | 12 | Engine | 23.7 |
| 2012 → Fewest | 3 | 90 | 16 | Powertrain | 22 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- Sedan
- Oil
- 0W-20 synthetic (2.5L; 5W-30 if 0W-20 unavailable) · 5.1 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 215/50R17, 225/50R17 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA safety recall 18V626000 covers affected vehicles after the agency found that subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with a manual transmission. The electronic parking brake (EPB) may not engage as intended, allowing the vehicle to rollaway if the transmission is not in the proper gear when parked. A vehicle rollaway can increase the risk of a crash. Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPB actuator assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 19, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTV-81. When NHTSA lists multiple Subaru nameplates in one campaign, the published unit count is shared across them.
- Body styles
- Sedan
- Oil
- 0W-20 synthetic (2.5L; 5W-30 if 0W-20 unavailable) · 5.1 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 225/50R18, 225/55R17 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA safety recall 21V587000 covers affected vehicles after the agency found that subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail. Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. Remedy: Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21. When NHTSA lists multiple Subaru nameplates in one campaign, the published unit count is shared across them.
- Body styles
- Sedan
- Oil
- 0W-20 synthetic (2.5L; 5W-30 if 0W-20 unavailable) · 5.1 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 225/50R18, 225/55R17 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
Recall 22V-485 covers certain 2020-2021 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles: a Transmission Control Unit programming error may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is fully clamped, so the chain can slip or break and cause loss of drive; dealers reprogram the TCU, inspect for chain slip, and replace the transmission if damage is found. Recall 24V-227 covers certain 2020-2022 Legacy and Outback vehicles: a capacitor in the Occupant Detection System sensors may crack and short, preventing front passenger air bag deployment; dealers replace the ODS sensors. Both campaigns list Legacy and Outback under shared unit totals.
Frequently asked questions
Which Subaru Legacy years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2023 at 3 (from 10 complaints), 2012 at 3 (from 90 complaints), and 2014 at 5 (from 53 complaints).
Which Subaru Legacy year has the most owner complaints?
2020 has the most complaints per year, at 31 (121 complaints). On the 2020 Subaru Legacy, 50 of 121 complaints name Visibility and wipers.
How do Subaru Legacy owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Subaru Legacy years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones.
Which Subaru Legacy years are too early to compare?
The 2025 Subaru Legacy is too early to compare, at 3 per year so far, from 6 complaints.
What engine oil does a Subaru Legacy use?
Recent Legacy 2.5L US manuals specify 0W-20 synthetic, with 5W-30 only when 0W-20 is unavailable.
What generation is the 2021 Subaru Legacy?
7th generation / BW (2020-on).
What tire sizes does a Subaru Legacy use?
Recent US generations commonly list 225/50R18 and 225/55R17 among trim options.