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Subaru Legacy Reliability by Model Generation

Results are for year ending June 30, 2018. Only successfully completed repairs are currently included in the analysis. Routine maintenance, most wear items, recalls, and problems fixed with just a reflash or warning light reset are not included.
Year and Model % of Average Repair Frequency  
2018 Subaru Legacy Reliability by Generation2018 Subaru Legacy
5.4285714285714% Best 47% Worst
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2015 - 2017 Subaru Legacy Reliability by Generation2015 - 2017 Subaru Legacy
21.428571428571% Best 75% Worst
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2013 - 2014 Subaru Legacy Reliability by Generation2013 - 2014 Subaru Legacy
29.428571428571% Best 89% Worst
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2010 - 2012 Subaru Legacy Reliability by Generation2010 - 2012 Subaru Legacy
40.285714285714% Best 108% Worst
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2005 - 2009 Subaru Legacy Reliability by Generation2005 - 2009 Subaru Legacy
62% Best 146% Worst
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2000 - 2004 Subaru Legacy Reliability by Generation2000 - 2004 Subaru Legacy
55.714285714286% Best 135% Worst
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See TSBs for the 2000 2024 Subaru Legacy
See recalls for the Subaru Legacy

What Our Members Are Saying about the Reliability And Durability of the Subaru Legacy

Subaru Legacy Reliability And Durability: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2012 4dr Sedan 170-horsepower 2.5L H4
6-speed shiftable CVT AWD		 We keep cars for 10 years or more. I expect to drive this one for the next 15. full 2012 Subaru Legacy review
2010 4dr Sedan 170-horsepower 2.5L H4
6-speed shiftable CVT AWD		 You see many Subarus still on the road. I have heard many stories of these vehicles still running great with high mileage. full 2010 Subaru Legacy review
2010 4dr Sedan 170-horsepower 2.5L H4
6-speed manual AWD		 Had the previous model. I never had any problems, it was a solid car, as all Subarus seem to be. full 2010 Subaru Legacy review
2009 4dr Sedan 170-horsepower 2.5L H4
4-speed shiftable automatic AWD		 Like most Japanese cars the Subaru is known for being reliable and durable. I have owned this vehicle for just over a year and with the exception of a leaky transmission line (assembly error) it has only required regular maintenance. full 2009 Subaru Legacy review
2009 4dr Sedan turbocharged 243hp 2.5L H4
6-speed manual AWD		 subaru has been using the same basic engine design for years. the design is tested and proven to be very durable. full 2009 Subaru Legacy review
2008 4dr Sedan 170-horsepower 2.5L H4
5-speed manual AWD		 I beat the piss out of my car - but it still keeps coming back for more. The only problem I had was a wheel bearing going bad. This was fixed under warranty. full 2008 Subaru Legacy review
2008 4dr Sedan turbocharged 243hp 2.5L H4
5-speed shiftable automatic AWD		 proven engine and awd full 2008 Subaru Legacy review
2007 4dr Sedan 175-horsepower 2.5L H4
4-speed shiftable automatic AWD		 Low maintenance, tough enough to base a heavy duty version of the car, think Outback, will go hundreds of thousands of miles if you just remember to do the recommended maintenance. full 2007 Subaru Legacy review
2006 4dr Wagon turbocharged 250hp 2.5L H4
5-speed shiftable automatic AWD		 Here in Canada, we see extremes in temperatures. It gets very hot in the summer and very cold in the winter. You need a car that is built tough. full 2006 Subaru Legacy review
2006 4dr Sedan 175-horsepower 2.5L H4
4-speed shiftable automatic AWD		 Very dependable. full 2006 Subaru Legacy review
Subaru Legacy Reliability And Durability: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2021 4dr Sedan turbocharged 260hp 2.4L H4
8-speed shiftable CVT AWD		 The car feels durable and generally reliable, but expect some software glitches and likely more small issues than one may encounter in a Toyota. I still feel their cars to be more reliable than any American car though, and given the cars seem to have more thoughtfulness in their design/engineering I find this to be a worthwhile tradeoff.
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Subaru seems to have struggled with their build consistency as demand for their vehicles has surged. Avoiding the first model years is a safe bet.
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We have our first dealer visit next week for some defects that will be handled under warranty. Here's what that will cover:
  • Lane-keeping assist needs calibration, the car wants to keep too far into the right side of the lane.
  • Voice commands work fine in all other parts of the system except the navigation system. As soon as you get to anything where it asks for a location, it cannot process what you say no matter how simple it is. (Cannot even process a state name). It is not intermittent, it flat-out does not work. Only started after updating the maps via USB.
  • Shaking when braking on the highway, undoubtedly a warped rear brake rotor.
  • Weird distortion/electronic squeaking from dashboard tweeters in very specific circumstances (easily reproducible with the right songs).
I consider these all to be fairly minor issues and seemingly easy to resolve. Mechanically and build-quality wise the car has been great. 12,000 miles and there's only one intermittent rattle from the sunglasses-holder area. full 2021 Subaru Legacy review
2005 4dr Sedan turbocharged 250hp 2.5L H4
5-speed manual AWD		 Many more problems than any other Subaru I have owned. Lots of fit and finish issues along with failing wheel bearings and bad fuel injectors. full 2005 Subaru Legacy review
2002 4dr Wagon 165-horsepower 2.5L H4
4-speed automatic AWD		 Annual repairs have nearly doubled price paid for vehicle; substantial engine problems; none of the 4 recalls addressed engine issues. full 2002 Subaru Legacy review