Subaru Legacy problems and known issues

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The most significant documented Legacy problems are shared with the Outback: Takata passenger air bag inflators on 2003–2014 models, corroding brake lines on 2005–2009 cars in salt states, an overheating wiper motor on 2010–2014 models, and 2020 CVT software that could let the drive chain slip. The 2013 Legacy 2.5L was in an oil-consumption settlement.

CarWhere lists 12 documented Legacy issues, including 9 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source. Recall entries come from NHTSA's recall dataset on the DOT open-data portal, which may not list every campaign, so run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup.

Legacy generations at a glance

Subaru Legacy generations and the known issues listed for each
GenerationModel yearsIssues on this page
Third generation2000–2004Takata passenger air bag inflator may rupture (recall 15V323)
Fourth generation2005–2009Brake lines may corrode in salt-belt states (recall 13V110) · Secondary air pump relay can stick on and overheat (turbo models) (recall 16V738)
Fifth generation2010–2014Takata passenger inflators, climate-zone campaigns (recall 18V012) · Wiper motor cover can overheat and melt (recall 16V694) · Oil consumption: 2.5L FB engine class settlement
Sixth generation2015–2019Steering column may be improperly machined (recall 16V292) · Low-pressure fuel pump may fail (recall 21V587) · Battery drain: class settlement for 2015–2020 Legacys
Seventh generation2020–2025CVT clutch may engage before the drive chain is clamped (recall 21V955) · Passenger air bag occupant sensor may short (recall 24V227) · Windshield cracking: class settlement for 2020–2022 Legacys

Third generation Legacy problems (2000–2004)

Takata passenger air bag inflator may rupture (recall 15V323) (2003–2008)

Safety recall
Generation:
Third generation (2000–2004) and fourth generation (2005–2009)
Years:
2003–2008
Powertrain:
All

Passenger frontal air bag inflators in certain 2003–2008 Legacy and Outback models (plus 2004–2005 Impreza and 2003–2004 Baja) can absorb moisture over time and rupture when the air bag deploys, throwing metal fragments. Dealers replace the passenger inflator free of charge. The 432,016 figure covers every vehicle in campaign 15V323, not just the Legacy.

Symptoms

  • No warning signs before a crash

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Subaru retailer for the repair order showing the passenger air bag inflator replacement
  • If the car lived in a hot, humid state, check that every Takata campaign on the VIN is closed, including the 2020 re-replacement

NHTSA recall: 15V323 (2015-05-28) · 432,016 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [1]

Fourth generation Legacy problems (2005–2009)

Brake lines may corrode in salt-belt states (recall 13V110) (2005–2009)

Safety recall
Generation:
Fourth generation (2005–2009)
Years:
2005–2009
Powertrain:
All

In salt-belt states (and on request elsewhere), road salt can splash onto the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector and corrode them until brake fluid leaks, lengthening stopping distances. Dealers check for leaks, apply anti-corrosion wax and replace lines that seep, free of charge. A 2014 follow-up campaign (14V311) widened the inspection and repair. The 274,402 figure covers every vehicle in campaign 13V110, not just the Legacy.

Symptoms

  • Brake pedal sinks or feels soft

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Subaru retailer for the repair order showing the brake line inspection and treatment

NHTSA recall: 13V110 (2013-03-27) · 274,402 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [7][8]

Secondary air pump relay can stick on and overheat (turbo models) (recall 16V738) (2007–2009)

Safety recall
Generation:
Fourth generation (2005–2009)
Years:
2007–2009
Powertrain:
Turbo 2.5L

On turbocharged 2007–2009 Legacys (and turbo Outback, Impreza and Forester models), the secondary air injection pump relay can fail so the pump runs continuously, overheats and may melt, creating a fire risk. Dealers replace the relay free of charge. The 100,127 figure covers every vehicle in campaign 16V738, not just the Legacy.

Symptoms

  • Whirring from the engine bay that does not stop
  • Burning plastic smell

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Subaru retailer for the repair order showing the secondary air pump relay replacement

NHTSA recall: 16V738 (2016-10-13) · 100,127 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [9]

Fifth generation Legacy problems (2010–2014)

Takata passenger inflators, climate-zone campaigns (recall 18V012) (2009–2014)

Safety recall
Generation:
Fifth generation (2010–2014), plus 2009 models
Years:
2009–2014
Powertrain:
All

Later Takata passenger-inflator campaigns, split by climate zone, cover more model years; the hot-humid 'Zone A' states were recalled first, with matching campaigns for the other zones. The inflator propellant can degrade with long-term heat and humidity and the inflator may rupture in a crash. Dealers replace the passenger inflator free of charge. Legacys from 2009–2014 are covered across campaigns 16V358, 18V012 and 19V007 and their other-zone counterparts, and 20V001 replaced earlier replacement inflators. The 64,179 figure covers every vehicle in campaign 18V012, not just the Legacy.

Symptoms

  • No warning signs before a crash

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Subaru retailer for the repair order showing the passenger air bag inflator replacement
  • If the car lived in a hot, humid state, check that every Takata campaign on the VIN is closed, including the 2020 re-replacement

NHTSA recall: 18V012 (2018-01-09) · 64,179 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [2][3][4][5][6]

Wiper motor cover can overheat and melt (recall 16V694) (2010–2014)

Safety recall
Generation:
Fifth generation (2010–2014)
Years:
2010–2014
Powertrain:
All

On 2010–2014 Legacys and Outbacks, contamination inside the wiper motor bottom cover can let parts bind; if snow or ice stops the wipers from parking, the motor can overheat, the wipers can fail and the cover can melt, which is also a fire risk. Dealers replace the cover assembly free of charge. The 592,647 figure covers every vehicle in campaign 16V694, not just the Legacy.

Symptoms

  • Wipers stop working in snow or ice
  • Burning smell near the windshield base

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Subaru retailer for the repair order showing the wiper motor cover replacement

NHTSA recall: 16V694 (2016-09-27) · 592,647 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [10]

Oil consumption: 2.5L FB engine class settlement (2013–2014)

Moderate
Generation:
Fifth generation (2010–2014)
Years:
2013–2014
Powertrain:
2.5L FB25 (non-turbo)

A federal court approved a class settlement in 2016 over excessive oil consumption in early FB-series engines. Covered vehicles included the 2013 Legacy 2.5L and 2013–2014 manual-transmission Legacy 2.5L. Subaru agreed to cover oil-consumption repairs for 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first, with free testing. Subaru denied the claims.

Symptoms

  • Oil level low between changes

Check before buying

  • Ask a Subaru retailer whether oil-consumption bulletin repairs were performed on the VIN

Sources: [17]

Sixth generation Legacy problems (2015–2019)

Steering column may be improperly machined (recall 16V292) (2016–2017)

Safety recall
Generation:
Sixth generation (2015–2019)
Years:
2016–2017
Powertrain:
All

Certain 2016–2017 Legacys and Outbacks built February 29–May 6, 2016 may have a steering column machined incorrectly, so turning the wheel may not steer the car. NHTSA lists the campaign as do-not-drive until repaired. Dealers check the lot number and replace the column as needed. The 48,819 figure covers every vehicle in campaign 16V292, not just the Legacy.

Symptoms

  • Steering feels loose or disconnected

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Subaru retailer for the repair order showing the steering column lot-number inspection

NHTSA recall: 16V292 (2016-05-11) · 48,819 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [11]

Low-pressure fuel pump may fail (recall 21V587) (2018–2020)

Safety recall
Generation:
Sixth generation (2015–2019) and seventh generation (2020–2025)
Years:
2018–2020
Powertrain:
All

The in-tank low-pressure fuel pump on certain 2018–2020 Legacys may fail and stall the engine. Campaign 20V218 covered 2019 models first. Dealers replace the pump free of charge. The 175,968 figure covers every vehicle in campaign 21V587, not just the Legacy.

Symptoms

  • Engine stalls or will not restart

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Subaru retailer for the repair order showing the low-pressure fuel pump replacement

NHTSA recall: 21V587 (2021-07-29) · 175,968 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [12][13]

Battery drain: class settlement for 2015–2020 Legacys (2015–2020)

Minor
Generation:
Sixth generation (2015–2019)
Years:
2015–2020
Powertrain:
All

A class action alleged that the electrical system in 2015–2020 Legacys (and Outback, Forester, WRX and 2019–2020 Ascent) could keep drawing current after shutdown and drain the battery. The court approved a settlement in January 2023 that extended warranty coverage for qualifying battery failures. Subaru denied the claims.

Symptoms

  • Dead battery after sitting

Check before buying

  • Have the battery and parasitic draw tested

Sources: [18][19]

Seventh generation Legacy problems (2020–2025)

CVT clutch may engage before the drive chain is clamped (recall 21V955) (2020)

Safety recall
Generation:
Seventh generation (2020–2025)
Years:
2020
Powertrain:
CVT

A transmission control unit programming error on 2020 Legacys and Outbacks (and 2019–2020 Ascents) can let the clutch engage before the CVT drive chain is fully clamped, so the chain may slip and break. Dealers reprogram the TCU, check for chain slip and replace the transmission if damage is found. Campaign 22V485 added more 2020–2021 cars. The 198,255 figure covers every vehicle in campaign 21V955, not just the Legacy.

Symptoms

  • Sudden loss of drive power
  • Transmission warning light

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Subaru retailer for the repair order showing the TCU reprogramming and chain-slip check

NHTSA recall: 21V955 (2021-12-09) · 198,255 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [14][15]

Passenger air bag occupant sensor may short (recall 24V227) (2020–2022)

Safety recall
Generation:
Seventh generation (2020–2025)
Years:
2020–2022
Powertrain:
All

A capacitor in the passenger seat occupant detection sensors on 2020–2022 Legacys and Outbacks can crack and short, which can stop the passenger air bag from deploying. Dealers replace the sensors free of charge. The 118,723 figure covers every vehicle in campaign 24V227, not just the Legacy.

Symptoms

  • Passenger air bag OFF light with an adult seated

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Subaru retailer for the repair order showing the passenger seat ODS sensor replacement

NHTSA recall: 24V227 (2024-03-22) · 118,723 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [16]

Windshield cracking: class settlement for 2020–2022 Legacys (2020–2022)

Minor
Generation:
Seventh generation (2020–2025)
Years:
2020–2022
Powertrain:
All

A class action alleged that windshields on 2020–2022 Legacys (and Outback, Ascent and Forester models) could crack without a clear impact. In October 2024 a federal court preliminarily approved a settlement offering reimbursement of certain costs and an 8-year/100,000-mile extended warranty for a one-time replacement with an updated windshield. Subaru denied the claims.

Symptoms

  • Crack spreading from the windshield edge

Check before buying

  • Ask whether the windshield was replaced and EyeSight recalibrated

Sources: [20]

Related Legacy research

This page explains specific mechanical issues and recalls. Which model years drew the most owner complaints relative to the rest of the model’s history is answered in the years-to-avoid research where CarWhere publishes it.

Confirm how a Legacy was built before you buy.

Engine, transmission and packages decide which of these issues apply. The CarWhere Subaru build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Subaru build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

Which Legacy years have Takata air bag recalls?

2003–2008 Legacys are covered by recall 15V323, and 2009–2014 models by climate-zone campaigns including 16V358, 18V012 and 19V007; 20V001 replaced earlier replacement inflators. Dealers fix them free of charge.

Does the Legacy CVT have a recall?

Yes. Recall 21V955 covers 2020 Legacys whose transmission software could let the CVT drive chain slip and break, with 22V485 adding more 2020–2021 cars. Dealers reprogram the control unit and replace damaged transmissions.

Is the Legacy wiper motor recall a fire risk?

Yes. Recall 16V694 covers 2010–2014 Legacys whose wiper motor can overheat if snow or ice blocks the wipers, which can disable the wipers and melt the motor cover. Dealers replace the cover assembly free of charge.

Was the Legacy in the oil consumption settlement?

Yes. The 2013 Legacy 2.5L and 2013–2014 manual Legacy 2.5L were covered by a 2016 court-approved settlement in which Subaru agreed to cover oil-consumption repairs for 8 years or 100,000 miles.

What is the 2016–2017 Legacy steering recall?

Recall 16V292 covers certain 2016–2017 Legacys built February 29–May 6, 2016 whose steering column may be machined incorrectly, so turning the wheel may not steer the car. NHTSA lists it as do-not-drive until repaired.

Sources

Issue descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs are shown only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.

  1. Recall 15V323: Air Bags — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  2. Recall 18V012: Air Bags — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  3. Recall 16V358: Air Bags — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  4. Recall 19V007: Air Bags — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  5. Recall 19V008: Air Bags — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  6. Recall 20V001: Air Bags — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  7. Recall 13V110: Service Brakes, Hydraulic — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  8. Recall 14V311: Service Brakes, Hydraulic — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  9. Recall 16V738: Electrical System — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  10. Recall 16V694: Visibility — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  11. Recall 16V292: Steering — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  12. Recall 21V587: Fuel System, Gasoline — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  13. Recall 20V218: Fuel System, Gasoline — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  14. Recall 21V955: Power Train — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  15. Recall 22V485: Power Train — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  16. Recall 24V227: Air Bags — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  17. Yaeger v. Subaru of America, No. 1:14-cv-04490 (D.N.J.), opinion granting final approval of oil-consumption settlement (Aug. 31, 2016) — U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey (via GovInfo)
  18. In re Subaru Battery Drain Products Liability Litigation, No. 1:20-cv-03095 (D.N.J.): official settlement website — JND Legal Administration (court-appointed settlement administrator)
  19. Subaru Battery Settlement: frequently asked questions — JND Legal Administration (court-appointed settlement administrator)
  20. Powell v. Subaru of America, No. 1:19-cv-19114 (D.N.J.), order granting preliminary approval of windshield settlement (Oct. 3, 2024) — U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey (via GovInfo)

More Subaru tools

Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Subaru of America, Inc. or Subaru Corporation. Subaru and the model names are trademarks of their owners.