Subaru Legacy problems
The Subaru Legacy (Japanese: スバル・レガシィ, Hepburn: Subaru Regashi) is a mid-size car built by Japanese automobile manufacturer Subaru since 1989. The maker's flagship car, it is unique in its class for offering all-wheel drive as a standard feature, and Subaru's traditional boxer engine. The Legacy was sold as the Liberty in Australia out of deference to Legacy Australia, an organisation dedicated to caring for the families of military service veterans.
In 1996, a variant of the Legacy with heightened suspension called the Legacy Outback was introduced to compete in the burgeoning sport-utility vehicle class and proved to be a sales success for Subaru. The Outback line was split into its own model in 2008, known as the Subaru Outback.
As of 2008, 3.6 million Legacy models have been built since its 1989 introduction.
Production of the Legacy ended in Japan in June 2020, with the sixth-generation Legacy being the last model produced and marketed in Japan. Subaru of America announced in an internal email that 2025 will be the last model year for the Subaru Legacy. The Subaru Outback will remain in production, after being the company's top selling model in 2023.
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Subaru Legacy model years
Common Subaru Legacy problems
The Subaru Legacy is a popular mid-sized sedan known for its dependability and excellent safety features. However, like any vehicle, it can experience certain issues. Here are some common problems reported by Subaru Legacy owners:
- CVT Transmission Problems: Older models of the Subaru Legacy, particularly those with Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), have been reported to experience rumbling, stalling, and sudden stopping. A growling noise from the engine upon acceleration can also be a warning sign of a Subaru Legacy transmission problem. Fluid seepage, a pause after pressing on the gas, and the engine revving without accelerating are other notable red flags.
- Torque Converter Problems: The torque converter, which converts energy produced by the engine and sends it to the transmission, can cause slipping transmission at low speed, poor fuel economy, and various noises from the engine. These problems can be traced back to low or dirty transmission fluid, loose torque converter bolts, and worn clutches.
- Hood Latch Problems: Many Subaru Legacy owners have reported issues with the hood latch, which can become loose while driving at highway speeds. This can cause the hood to bob up and down, obstructing the driver's view of the road and potentially cracking or breaking the windshield.
- Excessive Oil Consumption: Some Subaru Legacy models, particularly those from 2010 to 2014, have been reported to consume excessive oil. Drivers have noted that the engine uses about a quart of oil every 1200 miles, which can increase maintenance costs and potentially harm the engine.
- Faulty Airbags: Some Subaru Legacy owners have reported issues with the airbags, which can fail to deploy in the event of a collision. This can pose a significant safety risk to the vehicle's occupants.
- Eyesight Faults: The Subaru Legacy's Eyesight system, which uses cameras and sensors to monitor the road and assist with braking and steering, can experience faults and fail to function properly. This can reduce the vehicle's safety features and make it more difficult to drive.
- Unintended Acceleration: Some Subaru Legacy owners have reported issues with unintended acceleration, where the vehicle suddenly speeds up without the driver's input. This can pose a significant safety risk and make it difficult to control the vehicle.
- Glitchy Infotainment System: The Subaru Legacy's infotainment system, which includes the radio, navigation, and climate control, can experience glitches and malfunctions. This can make it difficult to use the system and reduce the vehicle's functionality.
- Melting Dashboard: Some Subaru Legacy owners have reported issues with the dashboard melting, particularly in models from 2010 to 2012. This can create an offensive chemical smell and obstruct the driver's view of the road.
- Transmission Problems: Transmission issues have been reported in various Subaru Legacy models, including shuddering, vibrating, and stalling. These problems can be expensive to repair and pose a significant safety risk.
It is important to note that while these issues have been reported by some Subaru Legacy owners, they do not necessarily affect all vehicles of this make and model. Prospective buyers should do their own research and consider factors such as the vehicle's age, mileage, and maintenance history when making a purchasing decision.
Do Subaru Legacys have problems?
Subaru Legacy Reliability Problems. Legacy owners have made 266 complaints over 32 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 10th in overall reliability out of 17 Subaru models , with real engine and lights concerns.
Is a Subaru Legacy a reliable vehicle?
The Subaru Legacy Reliability Rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 16th out of 24 for midsize cars. The average annual repair cost is $563 which means it has average ownership costs. The severity of repairs is average, and major issues are less frequent than average, so major repairs are not common for the Legacy.
What is the average life of a Subaru Legacy?
200,000 miles
Legacy: The Subaru Legacy is a midsize sedan known for its reliability and durability. With proper maintenance, Legacy models can easily last well beyond 200,000 miles, providing years of dependable service.
What are the best years for Subaru Legacy?
For the most reliable Subaru Legacy year in this lineup, we recommend picking up the 2006 and 2007 model years due to their excellent reliability ratings and fuel economy. Both 2006 and 2007 Subaru Legacy models received the “Seal of Awesome” award from CarComplaints.com.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Subaru Legacy years
We have researched Subaru problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Subaru Legacy cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Subaru Legacy model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Subaru Legacy model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Subaru Legacy years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Subaru Legacy car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Subaru Legacy , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Air bags problems
- Electrical system problems
- Power train problems
- Service brakes problems
- Visibility/wiper problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Subaru Legacy vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Legacy model years
A total of 285 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Legacy model years
There were a total of 48 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Legacy model years
There were a total of 194 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Legacy model years
There were a total of 4 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 3211 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Subaru Legacy . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Subaru Legacy vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Subaru Legacy 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-12
- Date Complaint: 2024-11-12
- VIN: 4S3BWGP61M3
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Subaru has failed to remedy recall on airbags.
Subaru Legacy 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-03
- Date Complaint: 2024-11-03
- VIN: 4S3BWAB60M3
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,BACK OVER PREVENTION
- Summary: ODS sensor recall still not fixed/remedy available, used heat for first time since i purchased the car, minor cracks in the windshield, car radio/monitors randomly go black, reverse camera won’t work, restarts on there own after a while
Subaru Legacy 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-30
- VIN: 4S3BNAF68J3
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: My car stereo has gone crazy causing major distractions while driving. Hands free calling doesn’t work, in fact it calls random people on my call list. The screen dances and changes screens all by itself causing major distraction and it has almost caused an accident by the distraction. I’ve read that this issue is a known manufacturing issue and a class action lawsuit was brought against Subaru. I called Subaru and they have refused to give me a warranty radio even thou my dealer confirmed my radio is suffering from the De-lamination issue that’s well known problem with my car.
Subaru Legacy 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-13
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-22
- VIN: 4S3BMCA68E3
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: My Subaru ran perfectly fine until the water pump and cooler lines got replaced after these were replaced it was tried to be driven and the car then had no idea what gear it was in drive is drive neautral is drive and reverse does not work at all paddle shifters won’t work AT oil temp light check engine light brake light flashing cruise control light all came on and the car will only go forward and it’s making some crazy shutter noises when you start it and sometimes it shuts off after it was started.
Subaru Legacy 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-17
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-17
- VIN: 4S3BNAC69H3
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: The mirror drivers side mirror wiggles. I. The even of a battery failure the electrical brake may fail
Subaru Legacy 2024
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-04
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-11
- VIN: 4S3BWAD65R3
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: Warning light on infotainment screen for Eyesight and Transmission Oil issues. Warning from MySubaru System via website. Warning on Infotainment screen while using CarPlay "There was a problem loading this content." Contacted Subaru of America Britt Senior Customer Service Advocate telling them dealer is not making appointment to fix car and no response. Car is clearly having electrical issues. On previous trip to dealerships service was told some cars seem to have issue near train lines and have sporadic electronic issues. Car has had hazard lights flash upon start up on several times. Subaru of America is not taking this seriously. In my honest opinion someone is going to be seriously hurt or killed because of SOA refusal to fix this issue with 2024 Legacy.
Subaru Legacy 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2021-04-16
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-06
- VIN: 4S3BNAC65H3
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The key frequently gets stuck in the ignition. It takes several attempts to release the key. Turning the wheel to ensure the wheel isn’t locked and turning the ignition/car on does not help release the key from ignition.
Subaru Legacy 2011
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-12
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-04
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2011 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH and driving over a speed bump, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the subframe was damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 14,000. The VIN was not available.
Subaru Legacy 2005
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-25
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-03
- VIN: 4S3BL686456
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: The contact owns a 2005 Subaru Legacy. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V311000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the dealer refused to perform the recall. The contact stated that the dealer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, while braking for a traffic light, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The contact was able to stop the vehicle and had the vehicle towed to a dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the rear passenger side brake line had corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired by the dealer since the dealer stated the vehicle was not registered in the listed states on the recall notification. The failure mileage was 229,126. Parts distribution disconnect.
Subaru Legacy 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-26
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-26
- VIN: 4S3BWAC65L3
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Legacy. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V227000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Subaru Legacy 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-23
- VIN: 4S3BNBL67F3
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owned a 2015 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact opened and closed the trunk, triggering the alarm system. The alarm system failed to deactivate immediately. The vehicle then failed to restart as needed, and the "Shift to Park" message was displayed while the transmission was in park(P). The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the brake fuse was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact replaced the brake fuse for a second time, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer, where an unknown repair was performed. The contact later sold the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 175,000.
Subaru Legacy 2024
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-18
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-18
- VIN: 4S3BWAD65R3
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CarPlay Infotainment system built into vehicle and advertised on Subaru.Com as works "perfectly" is showing this message "There was a problem loading this content". Subaru website: The centerpiece of the updated Legacy interior is the available 11.6-inch STARLINK multimedia touchscreen. The stunning big-screen interface makes it easy and intuitive to customize options and delivers SEAMLESS CONTROL of the wireless Apple CarPlay". This is FALSE ADVERTISING. This is EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SAFETY ISSUE. The entire infotainment screen which controls things like HVAC is freezing up for no reason.
Subaru Legacy 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-14
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-13
- VIN: 4S3BNAS62K3
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Radio is delaminating and causing random calls and radio changes while driving. Serious safety issue. Subaru covered a portion of the replacement but entire cost should be covered due to it being an obvious manufacturer defect.
Subaru Legacy 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-10
- VIN: 4S3BNAH64F3
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: 2015 Subaru Legacy 2.5 engine. Fuel gauge is inaccurate. My daughter was on the highway when it ran out of fuel. Had car towed to a independent shop. They said that the fuel gauges is a problem for Subaru 's and that they had seen it before on other Subaru's.
Subaru Legacy 2009
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-31
- VIN: 4S3BL676196
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES,VISIBILITY/WIPER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: Under Subaru campaign WQK47, which supersedes an earlier campaign, 05-09 Legacy/Outback and other models are known to undergo accelerated brake line corrosion due to sub-par materials and design. Subaru of America's "fix" for this issue is to inspect the lines: if the lines are compromised, they replace them. If the lines are corroded but not yet compromised, the lines are coated with an anti-corrosion wax. This wax washes off the car and is ineffective. Subaru performed this recall work insufficiently on my vehicle, failing to identify the severity of the corrosion. They coated the lines, called it "fixed", and the brake lines later ruptured under normal driving conditions. This caused a highway near-miss at speed that could have impacted everyone on the road. Multiple Subaru dealerships in Connecticut have refused to re-inspect and repair the vehicle under the recall campaign, despite it being a known critical safety concern, and despite knowledge that the original parts and anti-corrosion application are sub-par. They insist that because the ineffective recall campaign was already "completed", they bear no further responsibility for the design compromises and sub-par materials that are the root cause of this issue. Additionally: Under Subaru bulletin 12-197-16R the dashboard of 05-09 Subaru Legacy/Outback models is known to become sticky and melt. While this might initially be considered a cosmetic issue, the melted surface is DRAMATICALLY reflective. The hump over the gauge cluster melts first, causing a huge, intense sun glare reflection in the windscreen directly ahead of the driver. I own two 05-09 Subaru Legacies; this issue is present in both. Subaru of America has rejected my replacement claims on both cars because the cutoff date for their open recall has expired. This is a major and constantly worsening safety issue that severely limits driver visibility. Because it developed slowly, it was not a safety concern until after closure of the recall.
Latest 5 recalls Subaru Legacy
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 219 recalls for different components of the Subaru Legacy.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Subaru Legacy 2021
- Report Received Date: 2024-03-22
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
- Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Outback and Legacy vehicles. A capacitor in the sensors for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may crack and short circuit, which can prevent the front passenger air bag from deploying in a crash.
- Consequence: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the ODS sensors on the front passenger seat, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed May 17, 2024. Owners will receive a second letter once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRA-24.
- Model: Subaru Legacy 2020
- Report Received Date: 2024-03-22
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
- Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Outback and Legacy vehicles. A capacitor in the sensors for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may crack and short circuit, which can prevent the front passenger air bag from deploying in a crash.
- Consequence: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the ODS sensors on the front passenger seat, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed May 17, 2024. Owners will receive a second letter once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRA-24.
- Model: Subaru Legacy 2022
- Report Received Date: 2024-03-22
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
- Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Outback and Legacy vehicles. A capacitor in the sensors for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may crack and short circuit, which can prevent the front passenger air bag from deploying in a crash.
- Consequence: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the ODS sensors on the front passenger seat, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed May 17, 2024. Owners will receive a second letter once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRA-24.
- Model: Subaru Legacy 2022
- Report Received Date: 2023-11-09
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH
- Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.
- Consequence: An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.
- Model: Subaru Legacy 2021
- Report Received Date: 2023-11-09
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH
- Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.
- Consequence: An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.
Latest negative Subaru Legacy car reviews
Latest positive Subaru Legacy car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2023
In 2020, I purchased a Jetta and found its performance lackluster. Despite its fully loaded interior, the Jetta was too pedestrian for my liking. So, I traded it in for a Legacy Premium, my first Subaru. I must say, the cabin is very quiet, the ride is smooth and balanced, and the suspension is not overly stiff. The seats are comfortable, which is a big plus for me since I disliked my synthetic leather VW seats. Although the entry-level Legacy doesn't have as many safety features as the VW, it still provides a solid driving experience. The asymmetrical all-wheel drive is especially meaningful in the four-season weather of my state. The standard Yokohama tires on the Legacy provide a solid grip to the road alongside a well-responsive braking system. The audio system is also above average in nearly every format I listen to. The only drawback I have noticed is a slightly lower MPG in the Legacy, but it's still above 35+ with similar driving conditions. Overall, I think the Legacy is a better bang for the buck and more eye-catching than the generic Jetta. Both are fine automobiles, but I definitely prefer the Legacy.
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Vehicle year: 1990
I bought my Subaru in March 2007 with only 129,000 miles. Since then, I have only needed to do routine maintenance, such as oil changes every 3,000 miles or 3 months, and keeping an eye on all fluid levels and conditions. This car still runs, starts, and drives like it's brand new! All it needs now is a driver CV axle and a rear wheel bearing. I couldn't be happier with my purchase and I plan to keep driving it until the wheels fall off! I highly recommend this car to anyone in need of dependable transportation!
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Vehicle year: 2015
I'm so glad to hear that you're enjoying your car, especially during the winter weather. It sounds like you made a great choice in upgrading to this model. The premium trim with the moonroof and navigation is definitely a nice touch, and it's great to hear that you're happy with the 7 inch screen and stereo. The auto dimming mirror with homelink is also a really useful feature. Overall, it sounds like you made a smart purchase with this car, especially at such an affordable price point for this trim level. Thanks for sharing your experience!
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Vehicle year: 1997
This car may not be a Mercedes, but it offers outstanding reliability for a four-cylinder car. When I purchased my 2.5L wagon, it had 190,000 miles on it. Now, with 280,000 miles on it, it runs just as well as when I bought it. From the coast of California to the coast of North Carolina, this car has only needed an occasional oil change. Whether you're a first-time car buyer or someone who wants a reliable car to keep miles off their nice car, you can't go wrong with this one. I will say that the acceleration is terrible, and some people have complained about the head gasket blowing, but I think it's because they tried to drive the car too hard. As long as you keep the timing belt changed and drive sensibly, this car will take great care of you. Other notes: I have a 130lb dog, and she fits fine in there. The seats lay down, giving me plenty of storage room. In fact, because I travel so much, I usually get a memory foam mattress topper, and it makes a perfect bed for me and her (I'm 6'1). This car also eats oil, so just be sure you check the oil every 3000 miles or so. Another thing I noticed when I was in the desert was that it started to overheat after sitting stationary for about 5 minutes. I turned it off to let it cool, and it was all good. As far as the steering goes, it's definitely a longer car. Ever since I've owned the car, if I make a sharp turn at low speeds, it shakes and vibrates a lot. I'm not sure why, but it's never hurt anything. The seat padding somewhat wears out on the outside, and you can feel the wire frame after a while of getting in and out of the car. But the fabric is good material and won't rip easily. Also, the car has a feature where it notifies you if a specific door is open. They tend to fail over time, and it may be telling you a door is open when it's not. That's kind of annoying, but overall, this car is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable ride.The tailgate light may occasionally misread whether the rear door is open or not, which can be a bit irritating. However, the carpet is easy to clean and doesn't trap hair, which is great for pet owners. If you change elevation quickly, such as going through the Rocky Mountains, the oxygen sensor may trigger the check engine light, but it can easily be cleared once you return to a more steady elevation. It's important to keep the tire pressure even to avoid any issues like the rear end whine that I experienced when I first bought the vehicle. Lastly, the cup holders are a bit small, which is something to keep in mind. Overall, this is a great vehicle that is easy to maintain and perfect for pet owners!
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Vehicle year: 1995
Nothing is perfect in this world, but I absolutely love my LSi that I bought about 10 years ago. I purchased it from a friend who's father ran the local dealership in 2007, and it was in near mint condition with only 88,000 miles on it. I paid $3,500 for it (yeah, I know!). Right now, it has 166,625 miles on it and has been running great for at least 6 years with regular maintenance. It did require a major repair (ball joints and front CV axle), but that's to be expected with any car. Currently, I am replacing the head gaskets, which is a common issue with Subarus. Despite this, I have driven through snowstorms that have trapped other AWD vehicles, taken it off-road for dirt-road camping, and road tripped to every state surrounding. I even hydroplaned and bumped the driver rear side hard enough to deform the support linkage, but she never complained. I have replaced some parts myself, including the wheel bearings, front CV axle, ball joints, water pump, and timing belt. This car is extremely easy to work on and unbelievably forgiving. I will never sell it. If you find one of these in repairable condition below 250,000 miles, you have found a treasure known only to the select few (read: many) who have been lucky enough to own one. Just ask the guy who sold it to me, who still laments having sold it (of course, it was not his blood and sweat which kept it running!).Listen, I know she may not be the sportiest or the fastest, but let me tell you, she's got heart. With her 4-cylinders in an aluminum block, she may have a buzzy hum on acceleration, but when you put the pedal to the metal, she's got some serious getup and go. This car is what endeared me to the Subaru Brand and I couldn't be happier with my choice.
Are you having problems with your Subaru Legacy?
Larue Stark 2025-10-20
Vehicle year: 2022
14,000 mile update. I still like the way the car drives. The interior is beautiful and the car is well put-together. It is reasonably quiet and a solid highway cruiser. AWD is great, and MPG is excellent considering AWD and 260hp. I appreciate the updates to the infotainment system that fixed some bugs, brought the start/stop button to the first screen, and allowed portrait utilization of Apple CarPlay. However, there are some things that I find annoying. For example, the cruise control switches are not user-friendly, and the start/stop feature is so annoying that I have to switch it off every time. Additionally, the facial recognition system recognizes me when I get into the car, but when I get out, it asks me if I want to create a new profile. Despite these issues, the car is still a great choice. The interior styling is stunning, and the quality is better than the Lincoln MKZ I traded in, as well as some of the new luxury cars I test drove like the Cadillac CT5 and Genesis G70. The Eyesight features, especially adaptive cruise and lane centering, are impressive. The stereo is good, and the turbo engine has very strong power. The car has decent range and mileage.If you're driving below 70mph, you can easily get 30MPG. However, if you exceed that speed, your MPG will decrease. At 77mph, I'm getting 27MPG and 450 miles on a tank. One of the features I love is the remote start, which allows me to set the climate and seat heater settings before I even get in the car. The build quality is impressive, with doors that have a heavy, solid feeling like a German car. Although the seats look comfortable, I find the lumbar support lacking, which can cause discomfort on long trips. The start/stop feature takes some getting used to, as it can be unrefined and result in a noticeable shudder when activating. Overall, this car is a great value proposition and the CVT works smoothly with the engine.Auto vehicle hold is a nice feature, but like start/stop, it must be activated every time you restart the car. It would be great to have the auto vehicle hold AND start/stop switches customizable so that they can be placed on the main screen. The cruise control speed settings are a bit inconvenient. A tap up or down will increase or decrease your speed to the next 5mph increment. So, if you're driving at 77 and want to slow down to 70, you need to tap down twice to bring it down to 70. However, you can hold the switch down to increase or decrease in one mph increments. If you're someone who enjoys tinkering with their computers, iPads, etc., you'll love the center stack and its many settings. However, if you aren't willing to dive into the menus, you may have to learn to live with the car's little frustrations. Unfortunately, automatic wipers are not included, which is a surprising omission.
Jayson Herman 2025-10-15
Vehicle year: 2007
I drive quite a distance to work everyday and I was looking for a reliable and economical car. Luckily, I found both of those things in my Subaru Legacy. However, I have to admit that the seats are not very comfortable. In fact, they are quite hard and can be unbearable to sit in for more than 15 minutes, especially during long drives.
Demetrius Hammes 2025-10-14
Vehicle year: 1999
I bought this vehicle a month ago and I'm really enjoying it! It has 129,000 miles on it but it still drives great! I didn't buy it for style since I switched from an Acura RSX to a station wagon. However, I love the way it drives and so far I haven't had any problems with it. The only downside is the gas mileage, which is pretty bad for a 4-cylinder at 21 MPG. Unfortunately, the rear latch for the hatch is broken and I can only get a new one from the dealer, which is a total rip-off at $180. But, since I'm not a fan of trucks, this vehicle is perfect for home-improvement projects. If it holds up, I would definitely buy another one!
Everett Frami 2025-10-11
Vehicle year: 2015
After bequeathing my 2005 Honda Accord to my daughter, I had to start looking for a new car. Unfortunately, the car I really wanted was either out of my price range or not practical for my family's needs. Safety was a top priority for me, and I remembered how a 1994 Subaru Imprezza had saved my wife's life when someone t-boned her. I've owned Hyundais and Nissans in the past, and even Minis, Fords, and Vauxhalls during my time in the UK. Last year, I had to choose between the Honda Accord V6 Touring and the Subaru Legacy 3.6R with EyeSight, and I eventually went with the Legacy. While it's not a bad car, there's just something missing that could make it great. The safety equipment is excellent, and the EyeSight has engaged a couple of times and even stopped the car, although no impact was imminent. However, everything else about the car is just okay. It doesn't stir any emotions, and I expected better sportier handling, road holding, a quieter and more compliant ride, and better technology from a car with a big 3.6 engine and all-wheel drive. Don't get me wrong, it's great value for the price. If you compare it to a Mercedes, BMW, Audi, etc. with the same level of equipment, you'll spend at least $10K-$15K more. I feel that Subaru played it safe instead of making an aggressive statement to mid-size car buyers. The one thing that really irks me are the ergonomics, which are awful. Our 1994 Imprezza was awesome, you got in and just sunk into a perfect driving position. This goes for other cars I've owned and rented. A year and a half on, and I am still unable to find a comfortable driving and seating position. The seats look good but are narrow, very thin, and have no side or lateral support. Furthermore, the lumbar even at its lowest position pushes into my lower back, which means the seat part does not support my thighs. If I tilt the seat base up to compensate, I have to recline the seat more for lumbar space, and in turn, it leaves no upper back support.The foot rest is positioned too close, forcing me to rest my left foot next to the brake pedal. Additionally, the steering wheel is at an awkward angle and the dials, while aesthetically pleasing, are too far away. The same goes for the touch screen and other controls. It seems that the ergonomics of the car need to be re-evaluated. Despite these issues, I still enjoy driving my Subaru, but I am considering alternatives due to my discomfort. As the title of this write-up suggests, I really want to love my Subaru, but it's just not meeting my expectations. I had hoped to keep this vehicle for years to come and even pass it on to my eleven-year-old, but I am disappointed with my experience. While I gave it an overall rating of 3 stars, I would give it 2 1/2 stars in truth.
Eduardo Kassulke 2025-10-09
Vehicle year: 1997
I bought this car at 170,000m and it's still running strong at 205,000m with routine maintenance. We did replace the 02 sensors around 200,000m, as well as the brakes, rotors, and cv shaft. Other than oil changes, tires, and other typical replacements, this car has been a dream!