2024 Subaru Legacy problems

General information about Subaru-Legacy
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Negative car reviews
Positive car reviews

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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Common 2024 Subaru Legacy problems

The Subaru Legacy is a reliable vehicle, but there are some common problems that owners have reported across various model years. Here are some of the most common issues:

Melting Dashboard: Some owners have reported that the dashboard can melt and emit an offensive chemical smell, which can be distracting and uncomfortable for drivers .
Transmission Problems: Transmission issues have been reported in some Legacy models, including delayed engagement and rough shifting .
Cracked Windshield: Some drivers have reported cracked windshields, which can be a safety hazard and require costly repairs .
Headlights Burning Out: The most-reported problem for the 2011 Subaru Legacy is headlights that keep burning out, which can be a significant inconvenience and safety risk.

Dead Batteries: Some owners have reported issues with dead batteries, which can leave drivers stranded and require costly replacements .
Defective Fuel Pumps: Fuel pump issues have been reported in some Legacy models, which can lead to stalling and difficulty starting the car .
Rust: Rust has been reported in some Legacy models, particularly in areas where salt is used on the roads .

When considering purchasing a used Subaru Legacy, it's important to be aware of these common issues and to thoroughly inspect any potential vehicle for signs of these problems. It's also worth noting that some model years have been rated as worse than others in terms of reliability and overall quality. For example, the 2013 Subaru Legacy has been rated as the worst model year due to engine problems and higher repair costs. Ultimately, it's important to do thorough research and consider multiple factors when choosing a used vehicle.

How reliable are Subaru legacies?

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 most common problem with the Subaru Legacy?

Will there be a 2024 Subaru Legacy?

For 2024, all-wheel drive Legacy is available in Base, Premium, Sport, Limited and Touring XT.

What are the cons of a Subaru Legacy?

Another issue with the Subaru Legacy is the seriously underpowered nature of the entry engine in the lineup. The base models come with a 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine, which is much less powerful than the option you get with the Sport and Touring XT trims - a 260-hp turbocharged 2.4-liter engine.

What is the most common problem with the Subaru Legacy?

Will there be a 2024 Subaru Legacy?

For 2024, all-wheel drive Legacy is available in Base, Premium, Sport, Limited and Touring XT.

Is the Subaru Legacy reliable?

The Subaru Legacy Reliability Rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 16th out of 24 for midsize cars.

How long will a 2014 Subaru Legacy last?

Typically, a Subaru Legacy will survive around 200,000 miles, though some report their car lasting 300,000 miles. The more effort you put into maintenance and the more careful you drive, the easier it will be to ensure your Legacy survives for years.

2024 Subaru Legacy car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Subaru Legacy problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Electrical system problems
Visibility/wiper problems
Forward collision avoidance problems
Unknown or other problems
Exterior lighting problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2024 Subaru Legacy vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2024 Subaru Legacy complaints

The NHTSA has received 8 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2024 Subaru Legacy.

2024-10-11

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-10-04
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.

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2024-09-18

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 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.

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2024-08-22

VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-08-22
VIN: 4S3BWAM66R3
Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
Summary: The windshield is extremely fragile, I have under 3,000 miles and already 4 rock chips on the windshield. This is all from highways and paved roads, no gravel or dirt roads have been driven on. The rock chips have happened on different occasions and never was their a loud bang from a large rock which makes me think small rocks are causing the damage. Rock chips lead to cracks that will impair visibility without costly repairs

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2024-05-26

VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-05-25
VIN: 4S3BWGG6XR3
Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
Summary: Front Windshield cracks easily. Vehicle is only 7 months old and the front windshield has been cracked four separate times due to small rock impact. I just had the windshield replaced with a new Subaru OEM front windshield and three days later it was hit by a small pebble and cracked again.

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2024-05-19

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-05-19
VIN: 4S3BWAD65R3
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Summary: Infotainment system of car mutes iPhone telephone to person on other end of phone causing driver to need to pick up phone or interact with screen taking eyes off road. I reported to Subaru of America and was told this is happening in almost every 2024 Subaru. They paid for and provided headphones which causes me to need to use telephone navigation instead of built in to car CarPlay navigation. Subaru of America and Liberty Auto City Subaru of Libertyville IL refuse to service vehicle or fix car. Subaru of America Britt Senior Customer Advocate Specialist | 1-800-782-2783 | Dial Option 1 | Direct Ext 119143 Subaru of America, Inc. | One Subaru Drive | Camden, NJ 08103 tells me they will have a software fix in Fall of 2024. This is totally unacceptable and very dangerous safety issue.

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2024-03-08

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2023-12-27
VIN: 4S3BWAN69R3
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Summary: Apparently the wiring is made of soy based product causing mice to chew it. The power steering was compromise along with many electrical components , luckily I was not on the road when this happened the thought that I would be on the road frightens me. When I went to the dealer, Subaru of Newton NJ, they said it wasn't their fault and they are charging my insurance for repairs. Subaru is causing potential fatal accidents by not addressing this issue, they are aware of the problem and willing to do nothing. My car has been in the shop since December 2023 please help. Thank you.

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2024-02-05

VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-01-25
VIN: 4S3BWGP67R3
Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
Summary: Highway travel , approximately 70 mph , small object struck windshield and cracked it . Cracked far too easily . Less than 3000 miles on vehicle.

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2023-12-16

EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2023-12-16
VIN: 4S3BWGG62R3
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: Frequently, while driving in the dark, oncoming traffic flashes their bright lights at me because they believe my brights are on. I flash them back to show them they are not on. I informed my local Subaru dealership on two separate occasions about the problem, and both times I was told there is nothing that can be done, that the lights are not adjustable and the bulbs are not too bright from the factory. I continue to have issues every time I drive the vehicle, most of my driving is in the dark. This morning, another driver behaved in a manner that made me fear for my safety. I was following a line of cars, and the vehicle in front of me pulled over to the side of the road and then pulled back on the road directly behind me. The driver continually flashed his brights at me, I'm guessing they were irritated because they believed my brights were on when I was following them. This continued for about 5 minutes. I almost called 911 because I feared for my safety and the mental stability of the driver behind me. Eventually the driver turned off the roadway and took another route than I was taking and the situation ended. I now fear for the safety of myself and other drivers, because my lights are too bright and the Subaru dealership will do nothing to remedy the safety issue. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced at the local Subaru dealership on 12/19/2023. The dealership claimed they were able to adjust the headlights and that they are properly adjusted to specs. However, there is not a noticeable difference, nor does any other vehicles on the road.

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Negative 2024 Subaru Legacy car reviews

Boris D'Amore 2024-11-26

I drive one of these for a company car and unfortunately, I have not had the best experience with it. The technology feels outdated and the connection is quite slow. Additionally, I find the comfort lacking and the driving experience to be subpar, especially for a new car. The lane assist feature can be quite buggy and pulls unnecessarily. Overall, I feel that the car looks and feels cheaply built.
Hayley Goyette 2024-11-24

I purchased this car in January and have noticed a defect in the clearcoat/paint. After consulting with my local body shop, it has been determined that the entire car requires repainting. It is important to note that this issue is not caused by acid rain, as my new car is parked next to my 2012 Legacy and my daughter's 2014 Ford Escape, both of which have no issues with their clearcoat/paint.
Cary Schmitt 2024-06-02

I narrowed down my search to the 24 Legacy Sport or Premium and 2024 Mazda CX50 Premium. The reason I was considering the Legacy was because it is not a CUV and not so common, which makes it unique. However, it is not a fast-selling sedan and is one of the worst in the market. Subaru counters this by having very few in stock, so they don't negotiate that much and rarely have the model you want on the lot. I did give Subaru an offer on a sport, but they did not budge much. Also, it's surprising that you can't get backup cameras or the minimum parking sensors in 2024 on a Subaru Sedan. I wanted to get the N/A model, but with the CVT, it is loud and unrefined compared to the Mazda. Additionally, the Infotainment is better on Mazda, and when you throw in the ground clearance, hatch, more inventory, and likely better reliability, fit and finish, the Mazda was the one I went with.

Positive 2024 Subaru Legacy car reviews

Khalil Conn 2025-03-27

I really appreciate the way this vehicle drives, it's so smooth and it's definitely the best one I've ever owned. In the past, I've had some nice SUVs, but none of them drove as nicely as this one. Additionally, they sat higher and were more difficult to get in and out of. The dashboard is not too complicated and I was able to operate it easily. The salesperson went through many of the controls with me, which was really helpful, and was willing to answer any questions I had.
Vern Renner 2025-03-12

Coming from a WRX that I’ve had for 9 years, I was looking for better ride, interior comfort etc. I tried a premium Legacy but that base engine didn’t do it for me. The Sport really feels like a big sedan with big power and has updated handling without the stiffness. It’s quiet and composed. I can’t find any flaws at this time. Purchased for mid $30’s and with all the extras so to speak, I feel like this is a bargain luxury car. The only thing it doesn’t have is leather seating but has that combo fake leather and cloth. I find them to be extremely comfortable. Love the interior as well.
Wallace Haley 2025-03-01

I haven't had the car long enough to review its dependability, so this is more of a 'first impression/500 mile review'. Here are some of the things I like about it: the interior is great, I love the Napa leather and the big screen for the entertainment system is nice. I also appreciate having physical buttons to adjust the temperature outside of the entertainment screen. There is very little road noise and the visibility is good. The seats are very comfortable and the handling is fantastic. The power/acceleration with the turbo charged engine is good, and the adaptive cruise control with lane assist works great. I'm averaging about 28 miles per gallon driving about 85% freeway and 15% city. The ride is SUPER smooth even over roads that are in desperate need of maintenance. However, there are a few things that could be improved. My biggest complaint is probably that the back up camera is no better than a $200 aftermarket backup camera. I would expect that in 2022, the top model of the Legacy would have a bird's eye view camera (my 2017 Nissan has it) or at the very least, a higher quality back up camera. Along those same lines, the front camera is terrible! It's a grainy/pixelated looking image. I know these are 'first world problems', but I just expected more out of a car this luxurious in many other ways. A close second on my biggest complaints is that I wish there was a way to permanently disable the auto start and stop along with the eyesight that watches the driver. It's not hard to do, but it's annoying that I have to do it every time I turn off the car and restart it. Lastly, it's surprising to me that in 2022, a car manufacturer would not put an automatic start button on the key fob. Overall, I'm enjoying my experience with the car so far and I hope these suggestions can be taken into consideration for future models.I can't believe they thought it was a good idea to make consumers navigate through a mobile app and take a semester in computer software engineering just to start their cars. It's ridiculous that I can start my car from another country, but not from 10 feet away with a simple button on my key fob. Who came up with this idea? I can even start my 1956 Bel Air with my key fob, but not my 2022 Legacy. That being said, I do have a few minor complaints. The acceleration delay from a stop could be improved, and I'm not a fan of the stock wheels, but that's just my personal preference. Also, it's frustrating that there's no automatic start button on the key fob. Overall, the car has a luxurious interior and great power and ride, while also offering amazing AWD capabilities.
Nicola Bartell 2025-02-19

Congratulations on your new Legacy! It's great to hear that you're enjoying your car so much. You've already put a good amount of miles on it and it sounds like it's been performing well for you. I completely agree with you on the base 2.5 engine - it's more than adequate for everyday driving and the gas mileage is impressive. The CVT is also a great feature that makes driving smooth and easy. I'm glad to hear that you're enjoying the all wheel drive too, especially with the winter weather coming up. It's always exciting to take a road trip and I'm sure your Legacy will handle the snow with ease. It's a shame to hear that the sound system on the premium trim level isn't up to par, but it's great that you were able to find a solution with aftermarket speakers. Overall, it sounds like you made a great choice with the Legacy and I hope you continue to enjoy it for years to come!
Nathen Gislason 2025-02-14

I was looking for a car with 4-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive that could handle freeway traffic with ease and provide some Sunday afternoon fun. The 2023 Subaru Legacy Sport exceeded my expectations with its 250-300 hp and good torque. It's a great daily driver with good gas mileage in (i) mode, although the CVT takes some getting used to. In (S#) mode, the Legacy Sport is quick and sporty while still providing decent gas mileage. The car corners well and the seats are ultra-comfortable, holding you in place. The iSight system works great in cruise control, although it occasionally slows you down when nothing is in front of you. This may be due to sun glare and I plan to have it checked at my first service appointment. The only downside is the lack of aftermarket accessories for this year/model, which is surprising given the popularity of Subarus in the Pacific Northwest. Overall, the Legacy Sport is worth every penny if you're looking for a mid-sized sedan with plenty of bells and whistles, power, torque, and the famous Subaru all-wheel drive for extra security on the road. The dealership is friendly and down-to-earth, treating you like a friend or family member.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2024 Subaru Legacy problems:

Subaru Legacy Questions - i am looking a buying a 1999 subaru ...

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Discussion-c3486_ds550724

Jun 24, 2013 ... i am looking a buying a 1999 subaru legacy, what are some common problems with that make, model and year? -

Why does literally EVERYONE try to talk me out of a Subaru? : r ...

https://www.reddit.com/r/Subaru_Outback/comments/13ilz1a/why_does_literally_everyone_try_to_talk_me_out_of/

May 15, 2023 ... My dad had a Subaru Outback, he put over 100,000 miles on it with zero problems. My mom has a Subaru Forester (mechanically almost identical) ...

05 legacy sedan 2.5 GT common problems : r/subaru

https://www.reddit.com/r/subaru/comments/oymm8b/05_legacy_sedan_25_gt_common_problems/

Aug 5, 2021 ... What are some of the more common detrimental issues with the 05 legacy sedan 2.5 GT with the auto? Potentially picking one up as I just ...

Q&A: 2013 Subaru Legacy Limited 2.5i - Common Problems ...

https://www.justanswer.com/subaru/hbo4k-2013-subaru-legacy-limited-2-5i-driving.html

Jul 22, 2021 ... Car lost power and was jerking. Had vehicle towed and connected diagnostic tool came back as P0303- misfire bank #3. From there disconnected ...