Last updated: 2026-07-26
Hyundai Sonata vs Subaru Legacy: Reliability Compared
Hyundai Sonata
Subaru Legacy
Choosing between the Hyundai Sonata and the Subaru Legacy? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two midsize sedans.
Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Subaru Legacy currently leads with an average score of 75/100 compared to 68/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.
How Do the Hyundai Sonata and Subaru Legacy Generations Compare?
Verdict
The Subaru Legacy is more reliable than the Hyundai Sonata, scoring 75/100 vs 68/100.
The Subaru Legacy outperforms the Hyundai Sonata in reliability, with a higher average reliability score of 75/100 compared to the Sonata's 68/100. While both models have a similar recall history, the Legacy has a significantly higher owner complaint rate at 21.2 per 10,000 sold, compared to the Sonata's 3.7, which may offset its reliability advantage for some buyers. However, the Legacy's estimated annual repair cost of $563 provides a clearer picture of maintenance expectations, as the Sonata lacks this data. Key issue areas for the Sonata include engine and powertrain problems, whereas the Legacy commonly faces visibility and electrical system issues.
Key Differences
- 1Hyundai Sonata has 17.5 fewer complaints per 10k sold
- 2Subaru Legacy scores 7 points higher in reliability
- 3Subaru Legacy has 1 fewer total recalls
Category Scoreboard
Hyundai Sonata vs Subaru Legacy: Which Is More Reliable?
| Metric | Hyundai Sonata | Subaru Legacy |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability Score | 68/100 | 75/100 |
| Years Tracked | 9 | 8 |
| Total Recalls | 20 | 19 |
| Complaints per 10k Sold | 3.7 | 21.2 |
| Safety RatingNHTSA overall | 2026 NHTSA | 2025 NHTSA |
| Frontal | ||
| Side | ||
| Rollover | ||
| Year Wins | 1 | 7 |
What Are the Common Problems With the Hyundai Sonata and Subaru Legacy?
The Hyundai Sonata exhibits a higher total number of complaints compared to the Subaru Legacy, particularly with significant issues in the engine and electrical system categories, each linked to multiple crash incidents. Notably, the Sonata's vehicle speed control has a concerning number of crash-linked complaints (9), indicating a potential safety risk. In contrast, the Subaru Legacy's most frequent complaints are related to visibility/wiper issues, with fewer overall complaints and crash-linked incidents, except for the vehicle speed control category, which also shows a notable 7 crash-linked complaints. Both models show specific areas of concern, but the Sonata's engine and vehicle speed control issues may present a more severe risk profile.
| Component | Hyundai Sonata | Subaru Legacy |
|---|---|---|
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | —None | 6.5Average |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 0.6Very Low | 4.5Average |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 0.4Very Low | 3.6Average |
| ENGINE | 0.8Very Low | 0.5Very Low |
| VISIBILITY | —None | 0.9Very Low |
| POWER TRAIN | 0.4Very Low | 0.4Very Low |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 0.1Very Low | 0.5Very Low |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 0.2Very Low | 0.3Very Low |
| AIR BAGS | 0.1Very Low | 0.4Very Low |
| STEERING | 0.1Very Low | 0.3Very Low |
| STRUCTURE | 0.1Very Low | 0.1Very Low |
| SERVICE BRAKES | —None | 0.2Very Low |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | —None | 0.2Very Low |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| SEAT BELTS | —None | —None |
| SEATS | —None | —None |
| FUEL SYSTEM | —None | —None |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | —None | —None |
| SUSPENSION | —None | —None |
Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.
Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Hyundai Sonata or Subaru Legacy?
How Does Hyundai Sonata vs Subaru Legacy Reliability Compare by Year?
| Year | Hyundai Sonata | Subaru Legacy | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 76/1000R / 16C | 80/1000R / 6C | Subaru Legacy |
| 2024 | 73/1001R / 41C | 81/1000R / 16C | Subaru Legacy |
| 2023 | 62/1002R / 87C | 77/1002R / 10C | Subaru Legacy |
| 2022 | 65/1003R / 95C | 77/1002R / 32C | Subaru Legacy |
| 2021 | 64/1004R / 151C | 75/1003R / 31C | Subaru Legacy |
| 2020 | 62/1005R / 163C | 67/1006R / 121C | Subaru Legacy |
| 2019 | 71/1000R / 144C | 69/1003R / 123C | Hyundai Sonata |
| 2018 | 61/1003R / 353C | 70/1003R / 116C | Subaru Legacy |
Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 Hyundai Sonata scored 76/100 and the 2024 Subaru Legacy scored 81/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.
Who Should Buy the Hyundai Sonata vs the Subaru Legacy?
Hyundai Sonata vs Subaru Legacy: Common Questions
- Is the Hyundai Sonata more reliable than the Subaru Legacy?
- Based on our data, the Subaru Legacy is more reliable with an average score of 75/100 compared to 68/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
- Which has more recalls, the Hyundai Sonata or the Subaru Legacy?
- The Hyundai Sonata has more recalls (20) compared to the Subaru Legacy (19). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
- Which has fewer owner complaints, the Hyundai Sonata or the Subaru Legacy?
- Adjusted for sales volume, the Hyundai Sonata has a lower complaint rate at 3.7 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 21.2 for the Subaru Legacy. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
- Is the Hyundai Sonata or Subaru Legacy safer?
- Both the Hyundai Sonata and Subaru Legacy received the same NHTSA overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. Check the frontal, side, and rollover sub-ratings above for a more detailed comparison.
Related Reliability Comparisons
More Hyundai Sonata comparisons
Decided between Hyundai Sonata and Subaru Legacy? Run a VIN check before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
See incorrect data? Report an issue