Last updated: 2026-07-25
Subaru Legacy Reliability by Year
The Subaru Legacy averages 75/100 across 8 model years, rated good.
Subaru Legacy Reliability Overview
The Subaru Legacy, covering model years 2018 to 2025, holds an average reliability score of 75 out of 100, reflecting a generally good performance with some variability. Common issues reported include windshield cracking and electrical system malfunctions, particularly affecting infotainment and safety systems, with repair costs averaging $563 annually, slightly above the midsize cars' average. While the 2024 model year shows improvement with an 81/100 score and no recalls, potential buyers should consider these factors when evaluating the Legacy's reliability.
Current generation: 7th gen (2020–present).
Best & Worst Subaru Legacy Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Subaru Legacy Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Subaru Legacy year is 2024 with a reliability score of 81/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2025 (80/100) and 2023 (77/100).
Subaru Legacy Years to Avoid
The worst Subaru Legacy year is 2020 with a score of 67/100, primarily due to visibility wiper (52) issues. Also avoid 2019 (69/100).
Subaru Legacy Reliability Score Trend
Subaru Legacy reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 79/100 compared to 70/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 70/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 69/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 67/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 75/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 77/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 77/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 81/100 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 80/100 | Excellent |
Year-by-Year Reliability
2025 Subaru Legacy
0 recalls · 6 complaints
The 2025 Subaru Legacy has excellent reliability. There are 0 recalls and 6 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Subaru Legacy. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (1), Air Bags (1), Steering (1).
2024 Subaru Legacy
0 recalls · 16 complaints
The 2024 Subaru Legacy has excellent reliability. There are 0 recalls and 16 owner complaints on file for the 2024 Subaru Legacy. Severity signals include 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (5), Air Bags (3), Unknown Or Other (3).
2023 Subaru Legacy
2 recalls · 10 complaints
The 2023 Subaru Legacy has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 10 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Subaru Legacy. Severity signals include 2 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (3), Forward Collision Avoidance (2), Air Bags (2).
2022 Subaru Legacy
2 recalls · 32 complaints
The 2022 Subaru Legacy has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 32 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Subaru Legacy. Severity signals include 3 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Visibility Wiper (14), Unknown Or Other (7), Forward Collision Avoidance (2).
2021 Subaru Legacy
3 recalls · 31 complaints
The 2021 Subaru Legacy has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 31 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Subaru Legacy. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (5), Visibility Wiper (5), Air Bags (4).
2020 Subaru Legacy
6 recalls · 121 complaints
The 2020 Subaru Legacy has good reliability. There are 6 recalls and 121 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Subaru Legacy. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Visibility Wiper (52), Unknown Or Other (24), Electrical System (14).
2019 Subaru Legacy
3 recalls · 123 complaints
The 2019 Subaru Legacy has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 123 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Subaru Legacy. Severity signals include 2 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Visibility Wiper (46), Electrical System (34), Unknown Or Other (15).
2018 Subaru Legacy
3 recalls · 116 complaints
The 2018 Subaru Legacy has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 116 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Subaru Legacy. Severity signals include 7 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (38), Unknown Or Other (21), Visibility Wiper (19).
Found Your Subaru Legacy? Check Its History
Every Subaru Legacy has a different past. Before you buy, a VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, and open recalls.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
Subaru Legacy Repair Costs
Reliability Rating
4/5
Annual Repair Cost
$563
Repair Frequency
0.3/yr
Major Repair Risk
12%
$37 above the midsize cars average of $526/yr.
Ranked #16 of 24 among midsize cars.
Subaru Legacy Years to Avoid
See which model years have the most problems
Most Reliable Subaru Models
Compare all Subaru models by reliability
Compare Subaru Legacy With Similar Sedans
The Subaru Legacy competes with other midsize sedans such as Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Nissan Altima.
Honda Accord reliability
9 years tracked · 3503 complaints
Toyota Camry reliability
9 years tracked · 1604 complaints
Nissan Altima reliability
9 years tracked · 741 complaints
Hyundai Sonata reliability
9 years tracked · 1050 complaints
KIA K5 reliability
6 years tracked · 370 complaints
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Subaru Legacy reliable?
- The Subaru Legacy has good reliability with an average score of 75/100. Some model years are stronger than others — check individual years before buying.
- What is the best year for the Subaru Legacy?
- The best year for the Subaru Legacy is 2024 with a reliability score of 81/100, rated excellent. It has 0 recalls and 16 owner complaints on record. See full 2024 Subaru Legacyanalysis →
- What are the Subaru Legacy years to avoid?
- The Subaru Legacy years to avoid include 2020 (67/100), 2019 (69/100). These model years score significantly below the model average due to higher recall and complaint volumes. See the full years-to-avoid analysis for details. See full years-to-avoid analysis →
- How much does it cost to maintain a Subaru Legacy?
- The Subaru Legacy has an estimated annual repair cost of $563, which is $37 above the midsize cars average of $526. This includes both scheduled maintenance and unscheduled repairs based on independent repair data.
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.
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