Last updated: 2026-10-10
Subaru Legacy Reliability by Year
Subaru Legacy reliability is good for a midsize sedan, with cracking windshields as the main worry and 2024 the year to target.
Subaru Legacy Reliability Overview
Reliability is good overall and above average among sedans. Windshields that crack with no impact are the biggest complaint, followed by touchscreens that bubble and register phantom touches. The 2019 and 2020 model years draw the most trouble and are the ones to skip, while 2024 is the safer pick.
Current generation: 7th gen (2020–present).
Best & Worst Subaru Legacy Years
Best Subaru Legacy Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreUnlike 2019 and 2020, the 2024 model year has no recalls, and it has been on the road long enough to judge. Its complaints are few and spread out, mainly infotainment freezes and a passenger airbag indicator issue. Windshield complaints exist but are far fewer than the 46 and 52 filed against the weaker years.
Subaru Legacy Years to Avoid
Of all the years, this one has the most recalls at six and the highest complaint rate per car sold. Windshields crack with no impact, often with a pop, and repeat after replacement. Batteries drain until the car will not start, and one owner reported smoke under the hood and then a fire.
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
Last year of the seventh generation, with excellent reliability, no recalls, and early engine stalling as the only complaint with a mileage attached.
2024 Subaru Legacy
0 recalls · 16 complaints
Best-rated of the eight scored Legacy years, with no recalls, though owners report screen freezes and early windshield chips.
2023 Subaru Legacy
2 recalls · 10 complaints
Middle of the pack for the Legacy, with far fewer complaints than 2022 but two power train recalls that the 2024 avoids.
2022 Subaru Legacy
2 recalls · 32 complaints
Good reliability and a 5-star crash rating, held back by frequent windshield cracking and two reports of low-speed surging that ended in crashes.
2021 Subaru Legacy
3 recalls · 31 complaints
Good reliability with far fewer complaints than 2020, though spontaneous windshield cracks and delayed air bag recall repairs lead the owner reports.
2020 Subaru Legacy
6 recalls · 121 complaints
Final year of the sixth generation and the weakest-scoring Legacy year, with spontaneous windshield cracks and six recalls, though overall reliability is still good.
2019 Subaru Legacy
3 recalls · 123 complaints
Close to average among 2019 sedans but weaker than most Legacy years, with frequent windshield cracking and touchscreen failures.
2018 Subaru Legacy
3 recalls · 116 complaints
Good standing and a middle-of-the-pack rank among Legacy years, held back by delaminating touchscreens and windshields that crack without impact.
Found Your Subaru Legacy? Check Its History
Engine (1) problems come up most in Subaru Legacy owner complaints, and 19 recalls cover the years we track. A VIN check shows whether the car you found had its recall work done, plus accident and title history.
- 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 Hyundai Sonata.
Legacy vs Honda Accord
9 years tracked · 3503 complaints
Legacy vs Toyota Camry
9 years tracked · 1604 complaints
Legacy vs Hyundai Sonata
9 years tracked · 1050 complaints
Legacy vs Nissan Altima
9 years tracked · 741 complaints
Legacy vs Kia K5
6 years tracked · 370 complaints
More Subaru Legacy comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Subaru Legacy reliable?
- Yes, overall reliability is good and above average among sedans on the site. The most common complaints are windshields that crack without impact and touchscreens that misbehave. Estimated annual repair cost is $563, slightly above the $526 average for midsize cars.
- What are the most common Subaru Legacy problems?
- Cracked windshields are the top complaint, with 139 reports. Cracks often start at a lower edge with no impact and can return after replacement. Next come electrical issues, 97 complaints, mainly touchscreens that bubble, register ghost touches or freeze, plus fuel gauges that misread.
- What is the best Subaru Legacy year to buy?
- The 2024 model year is the site's pick. It rates excellent, has no recalls, and has been on the road long enough to show a track record. Its complaints are few, mostly infotainment freezes and a passenger airbag indicator concern.
- How much does it cost to repair a Subaru Legacy?
- Independent repair-cost data puts the estimated annual repair cost at $563. That is a little higher than the $526 average for midsize cars. Owners report that out-of-pocket windshield and touchscreen replacements add to the bill.
- Does the Subaru Legacy have engine problems?
- Engine complaints are relatively few, at 11 across all years. Two involve sudden unintended acceleration that ended in crashes. Others describe an engine burning excess oil and a front catalytic converter that failed twice, with exhaust fumes entering the cabin.
How we score the Subaru Legacy
Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
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