Last updated: 2026-07-25

2018 Subaru Legacy
RELIABILITY SCORE: 70/100 (GOOD)

2018 Subaru Legacy Reliability Report

The 2018 Subaru Legacy scores 70/100 ("Good"). With 3 recalls and 116 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

Recalls

3

Complaints

116

Complaint Rate

28.9per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$563

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,050–$2,600

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity55/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs80/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact75/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity80/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues to Watch

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (38)
  • VISIBILITY/WIPER (19)
  • VISIBILITY (8)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Redesign (Year 4)

2018 is year 4 of the Sixth generation (BN/BS).

  • Redesigned for the 2015 model year.
  • Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
  • 6th generation Legacy (US).

What this means for buyers

Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.

2015: Sixth generation (BN/BS) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2018: This Model Year

2018 is year 4 of the Sixth generation (BN/BS).

Should You Buy the 2018 Subaru Legacy?

At 70/100, the 2018 Subaru Legacy lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2018 is year 4 of the Sixth generation (BN/BS).

Owners log 116 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.

Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to electrical system (38). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.

Compared to the 2019 Subaru Legacy, which scored 1 points lower.

Pros

  • +Acceptable reliability score
  • +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
  • +Low major repair risk (12%)
  • +Below-average complaint rate for Sedan

Cons

  • Moderate recall count
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: "ghost touch" and screen delamination (38 complaints)
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER issues reported (21 complaints)

Compare 2018 Subaru Legacy With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK
  • 3 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (38)
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER (21)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

3

recalls on record

A moderate 3 recalls are on file for the 2018 Subaru Legacy. Each one points to a specific safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA — check the list below before buying.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

28.9

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 24.4

LowAvgHigh
Moderate

Safety Incidents

7

Crashes

1

Fires

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2018 Subaru Legacy Recall Details

3 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Subaru Legacy. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

18V9350002018-12-31

VISIBILITY

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Legacy, Outback, and BRZ vehicles. In the affected vehicles, a software issue may cause the audio display system to not initialize, resulting in the camera display remaining blank. If this occurs, the rearview image will not display while backing up the vehicle. As a result, the vehicles fail to comply with requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."

Consequence

Failure to display the rearview image while backing up increases the risk of crash.

Remedy

Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will reprogram the audio system display software, free of charge. The recall began on February 5, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTZ-85.

18V7730002018-11-01

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles. Due to a software error, the low fuel warning light may not illuminate at the intended remaining fuel level and the miles-to-empty display may incorrectly indicate a positive number despite the tank being empty.

Consequence

The inaccurate fuel display may cause a driver to unexpectedly run out of fuel and the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the combination meter software, free of charge. The recall began February 20, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTW-82.

21V5870002021-07-29

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Consequence

Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2018 Subaru Legacy? Check its history first

Every 2018 Subaru Legacy has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

2018 Subaru Legacy NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 10.1%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)torso/pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Not Available)Additional Air Bags (Seat Cushion Airbags)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Not Available)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Not Available)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Subaru LegacyRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$563

vs $526 avg for midsize cars

vs $652 avg for all vehicles

Repair Frequency

0.3

unscheduled repair visits per year

Severe Repair Probability

12%

chance of a major repair

Annual Cost Comparison

Legacy
$563
Category Avg
$526
All Vehicles
$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

23–29 MPG

Running cost: $2,600–$3,150/yr

Fuel + repair

20–25 city / 28–34 hwy MPG

Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2018 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
Legacy AWD 2.5L 4-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AV-S7)253429$2,050
Legacy AWD 3.6L 6-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AV-S6)202823$2,600

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2018 Subaru Legacy.

  • Test infotainment system for ghost touches and screen delamination

  • Inspect windshield for cracks or chips

  • Check steering for pulling or erratic behavior at speeds above 50 mph

  • Verify fuel gauge accuracy by refueling and monitoring levels

  • Inspect for rust on door pillars and clear coat condition

  • Test power windows for proper operation

  • Check for any recalls related to electrical or infotainment systems

2018 Subaru Legacy Common Problems by Component

116 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

38
21
19
16
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (38)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (21)VISIBILITY/WIPER (19)VISIBILITY (8)STEERING (4)ENGINE (4)FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (3)STRUCTURE (3)Other (16)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

38 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report frequent issues with the 2018 Subaru Legacy's infotainment system, particularly involving "ghost touch" and screen delamination. Complaints frequently mention the touchscreen registering inputs without driver interaction, leading to distractions and disabling safety features like Blind Spot Warning and Lane Keeping Assistance. This issue is often noted around 30,000 to 117,000 miles. Additionally, there are reports of electrical fires originating from the rearview mirror, which have been linked to wiring problems. These issues pose potential safety risks, particularly due to driver distraction and the possibility of fire.

38 complaints total1 fire

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

21 complaints

Owners of the 2018 Subaru Legacy frequently report issues with the infotainment system, including screen delamination leading to freezing, unresponsiveness, and erratic inputs, often affecting the backup camera functionality. Multiple complaints describe spontaneous windshield cracking and sunroof glass shattering, with some incidents occurring while stationary and others while driving. Additionally, there are reports of spontaneous acceleration and engine failure, with one incident involving the engine sputtering and dashboard lights activating in traffic. Typical mileage for these issues varies, but some owners mention problems arising around 35,000 to 56,000 miles. Safety implications include potential distractions from infotainment malfunctions and loss of control scenarios from engine and acceleration issues, with one reported injury due to sunroof glass failure.

21 complaints total1 injury

VISIBILITY/WIPER

19 complaints

Owners of the 2018 Subaru Legacy frequently report issues with the windshield cracking easily, often without any apparent impact or cause. Complaints describe cracks appearing spontaneously while driving or even when the vehicle is parked, with some owners reporting multiple replacements within a short time frame. These incidents occur across various mileage ranges, with some occurring at as low as 8,000 miles. Several owners mention that the windshield chips easily from minor debris, suggesting a potential issue with the glass's durability. One complaint also highlights a problem with the driver's side mirror not adjusting sufficiently for taller drivers, which may pose a visibility challenge in certain conditions. No reports indicate crashes or injuries directly resulting from these issues.

19 complaints total
VISIBILITY (8 complaints)

VISIBILITY

8 complaints

Owners of the 2018 Subaru Legacy frequently report issues with windshield fractures occurring without any apparent impact. Complaints describe cracks developing primarily on the lower corners of the windshield, often on the driver's side, with some instances of the windshield cracking while parked or stationary. These issues commonly arise around 30,000 to 65,000 miles. Additionally, there is a report of a sunroof shattering while driving, but no crashes, fires, or loss of control are mentioned in these complaints. Potential buyers should be aware of these visibility-related issues, particularly concerning the windshield, which may require attention or repair.

8 complaints total
STEERING (4 complaints)

STEERING

4 complaints

Owners of the 2018 Subaru Legacy frequently report issues with the steering system, particularly at speeds above 50 mph. Complaints often describe the vehicle pulling to one side, either left or right, as if influenced by a gust of wind, even in calm conditions. This erratic behavior is noted to occur sporadically and without warning, leading to concerns about potential loss of control. One owner reports multiple replacements of steering components, such as the steering rack and sway bar links, indicating persistent issues. The mileage at which these problems are observed varies, with one vehicle experiencing issues as early as 3,000 miles. These symptoms suggest possible safety implications due to the unpredictability of steering control.

4 complaints total
ENGINE (4 complaints)

ENGINE

4 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2018 Subaru Legacy report issues primarily related to engine performance and safety, with complaints mentioning excessive oil consumption and catalytic converter failures. One owner describes their vehicle consuming an unusual amount of oil, with the issue persisting despite multiple service visits, beginning around 18,000 miles. Another owner reports repeated catalytic converter failures, with exhaust fumes entering the cabin at mileages of 130,000 and 180,000. Safety concerns are highlighted by two incidents involving unintended acceleration, leading to crashes; one occurs when the vehicle unexpectedly accelerates while stationary, resulting in a collision with a tree and other vehicles, while another incident involves the car accelerating into another vehicle at a traffic light, causing damage but no injuries. These reports suggest potential reliability and safety concerns for prospective buyers, particularly regarding engine components and control.

4 complaints total2 crashes
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (3 complaints)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

3 complaints

Owners of the 2018 Subaru Legacy frequently report issues with the fuel system, notably inaccurate fuel gauge readings and erratic fuel level indicators. Complaints describe situations where the fuel gauge does not move appropriately after refueling or shows incorrect levels, leading to uncertainty about the actual fuel remaining. These problems often occur shortly after purchase, with one owner noting issues as early as June 2018. Another common issue is hesitation or stuttering during acceleration, particularly from a stop. While no direct safety incidents like crashes or fires are reported, the inaccurate fuel readings can lead to concerns about running out of fuel unexpectedly. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these reported issues and the potential need for repairs or ongoing monitoring of the fuel system.

3 complaints total
STRUCTURE (3 complaints)

STRUCTURE

3 complaints

Owners report multiple issues with the structure of the 2018 Subaru Legacy. A common problem is the failure of the clear coat, with deterioration occurring in less than two years despite regular detailing. Another frequently mentioned issue is rust, particularly on the door pillars, with rust perforation from the inside noted in both front doors. Additionally, some owners describe a persistent metallic rattling noise occurring between 25-45 mph, which remains unresolved after several repair attempts. While no direct safety incidents are reported, the inability to identify or repair the noise raises concerns for some owners. These issues appear within the first few years of ownership, with no specific mileage range indicated.

3 complaints total
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (3 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

3 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2018 Subaru Legacy report issues with vehicle speed control, including unexpected deceleration and sudden stops. Two complaints involve crashes, one where the vehicle decelerated unexpectedly, leading to a collision with a utility pole and a parked car, and another where the car came to a sudden stop on a freeway, resulting in a rear-end collision. Additionally, owners express dissatisfaction with the cruise control feature, which they report advances speed by increments of 1 or 5 mph, leading to potential driver distraction. These issues are noted without specific mileage patterns, but they highlight potential safety implications, particularly regarding sudden stops and driver distraction.

3 complaints total2 crashes
SERVICE BRAKES (2 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

2 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2018 Subaru Legacy report issues related to the service brakes, with complaints highlighting instances of unintended acceleration and brake failure. In one case, a vehicle rapidly accelerated in reverse despite the driver applying the brakes, resulting in a crash with another parked car. Another report describes a vehicle moving forward from a complete stop while the brake was pressed, with the brakes failing to respond until the emergency brake was applied. Both complaints involve situations where the brakes did not function as expected, leading to loss of vehicle control. These incidents underscore potential safety risks, particularly regarding brake responsiveness and unintended vehicle movement.

2 complaints total1 crash

When Do 2018 Subaru Legacy Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

30,000–117,000 milesInfotainment system failures
8,000–65,000 milesWindshield cracking
3,000 miles and aboveSteering issues

Best & Worst Subaru Legacy Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

Best Subaru Legacy Years to Buy

The 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. Current year highlighted.

Subaru Legacy reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201870/100Good
201969/100Good
202067/100Good
202175/100Good
202277/100Good
202377/100Good
202481/100Excellent
202580/100Excellent

Subaru Legacy Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202580/100-1Excellent06
202481/100+4Excellent016
202377/1000Good210
202277/100+2Good232
202175/100+8Good331
202067/100-2Good6121
201969/100-1Good3123
2018(selected)70/100Good3116

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2018 Subaru Legacy reliable?
The 2018 Subaru Legacy has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 70/100. It is reasonably reliable with 3 recalls and 116 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Subaru Legacy?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2018 Subaru Legacy include: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (38 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (21 complaints), VISIBILITY/WIPER (19 complaints), VISIBILITY (8 complaints), STEERING (4 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2018 Subaru Legacy have?
The 2018 Subaru Legacy has 3 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2018 Subaru Legacy expensive to maintain?
The 2018 Subaru Legacy has estimated annual repair costs of $563/year, which is $37 more than the midsize cars average of $526. With a reliability score of 70/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

Don’t buy a 2018 Subaru Legacy without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Look Up a VIN →

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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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