Last updated: 2026-07-25

2019 Subaru Legacy
RELIABILITY SCORE: 69/100 (GOOD)

2019 Subaru Legacy Reliability Report

The 2019 Subaru Legacy scores 69/100 ("Good"). With 3 recalls and 123 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

Recalls

3

Complaints

123

Complaint Rate

35.1per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$563

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,050–$2,600

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity53/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs80/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact75/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity78/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

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

Top Issues to Watch

  • VISIBILITY/WIPER (46)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (34)
  • ENGINE (5)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Redesign (Year 5)

2019 is year 5 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.

2019: This Model Year

2019 is year 5 of the Sixth generation (BN/BS).

Should You Buy the 2019 Subaru Legacy?

At 69/100, the 2019 Subaru Legacy lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2019 is year 5 of the Sixth generation (BN/BS).

Its complaint rate of 35.1 per 10,000 vehicles sold runs above the Sedan segment average of 19. The most common reports involve visibility wiper (46).

Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to visibility wiper (46). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.

Compared to the 2020 Subaru Legacy, which scored 2 points lower. See also the 2018 Subaru Legacy for an earlier comparison.

Pros

  • +Acceptable reliability score
  • +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
  • +Low major repair risk (12%)

Cons

  • Moderate recall count
  • Above-average complaint rate for Sedan
  • VISIBILITY/WIPER: Cracks that appear with minimal or no apparent impact (46 complaints)

Compare 2019 Subaru Legacy With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK
  • 3 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK
  • VISIBILITY/WIPER (46)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (34)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

3

recalls on record

A moderate 3 recalls are on file for the 2019 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

35.1

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 19

LowAvgHigh
High

Safety Incidents

2

Crashes

1

Fires

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

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

2019 Subaru Legacy Recall Details

3 recalls have been issued for the 2019 Subaru Legacy. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

20V2180002020-04-16

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Impreza, Outback, Legacy, and Ascent vehicles. The low pressure fuel pump may become inoperative.

Consequence

If the low pressure fuel pump fails, the engine may stall without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-20.

19V4930002019-06-26

STRUCTURE

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Legacy and Outback vehicles. Spot welds located on the duct below the cowl panel may have been improperly applied, impacting the vehicle's body strength.

Consequence

In the event of a crash, the reduced strength of the vehicle body may increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and repair or repurchase the vehicle, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 26, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUH-93.

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 2019 Subaru Legacy? Check its history first

Every 2019 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

2019 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 (Not Available)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 2019 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 2019 Subaru Legacy.

  • Test infotainment system for screen delamination and erratic behavior

  • Check for signs of parasitic battery drain, especially if vehicle is not driven daily

  • Inspect for oil leaks around the engine, particularly from the cam carrier

  • Verify fuel pump operation by testing acceleration from a stop

  • Examine windshield for cracks or signs of weakness

  • Ensure Subaru EyeSight system functions correctly, especially reverse automatic braking

2019 Subaru Legacy Common Problems by Component

123 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

46
34
15
VISIBILITY/WIPER (46)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (34)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (15)ENGINE (5)FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (4)VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (3)STEERING (3)VISIBILITY (2)Other (11)

VISIBILITY/WIPER

46 complaints

Owners report frequent issues with the windshields of the 2019 Subaru Legacy, primarily involving cracks that appear with minimal or no apparent impact. Complaints often describe windshields cracking spontaneously or following very minor impacts, such as small pebbles, leading to significant crack expansions that impair visibility. Several owners mention experiencing multiple windshield replacements within a short period, sometimes within weeks or months, suggesting a pattern of recurring failures. The safety implications noted by owners include concerns about visibility and the structural integrity of the windshield, though no crashes or injuries are reported. These issues typically arise regardless of vehicle mileage, indicating the problem may not be directly related to wear and tear.

46 complaints total

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

34 complaints

Owners report two primary issues with the electrical system of the 2019 Subaru Legacy: persistent battery drain and infotainment system failures. Multiple complaints describe a parasitic battery drain linked to the vehicle's DCM searching for a defunct 3G network, causing frequent dead batteries even after replacement. This issue often leaves drivers stranded, with some reporting needing jump starts despite regular vehicle use. Additionally, owners frequently mention problems with the infotainment system, including screen delamination and erratic behavior such as random phone calls and navigation changes, typically emerging around 34,000 to 50,000 miles. These issues may contribute to safety concerns, particularly when the infotainment system distracts or the vehicle fails to start unexpectedly.

34 complaints total

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

15 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report several issues with the 2019 Subaru Legacy, most notably problems with the infotainment system and windshield integrity. Complaints frequently mention the infotainment system malfunctioning, including erratic screen behavior, unresponsive controls, and random switching between functions, which can distract drivers. Multiple owners describe recurring windshield cracks occurring under various conditions, with some experiencing multiple incidents within a short timeframe. The reports also include a case involving a fire following a collision, highlighting potential safety risks. These issues appear across a range of mileages, with some occurring as early as 14,000 miles, which may be relevant for used car buyers assessing potential maintenance needs.

15 complaints total1 fire
ENGINE (5 complaints)

ENGINE

5 complaints

Owners of the 2019 Subaru Legacy report several engine-related issues, with frequent mentions of parasitic battery drain leading to repeated battery replacements and concerns about reliability, especially for those needing the vehicle for night shifts. Another common issue involves oil leaks from the cam carrier due to sealant problems, which some owners suggest could pose a fire risk if oil contacts the exhaust. Reports also include catalytic converter failures at around 56,000 miles, causing overheating and disabling safety features due to melted oxygen sensors. Additionally, multiple owners describe persistent oil consumption without visible leaks, which they find abnormal. These issues appear across a range of mileages, with some occurring as early as 15,000 miles.

5 complaints total
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (4 complaints)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

4 complaints

Owners of the 2019 Subaru Legacy frequently report issues related to the fuel system, particularly involving the fuel pump. Complaints commonly describe symptoms such as hesitation and stalling during acceleration, especially from a stop or at low speeds, with some incidents occurring in intersections. These issues are noted at mileages around 56,000 to 65,000 miles. One owner mentions the vehicle becoming undriveable due to stalling and shaking, while another reports a complete vehicle shutdown near a busy intersection. Although no crashes or injuries are reported, multiple owners express concerns about near-miss situations due to unexpected power loss, indicating potential safety implications. These patterns suggest that prospective buyers should be aware of possible fuel system issues in vehicles with similar mileage.

4 complaints total
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (3 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

3 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Subaru Legacy report issues with the vehicle's speed control system, particularly related to the Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist technology. Complaints frequently mention failures of the reverse automatic braking and self-driving features, leading to two reported crashes where the system did not apply brakes as expected, resulting in collisions. Another owner describes an incident where they unintentionally activated the cruise control, losing speed control momentarily, due to the proximity of control buttons around the steering wheel. These incidents underscore potential safety implications, particularly when the EyeSight system fails to function as intended. The reported issues occur at various times, with one owner noting the problem shortly after purchase.

3 complaints total2 crashes
STEERING (3 complaints)

STEERING

3 complaints

Owners of the 2019 Subaru Legacy report issues with the steering system, with complaints frequently mentioning a loss of power steering and unexpected steering behavior. One owner describes the power steering failing entirely, while others note the steering wheel turning on its own or requiring unexpected adjustments during driving, especially at highway speeds. These issues occur at varying mileages, with one report noting problems as early as 2,400 miles. Safety implications include potential loss of control, as owners describe needing to correct the vehicle's direction suddenly. This information may be important for used car buyers to consider, particularly if the vehicle is not part of a recall addressing similar issues in other models.

3 complaints total
VISIBILITY (2 complaints)

VISIBILITY

2 complaints

Owners of the 2019 Subaru Legacy report issues related to visibility, particularly with the driver side mirror and windshield. One complaint describes difficulty in adjusting the driver side mirror to effectively see vehicles in the blind spot, with inconsistent performance of the blind spot detection light. Another owner reports the front windshield cracking spontaneously without impact at approximately 50,000 miles, necessitating replacement. Safety implications are suggested by the inability to see vehicles in the blind spot and potential visibility obstruction due to windshield cracking. These issues could be relevant for used car buyers considering this model, particularly those concerned with visibility and safety features.

2 complaints total
POWER TRAIN (1 complaints)

POWER TRAIN

1 complaint
2025-07-03

CVT failed at 85,000 miles. It started slipping and squealing and had to be replaced by the dealership. The car was never driven rough, in mountainous terrain, etc. Very disappointing.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (1 complaints)

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

1 complaint
2025-01-05

My husband was driving on [XXX] and the hood of the Subaru flew up, cracking the entire windshield, damaging the exterior of the roof and interior of the roof, the whole hood and frame where the hood meets the car. The car was driven but escorted by local PD to body shop. Less than 48 hrs before the incident, the car was at Paul Miller Subaru for a routine oil change. They were the last people to touch the hood of the car. Paul Miller Subaru has been an absolute nightmare to work with and is avoiding all contact. We are out of a vehicle entirely and they did not even offer to give us a loaner. They were incredibly defensive and rude and all of our friends and family that have leases or cars with them are pulling out of them for their safety and lives. Subaru Customer Advocacy and their Quality Assurance team went out to do an inspection on the vehicle after I opened up a case with them. Case # [XXX] 1-800-SUBARU3 (1-800-782-2783) Ext.119109. They reported that the the secondary/safety latch was "damaged and destroyed by an outside source". The technician at the dealership destroyed the latch during the oil change. The body shop also confirmed the cause of the incident as well. Our vehicle is currently being repaired so the old/destroyed parts would be available for inspection if needed. My husbands safety was at risk because if he was going faster, or if there was a car infront or behind him when he came to a full stop after the flew up, it would have been fatal. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. They first appeared once the hood flew up. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

When Do 2019 Subaru Legacy Problems Start?

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

34,000–50,000 milesInfotainment system failures
56,000–65,000 milesFuel system issues
56,000 milesCatalytic converter failures

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).

67
Good

2020

6Recalls
121Complaints
69
Good

2019

(Current Model)

3Recalls
123Complaints

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
2019(selected)69/100-1Good3123
201870/100Good3116

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2019 Subaru Legacy reliable?
The 2019 Subaru Legacy has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 69/100. It is reasonably reliable with 3 recalls and 123 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Subaru Legacy?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2019 Subaru Legacy include: VISIBILITY/WIPER (46 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (34 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (15 complaints), ENGINE (5 complaints), FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (4 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2019 Subaru Legacy have?
The 2019 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 2019 Subaru Legacy expensive to maintain?
The 2019 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 69/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

Don’t buy a 2019 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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