Last updated: 2026-07-25

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
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (46)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (34)
- ENGINE (5)
Generation & Refresh (US)
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

2019 Toyota Camry
Reliability: 70/100

2019 Honda Accord
Reliability: 70/100

2019 Hyundai Sonata
Reliability: 71/100

2019 Nissan Altima
Reliability: 72/100

2019 Chevrolet Malibu
Reliability: 74/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 3 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- VISIBILITY/WIPER (46)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (34)
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 soldSegment avg: 19
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2019 Subaru Legacy NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 10.1%
Safety Technologies
Subaru LegacyRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5Based 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
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
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legacy AWD 2.5L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S7) | 25 | 34 | 29 | $2,050 |
| Legacy AWD 3.6L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S6) | 20 | 28 | 23 | $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.
VISIBILITY/WIPER
46 complaintsOwners 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
34 complaintsOwners 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.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
15 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
ENGINE (5 complaints)
ENGINE
5 complaintsOwners 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.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (4 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
4 complaintsOwners 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.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (3 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
3 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
STEERING (3 complaints)
STEERING
3 complaintsOwners 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.
VISIBILITY (2 complaints)
VISIBILITY
2 complaintsOwners 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.
POWER TRAIN (1 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
1 complaintCVT 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 complaintMy 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.
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).
2020
2019
(Current Model)
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.
| 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 |
Subaru Legacy Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2019 Subaru Legacy reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Subaru Legacy?
How many recalls does the 2019 Subaru Legacy have?
Is the 2019 Subaru Legacy expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2019 Subaru Legacy without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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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.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Subaru Legacy.
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