Last updated: 2026-10-10
2020 Subaru Legacy Reliability Report
The 2020 Subaru Legacy has good reliability and a 5-star crash rating, but windshields that crack without impact are the problem to check for.
Recalls
6
Complaints
121
Complaint Rate
44.4per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$563
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,000–$2,200
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
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.
Top Issues to Watch
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (52)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (14)
- VISIBILITY (9)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2020 is the last model year of the Sixth generation (BN/BS).
- Final-year models are typically the most refined version of a generation.
- 6th generation Legacy (US).
What this means for buyers
Final-year models are usually the most polished version of a generation, but resale value may dip as buyers anticipate the next redesign.
2015: Sixth generation (BN/BS) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2020: This Model Year
2020 is the last model year of the Sixth generation (BN/BS).
Should You Buy the 2020 Subaru Legacy?
Reliability is good, but this is the weakest of the eight Legacy years we score. Against other 2020 sedans it sits close to average. The 2019 rates about the same. The 2021 rates better and has far fewer complaints, though a newer year has had less time to collect them. Independent repair-cost data puts yearly repairs a little above the class figure.
Windshields are the main problem. Owners report glass that cracks with no impact, often with a loud pop, and the crack can grow several inches in days. Some got a second crack after replacement, and some dealers refused warranty coverage. Thermo control valve failures show up between 33,000 and 55,500 miles. They bring the check engine light and shut off EyeSight and cruise control. Federal records list six recalls, including air bags, power train, fuel system and brakes.
Ask the seller for proof that every recall was completed, and for any windshield or valve repair records. Look over the glass for cracks before you buy.
Compared to the 2021 Subaru Legacy, which scored 8 points higher. See also the 2019 Subaru Legacy for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- +Low major repair risk (12%)
Cons
- −Above-average recall count
- −Above-average complaint rate for Sedan
- −VISIBILITY/WIPER issues reported (52 complaints)
Compare 2020 Subaru Legacy With
2020 Toyota Camry
Reliability: 75/100
2020 Honda Accord
Reliability: 73/100
2020 Nissan Altima
Reliability: 71/100
2020 Hyundai Sonata
Reliability: 62/100
2020 Chevrolet Malibu
Reliability: 74/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 6 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- VISIBILITY/WIPER (52)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (24)
Recall Overview
6
recalls on record
The 2020 Subaru Legacy has 6 recalls on record, which is above average. A high count can flag multiple component concerns, though it also shows the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
44.4
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 17.9
Safety Incidents
1
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.
2020 Subaru Legacy Recall Details
6 recalls have been issued for the 2020 Subaru Legacy. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
AIR BAGS
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Outback and Legacy vehicles. A capacitor in the sensors for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may crack and short circuit, which can prevent the front passenger air bag from deploying in a crash.
Consequence
An air bag that does not deploy during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the ODS sensors on the front passenger seat, free of charge. Owner notifications were mailed February 3, 2025. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRA-24.
POWER TRAIN
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Outback and Legacy vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.
Consequence
An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will reprogram the TCU, inspect TCU data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide. If evidence of chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 24, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRK-22. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 21V-955.
POWER TRAIN
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.
Consequence
An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will reprogram the TCU, inspect TCU data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide. If evidence of chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 19, 2022. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855. Vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855 will need to have the new remedy performed for this recall once available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRK-21.
Buying a used 2020 Subaru Legacy? Check its history first
Visibility/wiper problems lead owner complaints about the 2020 Subaru Legacy, and 6 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2020 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
27–30 MPG
Running cost: $2,550–$2,750/yr
Fuel + repair
24–27 city / 32–35 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 2020 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legacy AWD 2.5L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S8) | 27 | 35 | 30 | $2,000 |
| Legacy AWD 2.4L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S8) | 24 | 32 | 27 | $2,200 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2020 Subaru Legacy.
Inspect the full windshield edge, including under the rubber trim, for hairline cracks, and ask whether the glass was replaced.
If the windshield was replaced, ask for proof that the EyeSight cameras were recalibrated afterward.
Scan for code P263A and ask for records showing whether the thermo control valve was replaced.
Have the battery load-tested and ask the seller about any jump starts or dead-battery episodes.
Use the touchscreen throughout the test drive and watch for freezes or reboots that shut off EyeSight.
Run both front windows up and down on auto several times, and make sure they close fully without reversing.
Accelerate up a long incline and hold highway speed, feeling for jerking, surging or sudden power loss.
At highway speed, listen for a rising drone from the rear wheels that could mean failing bearings.
2020 Subaru Legacy Common Problems by Component
121 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
VISIBILITY/WIPER
52 complaintsWindshields crack with no impact, often with a loud pop while driving or overnight while parked, sometimes after freezing weather. Cracks usually start at a lower edge or near the frame and grow several inches within days. Several owners report a second crack after the glass was replaced. Small rock chips also spread unusually fast, and some cracks cross the view of the EyeSight cameras. Dealers often refuse warranty coverage, so owners pay out of pocket or file insurance claims. Reports come from very low mileage up to about 18,000 miles.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
24 complaintsSpontaneous windshield cracking makes up most of these reports. Hairline cracks appear without impact, often from under the rubber edge, and spread across the glass over a few days, sometimes on cars with under 300 miles. Replacement can cost over $1000 because the camera-based driver aids need calibration. Other reports cover a sunroof shattering on the freeway, a driver window that sometimes will not close, a battery that went dead after the car sat, and a thermo control valve failure that disabled EyeSight, adaptive cruise, cabin heat and defrost.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
14 complaintsSafety-relatedBatteries drain until the car will not start, after sitting overnight or even a short wait with the radio on. Some die again after a jump start and a long drive, and one stalled in an intersection when auto start/stop shut the engine off. The infotainment unit freezes or reboots, taking the radio, climate controls, USB power and EyeSight driver aids with it. Thermo control valve failures also shut off driver assistance. Front windows can refuse to close in heavy rain. One fire report describes smoke from under the hood on the highway with no warning, then the car burning.
VISIBILITY (9 complaints)
VISIBILITY
9 complaintsWindshields crack without impact, either while driving at low speed or discovered on getting into the car. Cracks tend to start at the base or lower center and spread into the driver's view. Repeat failures after replacement are common, including one owner on a fourth windshield. Dealer responses vary: some replace the glass, others blame a rock chip or bill the owner. Reported mileage runs from 2,000 to 27,482. Separately, front power windows fail to close automatically in bad weather. One dealer blamed debris in the window slides, and the problem came back after the repair.
POWER TRAIN (7 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
7 complaintsThermo control valve failures, also described as a bad coolant bypass valve, turn on the check engine light. They also cut EyeSight, cruise control and cabin heat. One repair cost $1,066 at 55,500 miles. Other reports describe jerking or surging under load that gets worse over time, a loud drone from failed rear wheel bearings, and a transmission that would not shift while the gear selector stopped working. One car accelerated on its own in a parking space. Another owner describes waiting months at the dealer for a transmission software fix.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (3 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
3 complaintsSafety-relatedThe car suddenly loses power at highway speed, with warning lights across the dash and speed capped around 25 to 30 mph. Restarting sometimes clears it, but one owner reports three episodes within six months, and shifting into park can fail during an event. A crash report describes sudden acceleration at parking-lot speed that sent the car over a curb into a tree, injuring a passenger, with no airbag deployment. Both patterns raise a real risk of losing control in traffic.
SERVICE BRAKES (2 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaintsTwo different brake faults show up in these reports. In one, the brake pedal sticks and stops working, so far only at startup and not while driving, but repeated. In the other, the car slows on its own at highway speed in rush-hour traffic while the emergency braking warning lights flash, then speeds back up without driver input. Unexpected slowing on a busy highway raises the risk of being rear-ended.
SEATS (1 complaints)
SEATS
1 complaintDriver's seat structurally unstable due to factory-installed welded nut shearing off the seat rail anchor at approximately 32,000 miles. Confirmed by Napleton Subaru technician on video. Physical component in owner's possession. Failure is consistent with prior Subaru seat rail weld recalls. This affects seat stability, occupant restraint geometry, and crash protection.
TIRES (1 complaints)
TIRES
1 complaintWhile driving on freeway the tire pressure warning light came on. I started to slow down and pull over and I felt the car wobble. I pulled to the side of the road and the tire had completely failed. The sidewalls, inside and out, had square chunks completely gone along the complete sidewall.
STEERING (1 complaints)
STEERING
1 complaintWhile driving there is a loss of power, the battery fails, electronic components shut down and car stops. Has happened intermittently. Replaced battery. This is a significant safety issue happened on freeway near exit ramp, in parking lot in driveway, everything cuts out. Opened hood and seems to be battery terminal connector. Recall was issued for certain Subaru models but not legacy. No warning, just cuts off. Is not a standard battery terminal connector. Had to secure battery down with cable ties.
When Do 2020 Subaru Legacy Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Subaru Legacy Years
Best Subaru Legacy Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreSubaru Legacy Years to Avoid
2020
(Current Model)
2019
Subaru Legacy Reliability Score Trend
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 2020 Subaru Legacy reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Subaru Legacy?
Does the 2020 Subaru Legacy have windshield cracking problems?
Does the 2020 Subaru Legacy have any recalls?
Is the 2021 Subaru Legacy better than the 2020?
Don’t buy a 2020 Subaru Legacy without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2020 Subaru Legacy
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2020 Subaru Legacy does best on repair costs (80/100) and worst on complaint severity (51/100). 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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