Last updated: 2026-07-25
2023 Subaru Legacy Reliability Report
The 2023 Subaru Legacy scores 77/100 ("Good"). With 2 recalls and 10 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
2
Complaints
10
Complaint Rate
3.9per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$563
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,000–$2,300
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
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (2)
- AIR BAGS (2)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2023 is year 4 of the Seventh generation (BW/BT).
- Redesigned for the 2020 model year.
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- 7th generation Legacy (US).
What this means for buyers
Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.
2020: Seventh generation (BW/BT) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2023: This Model Year
2023 is year 4 of the Seventh generation (BW/BT).
Should You Buy the 2023 Subaru Legacy?
At 77/100, the 2023 Subaru Legacy lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2023 is year 4 of the Seventh generation (BW/BT).
Owners log 10 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 unknown or other (3). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
Compared to the 2024 Subaru Legacy, which scored 4 points higher. See also the 2022 Subaru Legacy for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- +Low major repair risk (12%)
- +Low recall count
Cons
- −UNKNOWN OR OTHER issues reported (3 complaints)
- −FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: Owners of the 2023 Subaru Legacy report issues with the forward collision... (2 complaints)
Compare 2023 Subaru Legacy With
2023 Honda Accord
Reliability: 74/100
2023 Toyota Camry
Reliability: 79/100
2023 Nissan Altima
Reliability: 84/100
2023 Hyundai Sonata
Reliability: 62/100
2023 KIA K5
Reliability: 71/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 2 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (2)
Recall Overview
2
recalls on record
The 2023 Subaru Legacy carries 2 recalls — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
3.9
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 14.4
Safety Incidents
2
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2023 Subaru Legacy Recall Details
2 recalls have been issued for the 2023 Subaru Legacy. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
POWER TRAIN
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Outback, Legacy, Ascent, and Impreza vehicles. The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, resulting in the disconnection of the front end of the driveshaft.
Consequence
Separation of the front end of the driveshaft increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will clean the bolt mounting surfaces of the center support brace and install new bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 20, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRN-23.
POWER TRAIN
Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.
Consequence
An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.
Buying a used 2023 Subaru Legacy? Check its history first
Every 2023 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
2023 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
26–30 MPG
Running cost: $2,550–$2,850/yr
Fuel + repair
23–27 city / 31–35 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 2023 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) | 23 | 31 | 26 | $2,300 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2023 Subaru Legacy.
Inspect windshield for existing cracks or signs of weakness
Test forward collision avoidance system for proper operation
Verify airbag system functionality, especially passenger side
Check infotainment system for intrusive ads and responsiveness
Test voice command system for hands-free operation capability
2023 Subaru Legacy Common Problems by Component
10 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 complaintsOwners report that the 2023 Subaru Legacy experiences issues with intrusive in-vehicle advertisements and malfunctioning voice command systems. Complaints frequently mention full-screen ads that appear on the main screen, which can be distracting and require interaction to dismiss, potentially impacting safety while driving. Additionally, some owners describe the voice command feature as non-functional, preventing hands-free operation, which they have reported to Subaru without resolution. These issues are noted at varying mileage levels, and while no crashes or loss of control are reported, the described symptoms could be concerning for potential buyers prioritizing in-car technology and safety features.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2023 Subaru Legacy report issues with the forward collision avoidance system. One complaint describes the system activating without obstacles, displaying an "Obstacle Detected" warning, while another notes its failure to activate during collisions with deer at approximately 30 MPH. The vehicle's forward collision system issues are observed at around 50 miles. Safety implications are highlighted by the system's failure to prevent two crashes, although no injuries or airbag deployments occurred. Buyers should note that these issues have been checked by dealers without resolution, suggesting potential challenges in diagnosing the problem.
AIR BAGS
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2023 Subaru Legacy report issues with the airbag system, particularly involving non-deployment during accidents and erratic passenger airbag activation. One owner describes a crash where the airbags did not deploy, resulting in a total vehicle loss, though the driver sustained only minor injuries. Another owner notes inconsistent activation of the passenger airbag, related to the weight of a smaller occupant, with symptoms exacerbated by temperature fluctuations and vehicle conditions. This issue has persisted since shortly after purchase, despite multiple dealer visits and attempts to recalibrate the system. These reports highlight significant safety implications, particularly in the event of a collision.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaintAll electronic instrument panels failed to power on upon ignition. Vehicle was drive-able, but all key information provided by instrument panel was not available: such as actual speed, gear selection, engine RPMs, backup cameras. Additionally, infotainment system was not available either, so none of vehicle controls that reside on the displays were available. This condition persisted thru the length of drive.
VISIBILITY/WIPER (1 complaints)
VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaintAccorn fell on windshield. At 14,000 miles windshield cracked. Was driving approximately 35MPH
VISIBILITY (1 complaints)
VISIBILITY
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2023 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that when she entered her vehicle, she noticed that there was a crack in the windshield down by windshield wiper on the driver's side. The contact stated that the crack had begun to expand up the windshield and stopped approximately 4 inches from the where the windshield joins the vehicle subframe. The contact stated that this was the second windshield she had installed. The contact stated that dealer told her the first replacement had been from road debris. The contact stated she never had no windshield strikes in the five weeks she had owned the vehicle. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local glass shop where it was diagnosed and determined that the windshield needed to be replaced. The vehicle had been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000.
When Do 2023 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).
2024
2025
2023
(Current Model)
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.
| 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 2023 Subaru Legacy reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Subaru Legacy?
How many recalls does the 2023 Subaru Legacy have?
Is the 2023 Subaru Legacy expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2023 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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Browse More Subaru Models
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Score: 76/100
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Score: 94/100
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Score: 77/100
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Score: 81/100
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Score: 82/100
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