Last updated: 2026-10-10

Subaru Legacy

Subaru Legacy Years to Avoid

8 scored model years (2018–2025) · model average 75/100

Skip the 2019 and 2020 model years. Both draw the most owner complaints, led by windshields that crack with no impact and often crack again after replacement. The 2024 model year is the one to buy, with no recalls and far fewer complaints.

Verdict

Avoid
2020 67/1002019 69/100
Buy
2024 81/100
Model average
75/100
See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Subaru Legacy Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Subaru Legacy average of 75/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1202067/100Good6121Visibility Wiper (52)
2201969/100Good3123Visibility Wiper (46)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

67
GoodReliability score: 67 out of 100, rated Good

2020 Subaru Legacy

Of all the years, this one has the most recalls at six and the highest complaint rate per car sold. Windshields crack with no impact, often with a pop, and repeat after replacement. Batteries drain until the car will not start, and one owner reported smoke under the hood and then a fire.

6 recalls121 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Visibility Wiper (52), Unknown Or Other (24), Electrical System (14), Visibility (9), Power Train (7), Vehicle Speed Control (3)

View full 2020reliability report →
69
GoodReliability score: 69 out of 100, rated Good

2019 Subaru Legacy

Windshield cracks lead the complaints, with 46 reports of glass failing while parked, some at 3,300 to 5,500 miles. Replacement glass cracks too, and dealers often decline coverage. Touchscreens also bubble and dial calls on their own, and some batteries die after sitting a few days.

3 recalls123 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Visibility Wiper (46), Electrical System (34), Unknown Or Other (15), Engine (5), Fuel Propulsion System (4), Vehicle Speed Control (3)

View full 2019reliability report →

What Are Common Subaru Legacy Problems?

VISIBILITY/WIPER

139 complaints

Most reported in 2020, 2019, 2018

2020: Windshields crack with no impact, often with a loud pop while driving or overnight while parked, sometimes after freezing weather.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

97 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

2018: The touchscreen delaminates.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

78 complaints

Most reported in 2020, 2018, 2019

2020: Spontaneous windshield cracking makes up most of these reports.

VISIBILITY

19 complaints

Most reported in 2020, 2018, 2019

2020: Windshields crack without impact, either while driving at low speed or discovered on getting into the car.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

11 complaints

Most reported in 2020, 2019, 2018

2020: The car suddenly loses power at highway speed, with warning lights across the dash and speed capped around 25 to 30 mph.

ENGINE

11 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2018, 2021

2019: Reports are few and scattered.

Best Subaru Legacy Year to Buy Instead

81
ExcellentReliability score: 81 out of 100, rated Excellent

2024 Subaru Legacy

Unlike 2019 and 2020, the 2024 model year has no recalls, and it has been on the road long enough to judge. Its complaints are few and spread out, mainly infotainment freezes and a passenger airbag indicator issue. Windshield complaints exist but are far fewer than the 46 and 52 filed against the weaker years.

Score: 81/100 (Excellent)0 recalls16 complaints
View full 2024reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the 2024 Subaru Legacy has 0 recalls on file. A VIN check confirms the recall work on the exact car and shows its accident, title, and service history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Subaru Legacy Years by Generation

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Subaru Legacy years should I avoid?
Avoid 2019 and 2020. Both sit well below the model's own average. Windshields crack without impact and often crack again after replacement, and both years have battery drain complaints. The 2020 model year also has the most recalls, at six.
Will the dealer cover a cracked Legacy windshield?
Often not, according to owner complaints. For 2019 and 2020, owners say dealers decline warranty coverage or blame a rock chip, so many pay out of pocket or file insurance claims. Some owners report third and fourth replacement windshields.
Do the 2019 and 2020 Legacy have battery problems?
Yes, both years have reports of batteries that die. In 2019, owners say a new battery did not help and point to a parasitic drain from the DCM module. In 2020, cars would not start after sitting overnight, and some died again after a jump start.
Is the 2018 Subaru Legacy a safe used buy?
The 2018 is not flagged as a year to avoid. It has three recalls and 116 owner complaints, with the electrical system reported most. Its complaint rate per car sold is lower than 2019 and 2020, but 2024 remains the better pick.
Is the 2025 Subaru Legacy better than the 2024?
Not necessarily. The 2025 has no recalls and very few complaints, but it has had less time on the road to collect them. The 2024 has a longer record with no recalls, so it is the safer choice.

How we score every Subaru Legacy model year

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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