Last updated: 2026-07-25

Subaru Legacy

2 Subaru Legacy Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Subaru Legacy average of 75/100

The Subaru Legacy years to avoid are 2020, 2019 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2020 with a reliability score of 67/100. The best Subaru Legacy year to buy is 2024 81/100.

Verdict

The 2020, 2019 Subaru Legacy score significantly below the model average of 75/100. The weakest year is 2020 with a score of 67/100 due to visibility wiper (52) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2021 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

The 2020 Subaru Legacy has good reliability. There are 6 recalls and 121 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Subaru Legacy. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Visibility Wiper (52), Unknown Or Other (24), Electrical System (14).

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

The 2019 Subaru Legacy has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 123 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Subaru Legacy. Severity signals include 2 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Visibility Wiper (46), Electrical System (34), Unknown Or Other (15).

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?

Top reported issues across all Subaru Legacy model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

139 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

97 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

78 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

VISIBILITY

19 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

11 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ENGINE

11 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2021

Best Subaru Legacy Year to Buy Instead

75
GoodReliability score: 75 out of 100, rated Good

2021 Subaru Legacy

The 2021 Subaru Legacy has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 31 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Subaru Legacy. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (5), Visibility Wiper (5), Air Bags (4).

Score: 75/100 (Good)3 recalls31 complaints
View full 2021reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the best Subaru Legacy year can have hidden problems. A VIN check reveals past accidents, title issues, and service gaps for the exact car you're considering.

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  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Subaru Legacy Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Subaru Legacy years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Subaru Legacy years: 2020 (score: 67/100), 2019 (score: 69/100). These model years score significantly below the Subaru Legacy average of 75/100.
What is the best year for the Subaru Legacy?
The best year for the Subaru Legacy is 2024, with a reliability score of 81/100 ("Excellent"). It has 0 recalls and 16 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Subaru Legacy have?
Across all years in our database, the Subaru Legacy has a total of 19 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Subaru Legacy worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2024 model year, which scores 81/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 75/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Subaru Legacy problems?
The most common Subaru Legacy problems are visibility/wiper (139 complaints), electrical system (97 complaints), unknown or other (78 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Subaru Legacy reliable long-term?
The Subaru Legacy has an average reliability score of 75/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Subaru Legacy generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Subaru Legacy generation is the Seventh generation (BW/BT) with an average score of 76/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a Subaru Legacy?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Subaru Legacy is $563 based on independent repair cost databases. This may vary depending on the model year and driving conditions.
Is the 2024 Subaru Legacy a good used buy?
Yes, the 2024 Subaru Legacy is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 81/100 ("Excellent"). It has 0 recalls and 16 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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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