Owners have reported 7 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to NHTSA for the 2018 Subaru Legacy. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints38
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners report frequent issues with the 2018 Subaru Legacy's infotainment system, particularly involving "ghost touch" and screen delamination. Complaints frequently mention the touchscreen registering inputs without driver interaction, leading to distractions and disabling safety features like Blind Spot Warning and Lane Keeping Assistance. This issue is often noted around 30,000 to 117,000 miles. Additionally, there are reports of electrical fires originating from the rearview mirror, which have been linked to wiring problems. These issues pose potential safety risks, particularly due to driver distraction and the possibility of fire.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints21
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2018 Subaru Legacy frequently report issues with the infotainment system, including screen delamination leading to freezing, unresponsiveness, and erratic inputs, often affecting the backup camera functionality. Multiple complaints describe spontaneous windshield cracking and sunroof glass shattering, with some incidents occurring while stationary and others while driving. Additionally, there are reports of spontaneous acceleration and engine failure, with one incident involving the engine sputtering and dashboard lights activating in traffic. Typical mileage for these issues varies, but some owners mention problems arising around 35,000 to 56,000 miles. Safety implications include potential distractions from infotainment malfunctions and loss of control scenarios from engine and acceleration issues, with one reported injury due to sunroof glass failure.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints19
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Owners of the 2018 Subaru Legacy frequently report issues with the windshield cracking easily, often without any apparent impact or cause. Complaints describe cracks appearing spontaneously while driving or even when the vehicle is parked, with some owners reporting multiple replacements within a short time frame. These incidents occur across various mileage ranges, with some occurring at as low as 8,000 miles. Several owners mention that the windshield chips easily from minor debris, suggesting a potential issue with the glass's durability. One complaint also highlights a problem with the driver's side mirror not adjusting sufficiently for taller drivers, which may pose a visibility challenge in certain conditions. No reports indicate crashes or injuries directly resulting from these issues.
Owner complaints8
VISIBILITY
Owners of the 2018 Subaru Legacy frequently report issues with windshield fractures occurring without any apparent impact. Complaints describe cracks developing primarily on the lower corners of the windshield, often on the driver's side, with some instances of the windshield cracking while parked or stationary. These issues commonly arise around 30,000 to 65,000 miles. Additionally, there is a report of a sunroof shattering while driving, but no crashes, fires, or loss of control are mentioned in these complaints. Potential buyers should be aware of these visibility-related issues, particularly concerning the windshield, which may require attention or repair.
Owner complaints4
STEERING
Owners of the 2018 Subaru Legacy frequently report issues with the steering system, particularly at speeds above 50 mph. Complaints often describe the vehicle pulling to one side, either left or right, as if influenced by a gust of wind, even in calm conditions. This erratic behavior is noted to occur sporadically and without warning, leading to concerns about potential loss of control. One owner reports multiple replacements of steering components, such as the steering rack and sway bar links, indicating persistent issues. The mileage at which these problems are observed varies, with one vehicle experiencing issues as early as 3,000 miles. These symptoms suggest possible safety implications due to the unpredictability of steering control.
Owner complaints4
ENGINE
Owners of the 2018 Subaru Legacy report issues primarily related to engine performance and safety, with complaints mentioning excessive oil consumption and catalytic converter failures. One owner describes their vehicle consuming an unusual amount of oil, with the issue persisting despite multiple service visits, beginning around 18,000 miles. Another owner reports repeated catalytic converter failures, with exhaust fumes entering the cabin at mileages of 130,000 and 180,000. Safety concerns are highlighted by two incidents involving unintended acceleration, leading to crashes; one occurs when the vehicle unexpectedly accelerates while stationary, resulting in a collision with a tree and other vehicles, while another incident involves the car accelerating into another vehicle at a traffic light, causing damage but no injuries. These reports suggest potential reliability and safety concerns for prospective buyers, particularly regarding engine components and control.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints3
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Owners of the 2018 Subaru Legacy frequently report issues with the fuel system, notably inaccurate fuel gauge readings and erratic fuel level indicators. Complaints describe situations where the fuel gauge does not move appropriately after refueling or shows incorrect levels, leading to uncertainty about the actual fuel remaining. These problems often occur shortly after purchase, with one owner noting issues as early as June 2018. Another common issue is hesitation or stuttering during acceleration, particularly from a stop. While no direct safety incidents like crashes or fires are reported, the inaccurate fuel readings can lead to concerns about running out of fuel unexpectedly. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these reported issues and the potential need for repairs or ongoing monitoring of the fuel system.
Owner complaints3
STRUCTURE
Owners report multiple issues with the structure of the 2018 Subaru Legacy. A common problem is the failure of the clear coat, with deterioration occurring in less than two years despite regular detailing. Another frequently mentioned issue is rust, particularly on the door pillars, with rust perforation from the inside noted in both front doors. Additionally, some owners describe a persistent metallic rattling noise occurring between 25-45 mph, which remains unresolved after several repair attempts. While no direct safety incidents are reported, the inability to identify or repair the noise raises concerns for some owners. These issues appear within the first few years of ownership, with no specific mileage range indicated.
Owner complaints3
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Owners of the 2018 Subaru Legacy report issues with vehicle speed control, including unexpected deceleration and sudden stops. Two complaints involve crashes, one where the vehicle decelerated unexpectedly, leading to a collision with a utility pole and a parked car, and another where the car came to a sudden stop on a freeway, resulting in a rear-end collision. Additionally, owners express dissatisfaction with the cruise control feature, which they report advances speed by increments of 1 or 5 mph, leading to potential driver distraction. These issues are noted without specific mileage patterns, but they highlight potential safety implications, particularly regarding sudden stops and driver distraction.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints2
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners of the 2018 Subaru Legacy report issues related to the service brakes, with complaints highlighting instances of unintended acceleration and brake failure. In one case, a vehicle rapidly accelerated in reverse despite the driver applying the brakes, resulting in a crash with another parked car. Another report describes a vehicle moving forward from a complete stop while the brake was pressed, with the brakes failing to respond until the emergency brake was applied. Both complaints involve situations where the brakes did not function as expected, leading to loss of vehicle control. These incidents underscore potential safety risks, particularly regarding brake responsiveness and unintended vehicle movement.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
