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2020 Subaru Legacy VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability

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).

Legacy reliability snapshot

67/100
Latest model-year reliability score
4.0/5
RepairPal rating (medium)
$563
Avg annual repair cost vs $526 category avg
#16/24
Ranking in midsize cars · better than 33% of peers

Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.

Used-car research

Research the Subaru Legacy before checking the VIN

Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.

Most-reported 2020 Subaru Legacy issues

Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.

  • Visibility Wiper52
  • Unknown Or Other24
  • Electrical System14
  • Visibility9
  • Power Train7
  • Vehicle Speed Control3

Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2020 Subaru Legacy

Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.

  • Inspect windshield for cracks or chips, especially near edges
  • Test power windows for smooth operation and ensure they close fully
  • Check battery health and test for unexpected drainage
  • Verify operation of EyeSight and other driver assistance systems
  • Ask about history of Thermo Control Valve replacement
  • Ensure transmission shifts smoothly without hesitation or jerking
  • Test infotainment system for freezing or rebooting issues

What owners reported

2020 Subaru Legacy owner complaints in detail

Owners have reported 1 crash, 1 fire and 1 injury to NHTSA for the 2020 Subaru Legacy. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.

Owner complaints52

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Owners of the 2020 Subaru Legacy frequently report issues with the windshield spontaneously cracking without any apparent cause. Complaints often describe cracks originating from the edges or corners of the windshield, sometimes overnight or while parked, with no visible impact points. Many owners note repeated occurrences within a short time frame, such as a few months, and some mention having to replace the windshield multiple times. The cracks can interfere with the Subaru EyeSight safety system, potentially affecting vehicle safety features. These issues are reported at various mileages, with some vehicles having as few as 5,100 miles. This pattern of windshield cracking may be a concern for potential buyers considering this model.

Owner complaints24

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners report frequent issues with the windshield of the 2020 Subaru Legacy, with many describing cracks that appear without any apparent impact or reason. These cracks often start at the edges and expand quickly, sometimes within days, and are mentioned by owners even when the vehicle is parked. Several complaints also highlight problems with the vehicle's electronic systems, such as power windows that intermittently fail and a center display that locks up, particularly affecting navigation functions. Mileage is not consistently noted, but one owner mentions a problem occurring at approximately 33,000 miles. While no crashes or injuries are reported, the windshield cracks and electronic failures could potentially impact visibility and vehicle operation, which are considerations for prospective buyers.

Owner complaints14

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners of the 2020 Subaru Legacy frequently report issues related to battery drainage, with several instances of the vehicle failing to start after being parked overnight or following short periods of inactivity. Multiple complaints also describe problems with the vehicle's infotainment and safety systems, such as the EyeSight system unexpectedly shutting down, causing loss of features like adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist. Additionally, there is a notable report of a fire occurring under the hood while driving, with no prior warning signs. These issues often arise in vehicles that are relatively new, with some owners mentioning mileage as low as 15,000 miles. Safety concerns are evident in the reports of vehicle shutdowns in traffic and the described fire incident.

Severity signals: 0 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports

Owner complaints9

VISIBILITY

Owners report frequent issues with the windshields of the 2020 Subaru Legacy, with multiple complaints describing cracks that appear without any apparent impact. These cracks often start at the base or center of the windshield and can extend horizontally or vertically, sometimes obstructing the driver's vision. The typical mileage at which these issues occur ranges from as low as 2,000 to around 27,482 miles. In addition to windshield problems, one owner notes that the power windows fail to roll up automatically during inclement weather without holding the button, attributed to debris in the window slides. While no crashes or injuries are reported, the visibility issues related to windshield cracks could potentially pose a safety risk.

Owner complaints7

POWER TRAIN

Owners of the 2020 Subaru Legacy frequently report issues with the powertrain, particularly related to the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and associated components. Symptoms include the transmission failing to shift properly, engine warning lights illuminating, and unexpected acceleration. Some owners mention a defective coolant bypass valve and thermo control valve, leading to overheating risks and loss of vehicle features like cruise control and cabin heat. These issues are typically reported around 18,500 to 69,738 miles. Safety implications are noted, with risks of power loss, potential crashes, and instances of unintended acceleration. Used car buyers should be aware of these reported problems, especially if the vehicle is within these mileage ranges.

Owner complaints3

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Owners of the 2020 Subaru Legacy report issues with sudden and unexpected changes in vehicle speed. One complaint describes a crash where the vehicle accelerated suddenly at approximately 3 MPH, resulting in a collision with a tree, causing one injury and significant vehicle damage. Another report mentions a sudden deceleration on a highway, with the car slowing to 25 to 30 MPH and failing to regain speed until restarted. A third complaint involves loss of power and an inability to exceed 30 MPH, with multiple warning lights displaying and difficulty engaging park, occurring repeatedly within the first six months of ownership. These issues are reported at mileages around 16,200 and suggest potential safety implications, including loss of control and crashes.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports

Owner complaints2

SERVICE BRAKES

Owners of the 2020 Subaru Legacy report issues with the service brakes, including instances of the brake pedal becoming stuck and non-functional, primarily occurring when starting the car. Another reported issue involves the vehicle unexpectedly slowing down and activating warning lights related to the emergency braking system, even without driver input, before resuming normal speed. These complaints suggest potential safety implications, such as the risk of unexpected braking or acceleration, although no crashes or injuries are noted. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these reported brake system anomalies, which may affect driving confidence and safety.

2020 Legacy recalls (6)

Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2020 Legacy. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

  1. AIR BAGSNHTSA 24V227000Mar 22, 2024

    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.

  2. POWER TRAINNHTSA 22V485000Jul 8, 2022

    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.

  3. POWER TRAINNHTSA 21V955000Dec 9, 2021

    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.

  4. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINENHTSA 21V587000Jul 29, 2021

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

    Consequence: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.

  5. BACK OVER PREVENTIONNHTSA 20V766000Dec 10, 2020

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with "high" grade and "mid" grade multimedia navigation. The August 2020 over-the-air software update may have timed out without completing the installation, corrupting the data, and causing the rearview display to shutoff intermittently. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

    Consequence: The intermittent loss of the rearview image reduces the driver's visibility and increases the risk of crash.

    Remedy

    Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the software and, if necessary, replace the Cockpit Control Module, free of charge. The recall began January 22, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-20.

  6. SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICNHTSA 19V664000Sep 18, 2019

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020 Outback and Legacy vehicles. The brake pedal mounting bracket may have a missing or insufficiently tightened bolt.

    Consequence: A missing or loose bolt may cause the brake pedal mounting area to deform over time, which can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake pedal mounting bracket hardware and replace the hardware or brake pedal assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUL-97.

Used-market value

2020 Subaru Legacy resale snapshot

$27,193median asking price from 20 listings

Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.

2020 Subaru Legacy on the road

27,240 2020 Subaru Legacy units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.

How the 2020 Subaru Legacy stacks up against rivals

The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.

Reliability verdict for the 2020 Subaru Legacy

The 2020 Subaru Legacy presents a mixed reliability profile. With a score of 67 out of 100, it falls into the moderate range, suggesting reliability is neither significantly above nor below expectations. Complaints are notably concentrated in the visibility and wiper systems, indicating a potential area of concern for prospective owners. Other issues, such as electrical system complaints, are less frequent but present.

The six recalls for this model year point to an elevated need for manufacturer intervention compared to models with fewer recalls. This suggests that while some problems have been addressed, prospective buyers should be aware of potential ongoing issues.

Overall, the 2020 Subaru Legacy carries a moderate reliability risk, with specific attention needed for visibility-related concerns.

What you get in a 2020 Subaru Legacy report

Available title brand history
Odometer readings & rollback detection
Accident & damage records
Auction sales with photos
Open safety recalls
Theft & stolen vehicle check

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2020 Subaru Legacy — Frequently asked questions

Is the 2020 Subaru Legacy reliable?

The 2020 Subaru Legacy presents a mixed reliability profile. With a score of 67 out of 100, it falls into the moderate range, suggesting reliability is neither significantly above nor below expectations. Complaints are notably concentrated in the visibility and wiper systems, indicating a potential area of concern for prospective owners. Other issues, such as electrical system complaints, are less frequent but present.

How many recalls does the 2020 Subaru Legacy have?

6 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2020 Subaru Legacy. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

What are the most common 2020 Subaru Legacy problems?

The most-reported 2020 Subaru Legacy problem areas are: Visibility Wiper (52), Unknown Or Other (24), Electrical System (14).

Should I run a VIN check on a 2020 Subaru Legacy?

Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2020 Subaru Legacy, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.