Common problems

Subaru Legacy Common Problems

We grouped the top NHTSA owner-complaint categories across 8 Subaru Legacy model years, then counted how often each issue recurs. The result shows patterns worth inspecting without pretending every vehicle will have them.

Data updated July 2026

Owner complaints
455

8 model years

Top recurring issue
Visibility Wiper

7 affected years

Crash reports
15

Owner-reported severity signal

Fire reports
5

4 injuries · 0 deaths

Pattern overview

Most reported Subaru Legacy problem categories

#1

Visibility Wiper

140complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 7 model years; highest in 2020.

#2

Electrical System

98complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 7 model years; highest in 2018.

#3

Unknown Or Other

78complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 7 model years; highest in 2020.

#4

Engine

12complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 4 model years; highest in 2019.

#5

Air Bags

10complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 4 model years; highest in 2021.

#6

Vehicle Speed Control

9complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 4 model years; highest in 2020.

#7

Visibility

18complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 3 model years; highest in 2020.

#8

Steering

6complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 3 model years; highest in 2018.

#9

Power Train

9complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 2 model years; highest in 2020.

#10

Forward Collision Avoidance

4complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 2 model years; highest in 2023.

What owners reported

Issue summaries by Subaru Legacy model year

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.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Owners report frequent issues with the windshields of the 2019 Subaru Legacy, primarily involving cracks that appear with minimal or no apparent impact. Complaints often describe windshields cracking spontaneously or following very minor impacts, such as small pebbles, leading to significant crack expansions that impair visibility. Several owners mention experiencing multiple windshield replacements within a short period, sometimes within weeks or months, suggesting a pattern of recurring failures. The safety implications noted by owners include concerns about visibility and the structural integrity of the windshield, though no crashes or injuries are reported. These issues typically arise regardless of vehicle mileage, indicating the problem may not be directly related to wear and tear.

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

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners report two primary issues with the electrical system of the 2019 Subaru Legacy: persistent battery drain and infotainment system failures. Multiple complaints describe a parasitic battery drain linked to the vehicle's DCM searching for a defunct 3G network, causing frequent dead batteries even after replacement. This issue often leaves drivers stranded, with some reporting needing jump starts despite regular vehicle use. Additionally, owners frequently mention problems with the infotainment system, including screen delamination and erratic behavior such as random phone calls and navigation changes, typically emerging around 34,000 to 50,000 miles. These issues may contribute to safety concerns, particularly when the infotainment system distracts or the vehicle fails to start unexpectedly.

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.

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

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.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners report several issues with the 2019 Subaru Legacy, most notably problems with the infotainment system and windshield integrity. Complaints frequently mention the infotainment system malfunctioning, including erratic screen behavior, unresponsive controls, and random switching between functions, which can distract drivers. Multiple owners describe recurring windshield cracks occurring under various conditions, with some experiencing multiple incidents within a short timeframe. The reports also include a case involving a fire following a collision, highlighting potential safety risks. These issues appear across a range of mileages, with some occurring as early as 14,000 miles, which may be relevant for used car buyers assessing potential maintenance needs.

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

Pre-purchase inspection

What to check on a used Subaru Legacy

When problems are reported to begin

  • Engine stalling0–1,500 miles on the 2025 model-year record
  • Windshield fragility0–3,000 miles on the 2024 model-year record
  • Electrical system failures0–5,000 miles on the 2024 model-year record
  • Forward collision avoidance failures0–50 miles on the 2023 model-year record
  • Windshield cracking2,000–14,000 miles on the 2023 model-year record
  • Windshield cracking2,000–15,000 miles on the 2022 model-year record
  • Unintended acceleration15,000 miles on the 2022 model-year record
  • Water intrusion in electrical system8,000 miles on the 2022 model-year record

Buyer red flags

  • Inspect exhaust manifold for leaks and fumes
  • Test engine for stalling after extended drives
  • Verify airbag sensor functionality for small adults in passenger seat
  • Check brake pedal firmness and ABS response in wet conditions
  • Observe exhaust for white smoke and listen for dashboard rattling
  • Ensure scavenger pump turbo and catalytic converter are functioning properly
  • Inspect windshield for chips and cracks
  • Test infotainment system for freezing and sound issues

How to interpret the counts

Complaint totals are not failure rates

A popular or older model can accumulate more complaints simply because more vehicles exist and have spent longer on the road. The categories above aggregate the counts embedded in each model year's leading issues. Use recurrence across years and severity signals to decide what to inspect; use the VIN and a mechanical inspection to judge one car.

Source trail

Where this Subaru Legacy data comes from

VinExposed combines model-level research with the vehicle-specific history you get from a VIN. Reliability scores and complaint patterns come from Auto Reliability Index's Subaru Legacy research, which analyzes NHTSA records and independent repair data.

Recall counts describe a model year, not the repair status of one car. Confirm the exact VIN with the official NHTSA recall lookup and a vehicle-history report before buying.

Buyer questions

Subaru Legacy research FAQ

What is the most common Subaru Legacy problem?

Visibility Wiper is the broadest recurring complaint category in the available model-year records, appearing among the top issues for 7 years with 140 complaints represented.

Which Subaru Legacy year has the most reported problems?

The 2020 has the largest visibility wiper count among the years where that category appears. Compare the full year record because a different year may lead on another problem category.

Do NHTSA complaints prove a Subaru Legacy has a defect?

No. Owner complaints are unverified reports and can be duplicated or influenced by sales volume and vehicle age. They are useful patterns to investigate alongside recalls, service records, inspection results and the exact VIN.

Check the actual car

Model research narrows the list. The VIN confirms the car.

Check title brands, accidents, odometer history, auction records and recall status for the specific Subaru Legacy you are considering.