Subaru Legacy Best and Worst Years (Top Picks!)

The Subaru Legacy has a remarkable track record of being dependable and steady for customers who enjoy long road trips.

Additionally, it is claimed that this car offers the highest value and is part of a Japanese automaker’s extended running lineup.

It is renowned for its excellent safety features as well. But unfortunately, even though it has some great years and all these positive characteristics, some years are untrustworthy and have numerous defects.

VIDEO: Subaru Legacy – Everything You Need To Know

Subaru Legacy Best and Worst Years

Depending on the source, different years are considered the Subaru Legacy’s most significant and worst. The top Subaru Legacy model years, according to Enginepatrol.com, are 2022, 2021, 2019, 2018, 2014, 2009, 2007, and 2004. The Subaru Legacy performed best in 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, and 2014, while the worst years were 2010, 2011, 2015, 2016, and 2017. The best year for Subaru is 2019, but it depends on the model, claims Getjerry.com. The Subaru Legacy’s most dependable model year is 2004, which has the fewest reported problems, according to Rerev.com. However, it’s vital to remember that a single Subaru Legacy’s reliability may differ based on its maintenance history, mileage, and other elements. Therefore, before buying, studying the Subaru Legacy’s dependability is advised. Overall, the Subaru Legacy is a dependable car with good performance and features, but before buying one, it’s crucial to pick a dependable model year and take the car’s maintenance history into account.

What Years To Buy? List Of The Top Years For The Subaru Legacy

Compare the Subaru Legacy year models’ positive and negative attributes.

Here, I’ll discuss the top Subaru Legacy model years you should consider purchasing.

On your mind is whether or not a Subaru Legacy is a good car. Many websites and users of this car claim that it is a decent vehicle with generally positive reliability ratings.

This midsize sedan is an excellent option if dependability and safety are your top priorities. In addition, because it offers its clients much value, it is relatively inexpensive.

So, the Subaru Legacy’s dependable years are listed below:

 Subaru Legacy 2012

The 2012 Subaru Legacy is a fantastic model since it has exceptional and dependable features to provide the best driving experience throughout its lifespan.

The wonderful thing about this 2010 model is that you can choose from seven potent trim options. The 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited, 3.6R, 3.6R Limited, 3.6R Premium, and finally, the 2,5GT Limited are these trim levels.

Remember that each of these extra trims has a different pricing and range of features. Price points for this midsize car range from $19,995 to $31,595.

Other than that, consider carefully because some trims and frills are superior to others.

Moving on, this model offers fantastic features, including responsive steering, a big cabin, good gas mileage for an AWD vehicle, and a sturdy turbocharged motor.

The base model is very well-prepared, and last but not least, it is made to withstand various challenging weather conditions, mainly winters.

 Subaru Legacy 2014

The 2014 Subaru Legacy stands out from other family-friendly midsize cars. This car has an all-wheel-drive system as standard equipment and is available in five well-equipped trim variants.

You can also choose the 2.5i Sporty, equipped with either the six-speed automatic transmission or the CVT, similar to the Limited and Premium 2.5i.

It is important to note that the vehicle may achieve 24/32 mpg with the CVT, compared to 21/29 mpg with the six-speed.

It is well-known to include standard interior features, including dual-zone automatic climate control, manually adjustable cloth front seats, and steering wheels with tilt and telescoping cruise controls.

You should also be aware that this car has been named a Top Safety Pick and has received a ‘good’ rating from the IIHS for the three out of four tests it has undergone.

In addition, the NHTSA gave this car a five-star overall crash rating, making it a necessity.

Subaru Legacy 2016

Safety has been prioritized in the 2016 Subaru Legacy so that users may have a pleasurable but secure driving experience without worrying too much.

There are four trim levels available for this car, and each one includes a variety of features. Remember that your vehicle will perform better if it has a powerful engine.

The most dependable and potent engine for this car is claimed to be its 3.6 liter V6 Boxer Engine, which has a capacity of 256 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque.

Other than that, this car got a perfect score of five stars in government crash tests and is a Top Pick according to the IIHS.

Additionally, it boasts a security system against theft that includes an engine immobilizer, many airbags, and whiplash protection for the driver and passengers in the front seats.

 Subaru Legacy 2017

The 2017 Subaru Legacy vehicle sports a new Sport trim level and enhanced amenities. It will have an 18-inch set of alloy wheels, a gloss black housing for the fog lights, and a dark gray grille.

Another fantastic feature is how the car looks, with chrome rocker trim and side mirrors that have been polished silver to give it a more elegant and appealing appearance.

The vehicle will also increase 175 horsepower and 174 pounds-feet of torque with the regular 2.5-liter flat-four cylinder engine.

Although you can experience 256 horsepower and 247 pounds-feet of torque from the 3.6R liters six-cylinder engine.

Adaptive cruise control, blind-spot recognition, rear cross-traffic alert, ABS, braking assist system, and many other incredible safety technologies are also available on this car. The fact that this is the only midsize sedan with a standard AWD is noteworthy.

 Subaru Legacy 2020

The newly revamped and improved 2020 Subaru Legacy has incredible tech features, dynamic style, a sumptuous interior, and much more that make it worthwhile to own a midsize sedan.

If you buy it, you can choose between a new 2.4-liter turbocharged engine or a 2.5-liter flat-four engine. All-wheel drive is a standard feature of this car.

Other than that, you can choose this car’s Limited XT or Touring XT models, though bear in mind that pricing may vary according to the amenities each model has.

The Touring XT’s engine has a continuously variable automatic transmission and can reach 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. In addition, you’ll be happy that this car boasts superb handling dynamics, making driving enjoyable.

What Years To Avoid On The List Of The Worst Years For The Subaru Legacy

One of the most consistent and dependable midsize sedans on the market for a considerable amount of time is the Subaru Legacy.

For many people, however, these vehicles also had unhappy years since they had terrible driving experiences.

To prevent you from purchasing a lemon car, I will be talking about the serious problems of all these model years. The concerns with these sedans should not be taken lightly. Thus those who purchased them suggested others look at other model years.

Here are the Subaru Legacy’s poorest years, which you should avoid, having that in mind.

 Subaru Legacy 2009

The 2009 Subaru Legacy is ranked as the worst year because of its poor reliability and sporadic yet regular difficulties, which caused so many complaints.

Engine failure is the most frequent problem since it affects the most vital parts of your car. Once it begins to malfunction, the car’s entire usefulness could be ruined. For this reason, routine maintenance is essential for car owners.

It is only sometimes dependent on upkeep, though. Because this car receives the most engine-related complaints, it frequently has this problem.

Additionally, this causes the car to vibrate when driving and generates loud, annoying noises. A replacement for this component may cost $5000 or more.

Typically, it occurs when the car has traveled about 75,000 miles. The head gasket on this particular model also had problems. It typically leaks and can be expensive to fix, costing roughly $1600 because the entire engine must be removed.

When the car has traveled 140,000 miles, this occurs.

 Subaru Legacy 2010

The 2010 Subaru Legacy is on the worst list because it has several evident problems that can impair performance while driving.

The cooling system, which frequently leads to the failure of the head gasket, is a problem with this 2010 model. When the cooling pressure blowing res cap is open, this issue results in overheating.

A common issue with this car is a flaw in the ABS control module, making it challenging to use the brakes and keep the ABS lights on.

If it is the only course of action, the ABS control module may need to be entirely replaced. In addition, this model has numerous issues with its transmission, seat belts, suspension, and electrical and mechanical components.

Subaru Legacy 2011

Similar to the 2010 model, which had dependability issues, the 2011 Subaru Legacy has common issues. About 16 individuals have reported this vehicle’s headlights burning out.

Although this seems like a minor problem, it began with this vehicle within the first six months of purchase. Some owners even claimed they had to repair the headlights more than once.

The car’s electrical system may be overloading the lights with voltage, causing this problem. Additionally, this vehicle had a transmission system issue because CVTs frequently fail.

Some studies claim that the cost of fixing this problem might be as high as $7500.

Subaru Legacy 2015

The 2015 Subaru Legacy has seen a sharp increase in complaints posted on the CarComplaints.com website.

The wind noises, which generally start when the car has 950 miles on the odometer, are the most frequent problem with this model. Another frequent problem is that the driver can smell the engine burning before the car has traveled 1,000 miles.

Because some people also claimed that the water would cover the engine bay, this might be very dangerous. In addition, repairs on this can be costly.

The fact that many people have a tricky trip before traveling 1000 miles is the third most frequent problem. The drivers and passengers can sense the lack of ability of this car to navigate uneven roads from within the vehicle.

 Subaru Legacy 2018

The 2018 Subaru Legacy is rumored to have poor overall quality. Many people express their dissatisfaction with the infotainment system, the fuel system, the steering, the engine, and the windscreen.

This is the cause of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s repeated recalls of this vehicle.

It is important to note that, which is disheartening, most of these issues start appearing before the vehicle has traveled 100,000 miles.

Because people frequently need to replace some components, these issues could cost $5000 or more. Therefore, it is advised to avoid this model since if these are not corrected immediately, they could result in dangerous car accidents.

How Safe Is Subaru Legacy?

A safe vehicle with good safety features is the Subaru Legacy. The 2023 Subaru Legacy has a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, according to Cars.usnews.com.

The Subaru Legacy includes cutting-edge safety features, including the strengthened frame, EyeSight driver assistance technology, Symmetrical AWD, and the most recent crash protection/avoidance systems, according to Subaru-global.com.

The safety technology, infotainment system, and interior styling of the 2019 and 2018 Subaru Legacy vehicles have all received improvements, according to Carproper.com.

The top Subaru Legacy model years, according to Enginepatrol.com, are 2022, 2021, 2019, 2018, 2014, 2009, 2007, and 2004. It’s crucial to remember that a single Subaru Legacy’s safety could differ based on its maintenance history, mileage, and other aspects.

Before buying, looking into the Subaru Legacy’s safety ratings is advised. Overall, families should choose the Subaru Legacy since it has outstanding safety features and is a safe vehicle.

Reliability of Subaru Legacy

Depending on the model year, the Subaru Legacy has varying levels of reliability. The J.D. Power Quality and Reliability ratings for the 2023 Subaru Legacy are a combination of quality and dependability rankings, according to Cars.usnews.com.

The Subaru Legacy is a dependable vehicle, but different models can still experience issues, claims Carparts.com. Based on data from 2020, 2021, and 2022 models, Consumerreports.org predicts that the 2022 Subaru Legacy will have around average reliability compared to the average new car.

The Subaru Legacy’s most dependable model year, according to Rerev.com, is the 2004 model year, which has the fewest reported problems.

The Subaru Legacy model from 2004 is unquestionably the most dependable year for this generation, according to Copilotsearch.com. However, it’s vital to remember that a single Subaru Legacy’s reliability may differ based on its maintenance history, mileage, and other elements. Therefore, before buying, studying the Subaru Legacy’s dependability is advised.

Overall, the Subaru Legacy is a dependable car with good performance and features, but before buying one, it’s crucial to pick a dependable model year and take the car’s maintenance history into account.

How to find the best deals on a Subaru Legacy?

Investigating the latest discounts and special offers provided by Subaru dealerships allows one to locate the finest deals on a Subaru Legacy. For the 2023 Legacy, promotional rates start at 3.9% for 48 months, 4.9% for 63 months, and 5.9%, according to websites like Carsdirect.com.

Asking about any current specials or discounts at nearby Subaru dealerships is another approach to uncovering bargains. According to Cars.usnews.com, U.S. News Finest Cars has the finest lease, loan, and cash-back offers on the 2023 Subaru Legacy.

It’s also advisable to consider buying a used Subaru Legacy as they are frequently available for less money than a new one. When buying a used car, it’s crucial to do your homework on its history and current condition to ensure it has been carefully taken care of. The top Subaru Legacy model years, according to Enginepatrol.com, are 2022, 2021, 2019, 2018, 2014, 2009, 2007, and 2004.

Based on statistics from 2020, 2021, and 2022 models, Cars.usnews.com predicts that the 2023 Legacy will have around average reliability compared to the average new car. It’s crucial to remember that different offers and promotions might be available depending on the location and dealership.

Finding the best prices on a Subaru Legacy can often be done by visiting local dealerships, studying current discounts and promotions, and considering used cars.

Tips for maintaining your Subaru Legacy

A Subaru Legacy needs routine care and maintenance to maintain its dependability and longevity. Following are some pointers for caring for a Subaru Legacy:

Recurring upkeep: Regular maintenance is necessary to keep the car running smoothly and avoid serious problems down the line, such as oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections.

Verify fluids: Every 30,000 miles, coolant, and brake fluid should be changed to maintain their effectiveness. Regular checks should also be made on fluids such as transmission, power steering, and windshield washer.

Check the brakes: Rotors and brake pads should be inspected and replaced. Broken brakes can endanger the driver’s safety and harm the car’s other components.

Check tires: Tires should be inspected for damage, wear, and proper inflation. Tires that are correctly inflated can enhance handling and fuel efficiency.

Address issues right away: To avoid further damage and expensive repairs, any issues, such as warning lights or strange noises, should be handled immediately.

Observe the owner’s guide: The owner’s manual offers crucial details unique to the vehicle, like maintenance schedules, suggested fluids, and other vital information.

Keeping a Subaru Legacy reliable and long-lasting requires routine maintenance and swiftly addressing problems. The 2023 Subaru Legacy has a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, according to Cars.usnews.com.

The top Subaru Legacy model years, according to Enginepatrol.com, are 2022, 2021, 2019, 2018, 2014, 2009, 2007, and 2004. Before making a purchase, it’s crucial to takconsidere the specific Subaru Legacy mod model’s reliability promotional rates for the 2023 Legacy begin at 3.9% for 48 months, 4.9% for 63 months, and 5.9%, according to Carsdirect.com.

It’s crucial to remember that different offers and promotions might be available depending on the location and dealership.

Finding the best prices on a Subaru Legacy can often be done by visiting local dealerships, studying current discounts and promotions, and considering used cars.

How Can You Tell Whether Something Is a Lemon?

Purchase a vehicle history report.

There is no better initial step when purchasing a used car than to obtain a car history report. Two well-known services offer this information for little money: Anyone looking to purchase a used car will find the information provided by CarFax and AutoCheck extremely helpful.

The reports let you know the number of past owners, whether or not it had any accidents, how frequently it required maintenance, and the current title. The final section is among the most crucial since it contains the lemon label, which attests that the car followed the correct legal procedures to be designated as a lemon.

However, in some areas, dealers must inform a customer if the vehicle is a manufacturer buyback, which is a reliable way to determine whether a vehicle has a lemon title. However, it is the responsibility of the buyer to conduct a thorough investigation into the vehicle’s history.

Therefore, consumers may need help if they accidentally purchase a secondhand lemon because they must inspect it first.

Owner Background

You can view the owner’s history on the vehicle history report, which should indicate whether the manufacturer has purchased the vehicle back. While owners can claim a car is a lemon in a legal dispute and ask the automaker to buy back the problematic vehicle, that is a guaranteed technique to determine if the car was labeled a lemon.

You can also determine if the vehicle was sold or traded before it was given a lemon tag if the prior owner may have missed an issue. It also implies that the car’s persistent issue must be apparent.

Repair Record

Look carefully at the vehicle’s repair record and try to identify any recurring issues. Recurring problems in cars with lemon histories are simple to spot. You can determine whether the issues with the car are minor wear and tear concerns, such as those with the clutch or brakes, or a more severe problem.

Check to discover if the repairs were necessary or carried out even when the car was brand new. It can assist in determining whether the car is a lemon or if an incident like a collision or modification caused a misdiagnosed issue.

Are the repairs significant or minor? A severe repair would deal with the drivetrain or suspension, whereas a superficial one would address non-driving-related issues like window or seat controls. Severe repairs would be more challenging, but handling a car might not be a hassle if a car was considered a lemon for a less severe cause.

The report also shows whether repairs are being made at a dealership or a general shop. Like you would with any used car, examine the vehicle’s general condition and health and determine whether routine maintenance has also been carried out.

This will assist you in deciding whether or not you should consider purchasing this car.

Inspection before purchase

Is the car still a good investment? You should get a pre-purchase inspection if the flaws are not too concerning or if you believe the automobile may have been incorrectly labeled as a lemon.

A mechanic can determine whether the problems are repairable and why the car was considered a lemon. A technician can assist you in determining whether or not a recurring issue is indicative of more severe problems or worries about the quality of the vehicle.

Their satisfaction with the car might help determine if it is a worthwhile investment or a lost cause.

Subaru Legacy FAQ’s

Which year of the Subaru Legacy was the most dependable?

Subaru Legacy, 2005–2009

The majority of this generation’s Legacy vehicles are dependable. Due to its exceptional reliability ratings and fuel efficiency, the 2006 and 2007 model years of the Subaru Legacy are the most reliable years in this series.

Are Subaru Legacy vehicles dependable?

With a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5, the Subaru Legacy is ranked 16th out of 24 midsize automobiles. It has moderate ownership expenses since the average cost of annual repairs is $563. serious repairs are uncommon for the Legacy due to the typical difficulty of repairs and the rarity of serious difficulties.

Subaru Forester versus Legacy, which is preferable?

The Subaru Forester outperforms the Subaru Legacy in terms of interior volume and overall quality score when compared to other Subaru models. In terms of new vehicle base pricing, the normal lower range of prices for one- to five-year-old used automobiles, and fuel efficiency, the Subaru Legacy has the advantage.

Which Subaru is the least dependable?

A little higher than 12% for serious difficulties on all models, 13% of Subaru shop repairs are classified as severe in terms of the severity of the repairs. The Forester and Outback are the two models that receive the most complaints, according to the Subaru page on Car Complaints.

What Subaru Legacy engines should be avoided?

When purchasing a Subaru, you should stay away from the EJ20 2.5L, EJ205, EJ207, EJ20G, and EJ25 2.5L engines. Additionally, some Subarus have issues with the head gasket. When buying a car, you should always verify with Subaru to make sure the engine is in good shape.