Is the Subaru Legacy Reliable?
2000–2024 defect & recall-risk analysis from citable NHTSA data.
The score ranks this model's recall intensity against other sedans — plus systemic-defect concentration and any open federal investigations. It measures defect and recall risk, not long-term mechanical durability, and is deliberately not skewed by how many were sold.
Reliability Score
Own a Subaru Legacy? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.
Subaru Legacy Reliability by Year
| Model Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Reliability Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 0 | 10 | — | — | 82 | Good |
| 2023 | 2 | 3 | — | — | 82 | Good |
| 2022 | 1 | 21 | — | — | 82 | Good |
| 2021 | 2 | 23 | — | — | 82 | Good |
| 2020 | 3 | 68 | — | — | 71 | Good |
| 2019 | 1 | 69 | — | — | 72 | Good |
| 2018 | 1 | 68 | — | — | 72 | Good |
| 2017 | 2 | 64 | 5 | — | 70 | Good |
| 2016 | 2 | 101 | 3 | — | 61 | Good |
| 2015 | 3 | 115 | 20 | — | 57 | Fair |
Reliability scores are proprietary to VinCheckEngine and incorporate multiple weighted safety signals.
How the Legacy Compares to Similar Vehicles
The Legacy scores exactly at the sedan average.
Known Subaru Legacy Reliability Issues
The following components appear most frequently in owner complaints filed with NHTSA:
Based on 542 owner complaints across recent model years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Subaru Legacy reliable?+
The Subaru Legacy scores 72/100 on our reliability index — rated "Good." Across 10 recently analyzed model years, it accumulated 17 recall campaigns and 542 owner complaints in the NHTSA database.
What year Legacy is most reliable?+
Among the years analyzed, the 2024 Legacy achieved the highest reliability score of 82/100 with 0 recalls and 10 complaints.
How many miles does a Legacy last?+
With consistent maintenance, most Subaru Legacy owners report 150,000 to 200,000+ miles of service life. Checking the VIN of any specific used Legacy will reveal its actual mileage history and any title events.
More Subaru Legacy Research
Check a Specific Subaru Legacy VIN
Model-level reliability scores show general trends. A VIN-specific report reveals the exact history of any individual vehicle — accidents, odometer records, auction events, and open recalls.
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