Here Are The 5 Subaru Legacy Years to Avoid

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

Updated: May 10, 2023

Are you in the market for a Subaru Legacy? Before you make a purchase, it's important to know which years to avoid. From air bag malfunctions to engine stalling, there are some serious issues that have plagued certain models. In this post, we'll take a closer look at the Subaru Legacy years to avoid and why.

Worst Years of Subaru Legacy by Complaints, Severity of Issues Reported, and Recalls

2005 167 2011 123 2010 120 2015 98 1999 94

What are the Biggest Problems with Subaru Legacy?

2009 Subaru Legacy

AIR BAGS 26 ENGINE 6 BODY > STRUCTURE 3 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 3 EXTERIOR LIGHTING 2

The Subaru Legacy 2009 seems to have a number of issues that have been reported by real owners and have been officially recalled. These problems include air bags, engine, body structure, electrical system, and exterior lighting. In my opinion, these problems are quite serious and need to be addressed immediately to ensure the safety of the driver and passengers. It is important for Subaru to take responsibility for these issues and provide a solution to fix them. If you own a Subaru Legacy 2009, it is important to get it checked and fixed if necessary to avoid any potential accidents or injuries.

2008 Subaru Legacy

AIR BAGS 24 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 6 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 5 SERVICE BRAKES 4 POWER TRAIN 3

When it comes to car problems, the Subaru Legacy has had its fair share of issues. One of the most concerning problems is with the air bags, which have been known to malfunction and not deploy during an accident. The electrical system has also caused headaches for owners, with reports of various components failing and causing electrical shorts. The vehicle speed control has been known to randomly accelerate, which can be a terrifying experience for drivers. Additionally, the service brakes have been reported to be overly sensitive or not responsive enough. Finally, the power train has had issues with the transmission, leading to costly repairs. Overall, it's important for Subaru Legacy owners to be aware of these potential problems and to stay on top of regular maintenance to prevent any further issues.

2010 Subaru Legacy

POWER TRAIN 30 ENGINE 21 AIR BAGS 20 STEERING 11 SERVICE BRAKES 10

Oh, the 2010 Subaru Legacy, what a car. Let me tell you, when it comes to powertrain issues, this baby can experience transmission failure and even engine stalling. And don't get me started on the airbags, they can fail to deploy or even deploy unexpectedly. Steering issues can also arise, causing the car to wander or even lose control. And last but not least, the service brakes can wear out quickly, leading to longer stopping distances. So, if you're looking to buy a Legacy, make sure to keep these things in mind.

2002 Subaru Legacy

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 7 HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS > DELIVERY > FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 4 ENGINE > ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 4 SUSPENSION 3 ENGINE 3

Well, this particular 2002 Subaru Legacy has a few issues that are worth noting. The fuel delivery system can be a bit finicky at times, with hoses and fittings that are prone to wear and tear. The engine and cooling system can also be a bit temperamental, and the suspension can be a bit bouncy on rough roads. But on the plus side, this car does have some selling points, such as its all-wheel drive system and reliable performance in all weather conditions. Overall, it's a decent ride, but it does have its weak spots.

2007 Subaru Legacy

AIR BAGS 10 ENGINE 5 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 3 BODY > STRUCTURE 2 WHEELS 2

Now we're looking at the 2007 Subaru Legacy, a car that's known for its reliability and practicality. However, there are a few issues to be aware of. The airbags, engine, electrical system, body structure, and wheels have all been reported as problematic, so make sure to do your research before making a purchase. Overall, the Legacy is a solid choice for those who prioritize safety and versatility, but be prepared to address some potential maintenance concerns.

Common Issues with Subaru Legacy

AIR BAGS 231 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 138 ENGINE 130 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 129 POWER TRAIN 121 UNKNOWN OR OTHER 100 VISIBILITY/WIPER 79 FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 74 SERVICE BRAKES 73 STEERING 66

Source

Conclusion

Subaru Legacy owners have reported several issues with their vehicles over the years. The 2009 model has had problems with the airbags, engine, body structure, electrical system, and exterior lighting. The 2008 model has had issues with the airbags, electrical system, vehicle speed control, service brakes, and powertrain. The 2010 model has had problems with the powertrain, engine, airbags, steering, and service brakes. The 2002 model has had issues with the fuel/propulsion system, hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, engine and engine cooling, suspension, and engine. Finally, the 2007 model has had issues with the airbags, engine, electrical system, body structure, and wheels. It's important to note that some of these issues have led to official recalls.