Legacy (7th)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
U5
2.5L 4-cyl / 182 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
U4
2.4L 4-cyl / 560 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
Subaru Legacy Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Subaru Legacy, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2020-2025 Subaru Legacy
On a used 2020-2025 Subaru Legacy, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the airbags and driver-assist systems (35), the electrical system (29) and the engine (13). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 35 owner complaints on the 2020-2025 Subaru Legacy about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 29 owner complaints on the 2020-2025 Subaru Legacy about the electrical system.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 13 owner complaints on the 2020-2025 Subaru Legacy about the engine, all engines combined.
- Latch and tug every seat belt, move every seat through its full travel and lock each seatback.Safety. NHTSA has 3 owner complaints on the 2020-2025 Subaru Legacy about the seats, seat belts and interior.
Recalls (8)
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.
Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Outback, Legacy, Ascent, and Impreza vehicles. The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, resulting in the disconnection of the front end of the driveshaft.
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.
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.
Show 3 older recalls
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.
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."
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.
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
All Generations
Alternatives in Midsize Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2020-2025 Subaru Legacy complaints?
Owners have filed 219 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020-2025 Subaru Legacy. The systems they name most often are the safety systems, the electrical system and the engine.
Is the 2020-2025 Subaru Legacy a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 219 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020-2025 Subaru Legacy. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2020-2025 Subaru Legacy have?
NHTSA has 219 owner complaints on file for the 2020-2025 Subaru Legacy as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2020-2025 Subaru Legacy?
NHTSA lists 8 recalls covering some 2020-2025 Subaru Legacy vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Subaru Legacy?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the safety systems, the electrical system and the engine, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Legacy?
The 2025 Subaru Legacy received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 5 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 5 stars (10.1% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Standard & Optional. Lane Departure Warning: Standard. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 219 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.