You’ll want to avoid Subaru Legacy models from 2005-2006 and 2013-2015 due to severe mechanical issues. The fourth-generation models suffered from widespread head gasket failures, brake corrosion, and transmission problems. The mid-2010s models struggled with excessive oil consumption and defective piston rings. Recent models show mixed reliability, with CVT concerns persisting. Understanding specific model year problems can help you make a more informed Legacy purchase decision.
Early 2000s Legacy Models: A Period of Reliability Concerns
While the Subaru Legacy has maintained a reputation for all-wheel-drive capability, the early 2000s models present significant reliability concerns that potential buyers should carefully consider.
The 2000-2004 Legacy models are particularly notorious for head gasket failures, typically occurring around 100,000 miles. These failures often lead to expensive repairs and, in severe cases, complete engine rebuilds. You’ll also need to watch for oil consumption issues, especially in naturally aspirated EJ25 engines where poor oil flow can damage rod bearings. Similar to later Outback models, faulty piston rings contributed to excessive oil consumption problems. The enlarged main bearing journals contribute to accelerated wear patterns, potentially requiring major overhauls. The front oxygen sensor commonly develops cracks around 133,000 miles, triggering check engine lights. Much like the Honda CR-V models from the same era, these Legacys suffered from transmission failures that required costly repairs.
Despite some positive attributes like smooth rides and decent fuel economy, these model years demand extensive preventative maintenance. You’re looking at recommended head gasket replacement every 80,000-100,000 miles to avoid catastrophic engine damage.
The Troubled Fourth Generation Years (2005-2006)
Despite their advanced all-wheel-drive system, the 2005-2006 Legacy models represent some of Subaru’s most problematic years, with widespread issues affecting multiple vehicle systems.
The 2005 head gasket failures were particularly troublesome, causing coolant leaks and engine overheating even in low-mileage vehicles. Like the later Impreza models, the Legacy suffered from major brake corrosion that required extensive repairs. You’ll find these problems compounded by persistent oxygen sensor failures that trigger check engine lights and reduce fuel efficiency. Similar to Kia’s issues with the 2011-2016 Sorento, these Subaru models faced excessive oil consumption problems that led to frequent repairs. The 2006 transmission issues affected both manual and automatic variants, with many owners reporting premature wear around 60,000 miles, especially in GT turbo models.
These years also suffered from electrical gremlins, including stubborn airbag warning lights and malfunctioning cruise control systems. Regular maintenance includes checking the oil consumption levels between 2,000 and 5,000 miles to prevent potential engine damage. The engines’ tendency to burn oil after 100,000 miles, combined with catalytic converter problems and vacuum leaks, makes these model years particularly risky investments.
Late 2000s Engine and Mechanical Red Flags
Just as the previous generation struggled with reliability, the 2007-2009 Legacy models continued to exhibit serious mechanical defects. Engine failures commonly occurred around 75,000 miles, requiring costly $5,000 replacements. Head gasket leaks typically surfaced at 140,000 miles, demanding $1,600 repairs.
The 2.5L turbo engines faced particularly severe issues, including piston ring land failures and boost irregularities. You’ll want to watch for excessive oil consumption, which often appears before 100,000 miles. Similar to the Forester’s head gasket problems, these Legacy models experienced frequent failures. Turbo issues frequently stemmed from poor maintenance or aftermarket modifications. The most alarming signs included loud knocking noises and vibrations that preceded total engine failure.
These models also suffered from chronic cooling system problems, with radiator failures and coolant leaks increasing the risk of catastrophic engine damage. Multiple recalls addressing brake line corrosion and fuel system issues further complicated ownership of these troubled model years.
Mid-2010s Models With Persistent Problems
The mid-2010s Legacy models inherited and amplified many reliability issues from their predecessors. Most significantly, excessive engine oil consumption plagued the 2013-2015 models, with owners needing to add oil every 2,000-5,000 miles due to defective piston rings. A federal lawsuit highlighted this chronic design flaw that risked engine failure.
CVT issues became equally problematic during this period, particularly in models equipped with Lineartronic transmissions. While Subaru extended warranties to 100,000 miles through 2015, many vehicles now fall outside coverage, leaving owners vulnerable to costly repairs. Additional concerns included electronic parking brake failures that triggered a 27,000-vehicle recall for 2010-2014 models. These persistent mechanical problems, combined with infotainment glitches in later years, make mid-2010s Legacys particularly risky used car purchases. Similar to the Nissan Sentra’s CVT transmission failures during 2013-2014, these reliability issues severely impacted the Legacy’s reputation.
Recent Legacy Years: Understanding Mixed Reviews
Since entering its final production years, recent Subaru Legacy models have delivered mixed results that warrant careful buyer consideration. The 2026 Legacy critiques highlight persistent annoyances like warning light issues and limited sporty handling without modifications, putting it at a disadvantage against more dynamic competitors like the Camry. Subaru’s CVT warranty extension to 10 years/100,000 miles acknowledges transmission concerns in earlier model years. The 2019 model issues center around potential CVT reliability concerns and parasitic battery drain problems. While interior upgrades and comfortable ride quality remain strong points across recent years, you’ll need to weigh these benefits against the CVT’s mixed long-term reliability reports. If you’re shopping newer Legacys, focus on 2019-2026 models with complete service records and consider aftermarket improvements if you’re seeking more engaging performance characteristics.
