Subaru Legacy Years to Avoid – The Subaru Legacy is a popular midsize sedan that has been around since the late 1980s. Known for its reliability, safety, and all-wheel drive capabilities, the Legacy has gained a dedicated fan base over the years.
However, not all model years are created equal.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss the Subaru Legacy years to avoid and the best years to consider, so you can make an informed decision when purchasing a Legacy.
Subaru Legacy: A Brief History
Before we dive into the specific model years, let’s take a quick look at the history of the Subaru Legacy.
The Legacy was first introduced in 1989 as a midsize sedan that was designed to compete with the likes of the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.
It quickly gained a reputation for its durability, reliability, and all-wheel drive capabilities, which made it popular among car enthusiasts in colder climates.
Over the years, the Legacy has gone through several generations, each with its own set of improvements and changes.
The first generation was produced from 1989 to 1994 and was available as both a sedan and a wagon.
The second generation, produced from 1995 to 1999, saw a major redesign that made the Legacy more aerodynamic and stylish.
The third generation, produced from 2000 to 2004, featured a larger body and improved safety features.
The fourth generation, produced from 2005 to 2009, saw the introduction of the turbocharged Legacy GT.
The fifth generation, produced from 2010 to 2014, was redesigned with a sleeker and more modern look.
The current sixth generation has been in production since 2015 and features a more refined and luxurious interior.
Subaru Legacy Years to Avoid
While the Subaru Legacy is known for its reliability, there are certain model years that should be avoided due to common problems and issues that owners have reported.
Here are the years to avoid and the reasons why:
2010 Subaru Legacy
The 2010 Legacy was plagued by transmission issues that caused jerking, shuddering, and hesitation when shifting. There were also reports of engine failure and issues with the air conditioning system.
2011 Subaru Legacy
The 2011 Legacy had similar transmission issues as the 2010 model, as well as problems with the brakes and suspension.
2012 Subaru Legacy
The 2012 Legacy saw improvements to the transmission but still had issues with the brakes and suspension. There were also reports of oil consumption and engine problems.
2013 Subaru Legacy
The 2013 Legacy had similar issues as the 2012 model, with some owners reporting engine failure and transmission problems.
2014 Subaru Legacy
The 2014 Legacy had some of the same issues as the previous years but also had problems with the electrical system and dashboard displays.
2015 Subaru Legacy
The 2015 Legacy was the first year of the current generation, and while it’s generally considered a reliable model year, there have been reports of problems with the infotainment system and air conditioning.
Best Subaru Legacy Model Years
Now that we’ve covered the years to avoid, let’s take a look at the best Subaru Legacy model years.
These years have the best performance, reliability, and safety ratings, and are highly recommended by car enthusiasts.
2017 Subaru Legacy
The 2017 Legacy is considered one of the best model years due to its high safety ratings, smooth ride, and spacious interior. It also has a powerful engine and standard all-wheel drive.
2018 Subaru Legacy
The 2018 Legacy is similar to the 2017 model but with some notable upgrades, such as improved handling and a larger touchscreen infotainment system.
2019 Subaru Legacy
The 2019 Legacy saw some minor updates, including improved fuel efficiency and a new advanced safety feature called EyeSight, which uses cameras and sensors to detect potential collisions and automatically applies the brakes if necessary.
2020 Subaru Legacy
The 2020 Legacy saw a complete redesign, with a more spacious and luxurious interior, updated technology features, and improved handling. It also comes standard with EyeSight.
2021 Subaru Legacy
The 2021 Legacy is a continuation of the redesigned 2020 model, with the addition of a new turbocharged engine option and standard adaptive LED headlights.
Common Subaru Legacy Problems
If you’re considering buying a Subaru Legacy, it’s important to be aware of some of the common problems that have been reported by Legacy owners.
Here are some of the most frequently reported issues:
1. Excessive Oil Consumption
One of the most common problems with Subaru Legacy models is excessive oil consumption. This is particularly true for Legacy models from 2011 to 2015, which had a known defect in their engine design that caused them to burn through oil more quickly than normal.
This issue can be costly to repair and can even lead to engine damage if left unaddressed.
2. Headlights Burning Out
Another common issue reported by Legacy owners is that their headlights burn out more quickly than expected.
This problem can be particularly frustrating, as it can be difficult to see the road ahead when driving at night.
The problem appears to be more prevalent in Legacy models from 2005 to 2010 but has also been reported in some newer models.
3. Failed Oxygen Sensors
Oxygen sensors are an important component of a car’s emissions system, and they are known to fail in some Subaru Legacy models.
When this happens, the car’s performance can suffer and it may not pass emissions tests. Legacy models from 1999 to 2003 are particularly susceptible to this problem.
4. Infotainment Problems
While not as serious as some of the other problems on this list, many Legacy owners have reported issues with their infotainment systems.
Some of the most commonly reported issues include freezing or crashing of the system, problems with Bluetooth connectivity, and issues with the GPS system.
These problems have been reported in Legacy models from 2015 to 2021.
Benefits of Owning A Subaru Legacy
Now that we’ve covered the best and worst model years, let’s take a closer look at the benefits of owning a Subaru Legacy.
Here are just a few reasons why the Legacy is a great choice for car buyers:
1. All-Wheel Drive: All Subaru Legacy models come standard with all-wheel drive, which provides better traction and handling in all weather conditions.
2. Reliability: Subaru has a reputation for building reliable cars, and Legacy is no exception. With proper maintenance, many Legacy owners report driving their cars well over 100,000 miles.
3. Safety: The Legacy consistently receives high safety ratings from organizations such as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The EyeSight safety system, which is available on most newer models, adds an extra layer of safety by using cameras and sensors to help prevent collisions.
4. Resale Value: Due to their reliability and all-wheel drive capabilities, Subaru Legacy models tend to hold their value well over time.
This means you can potentially get a good return on your investment if you decide to sell your car in the future.
5. Versatility: The Legacy is available in both sedan and wagon body styles, so you can choose the one that best fits your lifestyle and needs.
The all-wheel-drive system makes it a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities.
Is Subaru Legacy better than the Outback?
This ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. The Legacy is a midsize sedan, while the Outback is a midsize crossover SUV with more ground clearance and off-road capabilities. The Legacy is generally considered to be more nimble and sporty, while the Outback offers more versatility and cargo space.
Is a Subaru Legacy better than a Forester?
Again, this depends on your individual needs and preferences. The Forester is a compact crossover SUV with more ground clearance and off-road capabilities, while the Legacy is a midsize sedan. The Forester offers more versatility and cargo space, while the Legacy is generally considered to be more nimble and sporty.
What is the high mileage for a Subaru Legacy?
Subaru Legacy models are known for their longevity, and many owners report driving their cars well over 100,000 miles. As with any car, the lifespan of a Legacy depends on many factors, including how well it has been maintained, driving conditions, and how aggressively it has been driven.
Generally speaking, a Legacy with over 150,000 miles may be considered high mileage.
Is Subaru Legacy good in snow?
Yes, Subaru Legacy models are known for their all-wheel drive system, which provides better traction and handling in all weather conditions, including snow and ice.
Is Subaru Legacy a long-lasting car?
Yes, Subaru Legacy models are generally known for their longevity and reliability, especially if they are well-maintained. Many Legacy owners report driving their cars well over 100,000 miles, and some even reach 200,000 miles or more.
Is Subaru Legacy good on gas?
Subaru Legacy models generally offer good fuel economy, especially for an all-wheel drive vehicle. The EPA estimates that the 2022 Legacy gets between 24 and 27 mpg in the city and between 32 and 35 mpg on the highway, depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration.
Actual fuel economy may vary depending on driving conditions and other factors.
Conclusion
The Subaru Legacy is a reliable and versatile midsize sedan that has been popular among car enthusiasts for decades.
While there are certain model years that should be avoided due to common problems, there are also many great years to consider, with high safety ratings, reliable performance, and advanced technology features.
Whether you’re in the market for a new or used car, the Subaru Legacy is definitely worth considering as your next vehicle.