Subaru Legacy Electrical System Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 5, 2026 · 415 complaints analyzed

Owners have filed 415 complaints with NHTSA about electrical system problems on the Subaru Legacy across 30 model years. The 2016 model year has the most (51).

How much does it cost to fix?

Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical electrical system repair on the Subaru Legacy at $610, and half of them between $370 and $2,750.

Based on 11 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2001–2024), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.

At what mileage do electrical system problems happen?

Based on 173 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles27 · 16%
10k–25k miles15 · 9%
25k–50k miles20 · 12%
50k–75k miles27 · 16%
75k–100k miles37 · 21%
100k–150k miles36 · 21%
150k+ miles11 · 6%

How serious are the reports?

Of 415 complaints, 8 mention a crash, 21 a fire, 6 an injury.

Subaru Legacy electrical system complaints by model year

Peak: 2016, with 51 complaints
1995: 2019951996: 211997: 171998: 919981999: 22000: 62001: 120012002: 22003: 22004: 120042005: 252006: 172007: 520072008: 92009: 42010: 1220102011: 192012: 42013: 620132014: 112015: 372016: 512016512017: 302018: 402019: 3520192020: 152021: 52022: 320222023: 12024: 5

n = 415 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearElectrical System complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2024 Legacy529%—
2023 Legacy110%—
2022 Legacy39%8,000
2021 Legacy516%60,000
2020 Legacy1512%7,814
2019 Legacy3528%900
2018 Legacy4034%16,745
2017 Legacy3025%54,000
2016 Legacy5135%51,000
2015 Legacy3723%11,806
2014 Legacy1121%68,500
2013 Legacy69%97,000
2012 Legacy44%103,000
2011 Legacy1911%60,000
2010 Legacy128%80,000
2009 Legacy46%105,000
2008 Legacy914%98,000
2007 Legacy515%73,000
2006 Legacy1720%100,000
2005 Legacy2514%93,000
2004 Legacy12%149,000
2003 Legacy23%100,001
2002 Legacy24%251,500
2001 Legacy11%—
2000 Legacy66%137,000
1999 Legacy22%109,000
1998 Legacy98%78,000
1997 Legacy1712%86,128
1996 Legacy2117%64,435
1995 Legacy2011%22,000

When owners reported it

Peak: 2021, with 49 complaints
1995: 319951996: 91997: 31998: 819981999: 122000: 102001: 620012002: 62003: 42004: 520042005: 42006: 22008: 120082010: 32011: 52012: 1120122013: 132014: 142015: 2220152016: 162017: 82018: 1320182019: 292020: 232021: 492021492022: 442023: 282024: 2920242025: 202026: 15

n = 415 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (4)

Electrical system:ignition:switchApr 11, 2019 · NHTSA campaign 19V297000 · 511 vehicles

Model years: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy vehicles, 2005-2014 Outback vehicles and 2006-2008 Tribeca vehicles equipped with a mechanical key ignition switch installed as a replacement part. The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switch. If this occurs, the weight on the key ring and certain road conditions could cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.

Risk: The engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash. If a crash occurs under this condition, the air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition switch, replacing the ignition switch, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 10, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUF-91.

Electrical system:software; fuel system, gasolineNov 1, 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V773000 · 228,648 vehicles

Model years: 2018

Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles. Due to a software error, the low fuel warning light may not illuminate at the intended remaining fuel level and the miles-to-empty display may incorrectly indicate a positive number despite the tank being empty.

Risk: The inaccurate fuel display may cause a driver to unexpectedly run out of fuel and the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the combination meter software, free of charge. The recall began February 20, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTW-82.

Electrical systemOct 13, 2016 · NHTSA campaign 16V738000 · 100,127 vehicles

Model years: 2007, 2008, 2009

Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2008-2014 Impreza vehicles and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, all equipped with turbo-charged engines. The relay that controls the secondary air injection pump may fail, causing the pump to continuously operate and overheat.

Risk: If the air injection pump overheats, it may melt and increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary air injection pump relay, free of charge. The recall began December 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTM-73.

Equipment; electrical systemFeb 25, 2013 · NHTSA campaign 13V061000 · 47,419 vehicles

Model years: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013

Problem: Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with an automatic or CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, certain model year 2012-2013 Impreza vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, and certain model year 2013 XV Crosstrek vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory. Additionally included are certain model year 2013 Legacy and Outback vehicles that may have received replacement RES fobs. If the RES fob is dropped, the fob may malfunction and randomly transmit an engine start request without pressing the button.

Risk: The engine may inadvertently start and run for up to fifteen minutes. The engine may continue to start and stop until the fob battery is depleted, or until the vehicle runs out of fuel. If the vehicle is parked in an enclosed area, there is a risk of carbon monoxide build-up which may cause headaches, dizziness or, in extreme cases, unconsciousness and/or asphyxiation.

Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RES key fobs, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.

What owners report

Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.

Since the battery replacement settlement I've had 3 batteries die from my car being off, the latest battery replacement was 3/2026. I can't tell what my milage is since the battery is so dead that none of the displays turn on when I hit the start button

Received Sep 5, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11762314

The vehicle on board video entertainment display has stopped working properly. It does not allow any input to the touch screen. And the only way to regain some functionality is by pressing the steering wheel source button. However it works intermittently. And this causes Driver Distraction while…

Received Jul 8, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11749001

While driving there is a loss of power, the battery fails, electronic components shut down and car stops. Has happened intermittently. Replaced battery. This is a significant safety issue happened on freeway near exit ramp, in parking lot in driveway, everything cuts out. Opened hood and seems to…

Received Jun 20, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11745403

The factory Harman Kardon Starlink touchscreen infotainment system in my 2018 Subaru Legacy has experienced severe touchscreen delamination. The display has developed widespread bubbling beneath the glass and now generates repeated "ghost touches" without any driver input. The system activates…

Received Jun 19, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11745323

The computer screen has an issue where there is bubbling in the lamination causing the screen to go nuts and become a distracting hazard that you can not shut off. It's a known Subaru Legacy issue and should be a recall. A new screen is $2000 plus, which is not feasable for the average person to…

Received Jun 18, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11745102
Subaru Legacy
2023 Subaru Legacy photographed in Montréal , Québec , Canada at the 2023 Montréal International Auto Show .. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Bull-Doser, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Frequently asked questions

Do all Subaru Legacys have electrical system problems?

No. NHTSA has 415 owner complaints about electrical system for the Subaru Legacy. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.

Was there a recall on the Subaru Legacy electrical system?

Yes: 4 safety recalls list electrical system. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.

How much does it cost to fix electrical system problems on the Subaru Legacy?

Owners report a typical cost of $610 (half paid between $370 and $2,750), from 11 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.

Other Subaru Legacy problems

See all Subaru Legacy problems.