Subaru Legacy Structure Problems
Owners have filed 105 complaints with NHTSA about structure problems on the Subaru Legacy across 26 model years. The 2015 model year has the most (10).
- 105structure complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 13mention a crash
- 9mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 37%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
At what mileage do structure problems happen?
Based on 64 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 105 complaints, 13 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 9 an injury.
Subaru Legacy structure complaints by model year
| Model year | Structure complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Legacy | 1 | 3% | — |
| 2021 Legacy | 1 | 3% | — |
| 2020 Legacy | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2019 Legacy | 1 | 1% | 2,500 |
| 2018 Legacy | 4 | 3% | 12,850 |
| 2017 Legacy | 6 | 5% | 25,000 |
| 2016 Legacy | 6 | 4% | 32,217 |
| 2015 Legacy | 10 | 6% | 13,100 |
| 2014 Legacy | 7 | 13% | 30,000 |
| 2013 Legacy | 5 | 8% | 18,500 |
| 2012 Legacy | 1 | 1% | 55,321 |
| 2011 Legacy | 5 | 3% | 22,975 |
| 2010 Legacy | 7 | 5% | 90,000 |
| 2009 Legacy | 5 | 8% | 80,012 |
| 2007 Legacy | 2 | 6% | 93,000 |
| 2005 Legacy | 4 | 2% | 142,000 |
| 2004 Legacy | 1 | 2% | 74,000 |
| 2003 Legacy | 3 | 5% | 58,262 |
| 2002 Legacy | 2 | 4% | 165,200 |
| 2001 Legacy | 3 | 4% | 108,131 |
| 2000 Legacy | 8 | 9% | 163,524 |
| 1999 Legacy | 4 | 4% | 86,693 |
| 1998 Legacy | 7 | 6% | 254,000 |
| 1997 Legacy | 4 | 3% | — |
| 1996 Legacy | 1 | 1% | — |
| 1995 Legacy | 6 | 3% | 125,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Structure
Model years: 2019
Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Legacy and Outback vehicles. Spot welds located on the duct below the cowl panel may have been improperly applied, impacting the vehicle's body strength.
Risk: In the event of a crash, the reduced strength of the vehicle body may increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and repair or repurchase the vehicle, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 26, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUH-93.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2010 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle became difficult to maneuver, and there were abnormal sounds coming from underneath the vehicle when the vehicle drove over potholes or objects on the roadway. No warning lights were…
The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, there was a clicking sound coming from underneath the vehicle, and the vehicle swayed slightly before coming to a stop. The failure became more persistent, and the clicking sound became louder within a…
While turning the wheel to back out of a parking spot, we heard a loud clunking sound. From that point on, while braking there were loud clunking sounds and the car pulled to the right. We brought it to our mechanic and was informed the front sub frame/ engine cradle, was completey rusted out due…
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Door Pillar Rust, yes its available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? UNKNOWN Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service…
The contact owns a 2011 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH and driving over a speed bump, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the subframe was damaged and needed…

Frequently asked questions
Do all Subaru Legacys have structure problems?
No. NHTSA has 105 owner complaints about structure 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 structure?
Yes: 1 safety recall list structure. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
Other Subaru Legacy problems
- Electrical System problems (415)
- Air Bags problems (380)
- Power Train problems (320)
- Visibility/wiper problems (274)
- Engine problems (219)
- Engine and Engine Cooling problems (210)
- Vehicle Speed Control problems (188)
- Service Brakes problems (140)
See all Subaru Legacy problems.