Subaru Legacy Structure Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 5, 2026 · 105 complaints analyzed

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).

At what mileage do structure problems happen?

Based on 64 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles11 · 17%
10k–25k miles10 · 16%
25k–50k miles11 · 17%
50k–75k miles8 · 13%
75k–100k miles7 · 11%
100k–150k miles9 · 14%
150k+ miles8 · 13%

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

Peak: 2015, with 10 complaints
1995: 619951996: 11997: 419971998: 71999: 419992000: 82001: 320012002: 22003: 320032004: 12005: 420052007: 22009: 520092010: 72011: 520112012: 12013: 520132014: 72015: 102015102016: 62017: 620172018: 42019: 120192020: 12021: 120212022: 1

n = 105 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearStructure complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2022 Legacy13%—
2021 Legacy13%—
2020 Legacy11%—
2019 Legacy11%2,500
2018 Legacy43%12,850
2017 Legacy65%25,000
2016 Legacy64%32,217
2015 Legacy106%13,100
2014 Legacy713%30,000
2013 Legacy58%18,500
2012 Legacy11%55,321
2011 Legacy53%22,975
2010 Legacy75%90,000
2009 Legacy58%80,012
2007 Legacy26%93,000
2005 Legacy42%142,000
2004 Legacy12%74,000
2003 Legacy35%58,262
2002 Legacy24%165,200
2001 Legacy34%108,131
2000 Legacy89%163,524
1999 Legacy44%86,693
1998 Legacy76%254,000
1997 Legacy43%—
1996 Legacy11%—
1995 Legacy63%125,000

When owners reported it

Peak: 2018, with 11 complaints
1997: 119971998: 51999: 319992000: 52001: 420012003: 42004: 120042006: 12007: 120072009: 22010: 420102011: 32012: 220122013: 52014: 320142015: 72016: 420162017: 82018: 112018112019: 52020: 720202021: 32022: 320222023: 62024: 320242025: 32026: 12026

n = 105 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (1)

StructureJun 26, 2019 · NHTSA campaign 19V493000 · 2,107 vehicles

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…

Received Mar 16, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11724603

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…

Received Sep 12, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11686952

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…

Received Jul 17, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11674244

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…

Received Apr 3, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11652509

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…

Received Oct 4, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11618103
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 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

See all Subaru Legacy problems.