Subaru Legacy Complaints

95 consumer complaints on file.

#11751237July 18, 2026
AIR BAGS, ENGINE, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
To start, I had to replace the engine in my 2024 Legacy that I purchased brand new in June 2024. Subaru of America handled the situation incredibly poorly, I was unable to use any warranty and I was out over 6,000 dollars. Second, my passenger airbag light has been on since September 2024. I was told to replace the sensor the whole seat rail would need replaced and would be over 1000 dollars. Apparently not covered under warranty either. Lastly, god forbid you have to drive West when the sun is going down. MULTIPLE times my vehicle has popped the “obstacle detected” while I’m traveling 75 down the interstate and spikes the brakes automatically causing a massive hazard. This is my third Subaru, but it will certainly be my last. Customer service was horrible and issues are not resolved properly.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11748634July 6, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Driving my car at 39mph and approaching a vehicle stopped at an intersection perpendicular to my left, she accelerated into my path and Subaru eyesight provided no warning and did not attempt to break at all before the collision occurred. I was able to slow to maybe 15 mph but disappointed eyesight did not work as intended.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11742064June 4, 2026
ENGINE
Vehicle: 2021 Subaru Legacy Base 2.5i Mileage:~65,000 miles My engine suddenly began making loud internal knocking/tapping noises with no warning lights, no overheating, and no prior symptoms. The vehicle immediately became unsafe to operate. I had it towed to a Subaru dealership, where technicians confirmed the noise was coming from inside the engine and recommended a full engine replacement. The failure happened without any warning indicators, misfires, overheating, or oil pressure warnings. All diagnostics (including compression and leakdown) were clean, and the vehicle has been properly maintained. Subaru of America acknowledged the internal failure but only offered $1,000 goodwill toward a multi‑thousand‑dollar engine replacement. This appears to be a premature internal engine failure on the FB25 engine, which may indicate a defect. A sudden internal engine failure at highway speeds could lead to loss of power, stalling, or inability to accelerate, creating a safety hazard for the driver and surrounding traffic. I am filing this complaint because this type of unexpected internal engine failure at relatively low mileage may represent a pattern and should be tracked for potential investigation.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11739355May 21, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Full screen ads inhibiting, stopping, and blockingfunctionality unless interacted with from a third party service that was forcibly installed by dealership/manufacturer
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11733553April 24, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
All electronic instrument panels failed to power on upon ignition. Vehicle was drive-able, but all key information provided by instrument panel was not available: such as actual speed, gear selection, engine RPMs, backup cameras. Additionally, infotainment system was not available either, so none of vehicle controls that reside on the displays were available. This condition persisted thru the length of drive.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11733299April 23, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
All Safety features stopped working while driving multiple times and loading feature pops up on the display screen. Speakers will go mute randomly, no sound will emit including phone calls. Automatic stop feature has engaged on the interstate multiple times, locking breaks (This is extremely dangerous) and lane assist does not recognize the difference between a lane or tar strips road patches. Will Automatically move the car into the next lane, even when a vehicle is in the lane. I have reported the issues to the dealership I bought my vehicle from. Also have cam footage of electrical issues.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11730321April 10, 2026
ENGINE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I experienced unintended acceleration while operating my vehicle. I was slowly pulling into a parking space at a gym when, without warning, the vehicle suddenly accelerated rapidly forward. I did not intentionally press the accelerator at that time. The unexpected acceleration caused the vehicle to surge ahead and collide with a light post, resulting in significant damage to the front bumper. Fortunately, there were no pedestrians or other vehicles in front of me, so no injuries occurred. This incident created a serious safety risk, as the sudden and uncontrolled acceleration could have resulted in harm to myself or others if anyone had been in the vehicle’s path. At this time, it is UNKNOWN whether the issue has been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or service center. It is also UNKNOWN if any warning lights, messages, or prior symptoms were present before the incident. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11718036February 14, 2026
ENGINE
Less than 500 miles cabin fills with engine fumes - smells like exhaust/crank case vapors - especially at idle and with outdoor air damper open on HVAC. If you open hood the engine bay smells like gas fumes. Upon inspection looks like passenger side exhaust manifold is leaking with splatter marks on exhaust manifold - fire and health hazard. Subaru corporate in past has been poor to deal with and makes statements like our dealers are independent and we have no control over our dealers when trying to get them to take action. Now I'll have to battle this out and likely with BBB claim. I have Asthma and cannot drive this vehicle with this smell.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11716534February 8, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When the vehicle is off the windows will come down on their own! This has occurred on 4 difference instances. One dealership indicated the "fix" the situation; however, they never replaced the parts which were required for the fix. A second dealership would not perform a diagnostic. A third dealership indicated that that cleaned and lubricated the necessary parts. Less than a week after leaving the dealership it occurred again. This is an extreme safety risk as the vehicle becomes easily accessible to others and it also allows easy access to the Homelink garage door system. This also causes extreme damage because during one of these window occasions it was also raining outside. Date provided is the 1st occurrence continuing to occur through 2/8/2026. I can provide documentation if further needed - manufacture is aware of occurrences
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11711901January 19, 2026
AIR BAGS
I purchased my 2025 Legacy from Brunswick Subaru (Brunswick,OH) on 9/22/25. A few days later, while riding in the passenger seat, the airbag light/icon stayed off. I am a petite female, weighing 100 pounds. I immediately called Brunswick Subaru's service department. The service manager drove me around, and he saw that what I was reporting was true. He said he would order sensors to fix the problem. I was told that the airbags should deploy at 35 pounds from my salesperson and 80 pounds from the service director. The sensors arrived in December, and I made an appointment on 12/30/25 to have them installed. I waited two hours only to learn that they could not be installed since this was a safety issue and Subaru is all about safety. I had to leave my car, and I was provided with a loaner, which was also a 2025 Legacy. The passenger seat's airbag light/icon stayed off when I sat in the passenger seat of the loaner too. I reported this to Mark Harris, a Subaru Advocacy Rep. He told me to sit in the back seat from now on. He also said to put my purse on my lap to add weight, which is highly discouraged in the Legacy's manual. As of today, 1/19/25, my Legacy is still in the service garage at Brunswick, and no one is giving me any answers-not the service manager, John Cross, nor the Subaru Advocate, Mark Harris. I have emailed and called every day since 12/31/25. Because this behavior occurred in two separate 2025 Legacies, it appears to be a system design defect rather than an isolated incident. The owner's manual states that the airbag may not activate for a "small adult", but this term is NOT defined by weight or any objective criteria. As a consumer, I had no way of knowing that an adult my size would not be protected by the front passenger airbag. This lack of disclosure prevented an informed purchase decision. I believe this presents a safety risk because adult occupants may be riding without frontal airbag protection. I request NHTSA review my concerns
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710841January 14, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Safety Hazard: Subaru Sun Visor I own a 2022 Subaru Legacy, the first new car I've ever owned. The visor (to protect eyes from the sun) is too short and not wide enough. The seat is raised as high as it will go. I CAN'T position myself to protect my eyes from the Sun. On 1/8/26, I left my home at 7:45 a.m. Around the corner from my home, local road, I approached an intersection with a Traffic Light. As I approached the intersection to turn left, the Sun (dead ahead) totally blinded me. It was a complete WHITE OUT. The Visor did NOTHING to protect my eyes from the sun. IT'S TOO SMALL and useless. I used one hand to shield my eyes from the Sun. It didn't help. I was helpless. I stopped my car, prayed I wouldn't get hit When my vision returned, I maneuvered my way into my left hand turn It was the scariest thing I've ever experienced. I was BLINDED and HELPLESS. There needs to be a RECALL on Subaru visors. I could have been killed. PLEASE do a thorough and complete Subaru investigation. This issue is all over the internet and not just with Subaru car owners. Friends who own a Subaru complain about this dangerous visor. RECALL the VISORS. Thank you. P.S. I called the dealership on 1/9/26. They have no remedy. I will drive over there and ask the manager to DO SOMETHING to fix the problem
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706406December 21, 2025
ENGINE, STEERING, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The Legacy (my third one) was about a month old and had about 30 miles on the odometer. I had no warning of any problem with the car. On or about 5:45 PM on Oct 22, 2025 I was driving my Subaru Legacy when the engine stalled. I was in the HOV lane of an interstate highway. Multiple times the starter failed to restart the engine. Traffic was blocked in my lane and diverting around me. It was dusk with a misty rain. My wife and I were felt we were at high risk of being rearended at any moment. After about 5-10 minutes, during which we called 911, the engine restarted. Seeing no help from the police available, I judged it was best. to get off the highspeed road. I was able to get off the highway and make it home, about 5 miles away. I have not tried to drive the car ever since this terrifying episode.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11705999December 18, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
At the end of a drive of 75 mi, 55-65 MPH on an 8 lane highway the engine stalled. Stopped in HOV lane. Restarting failed several attempts. Called police 911. Dusk, with light rain, slick highway. Poor visibility. Wife and I prayed a lot. Scarier than my year in Vietnam. Restarted after about 10 minutes, and prior to police arriving. Made it home 5 min away. Neither dealer nor Subaru can recreate or define the cause. My family and I fear the thought of driving again in that car. Not knowing the cause means no one can fix it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11703160December 5, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While driving home after work on the interstate, I was quite startled to see a large popup on the vehicle's main screen; initially I thought it might be some sort of vehicle-problem, but it was a large advertisement for free access to SiriusXM for a limited time. The ad covered the screen and was quite jarring while driving in traffic. In order to close it, I pressed a red X in the upper corner. Such in-vehicle advertisements should NOT be presented while driving (actually, at any time).
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11701212November 24, 2025
SUSPENSION
See attached document for complaint.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11700919November 21, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Car intermittently will studder and not go into first gear or go into second gear dangerously having car bog down and almost stall and then it violently downshifts having car RMP Hague go very high then slip and have no power to wheels and then a few seconds later go into second gear violently taking off again. Have tried taking issue to dealer but won’t even look unless check engine light comes on. Which it sometimes will for this issue and will shut back off before my short drive to dealership. Very frustrated especially being my first new car paying monthly to have this problem
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11695854October 27, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds during colder weather, the heater failed to operate as intended. Additionally, the Eyesight system was inoperable. The check engine and other unknown warning lights were displayed. In addition, the contact stated that the engine failed to warm up as intended after being started, and the engine temperature was 107°F, which was below the normal engine temperature of 200°F. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the Thermal Control Valve needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 09-119-24; however, the vehicle was not repaired because the vehicle had a Salvaged Title. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688050September 18, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Voice command in my 2023 legacy is not working. I can not speak into system to say call a person already entered without taking hands off steering wheel. Already reported to dealer & to corporate Subaru & it is a known issue. Reference # with corporate is 250620-1900992. This was reported to dealer in June 2025 when in for service & no fix has been noted other than Subaru is working on it? Feature built into car at purchase is thus useless & seems like a safety issue if I can’t use hands free when driving.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11687865September 17, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Multiple instances of the vehicle emergency collision avoidance system responding to a parked car or a car stopped in a left turn lane (i.e. waiting at a light). 5X+ The car audio alarm goes off, and the vehicle abruptly brakes while moving in traffic. Essentially the avoidance collision system detects parked vehicles (always in other lanes) as troublesome instances. this has occurred on winding residential streets, and slightly curved highway intersection 1X.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11684680September 3, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2025 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, there was white smoke coming from the exhaust pipes. Additionally, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a misfire with a rattling sound coming from behind the dashboard. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The failure persisted, and the vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, and a field tech engineer was sent to inspect the vehicle. The contact was informed that the scavenger pump turbo and catalytic converter were replaced; however, after retrieving the vehicle, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was 1,500.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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