Best & Worst Subaru Legacy Years

Best & Worst Subaru Legacy Years: We’ve ranked every Subaru Legacy model for all generations to help you avoid choosing the worst Subaru Legacy years and go for the top Subaru Legacy years.

Are you ready to discover what lies beneath Subaru Legacy? Subaru Legacy line-up? Get ready to dive into the best and worst times of this iconic car.

In this straightforward guide, we’ll breakdown each Legacy generation, and reveal the models that shine and which ones to stay clear of.

We’ve reviewed data from reliable sources such as Consumer Reports, J.D. Power and NHTSA to provide you with the full picture.

For everything from performance of the engine and technology features to common issues as well as recalls. We’ve got it covered. At the end of this you’ll be an Legacy expert and ready to make an informed purchasing decision.

Let’s get out on the road!

Subaru Legacy Generations

Subaru Legacy Subaru Legacy isn’t simply a sedan – it’s a testimony of Subaru’s dedication to boxer and all-wheel drive engines. Since its debut in the late 1980s in the late 1980s, the Legacy has been making waves thanks to its mix of security, reliability, and practicality.

Here’s a quick overview of the Legacy generations of 2000 to the present:

Do you see the pattern? Subaru introduces each 5 years, making sure that the experience is always new and exciting. Every new model comes with its own unique flavor of design modifications, technology improvements, and performance enhancements. Be aware of these shifts in generation and they could be the difference between a good or bad Legacy experience.

Subaru Legacy Best and Neutral as well as the Worst Years

When it comes to deciding the best out of the Legacy crop We don’t play games. Our ratings consider everything from satisfaction with the owner and safety scores. This is what goes into our secret recipe:

• The owner’s report of reliability (straight straight from horse’s mouth)
• Annual maintenance costs (because nobody likes surprise bills)
• Safety ratings (because the safety of your family is paramount)
• Consumer Reports dependability and scores on owner satisfaction
• NHTSA recalls, conducts investigations and also complaints
• Evaluations by Edmunds, JD Power, Kelley’s Blue Book, VehicleHistory and Cars.com

Are you interested in seeing how the Legacy stands up against the decades? Take a look at this chart:

Let’s dissect it into the good, bad, as well as”meh. “meh”:

Keep in mind that “neutral” seasons aren’t necessarily bad They’re not celebrities or the troubled children. They’ll get you from point A to B without a lot of fuss.

Be aware this: NHTSA recalls can seriously damage the reliability of a vehicle down a notch. Many complaints and recalls can result in trouble.

Are you prepared to explore the ins and outs of every Legacy generation?

Let’s go!

The Worst and Best Years for Subaru Legacy’s 3rd Generation (2000-2004)

The 3rd generation Legacy was on the roads in the years 2000-2004 It brought sleeker designs and smarter technology into the mix. Subaru was certainly increasing its efficiency in the areas of safety and comfort.

Which years are worthy of your hard-earned money?

Let’s dissect it.

“The Best Year”: 2003 and 2004

If you’re looking at the 3rd generation Legacy The versions of 2003 or 2004 are the most preferred options. Here’s why:

• Engine: A robust 2.5L four-cylinder engine that’s designed to last.
• Transmission: Pick your choice of a 5-speed manual or 4-speed auto. manual
• Energy Efficiency: Nothing bad with the 19 city and 25 highway miles per gallon.
• Safety: Beefed-up airbags, and stronger body construction for greater crash protection
• Interior: New materials and improved insulation to create a more quiet ride

These models smoothed out the flaws of previous years, providing you with an improved Legacy experience.

The Most Worst Years The Worst Years 2002

Let’s discuss the years you may prefer to avoid. In 2001, 2000 and 2002 Legacys were not without their own challenges:

• Gasket leaks in the head were all too regular
• Leaks from the fuel system caused real pain
• Transmission problems: Who would want an unreliable transmission?
• Rust bucket alert Frame corrosion was a significant issue

This resulted in a series of recalls:

• Leaks in the fuel
• Poorly constructed tie rods for transmissions
• Acceleration that is not intended (yikes!)
• Rear suspension subframe corrosion

Are you looking for the complete details on the early 2000s models? Legacy models?

Review the NHTSA’s reports regarding Subaru Legacy for 2001, 2000, 2001 2001, as well as the 2002 Subaru Legacy.

The Best and Worst Years of Subaru Legacy Fourth Generation (2005-2009)

The 4th-gen Legacy came out in 2005, sporting a fresher appearance and a few new features. However, there are many different years that were to be alike. Let’s distinguish between the grain and the flax.

The Best Years The Best Years: 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009

Are you looking for a reliable 4th generation Legacy? The models from 2006 and 2009 are your ideal choice. This is why owners love them:

• Engines: Pick between a smooth 2.5L EJ253 or turbocharged EJ255 to add some extra power
• Fuel Economy: A respectable 20 city/27 highway mpg
• Transmission: Smooth, 4-speed auto or a fun five-speed manual
• Safety: Beefed-up airbags, an even tougher body for greater security

However, be aware that even in the past, there was an recall due to corroding brake lines. Nothing’s perfect, right?

The Year with the Worst Record The Worst Year: 2005

The model of 2005… We’ll claim that it was a model with some teething issues:

• Electrical Gremlins: Who doesn’t like the thrill of a good mystery?
• Engine problems: turbo failures and leaks of fuel in cold temperatures? We’re not taking any chances.
• Clutch problems: Who would need a functioning clutch in the first place?
• Problems with brakes: Those back brake lines that were corroding returned

Go through the 2005 NHTSA for recalls and complaints pertaining to this model.

The Best and Worst Years of Subaru Legacy Fifth Generation (2010-2014)

The 5th generation Legacy made its debut on the scene in 2010 featuring more room, smarter safety technology and a little more energy in its steps. Which years are in the right point?

Let’s find out.

The Best Years: 2013 2014

If you’re looking for a 5th generation Legacy The models of 2013 and 2014 are the best options. The reasons why they’re worth around $11,000:

• Engines: standard 2.5L H4 or an option 3.6L H6 for those who are power hungry.
• Fuel Economy: A solid 24 city/32 highway mpg
• Drivetrain: Subaru’s renowned all-wheel drive that is symmetrical is, of course.
• Transmission Lineartronic CVT or a five-speed auto (our preference)
• Safety: Top-quality features such as stability control and an entire airbag suite
• Tech EyeSight Driver Assist technology provides additional security

The models were awarded their IIHS Best Security Pick+ award, too. This isn’t bad!

The Neutral Year 2012: The Neutral Year

2012. The 2012 Legacy? It’s not terrible however, it’s not great either. Imagine it as”the” year “meh” time of the year.

• Similar features to 2013 and 2014 models.
• Overall, less refined
• Be on the lookout for that master brake recall on the cylinder

The worst years The Worst Years: 2010 – 2011,

Let’s talk about the models from 2010 and 2011… Now let’s assume they had problems to solve:

• Stalling when you brake (that’s not the best idea)
• Vibration that is too high at highway speeds
• Headlights that fail (because who really needs to see at the dark?)
• Vibrations of the steering wheel (for an additional arm exercise)

The models also faced recalls due to:

• Remote starter problems
• Electronic parking brake problems
• Problems with the motors of the windscreen wipers

Are you curious about the Legacy of 2010 as well as the 2011. Legacy’s dirty laundry? Have a look at NHTSA’s archives on recalls, complaints and other issues. A word of caution that what you discover could cause you to reconsider the models!

The Best and Worst Years of Subaru Legacy Sixth Generation (2015-2019)

The 6th generation Legacy came out in 2015 and came with more technology, a more luxurious interior, and a few improvements to driving characteristics. Which years will give you the best value?

Let’s dissect it.

The Best Years: 2018and 2019

If you’re looking at the 6th generation Legacy the 2018 and 2019 models are among the top of their crop. The reasons to take taking a look

• Motors: 2.5L H4 (25 city/34 highway mpg) or a bigger 3.6L H6
• Transmission 7/8-speed Lineartronic CVT
• Drivetrain Subaru’s legendary symmetrical all-wheel drive
• Security: EyeSight Driver Assist Technology as well as adaptive cruise control and many more.
• Tech: New infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Comfort: More comfortable seats and a quieter cabin

They also earned the desired IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating. This isn’t bad at all!

The Neutral Year 2017: The Neutral Year

2017. The 2016 Legacy? It’s not awful but it’s not fantastic either. The bottom line:

• Similar features to the most successful years
• A few battery drain issues have been reported.
• The transmission can be a bit erratic, such as hesitation and hard shifting
• In some situations
• Random cracks on the windshield (because who doesn’t enjoy surprises?)
• Recall to avoid steering issues (yikes!)

The Worst Year The Worst Years: 2015, 2016

Let’s talk about the models from 2015 and 2016… Now, let’s be honest and say that they were experiencing some growth issues:

• Problems with draining batteries (again)
• Transmission issues (sensing an underlying pattern?)
• Consumption of oil is high (still)
• A few more of those mysterious cracks on the windshield

The same year, the country also saw recalls for:

• Collision mitigation brake problems (2015)
• Leaks in transmission oil (2015 as well as 2016)
• Drive shaft detachment (2016)
• Potential steering loss (2016)

Are you wondering if the 2016 as well as 2016 Legacy models have secrets hidden in their vaults? Explore the NHTSA’s archives regarding recalls as well as complaints.

The Worst and Best Years for Subaru Legacy 7th Generation (2020-Present)

The 7th-gen Legacy will be on the road at the end of 2020. It brings a technological revolution as well as comfort upgrades to Subaru’s reliable car. As with any new model, there are years that are more dazzling than others.

Let’s get started.

The Best Years 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024

Are you looking at the most durable Legacy? 2021-2024 models are the best options. Here’s why you should consider them:

• New platform: Improved handling, less noise and enhanced security
• Engines are: The standard 2.5L H4 ( 27 city/35 highway mpg) or turbocharged 2.4L H4-T
• Transmission: Finer CVT to provide more fluid operation
• Protection: EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, lane-centering, and much more
• Technology: 11.6-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Additional features include driver distraction mitigation, front-view cameras and

They consistently earn the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating. Not bad!

The Year with the Worst Record: 2020

The new model for 2020… We’ll claim that it experienced some first-year nervousness:

• Random cracks on the windshield (a Subaru classic at this moment)
• Recalls are for:
• Cameras in the rear malfunction
• Fuel pump failures
• Breakage of the drive chain (hello the power goes out!)
• Brake pedal mounting bracket missing bolts (because who would need them?)

Are you interested in what you can learn about the 2020 Legacy’s problems that are growing? Check out the NHTSA’s database of recalls, complaints and other issues.

Common Subaru Legacy Problems

As with other Subaru models like the Legacy, the Legacy is a pretty reliable car. But, there are a few concerns regarding the reliability of the Legacy which any prospective buyer must be aware of:

• The excessive consumption of oil: A number of models from the Legacy have been plagued by high oil consumption. Many owners who were frustrated claimed that they were required to top-up the oil after a mere 2,000 to 5,000 miles. In certain instances, the consumption can be even higher in winter.
• Headlights were burning out This problem was commonplace with the 2010 and 2011 Legacy models. A lot of owners complained that their car’s headlights would go out within six months or less. This is disappointing because headlights are designed to last for a long time. Certain experts believe that this could be a problem that is with electrical systems.
• Failure of oxygen sensors In the 2000-2006 period, Legacy models have been reported to be struggling with defective oxygen sensors because they tend to break and then fail. The checking engine indicator to come on. If your oxygen sensor is not functioning it is possible to experience symptoms like low fuel efficiency and engine fires that aren’t working.
• Informationtainment issues: The more modern Legacy models, particularly the 2018 models, were said to be susceptible to issues with infotainment. In some reports, infotainment display would be frozen or refused to shut down despite killing the engine.

Subaru Legacy Resale Values

Are you interested in how the Legacy is holding its value? Take a look at this chart:

Conclusion

So, what’s the last word about Subaru Legacy? Keep an eye out for these gems:

2003-2004 2006-2009; 2013-2014; 2018-2019 2021-2024. They’re the best of the crop when it comes to reliability and features.