Head-to-head reliability
Subaru Legacy vs Subaru Ascent
How the Subaru Legacy and Subaru Ascent compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Subaru Legacy vs Subaru Ascent: The Legacy averages 72.4 complaints per year over 10 years, while the Ascent averages 129.1 over 8 years. The Ascent has more electrical and power train complaints, while the Legacy leads in visibility/wiper issues. Both have 0 deaths reported. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Subaru Legacy or Subaru Ascent more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Subaru Legacy
The Subaru Legacy is a midsize sedan that averages about 72 complaints per year over a 10-year span, with 24 recalls and 36 crash-related reports. The most common owner complaints involve visibility and wiper issues, electrical system glitches, and unknown problems, suggesting a mix of minor annoyances and some safety-related concerns. With 14 injuries and no deaths reported, it's important to note that these are owner-reported incidents and not a measure of overall safety. For a used-car buyer, the Legacy's pattern points to checking windshield and visor functionality, infotainment behavior, and electrical quirks.
Subaru Ascent
The Subaru Ascent is a three-row SUV that averages about 129 complaints per year over 8 years, with 25 recalls and 34 crash-related reports. Owner complaints frequently center on electrical system failures, power train issues like transmission slippage, and visibility problems such as cracked windshields and vibrating mirrors. With 29 injuries and no deaths reported, these are owner-reported events and should be weighed alongside a thorough inspection. The higher complaint rate per year suggests the Ascent may demand more attention to electrical and drivetrain health than the Legacy.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Subaru Legacy | Subaru Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 724 Better | 1,033 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 24 Better | 25 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 36 | 34 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 72.4 Better | 129.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 14 Better | 29 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Subaru Legacy
- 01VISIBILITY/WIPER207
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM185
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER161
- 04ENGINE39
- 05STEERING35
Owners report sun visors that are too short and windshields that crack easily from minor impacts, like a small piece of gravel. These issues can impair driver visibility and lead to unexpected repair costs.
Complaints include infotainment systems that mute phone calls and warning lights for EyeSight and transmission oil issues. These glitches can distract the driver and may indicate underlying software or sensor problems.
Some owners describe unintended acceleration and premature engine failure requiring replacement. These are serious and potentially costly, so a pre-purchase inspection should focus on engine performance and any warning signs.
Reports include windows rolling down on their own and unexplained noises. These unpredictable issues can be frustrating and may point to electrical or body control module faults.
“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…”
“In 2022, a piece of small gravel fell off the back of a dump truck, bounced off the road, and struck the windshield of my 2022 Subaru Legacy. Based on past experience with other vehicles, this should have resulted in a round or star-shaped crack to the glass…”
Subaru Ascent
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM292
- 02POWER TRAIN185
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER152
- 04VISIBILITY/WIPER152
- 05ENGINE104
Owners report intermittent electrical failures, repeated battery failures, and vehicles dying while driving. These can leave you stranded and may require costly diagnostics and repairs.
Complaints include transmission slippage, sudden stopping of wheels during turns, and transmission oil warnings. These drivetrain issues can affect vehicle control and lead to expensive repairs.
Windshields crack easily from minor rock strikes, and driver-side mirrors vibrate, causing blurry views. These problems can compromise visibility and safety, especially at night.
Some owners report engine-related issues, though fewer than electrical or power train complaints. Still, any engine problem in a used SUV can be costly, so check for unusual noises or warning lights.
“2024 Subaru Ascent – Intermittent Electrical / Ignition-Control Malfunction Vehicle: 2024 Subaru Ascent Mileage: Approximately 29,000 miles Chronology of Events August 19 Vehicle had been operating normally. First occurrence – grocery store •Returned to vehic…”
“2023 Subaru Ascent, under manufacturer basic warranty. Factory OEM battery has repeatedly failed. Voltage drops below 11.5V in normal use. Three documented failures in six weeks. SAFETY INCIDENT: Vehicle died on a public street and became completely immobiliz…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Subaru Legacy — 24 recalls
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Outback, Legacy, Ascent, and Impreza vehicles. The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, resulting in the disconnection of the front end of the driveshaft.
The risk: Separation of the front end of the driveshaft increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will clean the bolt mounting surfaces of the center support brace and install new bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 20, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Suba…
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.
The risk: An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.
The risk: An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Outback and Legacy vehicles. A capacitor in the sensors for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may crack and short circuit, which can prevent the front passenger air bag from deploying in a crash.
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the ODS sensors on the front passenger seat, free of charge. Owner notifications were mailed February 3, 2025. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRA-24.
Subaru Ascent — 25 recalls
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid, 2025-2026 Forester Hybrid, Forester, and 2019-2026 Ascent vehicles. These vehicles were manufactured with an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on the certification label. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with…
The risk: An incorrect GAWR label may lead to an overloaded vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Subaru will mail a new certification label to owners, free of charge. Owners may also choose to have a dealer install the new label, free of charge. Letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed August 27, 2026. Additional letter…
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Ascent vehicles equipped with 20-inch wheels. The internal tire bead may have been damaged during the wheel mounting process.
The risk: A damaged tire may experience a sudden loss of air pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace all four tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 6, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-23.
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Ascent vehicles. The left or right front lower control arm may have an improperly tightened ball joint castle nut which can result in retention pin failure and separation of the ball joint from the lower control arm.
The risk: Ball joint separation while the vehicle is in motion can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the lower control arm, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 30, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for…
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Outback, Legacy, Ascent, and Impreza vehicles. The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, resulting in the disconnection of the front end of the driveshaft.
The risk: Separation of the front end of the driveshaft increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will clean the bolt mounting surfaces of the center support brace and install new bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 20, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Suba…
Buyer analysis
Subaru Legacy or Subaru Ascent: which should you buy?
The Subaru Legacy has fewer complaints per year (about 72) compared to the Subaru Ascent (about 129), suggesting the Legacy may have fewer reported issues annually. In practice, this means a used Legacy might require less frequent attention to electrical and drivetrain problems, while the Ascent's higher rate could mean more trips to the mechanic. However, both have recalls and serious complaints, so a thorough inspection is essential for either.
Key differences
- The Legacy averages about 72 complaints per year, while the Ascent averages about 129 per year, indicating more frequent owner-reported issues with the Ascent.
- Electrical system complaints are the top category for the Ascent (292) but second for the Legacy (185), with Ascent owners reporting battery failures and vehicles dying.
- Power train complaints are prominent for the Ascent (185) but not in the Legacy's top five, where visibility/wiper leads (207).
- Both vehicles have visibility/wiper complaints, but the Ascent also reports vibrating mirrors and cracked windshields, while the Legacy reports short sun visors and easy windshield cracking.
- Inspect the windshield for cracks or chips, as owners report easy cracking from minor impacts.
- Test the infotainment system thoroughly, including phone pairing and warning lights, due to reports of muting and EyeSight/transmission oil warnings.
- Check the battery and electrical system for signs of repeated failures or voltage drops, as owners report vehicles dying.
- Test the transmission for slippage or hesitation, and look for any transmission oil warning lights, as these are common complaints.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been addressed.
- Have a mechanic inspect the windshield, sun visors, and wiper operation for both models.
- For the Ascent, specifically test the battery, alternator, and transmission during a test drive.
- For the Legacy, check the infotainment system and look for any unintended acceleration or engine issues.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for electrical and drivetrain repairs.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Subaru Legacy | Subaru Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 6 | 15 |
| 2024 | 17 | 50 |
| 2023 | 10 | 45 |
| 2022 | 33 | 55 |
| 2021 | 31 | 102 |
| 2020 | 121 | 322 |
| 2019 | 123 | 441 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Subaru Legacy or Subaru Ascent in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Subaru Legacy vs Subaru Ascent
- Subaru Legacy total complaints
- 724
- Subaru Ascent total complaints
- 1,033
- Subaru Legacy total recalls
- 24
- Subaru Ascent total recalls
- 25
- Subaru Legacy avg complaints/year
- 72.4
- Subaru Ascent avg complaints/year
- 129.1
- More reliable overall
- Subaru Legacy
- Subaru Legacy top complaint area
- VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Subaru Ascent top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM