Head-to-head reliability
Subaru Legacy vs Subaru Crosstrek
How the Subaru Legacy and Subaru Crosstrek 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 Crosstrek: The Legacy averages 72.4 complaints per year and has 24 recalls, while the Crosstrek averages 99.7 complaints per year and has 16 recalls. Both have zero reported deaths, but the Crosstrek has more crash-related reports (58 vs. 36). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Subaru Legacy or Subaru Crosstrek 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 the past decade, 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 pattern of nuisance and safety-related annoyances. While the Legacy has fewer annual complaints than the Crosstrek, the high number of visibility complaints—especially about sun visors and windshields—stands out. Overall, it appears to be a vehicle with manageable but persistent small-scale issues rather than catastrophic failures.
Subaru Crosstrek
The Subaru Crosstrek is a subcompact SUV that generates nearly 100 complaints per year on average, with 16 recalls and 58 crash-related reports. Owners frequently report visibility and wiper problems, electrical system faults, and engine issues, including unintended acceleration and start/stop quirks. The higher complaint volume and crash-related count suggest more frequent owner-reported problems than the Legacy. However, like the Legacy, it has zero reported deaths in the data, indicating that most issues are not fatal.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Subaru Legacy | Subaru Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 724 Better | 997 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 24 | 16 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 36 Better | 58 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 72.4 Better | 99.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 14 Better | 34 |
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 of the Subaru Legacy frequently complain that the sun visor is too short and narrow, making it hard to block glare even with the seat raised. Others report windshields cracking or chipping more easily than expected from small road debris, which can impair visibility and lead to costly replacements.
Many Legacy owners report infotainment system problems, such as the system muting phone calls or displaying warning lights for EyeSight and transmission oil issues. These glitches can distract the driver and may require dealer visits to resolve.
Some owners describe odd occurrences like windows rolling down on their own when the vehicle is off, or unexplained noises from the rear. These issues are hard to diagnose and can be frustrating, especially if dealerships fail to fix them properly.
A few Legacy owners report unintended acceleration, such as sudden rapid acceleration while parking, and at least one owner had to replace the engine in a nearly new 2024 model. These are serious concerns that could affect safety and ownership costs.
“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 Crosstrek
- 01VISIBILITY/WIPER287
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER229
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM154
- 04ENGINE115
- 05POWER TRAIN79
Crosstrek owners often report windshields cracking spontaneously, sometimes from the inside, and sunroofs shattering unexpectedly. These failures can be dangerous if they happen while driving and may be expensive to repair.
Some owners hear a persistent high-frequency ringing or whining tone at highway speeds, which can be annoying and may indicate a drivetrain issue. Others report sunroofs shattering with a loud bang, which could startle the driver and cause a crash.
Crosstrek owners have reported heated seats turning on by themselves even when the button is off, getting uncomfortably hot. There are also complaints of loud roaring sounds when starting the engine, which could signal a problem with the electrical or engine systems.
Engine-related complaints include unintended acceleration or odd behavior with the auto start/stop feature, such as the engine restarting when the door is opened or seatbelt unbuckled. These quirks can surprise the driver and potentially lead to loss of control.
“The component that is compromised on my '23 Subaru Crosstrek Sport is the windshield. My vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Monday, Jan 13, 2025, a crack formed on my windshield. The crack happened on the inside of the vehicle. It was positione…”
“Overall I’m disappointed in the quality of the manufactured parts and accessories. It leads me to believe low grade materials were used in manufacturing this vehicle. My vehicle is brand new and has 2500 miles on it and the front windshield has a crack that i…”
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 Crosstrek — 16 recalls
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 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing…
The risk: Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
The fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Crosstrek, Impreza, 2023-2024 Forester, and 2023 WRX vehicles. The front driveshaft assemblies' outer race may develop cracks and break.
The risk: A broken driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power while driving or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is in park without the parking brake engaged. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the left and right front driveshafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. 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 2024 Crosstrek and Impreza vehicles. Due to insufficient clearance, the instrument panel harness may contact the steering beam bracket, damaging the wire insulation and causing a short circuit.
The risk: A short circuit may cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the harness and install an additional clamp on the steering beam bracket. If damage is found, dealers will add protective tape or replace the instrument panel harness, as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of ch…
Buyer analysis
Subaru Legacy or Subaru Crosstrek: which should you buy?
The Subaru Legacy has fewer complaints per year (about 72) compared to the Crosstrek (about 100), and also fewer crash-related reports (36 vs. 58). In practice, this means the Legacy may have fewer owner-reported problems overall, but both vehicles share similar types of issues like visibility and electrical glitches. The difference suggests the Legacy might be slightly less troublesome, but individual vehicle condition and maintenance matter greatly.
Key differences
- The Legacy averages about 72 complaints per year, while the Crosstrek averages nearly 100, indicating more frequent owner-reported issues with the Crosstrek.
- Crosstrek owners more often report shattered sunroofs and windshields, while Legacy owners complain about sun visors being too small and windshields cracking from debris.
- Electrical issues in the Legacy often involve infotainment glitches, whereas Crosstrek electrical complaints include heated seats turning on by themselves and loud engine noises.
- Both vehicles have engine-related complaints, but the Crosstrek has more engine complaints overall (115 vs. 39 for the Legacy), including unintended acceleration and start/stop quirks.
- Check the sun visor for adequate coverage and adjustability, as many owners find it too short and narrow to block glare effectively.
- Inspect the windshield for any cracks or chips, and test the infotainment system for phone muting or warning light issues during a test drive.
- Look for any cracks or chips in the windshield and sunroof glass, as owners report spontaneous shattering.
- Test the heated seats to ensure they do not turn on by themselves, and listen for any high-pitched whining or roaring noises during a test drive.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for any open recalls, especially for power train and air bag issues.
- Have a mechanic inspect the windshield and sunroof for cracks or weak points, and check the sun visor functionality.
- Test all electrical components, including infotainment, heated seats, and warning lights, during a thorough test drive.
- Listen for unusual engine noises or acceleration behavior, and ask about any past engine repairs or replacements.
- Verify that all recall repairs have been completed by checking with a Subaru dealer using the VIN.
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 Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 6 | 44 |
| 2024 | 17 | 119 |
| 2023 | 10 | 34 |
| 2022 | 33 | 31 |
| 2021 | 31 | 115 |
| 2020 | 121 | 69 |
| 2019 | 123 | 284 |
| 2018 | 117 | 194 |
| 2017 | 119 | 97 |
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 Crosstrek in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Subaru Legacy vs Subaru Crosstrek
- Subaru Legacy total complaints
- 724
- Subaru Crosstrek total complaints
- 997
- Subaru Legacy total recalls
- 24
- Subaru Crosstrek total recalls
- 16
- Subaru Legacy avg complaints/year
- 72.4
- Subaru Crosstrek avg complaints/year
- 99.7
- More reliable overall
- Subaru Legacy
- Subaru Legacy top complaint area
- VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Subaru Crosstrek top complaint area
- VISIBILITY/WIPER