Head-to-head reliability
Subaru Outback vs Subaru Legacy
How the Subaru Outback and Subaru Legacy compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Subaru Outback vs Subaru Legacy: The Outback has 4,621 complaints over 10 years (462/year) and 26 recalls, while the Legacy has 724 complaints (72/year) and 24 recalls. Both share visibility and electrical issues, but the Outback reports more shattering moonroofs and battery failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Subaru Outback or Subaru Legacy more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback is a popular wagon/SUV that generates a lot of owner feedback: over 4,600 complaints in 10 years, averaging about 462 per year. The most common trouble spots are the visibility/wiper system and the electrical system, with many reports of windshield glare, shattering moonroofs, and battery or driver-assist failures. There are also 26 recalls, mostly for power train issues like the driveshaft and park/neutral start interlock. For a used buyer, this means the Outback can be a practical choice but you should budget time and money for potential electrical and glass-related fixes.
Subaru Legacy
The Subaru Legacy is a midsize sedan with far fewer complaints than the Outback—about 724 over 10 years, or roughly 72 per year. The main problem areas are also visibility/wiper and electrical system, but owners report different specifics like a too-short sun visor, windshield cracks from small debris, and infotainment glitches that can mute phone calls. There are 24 recalls, including power train and an airbag sensor issue. Overall, the Legacy appears to have a lower volume of complaints, but the types of issues are similar in nature.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Subaru Outback | Subaru Legacy |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 4,621 | 724 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 26 | 24 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 135 | 36 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 462.1 | 72.4 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 84 | 14 Better |
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 Outback
- 01VISIBILITY/WIPER1,454
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,440
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER885
- 04VISIBILITY244
- 05FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE228
Owners frequently report that the windshield sparkles with thousands of tiny reflections when driving into direct sunlight, making it hard to see. Others describe the moonroof shattering unexpectedly, sometimes within days of purchase. These are safety concerns because they can impair your view or cause sudden glass breakage.
Complaints include complete failures to start due to battery issues, as well as malfunctions in the EyeSight driver-assist system, brakes, and central electrical system. Some owners also report the SOS safety button not working after a software update. These problems can leave you stranded or disable safety features.
Reports cover a non-working SOS button despite an active subscription, and a wireless charging pad that overheats the phone. These are annoyances that affect convenience and could distract you while driving.
This component appears in the top five, with owners mentioning malfunctions of the EyeSight automatic emergency braking system. If this system fails, it may not warn you or brake in time to avoid a crash.
“When driving east into direct sunshine, the entire windshield sparkles with thousands of diamonds, making it hazardous to drive. Just bought the car June 8, 2023, as a Certified Pre-Owned (it had been a dealer loaner). Had to dealer last week, they claim not…”
“The moon roof shattered. Have not even had the vehicle two days yet. It was fine yesterday (5/26/2023). Went out this afternoon (5/27/2023) and found the moon roof completely shattered and fractured. There is a hole near the rear center and fractures covering…”
Subaru Legacy
- 01VISIBILITY/WIPER207
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM185
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER161
- 04ENGINE39
- 05STEERING35
Owners complain that the sun visor is too short and narrow to block glare, even with the seat raised. Another report describes a windshield that cracked from a small piece of gravel in a way that seemed unusual. These issues can make driving in bright conditions uncomfortable or lead to unexpected glass repair costs.
Common complaints include the infotainment system muting phone calls, forcing the driver to interact with the screen, and warning lights for EyeSight and transmission oil. These glitches can distract you and may indicate underlying software or sensor problems.
Some owners report that the windows roll down on their own when the vehicle is off, and one mentions a strange noise from the back seat. These unpredictable behaviors can be a security risk or a sign of electrical faults.
There are reports of unintended acceleration while parking and a need to replace the engine in a nearly new 2024 Legacy. These are serious and potentially costly, though they appear less frequently than the visibility and electrical issues.
“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…”
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 Outback — 26 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. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2021 Outback and Impreza vehicles. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) select lever cable nut may not have been tightened properly, allowing the nut to loosen.
The risk: A loose nut can lead to a lost of retention in the CVT select lever cable and the gear selector not functioning properly, increasing risk of crash.
The fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and, if necessary, tighten the nut, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is W…
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.
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.
Buyer analysis
Subaru Outback or Subaru Legacy: which should you buy?
The Subaru Legacy has far fewer complaints per year (about 72) compared to the Outback (about 462), suggesting it may be less troublesome overall. In practice, this means a used Legacy buyer might encounter fewer visits to the shop for the same types of issues, though both models share similar problem areas like visibility and electrical systems.
Key differences
- The Outback has about 6 times more complaints per year than the Legacy (462 vs 72), but both share top issues in visibility/wiper and electrical systems.
- Outback owners often report shattering moonroofs and windshield sparkle, while Legacy owners complain about a too-short sun visor and windshield cracks from small debris.
- Electrical complaints in the Outback include battery failures and driver-assist malfunctions; Legacy electrical issues focus on infotainment glitches and warning lights.
- The Legacy has an additional top component of engine complaints, including unintended acceleration and engine replacement, which is not in the Outback's top five.
- Inspect the moonroof for any cracks, chips, or signs of previous shattering, as owners report it breaking unexpectedly.
- Test the battery and starting system, and check for any history of no-start conditions or electrical gremlins, especially with the EyeSight system.
- Check the sun visor for adequate coverage and look for any windshield cracks or pitting, as owners report glare and unusual cracking.
- Test the infotainment system thoroughly, including phone pairing and volume, and look for any warning lights related to EyeSight or transmission.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for any open recalls, especially power train and airbag recalls on both models.
- Have a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic who specializes in Subarus, focusing on electrical systems, glass, and driver-assist features.
- During a test drive, drive into direct sunlight to check for windshield glare or sparkle, and test all infotainment and safety buttons.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially battery replacements and software updates for the infotainment and EyeSight systems.
- Verify that any 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 Outback | Subaru Legacy |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 81 | 6 |
| 2024 | 2 | 17 |
| 2023 | 89 | 10 |
| 2022 | 464 | 33 |
| 2021 | 296 | 31 |
| 2020 | 899 | 121 |
| 2019 | 1034 | 123 |
| 2018 | 812 | 117 |
| 2017 | 917 | 119 |
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 Outback or Subaru Legacy in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Subaru Outback vs Subaru Legacy
- Subaru Outback total complaints
- 4,621
- Subaru Legacy total complaints
- 724
- Subaru Outback total recalls
- 26
- Subaru Legacy total recalls
- 24
- Subaru Outback avg complaints/year
- 462.1
- Subaru Legacy avg complaints/year
- 72.4
- More reliable overall
- Subaru Legacy
- Subaru Outback top complaint area
- VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Subaru Legacy top complaint area
- VISIBILITY/WIPER