2013 Subaru Legacy: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2013 Subaru Legacy? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 66 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2013 Subaru Legacy Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2013 Subaru Legacy trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 3 trims analysed.
2013 Subaru Legacy Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
10.1% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
10.1% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2013 Subaru Legacy has 66 owner complaints, 6 crash-related complaints, and 12 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Subaru
- Model
- Legacy
- Model year
- 2013
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 66
- Crash-related complaints
- 6
- Safety recall campaigns
- 12
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 24
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 21 / 28
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 5/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2013 Subaru Legacy Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Airbag Malfunctions
Transmission / Drivetrain
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Airbag Malfunctions, Transmission / Drivetrain. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2013 Subaru Legacy?
The 2013 Subaru Legacy shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2013 Subaru Legacy
Inspection Focus
- Inspect engine for reported issues such as stalling or loss of power.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, especially for airbags.
- Request service records for transmission and drivetrain repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect engine for reported issues such as stalling or loss of power.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, especially for airbags.
- Request service records for transmission and drivetrain repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2013 Subaru Legacy, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2013 Subaru Legacy are concentrated in engine problems, airbag malfunctions, and transmission/drivetrain issues. A recurring theme appears to be engine-related failures, which account for the largest share of reports. Buyers may want to inspect these areas closely.
- Engine problems represent the most frequent complaint component with 20 reports.
- Airbag malfunctions are the second most common issue, with 14 complaints.
- Transmission/drivetrain problems account for 12 complaints.
- Engine Problems
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Transmission / Drivetrain
All 2013 Subaru Legacy Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Subaru Legacy. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 20 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 14 | 4 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 12 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 5 | 2 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2013 Subaru Legacy. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
I am the original owner since purchased new on the dealer lot in 2013. Within the first year, the drivers side headlight prematurely burned out (low beam). I have had to replace four bulbs (so far) since owning vehicle. The first two incidents I payed over $100 to have the bul…
The passenger side frame rusted through. The bolt holding the frame collapsed through the rusted frame while I was driving on the highway and I lost control of my car as I was entering an exit off the highway. My mechanic said the air conditioning system drips on this area of t…
I want to add my report of oil loss in the hope a recall is made. I found out after purchase that 2012-2014 or 2015 has a known problem with piston rings. With normal local driving I need to top off the oil every couple of weeks. With longer trips, say a couple hours of driving o…
While driving the vehicle, there was a loud "clunk" from the front-end. After that, during turns there is a lot of scraping, banging and popping noises. During braking, the car veers toward the right. The car is very unstable going around bends and on/off ramps. I took it to …
Faulty transmission, erratic gear shifting and now it seems the transmission is no longer working, mileage on vehicle is not even 130,000.
The contact's son owns a 2013 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed and approaching a traffic light, the vehicle stalled. The contact's son was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving. However, the failure reoccurred on…
Transmission failed. Began to make bad noises then failed to accelerate in an intersection. Was almost hit by another car. Dealer indicated that the Subaru transmissions were only lasting 90, 000 to 100,000 miles before requiring replacement. Contracted Subaru who said they had a…
The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, there was an abnormal noise coming from the transmission. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician informed the contact that the failure was the tran…
I received a recall letter about problem with the Engine, They did to Tess at 1200 miles each but the car runs out of oil between 25 and 3000 mile every time but they did nothing about it
When driving on interstate, all at once, dashboard lit up with lights, one of the lights being the check engine light. Towed car to dealership and found there was a problem in the CVT valve body which was replaced. I think this should be a recall because it's dangerous to be dr…
Oil is consumed excessively. I had an oil change done at around 120K miles and my oil light is popping on to let me know that I need another oil change. I have only driven it 2,000 miles since my last oil change and my oil level is low. Looking back at the Carfax, the previous ow…
THE TRANSMISSION VALVE BODY FAILED ON THIS SUBARU LEGACY AT 83874 MILES. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL AND THREE ENGINE LIGHTS CAME ON. THIS WAS COVERED UNDER AN EXTENDED WARRANTY AS THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. I HAVE THREE COMPLAINTS / CONCERNS WHERE I BELIEVE THE …
TORQUE CONVERTOR CLUTCH SOLENOID WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 75MPH. ENDED UP HAVING IT REPLACED AT 138,000 MILES ON 2013 SUBARU LEGACY. COST $1,700 AT SUBARU DEALERSHIP.
THERE WAS A HORRIBLE WHINING THAT STARTED VERY QUIET ON AND OFF IN 2017 AND BECAME LOUDER THIS YEAR. WE DROVE INTO A CITY INTERSECTION TO TURN, AND THE CAR STALLED. WE WERE LUCKY THAT WE DIDN'T GET HIT BY ANOTHER CAR. WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AS WE DO ALL RECOMMENDED MAINTEN…
WHILE TRAVELING ON A BUSY INTERSTATE. MY CAR SUDDENLY JERKED AS IF I HAD PUT INTO NEUTRAL. I WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH. NEARLY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT TRYING TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY. IT WOULD NOT ENGAGE IN MANUAL OR AUTOMATIC MODE. AFTER HAVING IT TOWED TO A MECHANICS SHOP, …
CAR HAS EXTENDED CRANKING ISSUE - IT ACTS LIKE THE STARTER IS BAD OR THE BATTERY IS DYING. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND TOLD THEM THAT THE CAR HAS A HARD TIME STARTING. IT HAS DIED A COUPLE TIMES SO I REPLACED THE BATTERY WITH AN INTERSTATE BATTERY AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THE BATTE…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO BE SERVICED AT HEUBERGER SUBARU (1080 MOTOR CITY DR, COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80905, 719-475-1920) FOR TRANSMISSION FAILURE. INITIALLY, THE DEALER WOULD NOT COVER THE COST OF THE REPAIR DUE TO THE WARRANTY EXP…
I BOUGHT THIS 2013 SUBARU LEGACY LIMITED ON JUNE 12,2019 AND A WEEK LATER THE EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHT AND CRUISE CONTROL DID NOT WORK AND THE LIGHTS WERE ON THE DASHBOARD. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO A SUBARU DEALER IN WILMINGTON, NC AND WAS TOLD THAT IT NEEDED THE CONTROL PANEL FOR THE…
DRIVER FRONT WINDOW REGULATOR GETS REALLY HOT. DOES NOT MOVE THE WINDOW UP OR DOWN. BEFORE THAT I HAD TO KEEP RE-SYNC THE WINDOW TO THE MASTER SWITCH FOR SOME REASON. IT WILL LOSE IT'S MEMORY RANDOMLY.
WE JUST BOUGHT THIS CAR AND 2 DAYS LATER THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON AND THE BRAKE ICON WAS BLINKING AND THE CRUISE CONTROL DIDNT WORK. A SUBARU DEALER TOLD ME THAT IT NEEDS THE PARKING BREAK ELECTRICAL CONTROL PANEL. I FIND THIS STRANGE AS THE CAR IS ONLY 6 YEARS OLD. PL…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2013 Subaru Legacy.
2013 Subaru Legacy Recalls
12 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2013 Subaru Legacy. 12 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2013 Subaru Legacy Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2013 Subaru Legacy reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 66 owner complaints, 6 crash-related complaints, and 12 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2013 Subaru Legacy shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Subaru Legacy?▾
#1: Engine Problems (20 complaints). #2: Airbag Malfunctions (14 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (12 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2013 Subaru Legacy?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2013 Subaru Legacy?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2013 Subaru Legacy, NHTSA complaints include 6 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 66 total complaints. 5 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2013 Subaru Legacy have any recalls?▾
Yes. 12 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2013 Subaru Legacy. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. 12 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2013 Subaru Legacy?▾
The 2013 Subaru Legacy shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Subaru Legacy reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2013 Subaru Legacy based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.