Is the 1987 Subaru Legacy reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 1987 Subaru Legacy?

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 100% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1987 Subaru Legacy have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

1987 Subaru Legacy

○ Not enough data

1987 Subaru Legacy
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:40:35.110Z

Only 1 complaint on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 1 complaint on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 1
Recalls: 0
Investigations: 1
Top problem: —

Complaints per year

1987: 1 complaint

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1987	1
1988	1
1989	1
1990	81
1991	78
1992	57
1993	78
1994	61
1995	182
1996	123
1997	139
1998	114
1999	94
2000	94
2001	77
2002	54
2003	60
2004	49
2005	184
2006	87
2007	33
2008	65
2009	65
2010	151
2011	167
2012	90
2013	66
2014	53
2015	160
2016	147
2017	119
2018	117
2019	123
2020	121
2021	31
2022	34
2023	10
2024	17
2025	6

Known problem areas

Only 1 complaint on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Engine and engine cooling

1 of 1 total report mentions: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing cooling system.

Show complaint excerpts

Water pump blew out, causing radiator to leak fluid.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-02-01

Safety timeline

No recalls on file for this model year.

0 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

I
1994-06-29Preliminary evaluationClosed 1994-10-31 Hood latch failure

Buy-smart checklist

1987 Subaru Legacy — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Engine and engine cooling: 1 report on file for this year.

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1987 Subaru Legacy reliable?: There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1987 Subaru Legacy?: The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 100% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1987 Subaru Legacy have?: No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.