1994 Subaru Legacy
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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 | 150 |
| 2011 | 167 |
| 2012 | 90 |
| 2013 | 66 |
| 2014 | 53 |
| 2015 | 159 |
| 2016 | 147 |
| 2017 | 119 |
| 2018 | 117 |
| 2019 | 123 |
| 2020 | 121 |
| 2021 | 31 |
| 2022 | 32 |
| 2023 | 10 |
| 2024 | 17 |
| 2025 | 6 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
43% of complaints: seat belts — 26 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing retractor and webbing.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
FINGER WAS CAUGHT IN THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR WHICH CAUSED INJURY. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950217
THE RETRACTABLE MECHANIZED SHOULDER HARNESS DOES NOT WORK.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160401
8% of complaints: power train — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.
FIRE8% of complaints: air bags — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal.
CRASH INJURY8% of complaints: service brakes — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
A FEW MONTHS AGO, MY SON WAS DRIVING MY OLDER SUBARU AND SAID THE BRAKES WENT DOWN TO THE FLOOR WHEN HE APPLIED THEM NOT FAR FROM HOME. HE PUMPED THEM AND SLOW CREPT HOME WITH THE CAR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20210314
8% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and exhaust system.
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1994 Subaru Legacy — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (26 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (5 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1994 Subaru Legacy reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1994 Subaru Legacy is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1994 Subaru Legacy?
The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1994 Subaru Legacy have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.