2013 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.
27% of complaints: engine — 18 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240417
21% of complaints: air bags — 14 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THE VEHICLE SLAMMED INTO A SNOWBANK DUE TO ICY CONDITIONS. THE FRONT OF THE CAR WAS SIGNIFICANTLY DAMAGED, BUT THE AIRBAG DID NOT INFLATE UPON IMPACT
NHTSA ODI report, 20180201
Also filed under STRUCTURE
SUBARU LEGACY DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG FAILURE. WAS PULLING FORWARD ON A GREEN LIGHT WHEN I WAS T-BONED ON DRIVERS SIDE DOOR AND FRONT WING/WHEEL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150804
18% of complaints: power train — 12 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: electrical system — 6 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: structure — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and roof and pillars.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
AS I DROVE MY VEHICLE INTO A PARKING SPACE WITH A CONCRETE BUMPER AT THE HEAD, JUST AS IT WAS READY TO STOP, IT SUDDENLY LUNGED FORWARD OVER THE CONCRETE BUMPER AND FINALLY CAME TO A STOP WHEN THE BACK WHEELS MADE CONTACT WITH THE CONCRETE BUMPER...
NHTSA ODI report, 20131025
Also filed under UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240803
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU LEGACY. UPON EXITING THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT WAS WET. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, THE DRIVER FOUND A PUDDLE OF WATER UNDER THE DRIVER'S SEAT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180213
SAFETY TIMELINE
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with an automatic or CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, certain model year 20
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RES key fobs, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.
Campaign 13V061000 — check if this car was fixed
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2013 Outback and Legacy vehicles manufactured from February 15, 2012, through June 15, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the inner and outer shafts of the steerin
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering column assembly with a new one, free of charge. The recall began on May 14, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subar
Campaign 13V194000 — check if this car was fixed
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Legacy vehicles manufactured November 26, 2008, to June 7, 2013, and 2010-2014 Outback vehicles manufactured January 9, 2009 to June 7, 2013.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor bottom cover assembly, free of charge. The recall began October 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783.
Campaign 16V694000 — check if this car was fixed
Subaru of America, Inc.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783.
Campaign 18V012000 — check if this car was fixed
Subaru of America, Inc.
Remedy: Subaru is notifying owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-19.
Campaign 19V008000 — check if this car was fixed
Subaru of America, Inc.
Remedy: Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-19.
Campaign 19V007000 — check if this car was fixed
Subaru of America, Inc.
Remedy: Subaru is notifying owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614.
Campaign 19V009000 — check if this car was fixed
Subaru of America, Inc.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition switch, replacing the ignition switch, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 10, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614.
Campaign 19V297000 — check if this car was fixed
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with a manual transmission.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPB actuator assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 19, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTV-81.
Campaign 18V626000 — check if this car was fixed
Subaru of America, Inc.
Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614.
Campaign 20V002000 — check if this car was fixed
Subaru of America, Inc.
Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators with alternate inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020.
Campaign 20V001000 — check if this car was fixed
Subaru of America, Inc.
Remedy: Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614.
Campaign 20V003000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2013 Subaru Legacy — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 13V061000 (electrical system, equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 13V194000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V694000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V012000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V008000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V007000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V009000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V297000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V626000 (parking brake) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V002000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V001000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V003000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2013 Subaru Legacy reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2013 Subaru Legacy is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Subaru Legacy?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2013 Subaru Legacy have?
12 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.