Summary
The Subaru Legacy has 72 recalls spanning 1990 through 2022, with the most serious recent issue affecting 2020-2022 models where a cracked capacitor in the front passenger occupant detection sensor can prevent the passenger airbag from deploying in a crash. On the same recent generation, 2020 models have a brake pedal mounting bracket that can lose a bolt over time, gradually reducing braking performance. The 2018 model year has a low-pressure fuel pump that can fail without warning and cut engine power while driving; that year also has a software issue that can keep the backup camera display from turning on, and a separate low-fuel warning light that may not illuminate until the tank is already empty.
Going back a few years, 2016 models have two separate drivetrain and steering concerns: propeller shaft nuts that can loosen and allow the shaft to contact and puncture the fuel tank, and a steering column that can fail and leave the driver without steering input. On 2015 models, brake fluid with excess moisture can degrade electronic stability control performance, and a transmission oil seal on the propeller shaft can leak fluid onto hot exhaust components and start a fire. The 2013 model has a steering column that can fail and cause sudden loss of steering. On 2010-2014 manual-transmission models, the electronic parking brake can fail to hold the vehicle, allowing rollaway. The 2012 model has a wiper motor cover that can overheat and catch fire, and side curtain airbags that may not deploy in a side impact due to an incorrect propellant mixture; a moonroof glass issue on 2011-2012 models can allow the panel to detach at highway speed and become a road hazard.
Covering the mid-2000s through the early 2010s, 2005-2009 models in salt-belt states are subject to brake line corrosion that can leak fluid and lengthen stopping distances. The 2008 model has an oil supply pipe that can crack and leak oil, and the 2007 turbocharged model has a secondary air injection relay that can run the pump continuously until it overheats and catches fire. The 2005 model has a fuel filler hose clamp that can leak fuel near an ignition source, and side curtain airbags that may not deploy quickly enough to protect the head in a side impact. On 2003 models in rust-prone states, front transverse links can corrode and break, affecting vehicle control, and aluminum wheels on six-cylinder models can develop loose lug nuts over time.
Earlier production from the late 1990s through the early 2000s carries several serious concerns. The 2002 model has a brake master cylinder that can fail to release the brakes in freezing temperatures, and an automatic transmission parking rod that may not engage Park, allowing rollaway. The 2001 model year has a cruise control cable that can stick and hold the throttle open, aged fuel hoses that can leak in extreme cold, and a front bearing housing casting flaw that can cause wheel bearing failure or tie-rod separation. On 2000 models, an incorrectly assembled left-side steering knuckle arm can cause loss of steering control, and rear suspension components in salt-belt states can corrode and break while driving. The 1997 model has throttle body bearing omissions that can result in a stuck-open throttle, automatic transmission shift lever welds that can fail and allow unexpected vehicle movement, and a hazard warning switch that can disable the turn signals. The 1996-1997 models have a front suspension hanger
