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Subaru · Mid-Size · 2005–2009

Subaru Legacy BL

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 2 engine variants

Body Variants

The Subaru Legacy BL is available as Limousine and Kombi — choose your body type for specific insurance data:

Limousine
2 Engines
view Limousine →
Kombi
2 Engines
view Kombi →

Generations

Engine Overview

The Subaru Legacy BL is available with 2 engine variants — from 165 to 230 hp.

2.5L NA · Benziner· 165–173 PS
2005 2009
Be Careful 2 weaknesses
Legacy GT · Benziner· 243 PS
2005 2009
Be Careful 5 weaknesses

The Subaru 2.5L NA (Benziner, 165–173 PS) has the EJ253 (2.5L NA) — rated: "Be Careful", 2 known weaknesses.

The Subaru Legacy GT (Benziner, 243 PS) has the EJ255 (2.5L Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
●Dashboard Melts and Gets Sticky

Known issue 2005–2009: dashboard becomes sticky-shiny from heat and humidity and creates glare in the windshield. Subaru extended warranty to 10 years.

Symptoms: Sticky shiny dashboard surface, strong glare reflection in windshield, visible discoloration
from 80,000 km
Ad dashboard Subaru Legacy BL replacementinstrument panel Subaru Legacy 2005 2009
 Medium
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
431 complaints · 2005–2009
Airbags
102 ⚠ 12
Brakes
64 ⚠ 3
Electrical
60 ⚠ 3
Cruise Control
50 ⚠ 3
Engine
38

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Airbags (102 complaints)
⚠ Brakes (64 complaints)
⚠ Electrical (60 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 11 weaknesses have been documented for the Subaru Legacy BL (2005–2009) — 7 engine-related and 4 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Interior, Suspension, Brakes, Rust.

Legacy (EJ253, 2005–2009) — Be Careful: Head Gasket — External Oil/Coolant Leak, Slightly Elevated Oil Consumption. Power: 165–173 PS.

Legacy (EJ255, 2005–2009) — Be Careful: Ringland Failure — Piston Breakage, Rod Bearing Failure, Oil Pickup Tube Crack. Power: 243 PS.

What to watch out for with the Subaru Legacy? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Subaru Legacy BL have? +
The Subaru Legacy BL has 7 known engine weaknesses and 4 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Subaru Legacy BL? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: EJ253 (2.5L NA), EJ255 (2.5L Turbo). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the EJ255 (2.5L Turbo).
Which Subaru Legacy BL engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Subaru Legacy BL — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} EJ255 short block with STI heads from the factory. Same power as the WRX, more space, no sticker. Actually slightly faster than the 2.0 WRX stock-for-stock. The Spec B (STI six-speed, Bilstein suspension) is the bargain of the decade: ~1,400 US units, priced $10-20k. Steering is numb, the car won't rotate like a WRX — but anyone looking for a fast daily that doesn't attract attention: here.
Is the Subaru Legacy BL worth buying used? +
The Subaru Legacy BL requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Subaru Legacy BL? +
The Subaru Legacy BL is available with engine variants from 165 to 230 hp. Petrol: EJ253 (2.5L NA), EJ255 (2.5L Turbo).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee