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Subaru · Mid-Size · 2010–2014

Subaru Legacy BM

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.7 / 5.0 · Based on 3 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

230 PS

2.5L Turbo Benzin

Legacy GT — the underrated turbo wagon/sedan

Fun to Drive!
Most Reliable Engine

258–260 PS

3.6L H6 Benzin

3 weaknesses

Good Choice

Generations

Engine Overview

The Subaru Legacy BM is available with 3 engine variants — from 167 to 260 hp.

2.5L NA · Benziner· 167–173 PS
2010 2014
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
Legacy 3.6R · Benziner· 260 PS
2010 2014
Good Choice 3 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
Legacy GT · Benziner· 265 PS
2010 2012
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The Subaru 2.5L NA (Benziner, 167–173 PS) has the FB25 (2.5L NA) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

The Subaru Legacy 3.6R (Benziner, 260 PS) has the EZ36 (3.6L H6) — rated: "Good Choice", 3 known weaknesses.

The Subaru Legacy GT (Benziner, 265 PS) has the EJ255 (2.5L Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!CVT Chain Slip (Lineartronic)

First-generation Lineartronic CVT (TR580/TR690): valve body wear or infrequent fluid changes lead to chain slip. Costly repair; warranty extended to 10 years/100,000 miles.

Symptoms: Juddering under acceleration, engine revving without corresponding acceleration, transmission warning light
from 90,000 km
Ad CVT Subaru Legacy BM TR580Lineartronic fluid CVT-F
 High
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
523 complaints · 2010–2014
Powertrain
149 ⚠ 4
Engine
98 ⚠ 2
Airbags
92 ⚠ 21
Other
52 ⚠ 3
Electrical
52 ⚠ 3

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Powertrain (149 complaints)
⚠ Engine (98 complaints)
⚠ Airbags (92 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 16 weaknesses have been documented for the Subaru Legacy BM (2010–2014) — 12 engine-related and 4 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Gearbox, Rust, Suspension, Brakes. Considered reliable: EZ36 (3.6L H6).

Legacy (EJ255, 2010–2012) — Be Careful: Ringland Failure — Piston Breakage, Rod Bearing Failure, Oil Pickup Tube Crack. Power: 265 PS.

Legacy (FB25, 2010–2014) — Be Careful: Oil Consumption — Piston Rings (2011-2014), Cam Carrier Seal Leak, Thermo Control Valve Failure (2019-2022). Power: 167–173 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 BM have? +
The Subaru Legacy BM has 12 known engine weaknesses and 4 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Subaru Legacy BM? +
faq.watch_a_solid
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: EZ36 (3.6L H6). The most reliable engine is the EZ36 (3.6L H6) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the EJ255 (2.5L Turbo).
Which Subaru Legacy BM engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Subaru Legacy BM. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 3 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Subaru Legacy BM engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Subaru Legacy BM — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} EJ255 turbo in a midsize: fast, unassuming, all-wheel drive. The Legacy GT is the sleeper nobody sees coming. Same engine as the WRX, more space, less attention.
Is the Subaru Legacy BM worth buying used? +
The Subaru Legacy BM is a good choice as a used car — 1 of 3 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.
What horsepower variants are available for the Subaru Legacy BM? +
The Subaru Legacy BM is available with engine variants from 167 to 260 hp. Petrol: EJ255 (2.5L Turbo), FB25 (2.5L NA), EZ36 (3.6L H6).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee