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Subaru Legacy

FB25 2.5L NA 170 hp Automatic All-wheel drive Sedan 2010–2014
– Be Careful
Engine FB25 – Be Careful 13,500–26,500 €

Subaru's volume boxer: 2.5L NA in Legacy, Outback, Forester. Oil consumption class action for 2011-2014 models — piston rings didn't seat properly. Cam carrier seal leaks from ~60k miles (labor-intensive). Thermo control valve on 2019-2022 models: plastic housing fails under heat — Subaru extended warranty to 15 years. Improved from 2023.

Fun Factor? Decent

Boxer midsize with AWD — solid foundation

The Legacy is Subaru's midsize offering: standard AWD, boxer engine, solid build quality. Nothing exciting, but reliable and the smart choice in snow country.

Engine Weaknesses 4

!! Oil Consumption — Piston Rings (2011-2014)

Class action for 2011-2014 Forester, Legacy, Outback. Piston rings didn't seat due to variable bore roughness. Worst cases: 1 quart per 800 miles.

Symptoms: Extreme oil consumption, frequent top-ups needed, blue smoke possible

4,000–6,000 € from 40,000 km
!! Cam Carrier Seal Leak

Known FB engine problem: seal between cam carrier and cylinder head fails. Labor-intensive due to poor access. Service bulletins published.

Symptoms: Oil stain under engine, oil smell while driving, visible oil seepage at cylinder head

1,700–6,000 € from 100,000 km
!! Thermo Control Valve Failure (2019-2022)

Electronic TCV plastic housing fails above 200°F. All warning lights simultaneously (EyeSight, front collision). Warranty extended to 15 years/150k miles. Mechanical thermostat replaces TCV from 2023.

Symptoms: All warning lights at once, no heater, fault codes P2682/P26A3/P26A5

1,300–1,800 € from 60,000 km
! Intake Valve Carbon Buildup (DI Variant)

Direct-injected FB25D variant (from 2020) has the same carbon buildup issue as all DI engines. Budget for walnut blasting.

Symptoms: Rough idle, power loss

300–600 € from 80,000 km

Vehicle Weaknesses 4

!! Rust Rear Subframe Rust

Rear subframe with poor factory paint corrodes through in salt regions. Can destroy control arm mounting points. Safety critical; recall issued for certain model years.

1,500–3,500 € from 100,000 km
!! Brakes Brake Line Corrosion

Recall WQK-47 also covers 2010–2014 Subaru: steel brake lines rust through from road salt splash. Safety critical defect.

400–900 € from 100,000 km
!! Gearbox 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.

4,000–7,000 € from 90,000 km
! Suspension Wheel Bearing Wear

Typical Subaru wear item. Wheel bearings fail earlier from corrosion in salt regions, rear axle most commonly affected. Replacement straightforward.

300–700 € from 80,000 km

Reports & Tests

nhtsa_complaints NHTSA Complaint Summary 2026-03
Below Average

523 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2010–2014). Most reported: Powertrain (149), Engine (98), Airbags (92).