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Subaru · Mid-Size · 2015–2019

Subaru Legacy BN

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
4.0 / 5.0 · Based on 2 engine variants

Generations

Engine Overview

The Subaru Legacy BN is available with 2 engine variants — from 167 to 260 hp.

2.5L NA · Benziner· 173 PS
2015 2019
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
Legacy 3.6R · Benziner· 260 PS
2015 2019
Good Choice 3 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The Subaru 2.5L NA (Benziner, 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.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!CVT Judder (Lineartronic)

Revised Lineartronic CVT — significantly more reliable than BM, but neglected fluid maintenance leads to judder. Warranty extended to 10 years/100,000 miles.

Symptoms: Juddering on light throttle takeoff, delayed response, engine revving
from 100,000 km
Ad CVT Subaru Legacy BN LineartronicCVT-F fluid Subaru BN
 High
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
649 complaints · 2015–2019
Electrical
185 ⚠ 2
Wipers & Visibility
159
Other
133 ⚠ 7
Engine
49 ⚠ 6
Powertrain
34 ⚠ 3

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Electrical (185 complaints)
⚠ Wipers & Visibility (159 complaints)
⚠ Other (133 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 BN (2015–2019) — 7 engine-related and 4 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Gearbox, Suspension, Electronics, Brakes. Considered reliable: EZ36 (3.6L H6).

Legacy (FB25, 2015–2019) — Be Careful: Oil Consumption — Piston Rings (2011-2014), Cam Carrier Seal Leak, Thermo Control Valve Failure (2019-2022). Power: 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 BN have? +
The Subaru Legacy BN has 7 known engine weaknesses and 4 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Subaru Legacy BN? +
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 EZ36 (3.6L H6).
Which Subaru Legacy BN engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Subaru Legacy BN. 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 BN engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Subaru Legacy BN — rated: "Decent". {description} H6 boxer: effortless, quiet, reliable. The most relaxed Legacy. Higher consumption, but unique character.
Is the Subaru Legacy BN worth buying used? +
The Subaru Legacy BN is a good choice as a used car — 1 of 2 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.
What horsepower variants are available for the Subaru Legacy BN? +
The Subaru Legacy BN is available with engine variants from 167 to 260 hp. Petrol: FB25 (2.5L NA), EZ36 (3.6L H6).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee