Subaru Legacy BT
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The Legacy BT (2020-2025) is the seventh and final generation — Subaru ended Legacy production after 2025, and like the BN it was a US-market sedan, never sold new in Europe. It's the modern, tablet-screen Subaru: big infotainment, standard AWD, available turbo grunt. Buyers want a safe, all-weather sedan with current tech and don't mind that it's the last of a dying breed.
Two engines. The base FB25 2.5 naturally aspirated four is the sensible, frugal choice — proven and unstressed. The FA24F 2.4 turbo (XT trims) is the one to have if you want real pull; it's the same family as the WRX/Ascent motor, strong and tractable. Neither engine is one to avoid outright, but the turbo car's CVT is the part to scrutinize.
The headline issue is a CVT chain-slip recall (WRK-21) on turbo cars: a 2020-2021 transmission control unit programming error can let the clutch engage before the drive chain is fully clamped, risking damage — verify the recall is closed. EyeSight is the other recurring complaint: false pre-collision braking, with NHTSA complaints and a class-action settlement covering these years; confirm the software's current. DCM/battery drain is a known gremlin — the data communication module and parasitic draw can flatten the 12V battery, sometimes returning even after a swap. And the Denso fuel-pump recall reaches into the early BT years too; check it's done.
Test-drive red flags: any CVT shudder, slip or hesitation (especially on FA24 cars); phantom EyeSight braking; a dead or weak 12V battery and signs of repeated jump-starts; an open recall on the VIN. Pull the recall history before you buy.
2026 used pricing: BT sedans broadly span the high teens to low thirties depending on year, mileage and turbo trim; the used Legacy market averages around $20,000, with clean late XTs near the top and early base cars under $15,000.
Insider pick: a 2022-2023 FA24F XT Limited with the WRK-21 CVT recall closed and EyeSight software current. The turbo makes this heavy sedan feel genuinely quick, and a verified, post-recall transmission removes the one real long-term worry. If you just need transport, a base FB25 with a clean recall record is the safe, cheap play.
Generations
Engine Overview
The Subaru Legacy BT is available with 2 engine variants — from 167 to 272 hp.
The 2.5-litre NA petrol boxer with a timing chain uses port or direct injection depending on the year. At 125–134 kW it gives enough torque for the mid-size models and is fundamentally solid. The early 2011–2014 builds are affected by the known oil-consumption issue (piston rings, settled by a US class action). Across the years a cam-carrier oil leak appears, whose repair needs the engine out and can run into four figures. The direct-injection units from 2019 tend to coke the valves and have a fragile electronic thermo-control valve whose cracking plastic housing can cause overheating — here too the maker extended the warranty significantly. Otherwise a reliable daily engine with no timing-belt service.
- !! Thermo Control Valve Failure (2019-2022) from 60,000 km
The direct-injection engines' electronic thermo-control valve (from 2019) has a plastic housing that cracks; coolant vapour destroys the internal electronics. Stuck closed, the engine overheats within minutes. Subaru extended the warranty to 15 years/150,000 miles (part 21319AA010 → 21319AA040).
Symptoms: Check-engine light with codes P0128/P0125/P26Ax, no or delayed heater warmth, fluctuating coolant temperature, in severe cases sudden overheating. - !! Oil Consumption — Piston Rings (2011-2014) from 40,000 km
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 - !! Cam Carrier Seal Leak from 100,000 km
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 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
The 2.4-litre turbo boxer with direct injection is the larger-displacement evolution of the smaller turbo DI — same basic concept, but more low-end torque and smoother running. Direct injection brings the same valve coking, so regular intake cleaning should be planned. On assembly too much oil-pan sealant was sometimes used, which can break loose and clog the oil screen — on purchase watch the oil pressure and a clean service history. Oil-pan and timing-cover leaks and a brief cold-start chain rattle are known. Overall a strong, daily-usable engine whose weak points are manageable with good maintenance.
- !! Recall: PCV Valve Separation (WUW-08)
Recall WUW-08 (Dec 2019): ~51,600 vehicles. Steel washer in PCV valve separates due to heat cycling — engine oil and fragments enter combustion chamber. Engine loses drive power. Free repair; short block replaced if valve fragments not found.
- !! Sealant clogs the oil pickup screen from 20,000 km
Excess oil-pan RTV silicone breaks loose in the crankcase and collects on the oil pickup screen. With enough material it throttles oil flow to the point of starvation and major engine damage — sometimes at low mileage.
Symptoms: Oil-pressure warning light, knocking or rattle from the bottom end, sudden power loss up to engine seizure. - !! Recall: low-pressure fuel pump (NHTSA 20V218)
Low-pressure pumps with insufficient impeller density can crack. The pump runs inefficiently or fails, the engine can stall while driving and not restart. Subaru replaces the pump free of charge.
Symptoms: Warning light, power loss, sudden stalling while driving, a no-restart.
+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Recall: CVT Chain Slip (WRK-21) Recall WRK-21/WRK-22: TCU software error allows CVT chain to slip before clutch fully engages. Chain guide can break — loss of motive power while driving. Affects turbo model years 2020–2021. Symptoms: Jerking on takeoff, sudden loss of power, transmission warning light from 40,000 km | Low |
Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 15 weaknesses have been documented for the Subaru Legacy BT (2020–2025) — 11 engine-related and 4 vehicle-related. One problem engine: FB25 (2.5L NA). Typical issues affect Gearbox, Electronics, Other.
Legacy (FA24F, 2020–2025) — Be Careful: Recall: PCV Valve Separation (WUW-08), Sealant clogs the oil pickup screen, Recall: low-pressure fuel pump (NHTSA 20V218). Power: 260 PS.
Legacy (FB25, 2020–2025) — Stay Away!: Thermo Control Valve Failure (2019-2022), Oil Consumption — Piston Rings (2011-2014), Cam Carrier Seal Leak. Power: 182 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
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee