Subaru Legacy
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.
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
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
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
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
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
Vehicle Weaknesses 3
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.
EyeSight triggers emergency braking with no obstacle present, or fails to brake for an actual obstacle. BLS failure worsens the problem. Software updates usually available.
DCM (Data Communication Module) and infotainment cause elevated parasitic draw — battery dead after a few days of inactivity. Subaru acknowledged the issue; software reset usually required.
Reports & Tests
207 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2020–2025). Most reported: Wipers & Visibility (83), Other (48), Electrical (26).