What's Wrong with the 5th Generation (2010–2014) Legacy?

Legacy owners have made 78 complaints about the 2010–2014 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 25th out of 38 Subaru generations in overall reliability, with real lights and engine concerns.

Compare With Other Legacy Generations

Common 2010-2014 Subaru Legacy Problems

Some of the worst issues 5th generation Legacy owners have to deal with.

  1. Lineartronic CVT Reliability

    Once praised for its design, Subaru's CVT is showing problems with age. It can shake occupants back and forth as it wobbles its way though gears. In extreme cases it can hesitate so much it causes the engine to stall, forcing Subaru to exte…

    Continue reading article "Lineartronic CVT Reliability"

  4. Excessive Oil Consumption

    Subaru is one of a handful of automakers accused of making new engines that excessively burn through oil. And they'll tell you that adding a quart (or two) between scheduled changes is totally normal. It's not.

    Continue reading article "Excessive Oil Consumption" Top view of a Subaru engine."

What Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

5th Generation (2010–2014) Legacy Key Numbers

  1. 5 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 78 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 25th in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 38 eligible generations.

Recent Lawsuits for 5th Generation Legacy Owners

  • Settled

    Yaeger, et al. v. Subaru of America Inc., et al.

    1. Settled

      Lawsuit claims some of its most popular models burn oil at an expensive and excessive rate. The lawsuit, filed in a New Jersey federal court, alleges the cars are defective because the piston rings wear out early and can cause engine failure while on the road.

    Problem
    Excessive Oil Consumption
    Class Vehicles
    • 2011-2014 Forester
    • 2013 Legacy
    • 2013 Outback
    • 2012-2013 Impreza
    • 2013 XV Crosstrek
    Location
    New Jersey

Recent 5th Generation (2010–2014) Legacy News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  1. Subaru is recalling 783,000 vehicles to replace dangerous Takata airbag inflators.

    This campaign is part of an industry-wide effort involving more than a dozen automakers and 1.7 million vehicles. The chemical inside of Takata airbag inflators can become unstable over time, leading to violent and sometimes deadly airbag deployments. The recall is for both driver and passenger side inflators in certain 2010-2014 model years, but is limited to certain states.

    keep reading article "The Latest 783,000 Subaru Vehicles Recalled with Takata Inflators"

  2. Subaru is recalling 27,000 model year 2010-2014 Legacy and Outback vehicles because the electronic parking brake might not engage. All the recalled cars have manual transmissions.

    The automaker found a capacitor on the circuit board and/or the actuator stroke sensor magnetic ring located in the control unit of electronic parking brake may crack over time.

    Anyone else remember when parking brakes weren’t fancy and just worked? Those were good times.

    keep reading article "Subaru Recalls Electronic Parking Brake That Might Not Engage"

  3. After some prodding, Subaru has decided to extend the warranty on their Lineartronic CVT.

    A Subaru transmission warranty extension has been issued for 2010-2015 Legacy and Outback, 2012-2015 Impreza, 2013-2015 Crosstrek, 2014-2015 Crosstrek Hybrid, 2014-2015 Forester and 2015 WRX vehicles, all equipped with continuously variable transmissions (CVTs).

    However, it’s a limited time offer. Inspections or repairs need to be completed by July 31, 2018.

    keep reading article "Subaru Extends Their CVT Warranty, but it’s a Limited Time Offer"

What Legacy Owners Say About This Generation

Subaru Takes a Crude Stance on Oil Consumption

I monitor the oil on my low mileage car (now with 52,000) and every 1000 miles check it. I put in 6.9 quarts and it consumes about 1.5 quarts every 4000 miles. I change it at 5000 miles and use an independent mechanic I trust, and I put in additional oil at 4000 miles so I can make it to 5000 miles. Subaru says they care about the environment - they don't.

2013 Legacy Owner in CA