Normally, the Subaru Legacy is a solid vehicle that is known for its full-time all-wheel drive, fuel economy, and family-friendly features. However, used car buyers might want to look out for two years in particular – 2009 and 2015. What were the major problems with the Subaru Legacy in these two years?

Big problems with the 2015 Subaru Legacy

Unfortunately for owners of the 2015 Subaru Legacy, this is a year that would have been better avoided. CarComplaints.com recorded a large spike in complaints in the 2015 model year.

The most complained-about problem was excessive wind noise. Owners started noticing the problem at around 950 miles when they heard a loud noise at around 40 miles per hour. The noise was mainly on the driver’s side near the small triangle window. 

Drivers of the 2015 Subaru Legacy also experienced the smell of the engine burning before the car had even gone 1,000 miles. At an average of 650 miles, some drivers noticed a burning smell. This turned out to oil burning, which was a disappointment.

The third problem, appearing at an average of 1,000 miles, was a very rough ride in the 2015 Subaru Legacy. Car Complaints gave this a severity rating of nine, which is “really awful.” People described the ride as bumpy and bouncy to the point of their head bouncing off the headrests. 

The 2009 Subaru Legacy was even worse

It turns out the 2009 Subaru Legacy was even worse because it had the ultimate car complaint – engine failure. This was an extremely expensive repair at an average of $5,040. The problem occurred at around 71,550 miles without any warning. Car Complaints gave this serious problem a severity rating of 9.3, or “really awful.” The only solution was to replace the entire engine.

Another problem drivers of the 2009 Subaru Legacy experienced was a head gasket leak. This is an expensive fix because in order to repair the head gasket, the whole engine needs to be removed. It cost owners an average of $1,600 and occurred at around 140,000 miles.

Another problem that was less significant was the airbag light coming on. This repair typically costs about $2,000. Overall, the 2009 Subaru Legacy had the most problems. 

The new Legacy solves these problems

In 2020, Subaru Legacy drivers don’t have any of these problems. The 2020 Subaru Legacy has the largest interior of any Legacy yet. It has been completely redesigned and has Subaru’s standard full-time all-wheel drive, enhanced safety, and a comfortable interior.

Technology upgrades include a brand-new touchscreen interface that integrates beautifully in a horizontal position in the center of the dash with other controls and inputs laid out around it. The 2020 Subaru Legacy offers drivers built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, premium audio, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. 

The Touring XT model takes it up a notch with even more refined style and power. There’s an all-new, turbocharged 260-hp engine pumping out 277 lb-ft of torque. It has a supple leather interior, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and even heated rear seats. 

Every Subaru in 2020 has a suite of driver-assist features in every vehicle. Standard driver-assist technology includes automatic pre-collision braking, advanced adaptive cruise control with lane centering, and optimized cruise control that takes the stress out of your drive by monitoring the traffic around you at all times. 

Luckily for Subaru lovers, the Legacy only has a few years to look out for – 2015 and especially 2009. Although the ’09 model had problems as serious as engine failure, the 2020 Subaru Legacy makes up for it with the largest interior of any Legacy and improved technology features.