Owners have filed 143 complaints
about the 2020 Subaru Legacy with NHTSA between 2020 and 2026.
The largest single group is the windows, mirrors & wipers.
Across this model's run it ranks 19 of 33 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 61
Against the median year of the Subaru Legacy. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 14
2.8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
97% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Windshield
838.1%
Warnings
419.0%
Automatic Emergency Braking
29.5%
Assist
29.5%
Adaptive Cruise Control
29.5%
Rearview System Braking
14.8%
Warnings
14.8%
Accelerator Pedal
14.8%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
35.1%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
3864.4%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
1322.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
46.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
11.7%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Feb 2020peak 8Jun 2026
Recalls on the 2020 Subaru Legacy
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20241905,870 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: On certain vehicles, an electrical component in the sensors for the occupant detection system (ODS) may not have been manufactured properly and could crack. Over time, moisture could enter the crack and cause a short circuit. If this happens, the passenger-front airbag may not deploy in a crash, even when a passenger is seated. Note: This problem would cause the SRS warning light to turn on in the instrument panel and the passenger airbag indicator light would display "OFF". Safety Risk: An airbag that does not work properly could increase the risk of injury to a passenger in a crash. Corrective Actions: Subaru will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the ODS sensors in the front passenger seat. To reduce the safety risk, Subaru advises that you shouldn't use the front passenger seat if the SRS (airbag) warning light is on and the passenger airbag indicator light displays "OFF".
Recall 202174513,034 units in Canada
Powertrain
Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem in the transmission control unit (TCU) may cause the drive chain to slip or break. If this happens while the vehicle is in motion, there could be a loss of power to the wheels. Safety Risk: A loss of power to the wheels could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Subaru will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to inspect the transmission chain guide and update the TCU. If necessary, the transmission assembly will be replaced.
Recall 202146613,717 units in Canada
Fuel System
Issue: On certain vehicles, the low-pressure fuel pump could fail. If this happens, then engine may run rough or may not start and the check engine light may turn on. This could also result in a sudden loss of engine power while driving. Safety Risk: A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Subaru will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace the fuel pump.
Recall 2020607438 units in Canada
Visual System
Issue: On certain vehicles, a software update could cause the Centre Information Display ("CID") to go blank. When this happens, the cockpit control module ("CCM") will continuously reboot every three (3) minutes. As a result, the rearview camera image will disappear during the reboot process. Safety Risk: A rearview camera that turns off could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Subaru will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to update vehicle software. If the centre information display is not working properly, the cockpit control module will be replaced.
Recall 2019536355 units in Canada
Accessories
Issue: Certain vehicles were shipped with the incorrect floor mat bracket. As a result, the floor mats may not be properly attached. A driver’s floor mat that moves could interfere with the accelerator or brake pedals. Safety Risk: A floor mat that interferes with the accelerator and/or the brake pedal could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Subaru will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to inspect the floor mat bracket. If the wrong part is installed, it will be replaced. Subaru recommends that you remove the driver’s floor mat until the recall repairs are performed.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Davenport, IAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
One hour into traveling on the highway smoke began to come from under the hood so we pulled off to the side of the road. Upon opening the hood, after the smoke cleared, a fire was observed. At that point the passengers exited the vehicle and called 911. There was no warning lights or sounds indicating any problems prior to this. The car burned very quickly and the firefighters extinguished the fire but not before the entire car was burned to ashes. The car is wrapped and in the possession of the insurance company pending investigation.
NHTSA complaint #11674078 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Davenport, IAFire
ENGINE
One hour into traveling on the highway smoke began to come from under the hood so we pulled off to the side of the road. Upon opening the hood, after the smoke cleared, a fire was observed. At that point the passengers exited the vehicle and called 911. There was no warning lights or sounds indicating any problems prior to this. The car burned very quickly and the firefighters extinguished the fire but not before the entire car was burned to ashes. The car is wrapped and in the possession of the insurance company pending investigation.
NHTSA complaint #11674078 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 16,200 milesHilton Head Island, SCCrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
The contact's wife owned a 2020 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated while his wife was driving approximately 3 MPH in a parking lot the vehicle suddenly accelerated and jumped the curb into woods and collided with a tree. The contact said his wife was not aware of any warning lights being illuminated. The vehicle front bumper and hood hit in the center and were both crumpled back about six inches. The contact hit the top of his head severely damaging the windshield on the passenger side and sustained minor cuts. Due to the sudden acceleration he had not been able to buckle his seat belt, additionally the airbags did not deploy. The contact was transported by ambulance to a hospital. The police were called, a report was written and the vehicle was towed to a holding lot. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact's insurance provider declared the vehicle a total loss. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 16,200.
NHTSA complaint #11460011 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Hebron, KY
STEERING
While driving there is a loss of power, the battery fails, electronic components shut down and car stops. Has happened intermittently. Replaced battery. This is a significant safety issue happened on freeway near exit ramp, in parking lot in driveway, everything cuts out. Opened hood and seems to be battery terminal connector. Recall was issued for certain Subaru models but not legacy. No warning, just cuts off. Is not a standard battery terminal connector. Had to secure battery down with cable ties.
NHTSA complaint #11745403 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hebron, KY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While driving there is a loss of power, the battery fails, electronic components shut down and car stops. Has happened intermittently. Replaced battery. This is a significant safety issue happened on freeway near exit ramp, in parking lot in driveway, everything cuts out. Opened hood and seems to be battery terminal connector. Recall was issued for certain Subaru models but not legacy. No warning, just cuts off. Is not a standard battery terminal connector. Had to secure battery down with cable ties.
NHTSA complaint #11745403 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hebron, KY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving there is a loss of power, the battery fails, electronic components shut down and car stops. Has happened intermittently. Replaced battery. This is a significant safety issue happened on freeway near exit ramp, in parking lot in driveway, everything cuts out. Opened hood and seems to be battery terminal connector. Recall was issued for certain Subaru models but not legacy. No warning, just cuts off. Is not a standard battery terminal connector. Had to secure battery down with cable ties.
NHTSA complaint #11745403 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Plains, PA
SEATS
Driver's seat structurally unstable due to factory-installed welded nut shearing off the seat rail anchor at approximately 32,000 miles. Confirmed by Napleton Subaru technician on video. Physical component in owner's possession. Failure is consistent with prior Subaru seat rail weld recalls. This affects seat stability, occupant restraint geometry, and crash protection.
NHTSA complaint #11728577 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 29,000 milesFort Worth, TX
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that during inclement weather, the front driver and front passenger’s side power windows failed to automatically roll up as intended. The contact was forced to hold the power window button to slowly roll the windows up. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where the contact was informed that there was debris in the slides inside the windows, causing the windows to fail to retract. The contact stated that the driver’s side window retractor was replaced; however, the failure returned soon after the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 29,000.
NHTSA complaint #11697739 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Davenport, IAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
One hour into traveling on the highway smoke began to come from under the hood so we pulled off to the side of the road. Upon opening the hood, after the smoke cleared, a fire was observed. At that point the passengers exited the vehicle and called 911. There was no warning lights or sounds indicating any problems prior to this. The car burned very quickly and the firefighters extinguished the fire but not before the entire car was burned to ashes. The car is wrapped and in the possession of the insurance company pending investigation.
NHTSA complaint #11674078 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Davenport, IAFire
ENGINE
One hour into traveling on the highway smoke began to come from under the hood so we pulled off to the side of the road. Upon opening the hood, after the smoke cleared, a fire was observed. At that point the passengers exited the vehicle and called 911. There was no warning lights or sounds indicating any problems prior to this. The car burned very quickly and the firefighters extinguished the fire but not before the entire car was burned to ashes. The car is wrapped and in the possession of the insurance company pending investigation.
NHTSA complaint #11674078 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Madison, OH
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Power window driver side intermittently fails to function, leaving window partly or completely open. This is an ongoing problem. Often I have to restart the car to get the window to operate properly. Difficult to drive when weather conditions change suddenly and window won’t close.
NHTSA complaint #11647859 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Woonsocket, RI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
in inclement weather the windows will not roll up, especially heavy rain events. The window will attempt to go up and then go into the fully open position. You have to wait a minute before the window will allow you to attempt again of reset the windows. This happen to me on the highway in a heavy rain. It has happened several times. Subaru knows of this problem and has a technical bulletin about it to change the motor and window tracks. They all should be changed before a fatality occurs
NHTSA complaint #11642640 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Swampscott, MA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Defective Cam Carrier Seal
NHTSA complaint #11638833 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Royal Oak, MI
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Legacy. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V227000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11616662 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New Castle, PA
VISIBILITY/WIPER
I have had two spontaneous window cracks within 6 to 9 months apart. I had a full windshield replacement and the windshield has just cracked again. The second incident, the vehicle was parked overnight so it wasn't caused by a rock or from following a car.
NHTSA complaint #11588664 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gaffney, SC
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The Thermo control valve is faulty and my friends is too. There is a class action lawsuit concerning this part. I replacement part was designed in 2021 and Subaru is aware of this issue, but refuses to do a recall. So far 2019, 2020 and 2021 models are affected.
NHTSA complaint #11578035 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Middletown, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Windshield On 3/5/24 I drove to work,...the windshield was intacted as of 8AM.. after my shift at 4PM mysteriously there was a line (crack in the window on the drivers side) around 6 inches....haven't been to my car since Wednesday 3/6/24... today 3/11/24 that crack has expanded to 12-14 inches across the drivers side The car is parked in my driveway
NHTSA complaint #11576744 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tucson, AZ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Sunroof exploded spontaneously while traveling down freeway. No one was within 3/4 of a mile in all directions.
NHTSA complaint #11568119 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Austin, TX
ENGINE
The engine thermo control valve has been defective and Subaru has known this issue since 2022 and has tried to do some software update but it is defective [XXX] ) despite multiple tries. This can overheat an engine, result in the front collision warning system (eyesight) and rear auto-braking not working. Specific to my case, the front and rear collision warning systems are off, auto lane departure avoidance system is off, the engine can overheat and has had reduced performance, and the check engine lights are also on. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11565945 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Benton, AR
POWER TRAIN
The coolant bypass valve was defective. You would have to ask the dealership to inspect it, they kept it when they changed it out. It is unsafe because the engine could have overheated and exploded. The problem has been confirmed Subaru of Little Rock. They replaced the valve and some other parts. The check engine light came on when I started the car the night of Dec 22, 2023. At this time, the heat was struggling, the vents were barely blowing, and the thermometer would only work sometimes. I want to upload the Subaru dealership paperwork I received when I picked up the car, but the upload function is not working. Please send me an email if you would like a copy.
NHTSA complaint #11564299 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rochester, MN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
We recently purchased a used 2020 Subaru Legacy sedan with ~33,000 miles on it. It has a salvage title due to previous owner hitting a deer, (no air bag deployed, just minor body work) and it was professionally repaired to "like-new" condition. Last weekend, when starting the car, the check engine light and a bunch of other warning lights came on. An OBDI scan showed a code of "P263A" indicating a problem with the Thermo Control Valve. As a result of the defective TCV, several major functions of the vehicle were automatically disabled: adaptive cruise control, eyesight system with lane keeping, automatic braking, as well as all cabin heating, windshield defrost function, and the engine temperature gauge. Without these systems properly working, the drivability of the vehicle is greatly impaired, especially in a Minnesota winter without a functional windshield defrost and engine temperature monitoring gauge. When taking the car into the local Subaru dealership for full diagnostics, they confirmed that indeed the TCV was bad, and quoted me a cost of $1135 to replace it. They claimed that since the car has a salvage title, Subaru's warranty will not cover any part of this repair. However, there is a known wide-spread failure of this Thermo Control Valve in the 2019-2021 cars as listed in Subaru Technical Bulletin [XXX] which clearly states that there is a redesigned TCV that replaces the defective earlier part and fixes the earlier design flaws of the one installed in 2019-2021 vehicles. I spoke with the Subaru of America Client Advocacy representative, and he was adamant that the salvage title negates any responsibility for Subaru to fix this know defectively designed Thermo Control Valve. My thinking is that the defective TCV is both a drivability and a safety issue, and due to the wide-spread early life failure of this part, Subaru should be compelled by a recall to replace the defective car in all customer cars. All ADAS is affected by a bad TCV. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORM
NHTSA complaint #11561151 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bedminster, NJ
POWER TRAIN
At approximately 30k miles we had noticed the vehicle sounded loud, like a Turbo. It got worse and after returning from our vacation trip to Maine, it was noticeable louder but couldn’t place a finger on the problem. We brought the vehicle in to Victory Subaru in Morristown and they diagnosed the two rear failed wheel bearings. My question is how can both wheel bearings fail at only 20k and is there a potential for a system wide recall? Thanks
NHTSA complaint #11558437 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Henderson, NV
TIRES:SIDEWALL
While driving on freeway the tire pressure warning light came on. I started to slow down and pull over and I felt the car wobble. I pulled to the side of the road and the tire had completely failed. The sidewalls, inside and out, had square chunks completely gone along the complete sidewall.
NHTSA complaint #11557557 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Edmond, OK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The front door window regulator of our 2020 Subaru Legacy is not working properly. It fails to raise and lower correctly and reliably which can be a safety issue especially in an emergency. The problem occurred without any prior warnings or messages. I am told by the dealership (Bob Moore Subaru of Oklahoma City) that it is part #61041AN00A that requires replacement.
NHTSA complaint #11555488 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Swarthmore, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Thermo Control Valve failed. Caused a short which affected all electrical components on its circuit. The car became inoperable in traffic.
NHTSA complaint #11549397 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Knoxville, TN
VISIBILITY/WIPER
This past Sunday evening, I drove to the convenience store 4 blocks away. As I returned, I noticed a crack in the windshield starting in the middle from the left edge and was about 12 inches long. No gravel marks were found, it had cracked for no apparent reason. Sitting the next night in the garage, the crack increased about 6 more inches by the next morning. Filed claim with my insurance and was subsequently replaced by Safelite here in Knoxville Tn. This cost me $100 out of pocket and no telling how much my insurance had paid. I just found the class action today.
NHTSA complaint #11548905 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Princeton, WV
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Thermo Control Valve has malfunctioned. It disables all driver assistance, like lane assist, blind spot, RAB, collision braking, etc. I have seen on many forums that this is a known issue, across multiple vehicles from Subaru from 2019 to about 2021. The was a TSB put out about a new and improved part to fix this known issue.
NHTSA complaint #11544993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Princeton, WV
ENGINE
Thermo Control Valve has malfunctioned. It disables all driver assistance, like lane assist, blind spot, RAB, collision braking, etc. I have seen on many forums that this is a known issue, across multiple vehicles from Subaru from 2019 to about 2021. The was a TSB put out about a new and improved part to fix this known issue.
NHTSA complaint #11544993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.