155 of the
4,165 complaints filed about the Subaru Legacy
are about the body and structure —
4% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 1990.
The contact owns a 2010 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle became difficult to maneuver, and there were abnormal sounds coming from underneath the vehicle when the vehicle drove over potholes or objects on the roadway. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.
NHTSA complaint #11724603 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, there was a clicking sound coming from underneath the vehicle, and the vehicle swayed slightly before coming to a stop. The failure became more persistent, and the clicking sound became louder within a week. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who determined that the frame had severe rust that had created a hole near the ball joints on the driver’s side front wheel and informed the contact that the vehicle was not safe to drive. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #11686952 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While turning the wheel to back out of a parking spot, we heard a loud clunking sound. From that point on, while braking there were loud clunking sounds and the car pulled to the right. We brought it to our mechanic and was informed the front sub frame/ engine cradle, was completey rusted out due to corrosion from the inside. There was a mounting bolt protruding through a hole in the subframe and the suspension components were loose and damaged. They provided a photo showing the large hole and mounting bolt protruding. We were told it was unsafe to drive. We have to replace the sub frame, control arms and sway bar links. The sub frame supports these components, the engine and other parts!
NHTSA complaint #11674244 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Door Pillar Rust, yes its available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? UNKNOWN Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Contacted Subaru of America Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Not yet Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear?no. Both front doors have rust perforating from the inside. As you can see in the attached pictures, this is not surface rust nor an issue caused by my actions. After researching online, I found numerous similar issues reported not only with Legacy models but also with Imprezas, Outbacks, and Foresters.
NHTSA complaint #11652509 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2011 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH and driving over a speed bump, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the subframe was damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 14,000. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11618103 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The passenger side frame rusted through. The bolt holding the frame collapsed through the rusted frame while I was driving on the highway and I lost control of my car as I was entering an exit off the highway. My mechanic said the air conditioning system drips on this area of the frame causing the rust and failure of the frame to hold the bolt. There were no warnings prior to the incident except that I heard a popping sound when I took a right turn out of my driveway before heading onto the highway.
NHTSA complaint #11606238 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My car's belt had been screeching for a few weeks. I was planning on taking my car in the next day. When i turned my car off, all the electrical went out and it started smoking on the driver's side. I got my car towed to the nearest auto shop. They replaced the battery and belt and yet the electrical was still out. When they tested the fuse, the driver's mirror caught on fire and was smoking. Thank goodness I was not driving when this occurred as that could have been scary. They replaced the fuse, but now I can't auto up / down my window. When I reached out to Subaru, they wanted $200 just to inspect it and $1,000 for a mirror replacement. I told them the situation and they didn't care. I also emailed them and never received a response. I googled this issue and other Subaru cars have had this issue and noted water coming in the mirror so now I'm frightened to get a car wash. There was no warning light or anything unfamiliar.
NHTSA complaint #11570260 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle windshield developed a crack unknown reasons. Crack developed at the very bottom of the windshield below the trim. Nothing has impacted the windshield whatsoever.
NHTSA complaint #11539355 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The subframe failed. We were told it should not be used till the part is completely replaced. This was after coming back from a trip from New York to WI. After taking it to an independent dealer we were told the part was on back order on July 5th. After being told the part was finally in on August 14th I was told that the Subaru dealership said they made a mistake and that part was not for the independent dealership I’m working threw but for one of their customers. Seems this subframe is such an issue with the Subaru legacy’s that there’s a several week to several months back order. Just wondering if it’s such an issue and possible safety risk why there’s no recall?
NHTSA complaint #11538994 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Windshield spontaneously cracked at top. I came outside in the morning after a temperature fluctuation and there was a crack at the top with one piece of the glass sitting lower… it has since grown. I have been forced to drive with the crack as Subaru will do anything to not honor a warranty, ever. The eyesight I am learning is necessary for the vehicle to avoid front end collisions and to properly deploy the airbag. The crack started in November, it’s almost August, and I cannot get it replaced under the warranty I paid. I see many people have the same problem. You can even see where the windshield cracked where an iPass was mounted from a temperature change. The wipers also cannot keep up with moderate rain, causing rain blindness in moderate precipitation and the lightest rain will turn off the eyesight causing a malfunction that will not assist in avoiding a collision. In addition, I will be complaining with the CFTC for the warranty issues. I cannot even get records of my warranty or service. Example: window regulator was a problem off the log, and salesman used it as an example, service won’t repair. I regret buying a Subaru, they claim to be safe and reliable with great service, I am only having problems that affect the safe operation of the vehicle and I paid all this extra for full bumper to bumper and they tell me that it doesn’t exist. In addition, that vehicle claims to get close to 30mpg, I am being completely honest when I say I had about the same mileage in a 1995 Cadillac Deville, and the mileage I got in a 2009 BMW twin-turbo far exceeded the mpg. I tried to get it repaired today under warranty. I was yelled at that it was an impact, and I wish I knew… would have said, “is it more likely that I’m lying or the company that’s been successfully sued 4 times for this exact problem is at fault?” Perhaps there was a light impact in the months AFTER it broke parked in a unheated garage.
NHTSA complaint #11535129 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hood released and blew open while doing 50 mph. After checking oil level, I closed and verified hood was latched, which it was. Driving about 2miles down road, hood blew up causing instant panic and stopping. After pulling over, I found that the hood would no longer latch. I had to use a hammer to bend the latch forward enough to have it latch again.
NHTSA complaint #11526784 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was driving on the interstate going about 75 mph and suddenly my hood popped up and blocked my view. The hood cracked the windshield and was pushed back, in a way that doesn't allow it to close anymore. The hood warning light was not showing and I have driven hours earlier at highway speeds without a problem. The hood jack is snapped off. The problem has not been reproduced or looked at by my insurance, or a service center yet.
NHTSA complaint #11523036 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2005 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that the hydraulic brake lines were leaking. The brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the contact was informed that there was rust covering the subframe of the vehicle and fuel tank. The dealer declined to complete a recall repair under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V311000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.
NHTSA complaint #11500294 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that there was air noises coming into the vehicle from the vents of the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who stated that they believed the noises were coming from near the mirrors of the vehicle. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.
NHTSA complaint #11459968 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
1. Dealer confirmed the car frame is rusted and a safety issue 2. Dealer confirmed the car frame is a safety issue due to the frame could separate 3. Yes dealer has confirmed the rusted frame is a safety issue 4. Yes the dealer has inspected this car and confirmed the frame is a safety issue 5. No lights or messages
NHTSA complaint #11459195 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The trunk does not stay open leading to sudden closing on body and head for anyone trying to use the trunk. Leading to a concussion and multiple injuries. Dealership said to place a complaint as there has not yet been a recall for this issue. There is no warning prior to this issue occurring.
NHTSA complaint #11457623 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I'VE HAD TO REPLACE THE CARS FRONT WINDSHIELD TWICE SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR FROM THE DEALER. THE WINDSHIELD CRACKS WITH THE SLIGHTEST IMPACT FROM A SMALL PIECE OF DEBRIS OR ROCK WHILE DRIVING AT FREEWAY SPEEDS.
NHTSA complaint #11403537 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WHENEVER IT RAIN THE SUN ROOF LEAKS INSIDE THE CAR , WATER HAD FLOODED THE FLOOR RUGS AND SEATS ALSO THE BACKUP CAMERA WAS FILLED WITH WATER HAD TO REPLACED $237.99 THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY
NHTSA complaint #11398032 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THE CHILD SAFETY LOCK ON THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE WILL NOT DISENGAGE. IT HAPPENED SUDDENLY (UNKNOWN). YOU CAN'T OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE, BUT YOU CAN OPEN IT FROM THE OUTSIDE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE PASSENGERS COULD NOT GET OUT OF THE DOOR IF AN ACCIDENT WERE TO OCCUR. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY. THE ACTUATOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. AFTER SEARCHING ONLINE RECENTLY THERE ARE A NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE THIS ISSUE WITH THEIR SUBARU.
NHTSA complaint #11374078 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.