94 of the
4,165 complaints filed about the Subaru Legacy
are about the lighting —
2% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2011.
The computer screen has an issue where there is bubbling in the lamination causing the screen to go nuts and become a distracting hazard that you can not shut off. It's a known Subaru Legacy issue and should be a recall. A new screen is $2000 plus, which is not feasable for the average person to pay and it's become a safety hazard, ect.
NHTSA complaint #11745102 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Notice significant rust or corrosion on my 2010 Subaru Legacy, especially on the subframe. Had it professional inspected and confirmed on December 6, 2025 because it was making a squeaky noise when I applied the brakes. I purchased this vehicle 02/15/20 used, was not told about corrosion. Bought vehicle at Maxon Buick GMC in Union, New Jersey. Also,my headlight bulbs keeps going out every year since I purchased my Legacy.
NHTSA complaint #11703856 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The Driver Side Rear View when I started the Car back in January of 2024 after car had been running for 30 Seconds smoke and Fire flames were seen coming through that rear view mirror immediately contacted Subaru of America and was called back with urgency and they fixed this issue but since then I haves a few other issues I believe relate to the wiring inside the vehicle and due to the wiring, which caused the fire. I have tried to contact Subaru of America and let them know this and have had no luck with any type of help with other repairs.
NHTSA complaint #11687253 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am the original owner since purchased new on the dealer lot in 2013. Within the first year, the drivers side headlight prematurely burned out (low beam). I have had to replace four bulbs (so far) since owning vehicle. The first two incidents I payed over $100 to have the bulb changed/replaced by a local mechanic. Since then, I have figured out how to replace the bulbs myself; but unfortunately the remedy is to remove the front driver's tire, remove inner plastic wheel well, and finagle and twist my arm to do this procedure (not easy!). Two main issues: Subaru needs to recall and fix the issue that is prematurely burning out this bulb, and 2; bring back the ability to (engineering design) that allows the owner of the vehicle to replace this bulb from the engine bay - NOT going through a procedure that involves a lengthy and expensive repair.
NHTSA complaint #11670796 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Frequently, while driving in the dark, oncoming traffic flashes their bright lights at me because they believe my brights are on. I flash them back to show them they are not on. I informed my local Subaru dealership on two separate occasions about the problem, and both times I was told there is nothing that can be done, that the lights are not adjustable and the bulbs are not too bright from the factory. I continue to have issues every time I drive the vehicle, most of my driving is in the dark. This morning, another driver behaved in a manner that made me fear for my safety. I was following a line of cars, and the vehicle in front of me pulled over to the side of the road and then pulled back on the road directly behind me. The driver continually flashed his brights at me, I'm guessing they were irritated because they believed my brights were on when I was following them. This continued for about 5 minutes. I almost called 911 because I feared for my safety and the mental stability of the driver behind me. Eventually the driver turned off the roadway and took another route than I was taking and the situation ended. I now fear for the safety of myself and other drivers, because my lights are too bright and the Subaru dealership will do nothing to remedy the safety issue. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced at the local Subaru dealership on 12/19/2023. The dealership claimed they were able to adjust the headlights and that they are properly adjusted to specs. However, there is not a noticeable difference, nor does any other vehicles on the road.
NHTSA complaint #11560450 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The car had been going on several local stops. Car was in the middle of a main thoroughfare ready to turn on to interstate ramp when the car completely stopped functioning. Battery light came on briefly before the vehicle became completely non-responsive. Among other things non-functioning, Emergency lights would not work, electric park brake would not engage. Could not get out of car to flee danger as car would freely roll and no way to stop except to hold brake with foot pressed. Ultimately car was chocked and jumped by AAA tow truck. Technician said battery was dead but alternator was working when he started it up. After 3 days of diagnostics, Subaru dealer cannot find a fault which let the new auto battery simply drain to nothing state and thus make the car non-responsive. Thank the good Lord this did not happen after turning on to the interstate.
NHTSA complaint #11527627 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2011 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the headlights failed to illuminate. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #11501043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I have a 2015 subaru legacy 2.5i engine. The problem i have is a blown fuse in the main compartment F26 (backup). I have read subaru forum(s) and in earlier years this is same issue that I current have in my car. In the older models this was recalled and the issue was reworked at subaru repair centers at their cost. This issue also said it could cause a over heating and possible cause a fire. Please look into this issue. Kind Regards, Doug Whittemore 57 lexington ave. haverhill, MA 01835
NHTSA complaint #11419586 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WAS WARNED BY OTHER DRIVERS THAT MY TAIL LIGHTS WERE OUT SEVERAL TIMES. CLOCK AND SAVED RADIO STATIONS WENT OUT AND NOW BROUGHT THE CAR IN FOR YEARLY INSPECTION AND MAJOR OIL LEAK FROM GASKET. 16,000 MILES ON THIS CAR. NEVER HAVE I HAD SO MANY PROBLEMS.
NHTSA complaint #11399636 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THE ELECTRICAL IN MY CAR SOMETIMES WORKS AND SOMETIMES NOT WHILE DRIVING THE LIGHTS FOR NOTIFICATION OF BRAKE OR ANS GO OFF AND ON. MY HEADLIGHTS WILL OCCASIONALLY BLINK TOO.
NHTSA complaint #11388808 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, SHE HAD BEEN NOTIFIED BY OTHER DRIVERS THAT HER HEADLIGHTS WERE TOO BRIGHT AND DISTRACTING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ONE DAY WHILE HER HUSBAND WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE HAD ATTEMPTED TO PASS THE VEHICLE. UPON PASSING THEIR VEHICLE, THE OTHER DRIVER ASSUMED THAT HER HUSBAND WAS TRYING TO ANTAGONIZE HIM BY FLASHING HIS HIGH BEAMS; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT HAD THE HEADLIGHTS SET AT THE NORMAL LEVEL. THE OTHER DRIVER BECAME ENRAGED AND ATTEMPTED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS TO RUN THEIR VEHICLE OFF OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO GET THE CONTACT'S LICENSE PLATE AND THE POLICE WERE CALLED FOR ASSISTANCE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT HAD SPOKEN TO SUBARU PACIFIC(14700 HINDRY AVE, HAWTHORNE, CA 90250) AND INFORMED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO SWITCH OUT THE ORIGINAL HEADLIGHTS; THEY OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. A MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11343539 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 58 MPH THE DRIVER SIDE HEADLAMP BECAME INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FOG LAMPS WERE ALSO INOPERABLE. THE HEADLAMP BULBS AND FOG LAMP BULBS WERE REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. A LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #11310425 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I RECENTLY NOTICED THAT SOME ELEMENTS OF MY REAR HATCH ON MY SUBARU LEGACY WAGON WERE NOT WORKING. SPECIFICALLY, THE LIGHTS THAT ILLUMINATE THE LICENSE PLATE, THE REAR DEFROSTER, CENTER BRAKE LIGHT, HATCH LOCKING MECHANISM, AND RADIO ANTENNA WERE NOT WORKING. AN INSPECTION OF THE AREA WHERE THE WIRES ENTER THE HATCH DOOR FROM THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE REVEALS THAT SEVERAL OF THE WIRES IN THE HARNESS WERE BROKEN COMPLETELY WITH SOME WIRES IN VARIOUS STATES OF DETERIORATION. I BELIEVE THIS IS AN UNUSUAL FAILURE AND NOT A TYPICAL WEAR ITEM. I AM CONCERNED AS I HAVE LOST THE ABILITY TO PROPERLY LOCK AND SECURE MY VEHICLE, TO CLEAR FROST AND ICE FROM THE REAR GLASS FOR PROPER VISIBILITY, LOST THE ABILITY TO ILLUMINATE MY LICENSE PLATE WHICH COULD RESULT IN BEING PULLED OVER BY LAW ENFORCEMENT. OVER TIME, CONTINUED DETERIORATION WILL RESULT IN THE INABILITY TO USE MY REAR WIPER AND REVERSE LIGHTS. THEY'RE SEEMS TO BE A DEFECT WITH THE WIRING USED IN THIS AREA. IT WAS NOT CAPABLE OF WITHSTANDING NORMAL USE REPETITIONS OF OPENING AND CLOSING THE HATCH DOOR. THERE ARE MANY MEMBERS OF THE SUBARU LEGACY AND OUTBACK COMMUNITIES THAT HAVE HAD THIS ISSUE OCCUR. I BELIEVE THAT THIS WILL HAPPEN TO ALL SUBARU LEGACY OR OUTBACK MODELS 05-09 GIVEN ENOUGH TIME.
NHTSA complaint #11308299 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AS OTHER DRIVER COMPLAINS, MY LOW BEAM HEAD LIGHT BULBS (BOTH SIDES) HAVE BEEN BURNED OUT EVERY 6 TO 10 MONTHS. SOMETIMES I NEEDED TO REPLACE THEM IN ICE COLD WINTER OUTSIDE IN THE SNOW. BECAUSE MUD GUARDS NEED TO BE MOVED TO REPLACE BULBS, PLASTIC FASTENERS ALSO NEEDED TO BE REPLACED EVERY SO OFTEN. THIS IS QUITE RIDICULOUS.
NHTSA complaint #11245637 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
OVER THE PAST 9.5 YEARS THAT I'VE OWNED THE CAR, I'VE HAD TO REPLACE THE HEADLIGHT BULBS ON BOTH SIDES AT LEAST 5 TIMES IN EACH SIDE. I'VE TALKED TO SUBARU ABOUT THIS AND THEY CANNOT GIVE ME A DEFINITE ANSWER/SOLUTION TO PROBLEM. THEY DID EXTEND WARRANTY TO 10 YEARS REGARDING THIS SO THEY KNOW SOMETHING IS GOING ON BUT DO NOT DISCLOSE TO CUSTOMERS. I'M JUST TRYING TO FIGURE OUT A PERMANENT SOLUTION
NHTSA complaint #11186517 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT BULB KEEP BLOWING OUT. REPLACED 4X IN THE PAST. TWICE LAST MONTH. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN/ISSUE ESPECIALLY IF DRIVING AT NIGHT NOT TO MENTION THE COST AND HASSLE OF HAVING TO CHANGE OUT THE LAMPS SO OFTEN.
NHTSA complaint #11174614 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AT 87K MILES, DRIVER SIDE LOW BEAM WAS BURNED OUT, SINCE CHANGING THE BULB IS DONE VIA THE FENDER LINING, IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO DO YOURSELF. BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER WHO THEN FOUND THAT 3 OTHER BULBS WERE OUT. (INNER/OUTER MARKERS, D/S BULB). THE TECHNICIAN MENTIONED THAT THE 2014 LEGACY HAD A DESIGN ISSUE WHEREBY MULTIPLE LIGHTS CAN FAIL, ONCE THE LOW BEAM GOES. HE ALSO MENTIONED THE DESIGN WAS CORRECTED FOR 2015 MODEL YEAR. COST $94 TO CHANGE THE BULBS.
NHTSA complaint #11163918 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WIRES THAT GO TO THE REAR HATCH FOR THE WIPER AND THIRD BRAKE LIGHT ARE SEVERED AFTER REPEATED OPENING/CLOSING OF REAR HATCH AND AFFECT THE FUNCTIONALITY.
NHTSA complaint #11140620 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THIS IS THE 3RD TIME IN 5 YEARS THAT I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ON BOTH SIDES OF MY VEHICLE. SEEMS TO BE AN INFERIOR SYSTEM OR ELECTRICAL ISSUE. THIS RESULTS IN A SAFETY CONCERN ESPECIALLY IF DRIVING AT NIGHT NOT TO MENTION THE COST AND HASSLE OF HAVING TO CHANGE OUT THE LAMPS SO OFTEN.
NHTSA complaint #11105292 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.