RoadVitals

2005 Subaru Legacy Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
183
Latest Jul 28, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
18
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
15

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2005 Subaru Legacy, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

33
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

AS WE WERE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, WE HEARD WHAT SOUNDED LIKE A AIRPLANE PROPELLER WHIRLING. THE CAR THEN STOPPED. THE MECHANIC AT THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP SAID WE BLEW A CYLINDER. THE CAR IS NOW IN NEED OF A NEW ENGINE OR WILL BE SCRAPPED. WE KEPT THE CAR SERVICE RELIGIOUSLY AND WAS IN GREAT SHAPE. HOW DOES THIS HAPPEN? I THOUGHT WE HAD A RELIABLE CAR.

NHTSA ID 10748165 · filed Aug 12, 2015

THE 2005 SUBURU SUDDENLY STOPS NO MATTER WEATHER GOING 35 MPH OR 70MPH WITHOUT WARNING! LATER THE ENGINE WARNING FLASHES, THEN THE CRUISE CONTROL FLASHES, AFTER ABT. 20 SECONDS IT STARTS, BUT STOPS INTERMITTENTLY W/O WARNING. LIFE/DEATH RISK.JUST BOUGHT IT 5 MOS. AGO. THE TURBO MALFUNCTIONS--CRACKS. *TR

NHTSA ID 10629179 · filed Aug 28, 2014
All 33 reports naming engine

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

30
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

While driving to work, my brake pedal went to the floor and I lost 90% of braking power. After managing to get the car back home, and topping up brake fluid, I noticed a puddle of it right in front of the passenger rear wheel. After doing research, found that this was a problem for this car, covered under recall WQK-47. Having bought this car used a few months ago, I checked and apparently this recall had been performed, but was obviously not successful in preventing the failure of my brakes. After researching the recall, found that there were 2 remedies depending on the inspection performed by the dealer when the car was brought in for the original recall work. According to the service records, the application of a protective rustproofing wax material was performed, which was supposed to prevent the deterioration of the brake lines. The other remedy for the recall was to replace the brake lines, which was not done on my vehicle. After this issue happened, I brought my vehicle to my Subaru dealer, and contacted Subaru of America to open a case. After a week and minimal communication or information from Subaru of America, I received a call stating they would not cover my brake lines under the recall, even though they failed at the exact point specified by the safety recall, showing that the repair previously done was not effective in ensuring the safety of the vehicle.

NHTSA ID 11753193 · filed Jul 28, 2026

Brake lines were definitely not replaced even though known to be defective and prone to corrosion and leaks. Almost got into a accident because the known recalled area let go on the highway

NHTSA ID 11736111 · filed May 6, 2026
All 30 reports naming brakes

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

27
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

DRIVING VEHICLE EASTBOUND ON HWY-14 IN VANCOUVER, WA, APPROX 60 MPH. VEHICLE LOST POWER AND WOULD NOT RESTART. AFTER WE GOT VEHICLE HOME, INSPECTION FOUND HIGH PRESSURE FUEL LINE HAD BLOWN-OFF AT THE FUEL PUMP CONNECTION, CAUSING LARGE AMOUNT OF FUEL TO LEAK UNDER THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ID 11145075 · filed Nov 3, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ODOR OF FUEL WAS PRESENT INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE FUEL FLANGE BRACKET ASSEMBLY CHAMBER (PART NUMBER: 42052AG87A) HAD CRACKED AND CAUSED FUEL TO LEAK FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ORDERED THE PART FROM THE MANUFACTURER AND REPLACED THE FAILED PART. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED APPROXIMATELY 15,000 MILES LATER. THE LOCAL DEALER (HADDAD SUBARU, 652 E. ST., PITTSFIELD, MA) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000.

NHTSA ID 11129934 · filed Sep 17, 2018
All 27 reports naming fuel system

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

25
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE CD PLAYER TURNS ON BY ITSELF WHEN RADIO IS ON. NOTHING SPECIFICALLY MAKES IT HAPPEN LIKE HITTING A BUMP OR ANYTHING IT DOES IT WHILE CAR IS STILL. CAR WAS TAKIN ON TO BE LOOKED AT BUT THEY SAID NOTHING COULD BE DONE. ALSO, GEAR SHIFT DOESN'T ALWAYS LOCK IN PLACE. WHICH MAKES THE CAR NOT ABLE TO START AND/OR MOVE IF ON A SLIGHTLY HILL.

NHTSA ID 11309383 · filed Feb 15, 2020

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 ID 11308299 · filed Feb 10, 2020
All 25 reports naming electrical

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

21
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TAKATA RECALL,WAS TALKING TO DEALERSHIP,BUT LIGHTS STILL INDICATE AIRBAG ,CRUZ CONTROL , CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON.WAS TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR AND RESET.BUT I DON'T THINK IT WAS DONE. OTHER RECALLS ON BREAK LINE COATING'S NOT DONE , I LOST BREAK LINES WHILE DRIVING,AT THREE DIFFERENT TIMES.SUBARU ISSUED A SECOND RECALL , WITH EXPLICIT ATTENTION TO THE AREA WHERE THE LINE CONNECTS TO THE BREAK FOR RUST.THE DEALER WAS TO TO REPLACE ANY BREAK LINES SHOWING DAMAGE IN THIS AREA.THIS RECALL WAS TAKEN IN AND AGAIN WAS NOT REPLACED . THEY COATED MAYBE ON TOP OF THE RUST. I HAD THE REMAINING BREAK LINE REPLACE ASA PERCAUSETION MEASURE ,ALL COST TO ME.SEAT BELT NOT RETRACTING , WHEN RELEASED.,THIS WAS REPLACED TWICE .IT STILL DOES IT AND THE WEBBING I COUGHT UP IN THE DOOR CLOSESING. THE RUG HOOK DRIVES SIDE REPLACE THREE TIMES WARNING LIGHTS STILL ON ,FOR CRUZCONTROL,DOES NOT FUNCTIONING. I USED IT MAYBE 3 TIME'S SINCE L BOUGHT THE CAR NEW.WENT THROUGH THE FIRST SET OF TIRES,CUBBING DO TO WARPED RODTORS IN NOT EVEN 700 MILES.STILL DOESN'T STAY IN ALINEMENT.EATS TIRES ,4SETS BY 67'00 MILES.DASH ELECTRIC ,CD ,HEAT RADIO, SECURITY SYSTEM DEFO ALL ONE COMPUTER PANEL, WOULD WEAR BATTERY DEAD OVER NIGHT. I HAD TO PLUG IT IN TO SLOW CHARGERTHAT SHUT DOWN WENT BATTERY WAS CHARGED.UNTILL A CORRECT REPLACEMENT ,UNIT COULD BE FOUND.TOOK AWHILE, VERY LIMITED LEGACY WAGON. I HAVE A BRIEF CASE AF PICTURE S AND WORK ORDERS IN PLASTIC SLEEVES.WHEN TIME FOR WARRANTY WAS UP , I HAD LESS THEN 20'000 MILES ON THE CAR.SUBARU CORPORATE,PAID SOME OF THE SERIOUS FUEL ISSUE IT HAD. I HAVE NOT HAD A COLLISION WHAT DOES VEHICLE. I T HAS BEEN MAINTAINEDREGULARL A PEICE OF RUBBER TRIM WAS COMING OF THE DAY L BROUGHT IT HOME, I PHOTOED THIS, IT'S FIRST PICTURE IN MY BOOK.THE DEALERSHIP TRYED GLUEING IT ON.IT NEVER STAYED ON . I SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED AS METAL CLIP'S IN TRIMRUSTNOWONFENDER.

NHTSA ID 11149797 · filed Nov 6, 2018

I HAD OWNED THE CAR FOR NOT EVEN A YEAR YET BACK IN 2012, AND THE ONLY ACCIDENT I'VE EVER BEEN IN HAPPENED ON MY WAY TO SCHOOL(COLLEGE). THE AIR BAG DID NOT COME OUT OF THE STEERING WHEEL, BUT SHOULD HAVE. LUCKILY I ONLY EXPERIENCED MILD WHIP LASH, AND VERY LARGE BODY SHOP BILL. ALSO WHEN THEY FINALLY BROUGHT ME IN TO GET IT REPLACED THIS PAST SUMMER(2017) THEY PUSHED MY CAR AROUND THE LOT, AND MESSED UP MY TRANSMISSION AMONGST SOME OTHER THINGS. BUT WHEN I ASKED THE TECHNICIANS ABOUT IT, THEY GOT DEFENSIVE, AND DENIED ANY CLAIM OF WRONG DOING.

NHTSA ID 11054944 · filed Dec 15, 2017
All 21 reports naming airbags

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

17
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 ID 11308299 · filed Feb 10, 2020

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 ID 11140620 · filed Oct 16, 2018
All 17 reports naming visibility

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

17
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

While driving, cruise control and check engine light comes on and then the car won't accelerate. Engine revs really high and when pushing accelerator pedal, car will not move. The check engine code states "throttle position sensor". This has happened more than 20 times

NHTSA ID 11485513 · filed Sep 20, 2022

DRIVING SOUTHBOUND ON HWY 17 AT 60MPH 11/15/2020 ENGINE SUDDENLY WENT TO IDLE. THROTTLE BECAME UNRESPONSIVE. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. I DRIFTED TO SAFETY OFF THE HIGHWAY. ENGINE STILL IDLING, THROTTLE UNRESPONSIVE. AFTER CHECKING UNDER THE HOOD, I RESTARTED THE CAR AND NORMAL THROTTLE RESPONSE RETURNED. I CAUTIOUSLY DROVE HOME AND READ THE CODE FOR THE CEL: P2138 -- THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR VOLTAGE CORRELATION. A QUICK SEARCH FOUND OTHERS HAVE SOLVED THIS PROBLEM BY CHANGING THROTTLE CONTROL TO AN UPDATED VERSION THAT USES HALL EFFECT METHOD INSTEAD OF A RHEOSTAT. I INQUIRED WITH PREVIOUS OWNER OF THIS CAR AND FOUND IT HAD HAPPENED ONCE BEFORE.

NHTSA ID 11375253 · filed Nov 18, 2020
All 17 reports naming driver assistance

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

13
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 ID 11308299 · filed Feb 10, 2020

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 ID 11140620 · filed Oct 16, 2018
All 13 reports naming exterior lighting

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE TURBOCHARGER SIMPLY WENT AT ABOUT 132000 MILES. FROM WHAT I READ ONLINE REGARDING THE FAILED LEGACY TURBO,THE TURBO COULD HAVE BEEN SAVED IF THE UNION ( BANJO) BOLT WITH FILTER WAS CHANGED. SUBARU DOES NOT NOTIFY THE CONSUMER REGARDING THIS POTENTIAL PROBLEM; THAT IS IRRESPONSIBLE. IT COST ME $2300 TO REPLACE THE TURBO...I MADE SURE THAT THE UNION BOLT WAS REPLACED AS WELL. *TR

NHTSA ID 10661334 · filed Nov 30, 2014

BOOTS CRACK AND YOU MUST REPLACE ENTIRE DRIVE SHAFT. LEFT FRONT DRIVE SHAFT WAS JUST REPLACED @85,000 MILES AS THE BOOT CRACKED ON THE OTHER SIDE AS WELL. THINK THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW AS DRIVE SHAFT SITS OVER THE TOP OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WITH NO SHIELD TO BLOCK THE HEAT. *TR

NHTSA ID 10660211 · filed Nov 22, 2014
All 8 reports naming powertrain (other)

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHEN HAVING NEW TIRES PLACED ON THE CAR THERE WAS SO MUCH CORROSION ON THE WHEELS AND BRAKE HOUSING THE SERVICE PERSON HAD TO BREAK OFF THE CHUNKS OF RUST TO GET THE TIRES OFF. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME THE TIRES ARE CHANGED. THEY ADVISE EACH TIME THAT THIS NOT KNOWN TO HAPPEN ON A NEWER CAR. AT THE TIME THAT THIS WAS FOUND THERE WAS A RECALL FOR CARS IN OTHER STATES FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT WHEN I CALLED SUBARU ABOUT THIS I WAS TOLD THAT THE RECALL DID NOT EXTEND TO OUR STATE. THE MECHANIC I TAKE MY CAR TO SAID IT IS JUST A MATTER OF TIME UNTIL THE WHEELS WILL FALL OFF DUE TO FAILURE FROM THE CORROSION. *TR

NHTSA ID 10651546 · filed Oct 30, 2014

THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL BEARING STARTED MAKING NOISE INDICATING IT WAS FAILING. THE LEFT REAR WHEEL BEARING FAILED AT ~ 42,000 MILES A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO. SUBARU INDICATED THESE SHOULD LAST 80,000 MILES. YOUR PARTS SELECTION WON'T LET ME ENTER WHEEL BEARING. *TT

NHTSA ID 10537775 · filed Aug 28, 2013

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

2005 SUBARU LEGACY WITH 202,000 MILES HAD A FAILURE OF THE RIGHT LOWER CONTROL ARM DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION. THE CAR HAD A CURRENT SAFETY INSPECTION FOR PA WHERE IT WAS BEING DRIVEN AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE CAUSED LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND IT SKIDDED OFF THE ROAD TO A STOP. THERE IS CURRENTLY A NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ( NUMBER: 11V464000 ) FOR THIS VERY PROBLEM BUT NOT FOR THIS VEHICLE MODEL. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM ON THE LEGACY WAS NOT MANUFACTURED BY FIJI HEAVY INDUSTRIES USA, INC, ACCORDING TO SUBARU AND THAT IS WHY IT WAS NOT PART OF THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE ON OUR 2005 SUBARU LEGACY WAS DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION AS WE LIVE IN THE "SALT BELT". WHEN BEING REPAIRED AT THE DEALERSHIP WE WERE TOLD THE LEFT LOWER CONTROL ARM HAD EXCESSIVE CORROSION AND WE HAD THEM REPLACED IT ALONG WITH THE FAILED RIGHT LOWER CONTROL ARM.

NHTSA ID 10766461 · filed Sep 21, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM FRACTURED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON ONE OCCASION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V464000 (SUSPENSION). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 202,000.

NHTSA ID 10766448 · filed Sep 21, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON A CITY STREET. MY SON WENT OUT IN THE MORNING TO MOVE IT TO FIND THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BURNED COMPLETELY OUT AND SOOT ALL OVER THE CAR. HIS INSURANCE (LIABILITY ONLY) WOULD NOT COVER THE DAMAGE AND WAS TOLD BY SUBARU TO HAVE IT TOWED TO A DEALER AT HIS EXPENSE FOR THEM TO INSPECT IT. AFTER OVER A MONTH HE WAS TOLD THAT THE FIRE BY THEIR DETERMINATION WAS NOT CAUSED BY THE HEATED SEATS BUT BY ANOTHER SOURCE. IT IS OBVIOUS BY THE PICTURES AND BY INSPECTION THAT THE FIRE WAS CAUSED AND STARTED BY FAULTY WIRING ON THE HEATED SEATS.

NHTSA ID 11079861 · filed Mar 16, 2018

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE HEATING SYSTEM ACTIVATED, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT WAS SMOLDERED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT WAS SEVERELY BURNED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 134,000. UPDATED 04/10/15*LJ UPDATED 6/26/2015*JS

NHTSA ID 10679708 · filed Jan 29, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

PASSENGER SEAT BELT WARNING LAMP ON DASHBOARD BLINKED, CAUSING DRIVER TO MOVE HIS EYES OFF ROAD AND FOCUS ON WARNING LIGHT. DEALER CALLED IN FACTORY REPRESENTATIVE AND ENGINEER. AFTER 5 TRIPS TO DEALER. SUBARU CLAIMED THAT THISWAS A NORMAL SITUATION ON THE 2005 LEGACY. THEY STATED THAT THEY DO NOT INTEND TO FIND A SOLUTION, AND SUGGESTED THAT WE LIVE WITH THE PROBLEM. *AK

NHTSA ID 10195370 · filed Jul 5, 2007

THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT SENSOR SENSED THAT THERE WAS SOMEONE IN THE SEAT WHEN THERE WASN'T. THE CHIME KEPT GOING UNTIL I BUCKLED THE SEAT BELT IN. I CALLED THE SUBARU EXTENDED WARRANTY PERSON AND THEIR REMEDY WAS TO TURN KEY TO THE ON POSITION IN THE IGNITION, THEN, WITHIN 30 SECONDS, BUCKLE AND UNBUCKLE THE DRIVER SEAT BELT 20 TIMES. SHE SAID THAT IF THE BATTERY GETS REPLACED OR UNHOOKED, I WOULD HAVE TO DO THIS 30 SECOND 'DRILL' AGAIN. IT DID REMEDY THE PROBLEM.

NHTSA ID 10182833 · filed Feb 17, 2007

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

MICHELIN DEFENDER TIRES; ALL 4 TIRES ARE DRY ROTTING WHERE THE TREAD MEETS THE CASING AND BELTS . DEGRADATION OF THE TIRES OVER A LITTLE OVER 2 YEARS IS EXTREMELY PREMATURE CONSIDERING THESE TIRES ARE ADVERTISED TO GIVE 90,000 MILES AND WE PROBABLY ONLY PUT ON AROUND 8,000 MILES A YEAR . WE LIVE IN THE PITTSBURGH, PA AREA WHERE THEY USE SEVERAL DIFFERENT ICE MELTING CHEMICALS INCLUDING ROCK SALT THAT CAN ENTER THE LARGE CRACKS IN THE RUBBER AND EAT AWAY AT IT . I'M AFRAID TO TAKE THE CAR ON LONG TRIPS USING INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS AT HIGH SPEED FOR FEAR OF THE TREAD SEPARATING FROM THE CASING OF THE TIRE . WHAT'S IRONIC IS THAT LOOKING ON-LINE THERE ARE MANY OTHER PEOPLE ALSO COMPLAINING ABOUT MICHELIN TIRES DRY ROTTING PREMATURELY . I HAVE SEVERAL EXCELLENT CLOSE-UP PICTURES THAT I CAN EMAIL UPON REQUEST .

NHTSA ID 10725175 · filed Jun 14, 2015

I JUST BOUGHT A USED 2005 SUBARU LEGACY GT. 20 MINUTES AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE I WAS DRIVING ALONG A SNOWY HIGHWAY AND ACCELERATED JUST AFTER A SET OF LIGHTS. THE REAR END OF THE CAR FELT VERY LOOSE AND THE CAR SQUIRRELED AFTER GAINING CONTROL AND ACCELERATING TO KEEP TRAFFIC MOVING THE REAR END SQUIRRELED OUT AND I WAS UNABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL. THE CAR SPUN 180 AND SLAMMED INTO THE SNOW BANK SIDEWAYS. IT HAS THE STOCK POTENZA 205-45-17'S I HAVE NEVER LOST CONTROL OF A VEHICLE IN MY LIFE LIKE THAT 2WD OR 4WD. DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE WAS MINOR THE DRIVERS SIDE DOORS ARE BOTH CRINKLED AT THE BOTTOMS AND PART OF THE SHROUD UNDERNEATH WAS BROKEN OFF. PLAN IS TO REPLACE TIRES ASAP SHAME ON SUBARU PUTTING OUT A WINTER VEHICLE WITH POOR PERFORMANCE TIRES. VEHICLE AND STOCK TIRES HAVE 36000KMS. *TR

NHTSA ID 10375327 · filed Jan 9, 2011

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE LETTER I SENT TO SUBARU OF AMERICA (EDITED): I AM THE OWNER OF A 2005 LEGACY GT. ON AUGUST 5TH, 2008 MY FAMILY AND I WERE HEADED TO BOISE, IDAHO FROM BEND, OREGON. ABOUT AN HOUR AND A HALF FROM HOME I NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE WAS REVVING ABNORMALLY HIGH TO MAINTAIN SPEED. I CALLED THE SHOP BACK IN BEND (THOMAS SALES AND SERVICE) AND THEY RECOMMENDED THAT I HAVE THE CAR TOWED BACK TO THEM. WHEN WE ARRIVED BACK IN BEND THE TECH AT THE DEALER INSPECTED THE CAR AND DETERMINED THAT IT WAS A TURBO ISSUE, AS I HAD SUSPECTED. THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE DEALER WHO INFORMED ME THE ISSUE WOULD BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. PARTS WERE ORDERED AND SERVICE WAS SCHEDULED. SEVERAL DAYS LATER I WAS CONTACTED AGAIN BY THE SERVICE MANAGER WHO INFORMED ME THAT SINCE MY CAR WAS AT 74K MILES (BUT STILL INSIDE THE 5 YEAR WARRANTY PERIOD) IT WOULD NOT BE COVERED AND THAT THE REPAIR COSTS WOULD BE RIGHT AROUND $2000. NATURALLY I WAS UPSET WITH THIS NEWS. I AM A MEMBER OF THE WEBSITE LEGACYGT.COM AND STARTED LOOKING AROUND FOR INFORMATION REGARDING MY PROBLEM AND FOUND A SERVICE BULLETIN REGARDING THE BANJO BOLT SCREEN IN THE TURBO GETTING CLOGGED. AT NO TIME WAS I EVER CONTACTED BY SUBARU OR MY DEALER REGARDING THIS POTENTIAL PROBLEM OR I WOULD HAVE HAD IT CHECKED OUT. I AM ALSO A MEMBER OF MYSUBARU.COM AND WAS NOT INFORMED THERE EITHER. I HAVE HAD REGULAR OIL CHANGES PERFORMED AND HAVE PERFORMED SEVERAL MYSELF (I HAVE NO RECORD OF THIS IN THE FORM OF RECEIPTS, SEE ATTACHED COPIES) AND THE NIGHT BEFORE WE LEFT FOR BOISE I CHECKED ALL THE FLUIDS AND THE AIR PRESSURE IN THE TIRES AND FOUND EVERYTHING WAS GOOD. I WAS PLANNING ON HAVING THE OIL CHANGED AGAIN IN BOISE. I HAVE ALWAYS USED HIGH QUALITY SYNTHETIC OIL SINCE AFTER THE FIRST COUPLE OF CHANGES. WHAT IS REALLY TROUBLING IS THAT AT NO TIME DID I EVER GET A WARNING FROM A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OR ERROR CODE, YET I SEEMED TO HAVE HAD A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10238964 · filed Aug 19, 2008

TRANSMISSION POPPED OUT OF GEAR NUMBER FIVE ON HIGHWAY AND STRIPPED THE TEETH OFF THE GEAR. HAD TO GET THE TRANSMISSION REBUILT NOW 4TH GEAR IS GRINDING. *TR

NHTSA ID 10238819 · filed Aug 19, 2008

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 ID 11500294 · filed Jan 5, 2023

VEH. WAS TRAVELING AT APPROX. 25MPH UP A LOW INCLINE ON SLUSHY PAVED 2 LANE SURFACE. VEH. BROKE TRACTION SPUN SIDEWAYS AND TRAVELLED SIDEWAYS INTO BRUSH AND STRIKING A TREE IN THE DRIVER. SIDE FRONT FENDER (SIDE IMPACT). DRIVERS HEAD STRUCK AND BROKE DRVRS. DOOR WINDOW. DRVR. SUSTAINED SEVERAL FACIAL LACERATIONS REQUIRING PLASTIC SURGERY AND RESULTING IN PROBABLE SCARRING. FRONT SEAT PASSENGER SUSTAINED RIGHT LEG INJURY RESULTING IN SEVERE BRUISING AND SWELLING. BOTH WERE TREATED IN AN EMERGENCY ROOM AND RELEASED. VEH. IS EQUIPPED WITH SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS WHICH DID NOT DEPLOY. IF DEPLOYED, THE DRVR. SIDE AIRBAG WOULD HAVE PREVENTED THE DRVRS. INJURIES. *TR

NHTSA ID 10679375 · filed Jan 28, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

BOOTS CRACK AND YOU MUST REPLACE ENTIRE DRIVE SHAFT. LEFT FRONT DRIVE SHAFT WAS JUST REPLACED @85,000 MILES AS THE BOOT CRACKED ON THE OTHER SIDE AS WELL. THINK THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW AS DRIVE SHAFT SITS OVER THE TOP OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WITH NO SHIELD TO BLOCK THE HEAT. *TR

NHTSA ID 10660211 · filed Nov 22, 2014

WITH GOOD ALL-SEASON TIRES, THE CAR BEGAN "SWIMMING", FISH-TAILING ON SNOW-PACKED ROADS. AT SLOWER SPEEDS IT STILL FELT LIKE WE HAD A FLAT TIRE. DEALER CHECKED THE CAR AND SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG, THAT THEY HAD NEVER HAD SUCH A COMPLAINT BEFORE AND THAT IT NEEDED GOOD SNOW TIRES. AFTER $500+ IN SNOW TIRES IT, AGAIN, HANDLED BADLY ON SLIPPERY ROADS. THE DEALER'S INSISTENCE THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG PROMPTED ME TO SELL THE VEHICLE AND LEAVE SUBARU (HAVING OWNED 3). IT'S A SAD DAY WHEN A DEALER PREFERS TO SEE A CLIENT DEAD THAN ADDRESS THE PROBLEM. GOOD BYE SUBARU. *TR

NHTSA ID 10443637 · filed Jan 12, 2012

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Heating & air conditioning

Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

THE HEATED SEATS IN THE SUBARU LEGACY GT LIMITED HAVE AN ELEMENT THAT "ARCS" ON TO ITSELF. MINE HAD A BURN HOLE IN THE FABRIC UPON REPLACEMENT. THIS REPRESENTS A FIRE HAZARD. POSSIBLE SYMPTOMS ARE BOTTOM OF THE SEAT HEATING, BUT NOT THE BACK, AND VICE VERSA. *TR

NHTSA ID 10216019 · filed Jan 25, 2008

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

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