2013 Subaru Legacy Owner Complaints

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 ID

11670796

Incident

Apr 25, 2013

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 ID

11606238

Incident

Jul 18, 2024

I want to add my report of oil loss in the hope a recall is made. I found out after purchase that 2012-2014 or 2015 has a known problem with piston rings. With normal local driving I need to top off the oil every couple of weeks. With longer trips, say a couple hours of driving one way, the oil gets a quarter to half way down on the dipstick. I carry oil for all roadtrips and can't forget to keep checking the level. My understanding from many sources online is that Subaru is aware they put in bad piston rings and just call it good enough or within spec, but dumping so much oil isn't right. This isn't a wear and tear problem, although it can get worse over time and lead to other problems. The problem goes away when the rings and the engine block is replaced. Scotty Kilmer on Youtube tells a story of a customer that complained enough and after being persistent had it fixed for free (piston rings and block), and still has no oil loss issues after 60k miles. He also recommended reporting it here. This engine is used in various Subaru's, not just the Legacy.

NHTSA ID

11583674

Incident

Jan 1, 2012

While driving the vehicle, there was a loud "clunk" from the front-end. After that, during turns there is a lot of scraping, banging and popping noises. During braking, the car veers toward the right. The car is very unstable going around bends and on/off ramps. I took it to a mechanic and was told the front subframe on my vehicle has rusted out to the point he can put his fist through some of the holes. He contacted a dealer to get a price on a replacement and was told they have been waiting over 9 months for that particular part and there is currently no ETA for it. I contacted several other dealers and was told the part has been on backorder since January or February with no ETA. All the dealers I talked with said they are waiting on 10 or more. Based on that information, this seems to be a common problem with this model that may warrant some investigation and/or action to prompt Subaru to make the part available and possibly replace them via a recall. I really like this car and don't want to lose it over a $600 part not being available.

NHTSA ID

11545792

Incident

Sep 11, 2023

Faulty transmission, erratic gear shifting and now it seems the transmission is no longer working, mileage on vehicle is not even 130,000.

NHTSA ID

11489837

Incident

Oct 1, 2022

The contact's son owns a 2013 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed and approaching a traffic light, the vehicle stalled. The contact's son was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving. However, the failure reoccurred on two different occasions. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The contact stated that her son had added 10 quarts of oil in the vehicle within 2 weeks. The contact referenced Subaru Technical Service Bulletin Number: 02-157-14R. The contact also stated that the exhaust pipe was emitting black smoke. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the vehicle needed an engine compression test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 169,000. The consumer stated that they no longer have the vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11483253

Incident

Aug 15, 2022

Mileage

169,000 mi

Transmission failed. Began to make bad noises then failed to accelerate in an intersection. Was almost hit by another car. Dealer indicated that the Subaru transmissions were only lasting 90, 000 to 100,000 miles before requiring replacement. Contracted Subaru who said they had a voluntary fix, but we were not notified and were outside of the short time frame for the fix. We replaced transmission at cost of $10,000. Subaru offered 1000 off a new car but was not concerned about the safety issue and would not fix/replace the transmission for this known issue.

NHTSA ID

11471437

Incident

Jul 29, 2020

The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, there was an abnormal noise coming from the transmission. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician informed the contact that the failure was the transmission. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the CVT transmission needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 117,000.

NHTSA ID

11447295

Incident

Nov 15, 2021

Mileage

117,000 mi

I received a recall letter about problem with the Engine, They did to Tess at 1200 miles each but the car runs out of oil between 25 and 3000 mile every time but they did nothing about it

NHTSA ID

11437352

Incident

Oct 14, 2014

When driving on interstate, all at once, dashboard lit up with lights, one of the lights being the check engine light. Towed car to dealership and found there was a problem in the CVT valve body which was replaced. I think this should be a recall because it's dangerous to be driving down an interstate with dashboard lit up. Have no idea what would have happened to engine or other parts of car if I wasn't able to get off highway in time.

NHTSA ID

11427716

Incident

Jul 20, 2021

Oil is consumed excessively. I had an oil change done at around 120K miles and my oil light is popping on to let me know that I need another oil change. I have only driven it 2,000 miles since my last oil change and my oil level is low. Looking back at the Carfax, the previous owner had oil changed every 2,000-3,000 miles, but the owner's manual states that oil should be changed every 5,000 miles. It seems this is a safety hazard and possible EPA violation.

NHTSA ID

11421872

Incident

Jun 22, 2021

THE TRANSMISSION VALVE BODY FAILED ON THIS SUBARU LEGACY AT 83874 MILES. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL AND THREE ENGINE LIGHTS CAME ON. THIS WAS COVERED UNDER AN EXTENDED WARRANTY AS THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. I HAVE THREE COMPLAINTS / CONCERNS WHERE I BELIEVE THE CONSUMER IS NOW ON THE HOOK FOR THE MANUFACTURER'S PROBLEM. I AM TOLD THE NEW VALVE BODY IS IDENTICAL TO THE OLD AND WILL FAIL AGAIN. THE DEALER ALSO TOLD ME THE TRANSMISSION FLUID MUST BE REPLACED EVERY 30000 MILES, NOT THE 100000 MILES IN THE OWNERS MANUAL. THIS IS AT A CURRENT COST OF $413.00; ALSO - I HAD TO PAY TODAY $413.00 TO REPLACE THE FLUID, WHICH IS NOT COVERED BY THE EXTENDED WARRANTY, EVEN THOUGH DIRTY FLUID IS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THIS ISSUE AFFECTS MANY SUBARUS AND SHOULD BE ON A PERMANENT RECALL REPAIR LIST AT SUBARU'S EXPENSE FOR THE SERVICABLE LIFE OF THE CAR, OR A RECALL WHERE THE VALVE BODY IS REPLACED BY ONE THAT WILL NOT FAIL AGAIN. NO ONE SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO PERFORM A $413.00 FLUID CHANGE EVERY 30000 MILES.

NHTSA ID

11396712

Incident

Feb 7, 2021

Mileage

83,874 mi

TORQUE CONVERTOR CLUTCH SOLENOID WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 75MPH. ENDED UP HAVING IT REPLACED AT 138,000 MILES ON 2013 SUBARU LEGACY. COST $1,700 AT SUBARU DEALERSHIP.

NHTSA ID

11353968

Incident

Sep 2, 2020

Mileage

138,000 mi

THERE WAS A HORRIBLE WHINING THAT STARTED VERY QUIET ON AND OFF IN 2017 AND BECAME LOUDER THIS YEAR. WE DROVE INTO A CITY INTERSECTION TO TURN, AND THE CAR STALLED. WE WERE LUCKY THAT WE DIDN'T GET HIT BY ANOTHER CAR. WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AS WE DO ALL RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE AND SOMETHING WAS REALLY WRONG TO MAKE IT STALL LIKE THAT. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THAT IT IS A CVT TRANSMISSION, AND THEY ARE KNOWN TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM. TOLD US TO CALL SUBARU. THERE WAS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY OFFERED IN 2018, BUT WE NEVER WERE NOTIFIED OF THAT AND ARE THE ORIGINAL OWNER. IF WE HAD THE NOTIFICATION WE WOULD HAVE HAD THIS FIXED AS IT OCCASIONALLY MADE THE NOISE BUT IT DID NOT REPEAT WHEN AT OUR SERVICE CENTER. WE WOULD HAVE HAD THE DEALER CHECK IT IF WE KNEW ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND WARRANTY. I EXPECTED A SUBARU TO LAST LONGER THAN THIS BEFORE NEEDING AN $9,000 REPAIR. CALLED SUBARU AND THEY OFFERED ME $1,000 TOWARD A NEW SUBARU. I PAID $36,000 FOR THIS CAR. I DON'T THINK $1,000 OFF ONE NOW IS GOING TO HELP ME VERY MUCH FOR A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THIS TRANSMISSION THAT PUT US IN A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION.

NHTSA ID

11343752

Incident

Aug 3, 2020

Mileage

150,000 mi

WHILE TRAVELING ON A BUSY INTERSTATE. MY CAR SUDDENLY JERKED AS IF I HAD PUT INTO NEUTRAL. I WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH. NEARLY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT TRYING TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY. IT WOULD NOT ENGAGE IN MANUAL OR AUTOMATIC MODE. AFTER HAVING IT TOWED TO A MECHANICS SHOP, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE CVT TRANSMISSION HAD FAILED, WITHOUT WARNING. THIS COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT IF I WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO GET TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD.

NHTSA ID

11341920

Incident

Jul 12, 2020

Mileage

145,000 mi

CAR HAS EXTENDED CRANKING ISSUE - IT ACTS LIKE THE STARTER IS BAD OR THE BATTERY IS DYING. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND TOLD THEM THAT THE CAR HAS A HARD TIME STARTING. IT HAS DIED A COUPLE TIMES SO I REPLACED THE BATTERY WITH AN INTERSTATE BATTERY AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THE BATTERY WAS BAD. I HAD THE BATTERY CHECKED AND IT IS DEFINITELY NOT BAD. ASKED THE DEALER TO CHECK THE STARTER AND THEY SAID IT IS FINE. IT SEEMS THAT THE CAR HAS SOME OTHER ISSUE WITH POWER BEING DRAWN FROM SOMEWHERE ELSE.

NHTSA ID

11309418

Incident

Jun 1, 2019

Mileage

98,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO BE SERVICED AT HEUBERGER SUBARU (1080 MOTOR CITY DR, COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80905, 719-475-1920) FOR TRANSMISSION FAILURE. INITIALLY, THE DEALER WOULD NOT COVER THE COST OF THE REPAIR DUE TO THE WARRANTY EXPIRING; HOWEVER, THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND ULTIMATELY AGREED TO SERVICE THE VEHICLE UNDER WARRANTY. SINCE THEN, THE VEHICLE REMAINED IN THE POSSESSION OF THE DEALER FOR NEARLY TWO MONTHS. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE ECU UNIT AND GEAR SHIFTER WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE REPAIR WOULD COST $1,900. THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V297000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,128.

NHTSA ID

11258047

Incident

Jul 29, 2019

Mileage

100,128 mi

I BOUGHT THIS 2013 SUBARU LEGACY LIMITED ON JUNE 12,2019 AND A WEEK LATER THE EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHT AND CRUISE CONTROL DID NOT WORK AND THE LIGHTS WERE ON THE DASHBOARD. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO A SUBARU DEALER IN WILMINGTON, NC AND WAS TOLD THAT IT NEEDED THE CONTROL PANEL FOR THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WHICH EFFECTS THE CRUISE CONTROL. THIS SAME PROBLEM IS A CURRENT RECALL IN SUBARU LEGACY MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND I FEEL THAT THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL WITH THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AS WELL SINCE MY CAR IS AFFECTED BY THE SAME PROBLEM. THE CAR WAS JUST OUT OF WARRANTY AND JUST OVER 100,000 MILES . THE REPAIR IS OVER $1200 AND IT IS JUST NOT RIGHT THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED AND IT IS NOT A RECALL. PLEASE ISSUE A RECALL FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM AS THE MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS ON THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. I CAN BE REACHED AT [XXX] . THANK YOU, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID

11244400

Incident

Jun 19, 2019

Mileage

109,339 mi

DRIVER FRONT WINDOW REGULATOR GETS REALLY HOT. DOES NOT MOVE THE WINDOW UP OR DOWN. BEFORE THAT I HAD TO KEEP RE-SYNC THE WINDOW TO THE MASTER SWITCH FOR SOME REASON. IT WILL LOSE IT'S MEMORY RANDOMLY.

NHTSA ID

11222034

Incident

Jun 20, 2019

Mileage

96,000 mi

WE JUST BOUGHT THIS CAR AND 2 DAYS LATER THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON AND THE BRAKE ICON WAS BLINKING AND THE CRUISE CONTROL DIDNT WORK. A SUBARU DEALER TOLD ME THAT IT NEEDS THE PARKING BREAK ELECTRICAL CONTROL PANEL. I FIND THIS STRANGE AS THE CAR IS ONLY 6 YEARS OLD. PLEASE ADVISE ME WHAT YOU FIND OUT.

NHTSA ID

11220297

Incident

Jun 14, 2019

Mileage

109,339 mi

I RECEIVED A RECALL FOR PASSENGER AIR BAG AND THE COMPANY SET UP AN APPOINTMENT FOR ME. HOWEVER, I REMEMBER RECEIVING A RECALL FOR THE DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAG A YEAR OR SO AGO, AND WHEN I CALLED THE COMPANY I PURCHASED IT FROM, THEY TOLD ME THE RECALL WAS NOT MEANT FOR MY LEGACY, SO I THREW AWAY THE LETTER. NOW I AM WONDERING - WAS THERE A RECALL FOR THE DRIVERS SIDE AND CAN I STILL GET IT REPLACE BY THAT COMPANY?

NHTSA ID

11207114

Incident

May 1, 2019

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V009000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT CALLED ROMANO SUBARU AT 315-475-7933 (LOCATED AT 960 HIAWATHA BLVD W, SYRACUSE, NY 13204) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ID

11203514

Incident

Jan 9, 2019

TAKATA RECALL. WE GOT A RECALL NOTICE FROM SUBARU, RECALL TKB19, STATING THAT NO PASSENGERS SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO RIDE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT UNTIL THE REPAIR IS PERFORMED. HOWEVER, THE ONLY SUBARU IN THE RALEIGH AREA SAID THE EARLIEST THE REPAIR COULD BE DONE WAS IN AUGUST; I CALLED LATE IN MARCH. MY WIFE RIDES IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, SO NOW WE CANNOT USE THE VEHICLE, WHICH IS NOT ACCEPTABLE, WHAT CAN BE DONE TO GET SUBARU TO EITHER PERFORM THE REPAIR SOON OR PROVIDE A LOANER MEANWHILE ? THANKS

NHTSA ID

11192673

Incident

Mar 29, 2019

Mileage

1 mi

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V008000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO SCHEDULE A REPAIR APPOINTMENT WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME. AUTONATION SUBARU ARAPAHOE (303-578-6119, LOCATED AT 9955 E ARAPAHOE RD, CENTENNIAL, CO 80112) AND HEUBERGER SUBARU (719-475-1920, 1080 MOTOR CITY DR, COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80905) WERE UNABLE TO PROVIDE A REASONABLE TIMEFRAME FOR WHEN THE PART WOULD ARRIVE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ID

11190945

Incident

Mar 1, 2019

I HAVE AN URGENT NEED TO ADDRESS A SAFETY RECALL FOR PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG AND WINDSHIELD WIPER REPLACEMENTS . THERE ARE NO SUBARU DEALERSHIPS IN MY AREA THAT CAN TEND TO THIS REPAIR IN A TIMELY MANNER. THEY ARE ALL BOOKED OUT UNTIL SEPTEMBER. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. I AM LOCATED IN SEATTLE WASHINGTON AND DRIVE A SUBARU 2013 LEGACY SEDAN. PLEASE HELP. THANK YOU, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID

11190614

Incident

Mar 11, 2019

Mileage

52,000 mi