VehicleVerdict

2019 Subaru Legacy problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 142 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.6 times the median Legacy year — the 2019 model ranks #12 of 39 Legacy years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Visibility & Wipers leads the complaint categories with 51 reports (36% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

142

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

6

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2019 compare to other Legacy years?

Legacy NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted248 complaints1987: 1 complaints1988: 1 complaints1989: 1 complaints1990: 103 complaints1991: 121 complaints1992: 66 complaints1993: 90 complaints1994: 67 complaints1995: 230 complaints1996: 161 complaints1997: 179 complaints1998: 155 complaints1999: 119 complaints2000: 119 complaints2001: 90 complaints2002: 71 complaints2003: 69 complaints2004: 55 complaints2005: 248 complaints2006: 135 complaints2007: 45 complaints2008: 83 complaints2009: 75 complaints2010: 218 complaints2011: 234 complaints2012: 119 complaints2013: 84 complaints2014: 73 complaints2015: 232 complaints2016: 192 complaints2017: 140 complaints2018: 161 complaints2019: 142 complaints2020: 143 complaints2021: 43 complaints2022: 41 complaints2023: 12 complaints2024: 26 complaints2025: 10 complaints
Legacy NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Legacy years to avoid →

What are the most common 2019 Subaru Legacy problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Visibility & Wipers5136%
Electrical System3625%
Other2014%
Driver Assistance86%
Fuel System54%
Engine54%
Speed Control43%
Steering32%
Seat Belts21%
Brakes21%
Tires & Wheels21%
Body & Structure11%
Latches & Locks11%
Transmission11%
Seats11%

Does the 2019 Subaru Legacy have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

21V587000Fuel SystemJuly 29, 2021 · 175,968 units

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Consequence

Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.

20V218000Fuel SystemApril 16, 2020 · 188,207 units

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Impreza, Outback, Legacy, and Ascent vehicles. The low pressure fuel pump may become inoperative.

Consequence

If the low pressure fuel pump fails, the engine may stall without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-20.

19V493000Body & StructureJune 26, 2019 · 2,107 units

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Legacy and Outback vehicles. Spot welds located on the duct below the cowl panel may have been improperly applied, impacting the vehicle's body strength.

Consequence

In the event of a crash, the reduced strength of the vehicle body may increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and repair or repurchase the vehicle, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 26, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUH-93.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“THERE IS AN 18 INCH CRACK IN OUR WINDSHIELD. WE HEARD A SOFT 'POP' NOISE WHEN WE WERE DRIVING STRAIGHT ON A LEVEL ASPHALT ROAD AT A LOW SPEED. NO ROCKS OR OTHER OBJECTS HIT THE GLASS. WE LOOKED AROUND TO SEE WHAT IT WAS AND WE NOTICED THE CRACK. IT IS ABOUT 18 INCHES LONG AND STARTS AT THE EDGE OF…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · August 7, 2020

“My Legacy has a battery drain issue. I was told by the dealer it is a DCM. I have already replaced my battery and the car is dead with a new battery installed. This dead battery issue has left me stranded which I feel is extremely unsafe. If I can’t find someone to jump me, I could be left…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 15, 2024

“During small front end collision, car’s engine failed and car sparked a fire resulting in total loss of vehicle. California highway patrol was called and a report was filed. Insurance was contacted and conducted own investigation to rule car as a total loss. No prior warning lights or messages…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · August 8, 2022 · fire

“Vehicle is equipped with Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist which includes reverse automatic braking. Vehicle was reversing towards a parked vehicle on the street and the RAB feature failed to apply the brakes and the vehicle collided with the parked vehicle. I am extremely disappointed that the safety…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · April 24, 2024 · crash

“I TOOK MY SUBARU LEGACY TO THE LITTLE ROCK ARKANSAS SUBARU DEALERSHIP TO SERVICE A RECALL ON MY FUEL TANK. WHILE THERE THE SERVICE MANAGER REFUSED TO REPLACE PARTS LISTED ON THE TSB. WHEN I CONTACTED SUBARU THEY STATED A NEW TSB WAS ISSUED THE DAY BEFORE MY RECALL WAS COMPLETED NOT REQUIRING THOSE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 26, 2020

2019 Subaru Legacy — common questions

Is the 2019 Subaru Legacy reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 142 complaints put the 2019 model at #12 of 39 Legacy years. It is one of the Legacy years to avoid.

What are the most common 2019 Legacy problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are visibility & wipers (51 complaints), electrical system (36 complaints), other (20 complaints).

Does the 2019 Subaru Legacy have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2019 Subaru Legacy. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Subaru Legacy years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Legacy years to avoid are 2005, 2011, 2015, 1995, 2010, 2016, 1997, 2018, 1996, 1998, 2020, 2019, 2017, 2006, 2003, 2004. The cleanest record among Legacy years belongs to 1989.

How safe is the 2019 Subaru Legacy?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2019 Subaru Legacy earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.