2005 Subaru Legacy Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 27about this part
- Share
- 15%of 184 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 81,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 27 complaints about the fuel system of the 2005 Subaru Legacy, 15% of the 184 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 81,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 complaint #10748165, filed 2015-08, 125,000 miles“Strong gas odor in cabin coming from the engine when the weather is under 38* feels like if there is any kind of spark the car will blow up with me in it , notified Subaru who told me I was the first one with this complaint, which is not true, as I saw one more complaint like this all over the web.”
NHTSA complaint #10494543, filed 2013-01, 70,000 miles“I was driving on the highway, and the car seem to loose power, luckily I noticed it, as I was able to cost over to the side of the rode. I own a carmd, and attached it to my car, it gave me code p2138 which means the throttle position sensors (2 of them) not being in agreement. I think this is very dangerous as this can happen at any time while one is driving, potential leading to a accident or fatality.”
NHTSA complaint #10489561, filed 2012-12, 61,492 miles“The dealership diagnosed a fuel leak in my 2005 Subaru Legacy 2.5 gt limited wagon (which I purchased new and has been impeccably maintained), and it started occurring during cold weather. I looked online and this seems to be a very popular complaint amongst owners of the same vehicle/same year, especially in cold weather, and I can't understand why there hasn't been a recall issued. Fuel issues are dangerous!!! …”
NHTSA complaint #10375456, filed 2011-01, 132,000 miles“Strong gas odor in cabin coming from the engine when the weather is under 38* feels like if there is any kind of spark the car will blow up with me in it , notified Subaru who told me I was the first one with this complaint, which is not true, as I saw one more complaint like this in here.”
NHTSA complaint #10357438, filed 2010-09, 93,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10233105Dec 23, 2014Brake Line Corrosion
- 10233104Dec 22, 2014Brake Line Corrosion
- 10232543Jul 29, 2014Brake Line Corrosion
- 10232540Jul 1, 2014Brake Line Corrosion
- 10234829Jan 15, 2014Repair Procedure for High-Pitched Sound from Extension Housing Area Using Latest Generation Production Parts
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 17% |
| 2020 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 5 | 4% |
| 2018 | 8 | 7% |
| 2017 | 4 | 3% |
| 2016 | 3 | 2% |
| 2015 | 15 | 9% |
| 2014 | 1 | 2% |
| 2013 | 1 | 2% |
| 2012 | 2 | 2% |
| 2011 | 7 | 4% |
| 2010 | 5 | 3% |
| 2009 | 1 | 2% |
| 2008 | 3 | 5% |
| 2006 | 16 | 18% |
| 2005 | 27 | 15% |
| 2004 | 5 | 10% |
| 2003 | 9 | 15% |
| 2002 | 15 | 28% |
| 2001 | 19 | 25% |
| 2000 | 5 | 5% |
| 1999 | 7 | 7% |
| 1998 | 8 | 7% |
| 1997 | 9 | 6% |
| 1996 | 8 | 7% |
| 1995 | 18 | 10% |
| 1994 | 4 | 7% |
| 1993 | 2 | 3% |
| 1992 | 2 | 4% |
| 1991 | 1 | 1% |
| 1990 | 4 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2005 Subaru Legacy
31 complaintsEngine cooling
29 complaintsElectrical system
25 complaintsAir bags
21 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
17 complaintsVehicle speed control
15 complaintsExterior lighting
13 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
13 complaintsSuspension
7 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsSeat belts
6 complaintsSeats
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 Subaru Legacy
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology