2008 Subaru Legacy Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 6%of 65 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 75,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the engine of the 2008 Subaru Legacy, 6% of the 65 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Upon cold start, vehicle engine ran extremely rough, placed transmission in drive while applying brake, vehicle lunged forward while applying brake with both feet initially had little effect.”
NHTSA complaint #10749012, filed 2015-08, 75,000 miles“Vehicle dies. I know there is a recall out there for this reason but I'm told that my car is not part of this recall but my car is doing exactly what the recal is talking about”
NHTSA complaint #11232581, filed 2019-07“I have a great suspicion that Kia has not only sold bad engined vehicles that are their own make and models but I believe they are selling used cars they buy like that as well. The car I bought has major engine problems that were hid from me at the time of the sales leading to a $5000 repair bill for a 7200$ car. I only had it for a couple weeks before it became un-drivable. Not only did they hide and lie about fact in the sales of their own cars , I have evidence showing that they are doing the same to used cars they're selling. They are barely doing the bare minimum to fix anything. …”
NHTSA complaint #11441690, filed 2021-11“This problem has been occurring for a long time now. I am finally reporting this after giving up on Subaru and its service network. Car exhibits surge and dip in acceleration at constant throttle, especially at lower speeds. Taking foot off throttle also causes surge when gently applying the brakes; this happens when the transmission downshifts to a lower gear. Also, the change from 2nd-3rd gear is very abrupt; the engine rpms rise by 200 in between shifts and then slams into 3rd gear. It happens every time. Dealer either says that it cannot be reproduced, or that it is normal. …”
NHTSA complaint #10498331, filed 2013-02Related service bulletins
- 11027982Jan 12, 2026This Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedure for the STARLINK® Remote Engine Start (RES).
- 11027083Dec 8, 2025This Service Information Bulletin provides the Service Manual Correction to the diagnostic procedure for DTC B2A16 (Immobilizer Key Collation Diagnosis).
- 11022305Aug 11, 2025Subaru Service Technical Support Newsletter special edition.
- 11017452Apr 22, 2025This Bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be followed when diagnosing engine oil leakage on FA and FB type engines.
- 11016224Mar 24, 2025The purpose of this bulletin is to advise of SOA’s revised Catalytic Converter Recycling Program shipping procedure.
- 11008282Sep 27, 2024This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
- 11008281Sep 26, 2024This Service Information Bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be followed when diagnosing engine oil leakage on FA and FB type engines.
- 11008267Sep 17, 2024This bulletin announces availability of the NEW genuine Subaru engine oil filter.
- 11006934Aug 5, 2024The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.
- 11005608Jul 11, 2024This thermo control valve video contains information on the replacement of thermo control valve.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 50% |
| 2024 | 1 | 6% |
| 2022 | 1 | 3% |
| 2021 | 2 | 6% |
| 2020 | 4 | 3% |
| 2019 | 6 | 5% |
| 2018 | 10 | 9% |
| 2017 | 5 | 4% |
| 2016 | 7 | 5% |
| 2015 | 23 | 14% |
| 2014 | 5 | 9% |
| 2013 | 18 | 27% |
| 2012 | 23 | 26% |
| 2011 | 22 | 13% |
| 2010 | 31 | 21% |
| 2009 | 7 | 11% |
| 2008 | 4 | 6% |
| 2007 | 7 | 21% |
| 2006 | 16 | 18% |
| 2005 | 4 | 2% |
| 2004 | 5 | 10% |
| 2003 | 4 | 7% |
| 2002 | 4 | 7% |
| 2001 | 3 | 4% |
| 2000 | 1 | 1% |
| 1999 | 2 | 2% |
| 1997 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2008 Subaru Legacy
25 complaintsBrakes
13 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsWheels
3 complaintsTires
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Subaru Legacy
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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