2019 Subaru Legacy Problems
Compared with other Subaru Legacy years
More complaints than typical for this model
71/100 1.6× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.6× that of a typical Subaru Legacy year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 55 of its 123 complaints were filed by the end of 2021.
- Most reported problem: Windshield cracks without impact (44 complaints, median 7,500 mi).
- 3 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2021
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 123filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 6,125miles, 43 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall
- EPA fuel economy
- 29 mpgcombined, 2.5L 4-cyl AWD · 25 city / 34 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2019 Subaru Legacy (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2019 Legacy most often describe windshield cracking, frequently at low mileage and often without any impact — many say the glass cracked while parked or after a temperature change rather than a stone strike. A second frequent theme is battery drain and no-start conditions, with several owners pointing to the Starlink/telematics module searching for a discontinued network. Smaller groups of complaints cover an infotainment touchscreen that bubbles and makes its own selections, and assorted engine and fuel-system concerns.
- Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
Windshield cracks without impact
- 44 complaints (36%)
- median 7,500 mi at 1.4 yrs old (29 state mileage)
- owner-quoted repair $600 (median of 6 quotes)
- filed 2018–2024
Owners describe the front windshield cracking from the lower edge, often on the passenger side, with no stone or debris seen or heard. Several report hearing a light pop while driving on a straight road, or finding the glass cracked after the car sat overnight or in cold weather, and the crack then spreads quickly across the glass. Some had the windshield replaced only to have the replacement crack again within weeks or months; owners say dealers typically attributed the damage to a small object strike and did not cover it under warranty. Mostly reported under about 15,000 miles, with many appearing within the first year of ownership and several after the car sat overnight or in cold or defroster conditions.
What to check: Inspect the windshield edge carefully for chips or crack origins, and ask the seller whether the glass has ever been replaced. If buying, check what glass coverage your insurance includes, since replacement cost is mentioned repeatedly in complaints.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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 the glass on the passenger side of the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11343937, filed 2020-08, 25,000 miles“The windshield got hit by a very tiny object (likely a rock) and had a circular crack/chip at the left lower quadrant on 1/5/2021 when I was driving on a freeway. I took the car for windshield repair on 1/9/2021. Now the damaged area is bigger with more fine cracks. The windshield did not get hit again after 1/5/2021. The repair did not contain the damage.”
NHTSA complaint #11389923, filed 2021-01, 16,270 miles - Electrical system
Battery drains and repeated no-starts
- 25 complaints (20%)
- median 900 mi at 1.0 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- filed 2019–2026
Owners describe the battery going flat when the car sits for a few days or overnight, leading to repeated jump starts and, in some cases, multiple battery replacements in a single year. Several complaints attribute the drain to the Starlink/telematics module continuing to search for a network that is no longer available, and some owners say removing the module's fuse was the only temporary workaround. Owners report dealers either replaced the battery under warranty or told them no abnormal drain was found. Reported across a wide mileage range, from a few hundred miles on nearly new cars to over 20,000 miles, and typically after the vehicle sat unused for several days.
What to check: Ask whether the battery or telematics module has been replaced, and whether any battery-drain service bulletin work was done. Before buying, leave the car parked for a couple of days if possible and confirm it still starts.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“2019 Subaru Legacy battery drain. The car would not start, it was jumped in February 2023. In March, the car would not start and it was jumped and taken to the Subaru Serramonte dealer, a claim was filed for the extended warranty and the battery was replaced at no charge. In April 2023, the car would not start, it was jumped and taken to the dealer, the battery was replaced at no charge. …”
NHTSA complaint #11528894, filed 2023-06“If the car is not driven for multiple days, the battery completely dies. Recharging the battery resolves temporarily. Replacing the battery does not resolve the battery draining quickly. Dealer mechanic confirmed there is no unexpected drain on battery. There are no warning lights or messages.”
NHTSA complaint #11482257, filed 2022-08
Buying note. For a used 2019 Legacy, the practical priorities are the windshield history and the battery drain: check the glass for prior replacements or edge damage, and confirm the car starts reliably after sitting. Also verify that the open fuel pump recalls have been performed and test the touchscreen and steering on the test drive.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 123 consumer complaints for the 2019 Subaru Legacy. 43 of the complaints include a mileage, and 93% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 6,125 miles. Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, 1 a fire, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 430 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 14 Subaru Legacy model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 71 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system35 28%
- Other or unknown20 16%
- Engine6 4.9%
- Fuel system5 4.1%
- Vehicle speed control4 3.3%
- Steering3 2.4%
- Brakes2 1.6%
Also reported: Electronic stability control (1), Lane departure (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Seat belts (1), Seats (1), Body and structure (1), Tires (1), Transmission and drivetrain (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “Windshield cracked while driving - unsure if anything struck the window or not, but it started off as a 6 inch crack and in under 24 hours has spread to over 2 feet in length. I have read where my year/make/model is currently in a class action lawsuit due to faulty windshields and I would like it noted that I have also been impacted by the faulty oem windshields that Subaru is using.”
NHTSA complaint #11413159, filed 2021-04, 53,000 milesElectrical system: “The Starlink screen becomes uncontrollable and begins changing screens on its own making driving very distracting and losing all control of vital functions such as radio, gps and phone. I have no control over it. I have video of the incident but cannot figure out how to upload it. I k low previous year models were recalled for the same situation and I believe there is a class action lawsuit.”
NHTSA complaint #11629599, filed 2024-12Other or unknown: “I own a 2019 Subaru Legacy. I am very shocked that I have experienced three major windshield cracks within only 18 months of purchasing the vehicle. The first one was only 5 months after I bought the car (02/07/20), the 2nd time was 7 months later (9/17/20), and the 3rd time was on may 1st, 2021. The cracks came out of nowhere; once while driving on a light traffic street, once while on the highway, and once while the car was parked. Replacing the windshield for the Subaru is very expensive! The company refuses to cover the cost. …”
NHTSA complaint #11415068, filed 2021-05, 3,500 milesEngine: “catalytic converter plugged at 56,000 miles. cause the catalytic converter to get red hot and melt o2 sensors. this caused the cel to eliminate and make the safety features turn off. I plugged an obd2 reader in to the car and diagnosed the problem. I had to replace the entire catalytic converter assembly under the as well as all of the o2 sensors.”
NHTSA complaint #11579768, filed 2024-03Mileage when problems were reported
93% of the 43 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 1,000 and 15,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2019 Subaru Legacy. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legacy · sedan AWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 · 10.1% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2019 model year: forward collision warning standard, lane departure warning standard, automatic emergency braking standard.
Neighbouring years: 2018: same overall rating; 2020: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2019 Subaru Legacy version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legacy AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | CVT | 25 | 34 | 29 | $2,300 |
| Legacy AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | CVT | 20 | 28 | 23 | $2,900 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 21V587000Jul 29, 2021Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pumpCovers: Subaru Legacy 2018–2020, Outback 2018–2020, Impreza 2018–2020 +5 more
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.
- 20V218000Apr 16, 2020Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pumpCovers: Subaru Legacy 2019, Ascent 2019, Outback 2019 +1 more
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Impreza, Outback, Legacy, and Ascent vehicles. The low pressure fuel pump may become inoperative.
- 19V493000Jun 26, 2019Body and structureCovers: Subaru Legacy 2019, Outback 2019
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.
Recall details for the 2019 Subaru Legacy → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 430 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037943Oct 5, 2026Other or unknown, Electrical system. This announcement provides information on a new software update for the Midtronics Dss and DCA machines.
- 11037942Sep 28, 2026Electrical system, Transmission and drivetrain. This announcement provides information on an enhancement of the TechShare CVT diagnostic assitance application.
- 11037940Sep 18, 2026Other or unknown. This bulletin provides paint code information for 2027 model year vehicles.
- 11037938Sep 18, 2026Electrical system. "This Bulletin announces additional troubleshooting steps for the following DTCs: DTC C1956: RH Actuator Circuit DTC C1957: LH Actuator Circuit"
- 11037930Sep 15, 2026Other or unknown. This announcement provides an update to all 2027 model year Subaru warranty coverages for wear items and adjustments.
- 11037929Sep 14, 2026Other or unknown, Electrical system. This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.
- 11037928Sep 14, 2026Electrical system, Other or unknown. In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the New Car Limited Warranty coverage for the CP1 & Gen 3.1 Head Unit used in the listed models and model years…
- 11037927Sep 14, 2026Electrical system. This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.
- 11036804Aug 21, 2026Transmission and drivetrain, Electrical system. This Announcement provides diagnostic assistance for CVT issues.
- 11036814Aug 20, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. This bulletin provides guidance when diagnosing chain slip, judder, shudder, and hesitation concerns on the TR580 model CVT transmissions used in the models listed.
Other model years of the Subaru Legacy
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 6 | 1,500 | 0 | 5 | 30 | — | Too new |
| 2024 | 17 | — | 0 | 5 | 30 | — | Too new |
| 2023 | 10 | 1,025 | 2 | 5 | 30 | — | Too new |
| 2022 | 34 | 8,000 | 2 | 5 | 30 | 38 · Typical | Rising |
| 2021 | 31 | 5,150 | 3 | 5 | 30 | 26 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2020 | 121 | 5,900 | 6 | 5 | 30 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2019 | 123 | 6,125 | 3 | 5 | 29 | 71 · More | Stable |
| 2018 | 117 | 20,450 | 3 | 5 | 29 | 65 · More | Stable |
| 2017 | 119 | 31,000 | 2 | 5 | 29 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2016 | 147 | 35,000 | 3 | 5 | 29 | 69 · More | Falling |
| 2015 | 160 | 16,070 | 3 | 5 | 29 | 87 · More | Falling |
| 2014 | 53 | 30,284 | 10 | 5 | 24 | 34 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2013 | 66 | 30,000 | 12 | 5 | 24 | 44 · Typical | Falling |
| 2012 | 90 | 87,500 | 16 | — | 22 | 28 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2011 | 167 | 77,000 | 16 | 4 | 22 | 75 · More | Falling |
| 2010 | 150 | 70,000 | 18 | — | 22 | 79 · More | Falling |
| 2009 | 65 | 72,486 | 13 | — | 21 | 38 · Typical | Falling |
| 2008 | 65 | 78,256 | 9 | — | 21 | 20 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 33 | 65,392 | 9 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 87 | 98,000 | 7 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 184 | 74,000 | 9 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 49 | 85,000 | 10 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 60 | 79,800 | 14 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 54 | 66,750 | 4 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 77 | 62,540 | 7 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 94 | 94,815 | 3 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 94 | 101,000 | 3 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 114 | 108,048 | 4 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 139 | 92,000 | 5 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 123 | 90,000 | 3 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 182 | 166,116 | 2 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 60 | 125,000 | 0 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1993 | 77 | 114,385 | 1 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 55 | 124,900 | 2 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 78 | 149,630 | 3 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 81 | 72,000 | 4 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Subaru Legacy model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Subaru Legacy?
Owners of the 2019 Legacy most often describe windshield cracking, frequently at low mileage and often without any impact — many say the glass cracked while parked or after a temperature change rather than a stone strike. The issues reported most often: Windshield cracks without impact; Battery drains and repeated no-starts.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2019 Subaru Legacy have?
NHTSA recorded 123 consumer complaints for the 2019 Subaru Legacy as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2019 Subaru Legacy is reported most often?
Visibility is named most often, in 51 complaints (41% of the total), followed by electrical system with 35.
Has the 2019 Subaru Legacy been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2019 Subaru Legacy do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2019 Subaru Legacy 5 out of 5 stars overall. Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2019 Subaru Legacy get?
The EPA rates the 2019 Subaru Legacy (Legacy AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl) at 29 mpg combined, 25 city and 34 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,300 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2019 Subaru Legacy reported?
Among the 43 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 6,125 miles and the middle half falls between 1,000 and 15,000 miles; 93% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.