Does the Subaru Legacy last long?

Yes. With regular maintenance, a Subaru Legacy can routinely reach high mileage—many examples surpass 200,000 miles, and some push toward 300,000 miles.

Understanding how long the Legacy lasts involves looking at reliability across generations, common wear points, and practical steps owners can take to maximize lifespan. This report breaks down durability trends, maintenance essentials, and real-world expectations for current and older models.

What affects how long a Legacy lasts

Longevity depends on a combination of mechanical design, maintenance discipline, and how the car is driven. Below are the key factors that influence a Legacy’s lifespan.

• Maintenance adherence: timely oil changes, fluid replacements, and following the manufacturer’s service schedule.


• Powertrain design and care: engine type, cooling system health, and proper timing components (belt vs. chain) as specified by the model year.


• Transmission health: CVT reliability and fluid service intervals; neglect can shorten life.


• Driving conditions: frequent short trips, harsh winters, road salt exposure, heavy towing, or chronic tracking of miles can affect wear.


• Electrical and sensor reliability: modern Legacies rely on electronics; addressing faults early helps prevent cascading issues.


• Rust prevention and body integrity: frame and underbody corrosion can impact long-term usability, especially in regions with salted roads.

In short, disciplined maintenance and sensible driving are the main determinants of how long a Legacy will stay on the road.

Longevity by era: how the model has aged over time

Across its generations, the Legacy’s durability has varied with engine and drivetrain choices. Here is a general, era-based guide to what owners typically experience when it comes to longevity.

Early 2000s Legacy (EJ engines)

These generations are known for solid low-to-mid mileage reliability, but they can be susceptible to head gasket wear and cooling-system leaks if preventive maintenance wasn’t kept up. With consistent service, many reach 150,000–200,000 miles or more; some exceed 250,000 miles.

• Pros: Proven chassis, robust AWD system, straightforward maintenance in many markets.


• Cons: Head gasket and cooling-system attention are more common as miles accumulate.


• Bottom line: High-mileage examples exist, particularly with diligent upkeep.

Experience from this era shows that the Legacy can be a long-lived sedan when owners stay on top of preventive care.

Mid- to late-2000s Legacy (mid-generation updates)

As the model matured, Subaru refined reliability and ride quality. With regular maintenance, these cars continue to rack up substantial mileage, though some owners report oil‑consumption quirks in certain 2.5L engines that should be monitored and addressed under warranty where applicable.

• Pros: Improved refinement, stronger service networks, and proven drivetrain reliability.


• Cons: Some engines exhibited higher-than-average oil consumption in certain year ranges.


• Bottom line: Durable overall, with attention to engine-specific maintenance.

Overall, this era solidified the Legacy as a durable option in the mid-size segment, especially for buyers who prioritize all-wheel drive and everyday practicality.

2010s Legacy (FA/FB engines, CVT)

The 2010s brought newer engines and a widely used CVT. Reliability rose with modern design choices, and many Legacies from this period exceed 200,000 miles with routine service. A subset of models experienced CVT-related concerns or oil consumption in certain engines, underscoring the importance of maintenance and rapid addressing of leaks or unusual noises.

• Pros: Modern safety tech, efficient powertrains, improved interior quality.


• Cons: CVT reliability varies by model and maintenance history; oil consumption in some 2.5L units noted by owners.


• Bottom line: Generally long-lasting if the CVT is serviced on schedule and engine maintenance is kept up.

For buyers, a documented service history showing regular CVT fluid changes and clean oil consumption history is a strong predictor of longevity in this era.

2020s and current-generation Legacy (latest FA/FB powertrains)

The current generation emphasizes efficiency and modern safety features, with continued emphasis on a durable AWD system and a routine maintenance mindset. Real-world reports indicate the latest Legacies can sustain high mileage when maintenance is followed, though owners should remain mindful of common modern-car areas such as CVT wear and electronic components.

• Pros: Updated safety tech, competitive reliability for a modern midsize, solid resale value when cared for.


• Cons: CVT wear, and some early-model recalls or software updates can appear after ownership changes.


• Bottom line: Longevity potential remains strong with attentive maintenance and timely recalls/fixes.

Across generations, the core takeaway is consistent maintenance and attentiveness to model-specific quirks are the main predictors of long life.

How to maximize longevity in a Subaru Legacy

Practical steps taken today can materially extend a Legacy’s usable life. The following actions cover routine care, preventive measures, and proactive checks that help a car survive many years of use.

• Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, including oil and filter changes at the specified intervals.


• Use high-quality fluids and parts appropriate for Subaru specifications (engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, etc.).


• Stay on top of the cooling system: inspect hoses, replace age-related parts, and address leaks promptly to prevent head gasket stress.


• Monitor and service the CVT as directed, including timely fluid changes and addressing slipping or shudder early.


• Keep the drivetrain and underbody clean in winter climates to minimize rust and corrosion risk.


• Address warning lights and rough performance promptly—early troubleshooting can prevent more serious failures.


• Check for and repair any oil consumption signs or unusual engine sounds; wear-related issues, if caught early, extend engine life.

Adhering to these practices makes a meaningful difference in how many miles a Legacy can accumulate before major repairs are needed.

What reliability data and owner experience suggest

Industry reliability assessments and owner surveys commonly place the Subaru Legacy in the reliable-to-durable category within its class. While every model year can vary, many owners report long lifespans with consistent maintenance, and the AWD-focused design remains a selling point for longevity in varied climates. Prospective buyers should review maintenance history, look for signs of head-gasket-related cooling issues in older models, and verify CVT health in newer ones.

Summary

The Subaru Legacy is widely regarded as a durable, long-lasting midsize sedan when cared for properly. Longevity varies by generation and maintenance history, but high-mileage examples—often surpassing 200,000 miles—are common in the owner community. Key to maximizing lifespan are timely maintenance, attention to engine and cooling-system health, careful CVT servicing where applicable, and mindful driving in challenging conditions. For buyers, a complete service history and evidence of preventive care are strong indicators of how long a Legacy may last you.

Can a Subaru Legacy last 300,000 miles?

Subaru engines are renowned for their reliability and longevity, often lasting between 200,000 and 300,000 miles with proper maintenance.

Are Subaru Legacy cars reliable?

The Subaru Legacy is considered a reliable midsize sedan with a strong track record of durability, though specific model years have reported common issues like infotainment system glitches and some electronic problems. With proper maintenance, most models can last well over 200,000 miles, but owners should be aware of potential quirks related to its unique engineering, like the CVT or Boxer engine, and common issues like problems with the in-car electronics.
 
This video discusses the reliability and performance of the 2025 Subaru Legacy: 58sAutomotive Anonymous YouTube · Mar 15, 2025
Overall reliability

• High reliability scores: Reliability scores from organizations like RepairPal and Edmunds are generally strong, placing the Legacy around the top of its class. U.S. News & World Report gives the 2025 model a predicted reliability score of 84 out of 100, which is categorized as "Great". 
• Longevity: With consistent maintenance, many Legacy sedans can easily surpass 200,000 miles, making them a dependable and long-lasting vehicle. 

Common issues

• Infotainment system: Some older models have reported problems with the infotainment system, such as freezing or going blank, though some of these were rectified by software updates. 
• Electronics: Other reported electronic issues include in-car electronics and satellite radio failures. 
• Other potential problems: Some owners have reported issues like exhaust leaks, and problems with the passenger seatbelt or suspension/steering in certain model years. 

What to consider

• Maintenance is key: To ensure longevity and avoid potential problems, it's crucial to stick to the recommended maintenance schedule. 
• Unique engineering: The Subaru Legacy features a Boxer engine, which can make some repair jobs take longer and increase labor costs. However, this design also offers benefits like a lower center of gravity for improved handling. 
• CVT transmission: Newer models have a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that may feel different from a traditional automatic. It provides smooth acceleration and good fuel economy, and drivers tend to get used to it over time. 

How long does a Subaru Legacy last?

A Subaru Legacy can last well over 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. Studies show the Legacy is among the most likely midsize sedans to exceed this mileage, with some owners reaching 250,000 to 300,000 miles or more. The exact lifespan depends heavily on factors like regular service, driving conditions, and avoiding poor maintenance habits.
 
Factors influencing a Legacy's lifespan:

• Proper maintenance: Following the recommended service schedule is crucial for longevity. Key services, like the 120,000-mile coolant replacement, can help prevent major issues. 
• Driving habits: Gentle driving and avoiding harsh conditions can help a vehicle last longer. 
• Driving environment: Harsh conditions like frequent cold or a lot of stop-and-go traffic can contribute to increased wear and tear. 
• Common potential issues: While generally reliable, some older models might be prone to head gasket issues around 100,000 to 150,000 miles, which can be an expensive repair. Newer models may face other issues, but major repairs are often avoidable with consistent care. 

Which Subaru will last the longest?

The longest-lasting Subaru models are generally considered to be the Outback, Forester, and Legacy, which can last between 200,000 and 300,000 miles with proper maintenance. These vehicles are known for their durable engineering, with the Subaru Boxer engine and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system being key to their longevity. Regular maintenance, such as oil changes and fluid checks, is crucial to maximizing their lifespan.
 
This video discusses the reliability of the Subaru Forester, including its engine and platform: 54sCarLandTVYouTube · Sep 21, 2025
Longest-lasting Subaru models

• Outback: Frequently cited for its longevity, with owners reporting its ability to last well over 200,000 miles. 
• Forester: A popular and reliable choice that can easily exceed 200,000 miles with proper care. 
• Legacy: This sedan has a reputation for reliability and can reach 200,000 miles or more with routine maintenance. 

Factors contributing to longevity

• Durable engineering: Subaru uses high-quality materials and engineering, with a focus on building vehicles to last. 
• Engine design: The horizontally-opposed Subaru Boxer engine is designed for durability and balance, which can reduce engine strain and wear. 
• Consistent maintenance: Adhering to the recommended maintenance schedule is critical. This includes regular oil changes, checking fluid levels, and performing tune-ups. 
• Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive: Subaru's standard AWD system provides consistent grip and stability, which can reduce wear on other components and improve safety. 

You can watch this video to learn about the reliability of the Subaru Forester, including the engine and platform: 59sCarLandTVYouTube · Apr 16, 2025