How long does a Subaru Legacy last?

The short answer: with consistent maintenance, a Subaru Legacy can easily reach around 200,000 miles or more, and many owners report 250,000 miles or higher; some well-cared-for examples push past 300,000 miles.

The overall lifespan depends on maintenance history, engine and drivetrain configuration, climate, and how proactively owners address aging components such as head gaskets, belts, the transmission, and cooling systems.

What affects how long a Subaru Legacy lasts

Several factors determine a Legacy’s life expectancy, from mechanical design to care history.

• Engine type and design (older EJ-based 2.5L engines vs. newer FB-series 2.5L engines) and whether they use a timing belt or chain.


• Maintenance discipline: regular oil changes, filters, coolant service, and timely replacement of wear items.


• Head gasket reliability on older 2.5L engines and history of overheating or coolant leaks.


• Drivetrain maintenance: CVT or manual transmission service, differential fluids, and AWD components.


• Climate and road conditions: corrosion risk from salt, typical driving speeds, and exposure to extreme heat or cold.


• Accidents and overall vehicle care: body integrity, rust prevention, and preventive repairs.

In short, careful upkeep and prompt attention to wear items are the biggest drivers of how long a Legacy lasts.

What to look for in a used Subaru Legacy

When shopping for a used Legacy, inspect service history and signs of major repairs that could affect longevity.

• Complete service records showing regular oil changes, coolant flushes, transmission service, and belt/water pump replacements when applicable.


• History of head gasket work or coolant leaks in older 2.5L EJ engines.


• Past CVT repairs or documented CVT maintenance (for CVT-equipped models).


• Signs of rust, especially on undercarriage components and rocker panels; check for previous accident repairs that could impact longevity.


• Compression or leak-down testing results and overall engine health indicators during a pre-purchase inspection.

Thorough checks and a clear maintenance history can significantly reduce the risk of early failures.

Maintenance tips to maximize longevity

To extend the life of a Legacy, follow core maintenance practices aligned with Subaru guidelines and common-sense car care.

• Oil and filter changes every 6,000–7,500 miles with synthetic oil, or per the owner's manual.


• Timing belt replacement and water pump service on engines that use a belt, at the recommended interval; engines with a timing chain still benefit from periodic inspection.


• Coolant system maintenance: regular coolant flushes, pressure tests, and thermostat/radiator checks to prevent overheating.


• CVT or manual transmission service at manufacturer intervals; replace worn fluid and address any slipping or shudder symptoms promptly.


• Air and fuel filters, spark plugs, and intake components replaced as scheduled to maintain efficiency and reduce stress on the engine.


• Brake, suspension, and wheel components inspected regularly; address worn pads, rotors, shocks, and CV joints to prevent drivetrain strain.


• Underbody cleaning and rust prevention, especially in salted climates; protect seals and drain pathways to reduce corrosion.

Adhering to these practices typically improves the odds of reaching high-mileage milestones with fewer, less costly repairs.

Lifespan by engine and generation

Subaru Legacy powertrains have evolved over generations. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder versions (EJ and later FB) are the most common and offer long service life when properly maintained; the 3.6-liter H6 provides strong performance but can entail higher maintenance costs. Here’s a concise overview by engine type.

2.5L engines (EJ/FB)

With timely belt service where applicable, proper cooling-system maintenance, and diligent transmission care, 2.5L Legacies commonly reach 200,000–250,000 miles, and many exceed 300,000 miles with daily driving habits that favor longevity.

3.6L H6 engine

The 3.6L option offers robust power and durability, but maintenance tends to be more complex and costly. Those that are well cared for can also approach 200,000 miles, though the overall cost of upkeep can influence long-term viability for some owners.

All-wheel drive and transmissions

All-wheel-drive variants add drivetrain components that require attentive maintenance, especially for CVT-equipped models. Regular fluid changes, inspections of differentials, and prompt repair of wear items help sustain longevity.

Overall, the lifespan of a Subaru Legacy hinges on consistent maintenance, timely replacement of wear items, and proactive problem-solving as issues arise.

Bottom line and takeaway

The Subaru Legacy is built with longevity in mind, and many owners report 200,000 miles or more with disciplined upkeep. The exact lifespan depends on engine type, maintenance history, driving conditions, and how promptly aging components are addressed. When buying used, a thorough pre-purchase inspection and complete service history are essential to estimate remaining life accurately.

Summary

Well-maintained Subaru Legacies can reasonably be expected to last around 200,000 miles, with many reaching 250,000–300,000 miles or more. The key to achieving those milestones lies in sticking to maintenance schedules, replacing wear items before failure, and staying vigilant for cooling system or transmission issues. Always verify service history and have a trusted mechanic inspect any used Legacy before purchase.

Is the Subaru Legacy a reliable car?

The Subaru Legacy is a reliable midsize sedan with good long-term durability and average annual ownership costs. While it has a reputation for reliability, with many models lasting over 200,000 miles with proper maintenance, some issues can occur, particularly with infotainment systems and certain model years may have specific problems, like those reported with the 2017 or 2023 models. 
This video reviews the reliability and features of the 2025 Subaru Legacy: 58sAutomotive Anonymous YouTube · Mar 15, 2025
Positive aspects

• Long lifespan: With proper maintenance, Legacy models can last well over 200,000 miles, and engines often reach 200,000 to 300,000 miles. 
• Good resale value: The Legacy holds its value well compared to many competitors. 
• Average ownership costs: The average annual repair cost is around $563, which is average for the segment, and major repairs are not common. 
• Strong performance in bad weather: The standard all-wheel-drive system provides stability and confidence in various conditions. 

Potential issues

• Infotainment problems: Some owners have reported issues with the infotainment system, including freezing, going blank, or other electronic glitches. 
• Model-specific problems: Certain model years have specific issues that have been reported more frequently. For example, the 2017 model had various mechanical issues reported, and the 2023 model had recalls related to the display screen and exhaust. 
• Maintenance: While it can last a long time, it requires consistent maintenance, such as regular oil changes and addressing other issues as they arise to achieve longevity. 

Are subarus reliable after 100k miles?

Yes, Subarus can be reliable after 100k miles, but it depends heavily on proper and consistent maintenance. Common issues like head gasket leaks in older models (EJ engines) are known to occur around this mileage, but addressing these with updated parts can allow the engine to last much longer. Owners can also expect normal wear-and-tear on other components like suspension and brakes, so budgeting for repairs and following the recommended 100k-mile service is crucial. 
Key factors for post-100k mile reliability

• Proper maintenance is essential: Following the maintenance schedule, especially for oil changes, fluid checks, and spark plug replacement at the 100k-mile mark, is critical for longevity. 
• Head gasket issues: Older Subaru engines (EJ) have a known issue with head gaskets failing around 100k-130k miles. Replacing them with updated kits can be a necessary and worthwhile repair that enables the engine to last much longer. 
• Newer models: Newer Subaru models with FB engines have timing chains instead of belts and don't have the same head gasket issues, but they may require a significant engine reseal around 150k miles. 
• Other potential wear and tear: At this mileage, other parts are likely to need attention. Expect to address items such as brakes, suspension components (struts, wheel bearings), and possibly a water pump. 
• CVT transmission: Some early CVTs in certain models have had issues, so it's wise to check the history of a vehicle you are considering buying. 

What to do for a reliable post-100k mile Subaru

• Get a pre-purchase inspection: Have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle to identify any potential issues before you buy. 
• Check maintenance records: Look for evidence of consistent and timely maintenance, as this is the biggest factor in a Subaru's long-term reliability. 
• Perform the 100k-mile service: Ensure all recommended services, including replacing spark plugs and changing fluids, have been completed. 
• Be prepared for potential repairs: Even with good maintenance, it's wise to budget for future repairs on items that have a typical lifespan around 100k miles, such as suspension parts or a timing belt. 

Can a Subaru Legacy last 300k miles?

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

Which subarus to stay away from?

You should avoid Subaru models from specific years due to known issues, including the 2005-2009 Outback and Legacy (head gasket and oil leaks), 2010-2014 Outback and Legacy (CVT, oil consumption, windshield cracks), 2019-2022 Ascent (CVT and other engine/structural issues), and the 2012-2014 Impreza (oil consumption). Other years to approach with caution include the 2013 Crosstrek (FB20 engine models), 2015 WRX (transmission and engine problems), and several later Outback models (2017-2020) for issues like airbags, windshields, and electrical faults. 
Specific Subaru models and years to avoid:

• Outback & Legacy:
  • 2005-2009 Outback and Legacy: Particularly known for head gasket failures, oil leaks, catalytic converter issues, and poor interior materials. 
  • 2010-2014 Outback: Prone to CVT transmission failures, oil consumption from piston rings, and windshield cracking. 
  • 2015-2019 Outback: Some models have a risk of unintended acceleration. 
  • 2017-2020 Outback: Higher complaint rates related to airbags, engine failure, CVT problems, and electrical faults. 
• Forester:
  • 1998-2001 Forester: Known for blown head gaskets. 
  • 2009-2011 Forester: Affected by faulty airbags and electrical problems. 
  • 2014-2018 Forester: Specific FB25 engine models are associated with CVT problems. 
• Ascent:
  • 2019-2022 Ascent: Faced significant issues with its CVT transmission, along with other engine and structural problems. 
• Impreza:
  • 2012-2014 Impreza: These years often show excessive oil consumption due to faulty piston rings. 
• Crosstrek:
  • 2013 Crosstrek: The first model year after a redesign, it saw more complaints than later versions. 
• WRX:
  • 2015 WRX: Prone to transmission failures, connecting rod bearing issues, and carbon buildup in the engine.