How long will a 2021 Subaru Legacy last?
A well-maintained 2021 Subaru Legacy can realistically last beyond 200,000 miles, with many examples reaching 250,000–300,000 miles over time.
This article examines what influences longevity, what maintenance matters most, and what to expect in real-world ownership of the 2021 Legacy.
What affects longevity
The lifespan of a 2021 Legacy depends on the engine, transmission, drivetrain components, climate, and how diligently the vehicle is serviced.
Engine and drivetrain reliability
The Legacy uses the FB25 2.5-liter engine paired with Subaru’s all-wheel-drive system. When serviced regularly with quality oil and filters, this engine is capable of high mileage. Some owners report oil consumption or minor leaks as cars age, but these issues are typically addressed through routine maintenance and timely repairs. Overall, the engine design is robust, and long life is attainable with attentive care.
Transmission considerations
How to maximize lifespan
To push a 2021 Legacy toward higher mileage, follow a disciplined maintenance routine and address issues promptly. The following practices cover the essentials that influence long-term reliability.
- Regular oil changes using high-quality synthetic 0W-20 oil, at the interval recommended in the owner’s manual (typically every 6,000–7,500 miles, with more frequent changes in severe climates or heavy driving).
- CVT fluid changes and inspections at Subaru-recommended milestones to preserve transmission health.
- Coolant flushes and level checks at intervals specified in the manual, generally every 100,000 miles or as advised, to protect the cooling system.
- Brake fluid flushes every 2–3 years to maintain braking performance and prevent moisture-related issues.
- Tire rotations every 5,000–7,500 miles to ensure even wear and extend tire life.
- Regular inspections of belts (where applicable), hoses, battery health, and all undercarriage components, especially in winter climates where corrosion can occur.
- Timely spark plug replacement (commonly around 100,000 miles for the FB25 engine) and monitoring for signs of misfire or reduced performance.
Sticking with these maintenance guidelines helps maximize the Legacy’s lifespan and reduces the likelihood of unexpected failures.
Real-world expectations by mileage milestones
The following milestones outline typical maintenance focus areas and what owners might expect as the miles accumulate. Exact intervals can vary by model year, climate, and driving style, so always consult the owner’s manual and a trusted technician.
- 60,000 miles (96,000 km): Focus on routine maintenance—engine oil and filter change, tire rotation, brake inspection, and air/cabin filter checks. Inspect fluids and belts, and confirm CVT fluid level is within spec.
- 100,000 miles (160,000 km): Spark plugs are commonly replaced; coolant is refreshed; CVT service should be performed per Subaru’s schedule; inspect/replace serpentine belt if worn; brake fluid check and tire tread assessment are recommended.
- 150,000 miles (240,000 km): Continue regular oil changes and CVT health checks; inspect suspension and steering components; assess wheel bearings and brakes for wear; ensure cooling system remains leak-free.
- 200,000 miles (322,000 km): Maintain diligent routine maintenance; conduct a thorough drivetrain and undercarriage inspection; verify battery health and replace as needed; monitor for any unusual noises or shifting behavior.
- 250,000 miles (402,000 km) and beyond: Ongoing preventative care is essential; budget for potential major components (CVT-related parts, suspension parts) and stay ahead of maintenance intervals to sustain performance and safety.
With consistent maintenance, reaching 200,000–300,000 miles is feasible for many 2021 Legacy owners, though actual results depend on climate, driving habits, and how well maintenance is kept up over time.
Cost and ownership considerations
Longer lifespans typically require steady investment in preventive maintenance rather than repair after failures. Subarus of this era benefit from reliable all-wheel drive and modern electronics, but CVT maintenance and rust prevention (in snowy regions) are important cost factors to plan for as mileage climbs.
Summary
In short, a 2021 Subaru Legacy can last many years and hundreds of thousands of miles with disciplined maintenance, especially attentive CVT care, regular oil changes, and timely fluid replacements. Real-world results vary, but with a proactive service schedule and careful driving, owners can reasonably expect a long, dependable service life and decades of use from a single Legacy.
What years to stay away from Subaru Legacy?
Years to avoid for the Subaru Legacy include 2010–2014, primarily due to transmission issues and headlight problems, and 2005–2009, which are known for head gasket and other engine-related issues. Other problematic years include 2011 for its headlights and 2018 for infotainment problems.
Subaru Legacy years to avoid
- 2010–2014: These years can have issues with the continuously variable transmission (CVT), which can cause hesitation, shuddering, or stalling. The 2011 model year is also notorious for headlights burning out very quickly.
- 2005–2009: These models can be prone to head gasket failure, especially on the 2.5L engine, leading to coolant and oil leaks. Other problems can include catalytic converter and rear hub failures.
- 2018: This model year has been associated with infotainment system glitches, such as the display freezing or refusing to shut down.
- Other years:
- 2000–2006: Reported issues with faulty oxygen sensors.
- 2011–2012: Have been cited for frequent headlight burnout.
- 2021–2023: Recall issued for a transmission parking rod issue.
- 2023: Recalled for display screen issues and other electronic problems.
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.
How many miles will a 2021 Subaru Legacy last?
200,000 miles
With proper maintenance, Legacy models can easily last well beyond 200,000 miles, providing years of dependable service. Outback: The Subaru Outback is a rugged and versatile crossover SUV that's built to withstand the demands of daily driving and outdoor adventures lasting well beyond 200,000 miles.
How reliable is a 2021 Subaru Legacy?
As a whole, consumers found the vehicle's comfort and reliability to be its strongest features and styling to be its weakest. 14 out of 19 of owners (74% of them) rank the 2021 Legacy five out of five stars. Overall, consumers seem aligned in their opinions of the 2021 Subaru Legacy.
