Is the Subaru Legacy 2013 reliable?
The Subaru Legacy 2013 is a popular midsize sedan known for its all-wheel-drive capability, safety features, and practicality. If you're considering purchasing a used Subaru Legacy from this model year, reliability is likely one of your top concerns. In this article, we’ll explore the reliability of the 2013 Subaru Legacy based on its performance, common issues, and owner feedback.
What Makes the Subaru Legacy 2013 Stand Out?
The 2013 Subaru Legacy is equipped with features that make it a strong contender in the midsize sedan market. Here are some of its standout qualities:
- All-Wheel Drive (AWD): Unlike many competitors in its class, the Legacy comes standard with AWD, providing excellent traction in various weather conditions.
- Safety Ratings: The 2013 Legacy received high safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), earning a "Top Safety Pick" designation.
- Fuel Efficiency: With its base 2.5-liter engine, the Legacy offers decent fuel economy for an AWD vehicle, averaging around 24 mpg city and 32 mpg highway.
Reliability Overview
When it comes to reliability, the Subaru Legacy 2013 generally performs well. Many owners report satisfaction with the vehicle's durability and performance over time. However, like any car, it has its share of common issues that potential buyers should be aware of.
Common Issues with the 2013 Subaru Legacy
While the 2013 Legacy is considered reliable overall, there are a few recurring problems reported by owners:
- Oil Consumption: Some owners have reported excessive oil consumption in the 2.5-liter engine. Regularly checking and maintaining oil levels is crucial to avoid engine damage.
- CVT Transmission Problems: The continuously variable transmission (CVT) in some models has been known to experience issues, such as shuddering or hesitation. Subaru extended the warranty on certain CVT components to address these concerns.
- Suspension Wear: Premature wear of suspension components, such as control arm bushings, has been noted by some owners, leading to a rougher ride over time.
Maintenance Tips for Longevity
To ensure the reliability of a 2013 Subaru Legacy, proper maintenance is key. Here are some tips to keep your Legacy running smoothly:
- Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule for oil changes, fluid checks, and other routine services.
- Inspect the CVT transmission regularly and address any unusual noises or performance issues promptly.
- Monitor tire wear and alignment, as the AWD system can be sensitive to uneven tire conditions.
- Check for recalls or service bulletins that may apply to your vehicle and have them addressed by a qualified mechanic.
Conclusion
The Subaru Legacy 2013 is a reliable and practical choice for those seeking a midsize sedan with AWD and strong safety features. While it has some common issues, regular maintenance and prompt attention to potential problems can help ensure its longevity. If you're considering purchasing one, a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is highly recommended to identify any existing issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Subaru Legacy expensive to repair?
A Subaru Legacy midsize sedan will cost about $6,264 for maintenance and repairs during its first ten years of service. This is more than the industry average for popular sedan models by $301. There is also a 17.73% chance that a Legacy will require a major repair during that time.
How long will a 2013 Subaru Legacy last?
Legacy: The Subaru Legacy is a midsize sedan known for its reliability and durability. With proper maintenance, Legacy models can easily last well beyond 200,000 miles, providing years of dependable service.
Why avoid 2013 Subaru?
The most common problems found on the 2013 Subaru Outback include engine issues, transmission failures, and excessive battery drain. Overall, these problems are more serious than issues found on other SUVs from 2013, and repair costs are higher than average as well.
Does 2013 Subaru Legacy have timing belt?
Start thinking about changing the timing belt once you cross the 90,000-mile threshold. Check your owner's manual for details.
What year was bad for Subaru Legacy?
Legacy owners have made 78 complaints about the 2010–2014 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 25th out of 38 Subaru generations in overall reliability , with real lights and engine concerns.
What are the cons of a Subaru Legacy?
There are ample Subaru Legacy pros and cons to consider. The car comes with the best safety technology, standard all-wheel drive, and tons of room in the front and back. However, it also lacks a manual transmission, a seriously underpowered entry engine option, and a troublesome driving attitude.
Is a 2013 Subaru Legacy a reliable car?
The 2013 Subaru Legacy has a J.D. Power reliability score of 3.5 out of five, which is above average for the auto industry.
What are common problems with a 2013 Subaru Legacy?
Owner Reported Trouble Spots
- Transmission Major. Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.
- Transmission Minor.
- Brakes.
- Steering And Suspension.
- Exhaust.
- In-car Electronics.
- Electrical Accessories.
- Engine Major.
What is the recall on the 2013 Subaru Legacy transmission?
Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with a manual transmission. The electronic parking brake (EPB) may not engage as intended, allowing the vehicle to rollaway if the transmission is not in the proper gear when parked.
Do subarus last as long as Toyotas?
And, Toyota was awarded the most reliable brand at the 2021 Auto Trader New Car Awards. Also, Toyota's can last well past 300,000 miles (think of the million-mile Tundra), while Subaru typically lasts around 200,000 miles.
