Where is the Subaru Legacy made?
The Subaru Legacy is primarily built in the United States for North American buyers, with the Japan-only domestic-market Legacy assembled in Gunma Prefecture. In practice, the Indiana plant handles most Legacy production for North America, while Japan’s Gunma plants service the domestic lineup.
Two main production hubs
The following are the central hubs where Subaru has historically produced the Legacy, reflecting the company’s global manufacturing approach.
- Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) — Lafayette, Indiana, United States: The principal production site for the Legacy sold in North America.
- Gunma Prefecture, Japan — Subaru’s domestic-market plants (including facilities in the Oizumi/Yajima region): Produce the Legacy for the Japanese market.
Note: Production lines and assignments can shift with model years and market demand; always verify the plant indicated on the vehicle’s VIN or window sticker.
Regional focus: North America vs Japan
North America
In North America, Subaru has consistently centralized Legacy production at SIA in Lafayette since the early 2000s, aligning supply with U.S. demand and supporting related models in the same plant complex. This facility has long served as the main source of Legacies for the American and Canadian markets.
Japan
The Legacy line sold in Japan is assembled domestically at Subaru’s Gunma-based plants. These facilities handle the domestic market’s Legacy models, accommodating Japan-specific specifications and regulations.
Summary
The main answer to where the Subaru Legacy is made: the United States (Lafayette, Indiana) for North American vehicles, and Japan (Gunma Prefecture) for the domestic Japanese market. Market-specific production continues to shape where your Legacy comes from, so check the window sticker or VIN for precise plant information.
What is the most common problem with Subaru Legacy?
Top Subaru Legacy Problems
- Cooling System Problems Cause Head Gasket Failure.
- Subaru Front O2 Sensor Recall.
- Failure in ABS causes pump to run continuously and wear down battery.
- Failure in ABS causes pump to run continuously and wear down battery.
- Engine Oil May Leak From Camshaft/Crankshaft Front Seals.
Which Subaru models are made in the USA?
The Subaru models made in the USA are the Ascent, Crosstrek, Legacy, and Outback, which are assembled at the Subaru of Indiana Automotive plant. The Subaru Impreza is also made in the USA, according to some sources.
- Ascent: The largest SUV, with three rows of seating, is built in Indiana.
- Crosstrek: This popular crossover is also manufactured in Indiana.
- Legacy: The Legacy sedan is produced at the Indiana plant.
- Outback: This versatile crossover is assembled at the Indiana facility.
- Impreza: Some sources indicate the Impreza is also made in the USA, though it may also be produced in Japan.
Why is Subaru discontinuing Legacy?
Subaru is discontinuing the Legacy sedan because of a market shift from passenger cars to SUVs and crossovers, combined with the company's own strategic pivot to developing more electrified and electric vehicles. Lower sales for the midsize sedan, especially compared to Subaru's popular SUVs like the Outback and Crosstrek, also played a major role in the decision.
Market shifts and sales performance
- Declining sedan popularity: The overall midsize sedan market has shrunk significantly, and the Legacy's sales figures have been dwarfed by Subaru's own SUV sales. For example, in 2023, Subaru sold about 25,500 Legacies compared to over 161,000 Outbacks and 159,000 Crosstreks.
- Consumer preference: Shoppers are increasingly opting for SUVs and crossovers, a trend reflected in sales numbers across the industry.
Strategic shift to EVs
- Focus on electrification: Subaru is transitioning its lineup towards electrified and fully electric vehicles, with a goal of having eight EV models by 2028.
- Resource allocation: Discontinuing the Legacy frees up resources and production line space at the Indiana plant for more in-demand and strategically important models, such as the next-generation Forester, notes Torque News.
Which subarus are made in Japan?
Subarus made in Japan include the Forester, WRX, BRZ, and Impreza, along with base and premium trims of the Crosstrek and the Solterra. Production for these models is centered in the Gunma Prefecture, Japan.
- Forester: The entire Forester lineup is manufactured in Japan.
- WRX: The WRX sports car is built in Japan.
- BRZ: The BRZ sports car is produced in Japan.
- Impreza: The Impreza is made in Japan.
- Crosstrek: Base and Premium trim levels of the Crosstrek are made in Japan. Higher trims like Sport and Limited are made in the U.S.
- Solterra: The all-electric Solterra is built in Japan.
