What are the most common Subaru Legacy problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 1,820+ owner reports, the 2019-2019 Subaru Legacy has 2 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: CVT Transmission Failure, Front Suspension Clunk - Stabilizer Bar End Link and Strut Mount. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Subaru Legacy reliable?

The 2019-2019 Subaru Legacy has 2 known issues documented across 1,820+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: CVT Transmission Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Subaru Legacy problems?

Repair costs for known Subaru Legacy issues range from $100 to $8,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, CVT Transmission Failure, typically costs $200-$8,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

2019 Subaru Legacy Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2019 model year · 1,820+ owner reports · Updated April 2026

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According to Au7o's analysis of 1,820+ owner reports, the 2019 Subaru Legacy has 2 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is CVT Transmission Failure ($200-$8,000 repair). The most commonly reported issue is CVT Transmission Failure with 1,100 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $100 to $8,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

All 2 Known Issues

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Community Reported

1,100 owners

On the 2010-2020 Subaru Legacy, the 2010+ Legacy uses the Lineartronic CVT (TR690 for 2.5L, TR580 for 2.5i base) which has widespread reports of premature failure, typically between 80,000-140,000 miles. Failures include chain stretch, torque converter shudder, valve body malfunction, and complete transmission failure. The 2010-2014 models are most affected. Subaru extended CVT warranty coverage to 10 years/100,000 miles. Symptoms often start with subtle judder during light acceleration and progress to complete loss of drive.

This issue also affects: Acura TL, Infiniti QX60, Mitsubishi Outlander

Common Symptoms

Shudder during light throttle acceleration
Delayed engagement when shifting from Park
Loud whining from transmission area
Loss of power under acceleration
Transmission overheating warning
Complete loss of forward or reverse gear

How to Fix

Perform CVT fluid exchange with Subaru Lineartronic CVT Fluid II. Apply latest TCM software calibration at dealer. For torque converter shudder, converter replacement ($1,500-2,500) is often sufficient. Full CVT replacement with Subaru remanufactured unit for complete failures. Check 10-year/100,000-mile warranty extension eligibility first.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 1,100+ owners who fixed this issue

Tip
Tip
UpgradeCVT fluid specifically formulated for continuous variable transmissions (Valvoline CVT Transmission Fluid)
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UpgradeReplacement CVT transmission filter to maintain fluid cleanliness (ATP CVT Transmission Filter Kit)
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Typical repair cost:$200 - $8,000

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1,100+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence1,100 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026

Community Reported

720 owners

On the 2010-2019 Subaru Legacy, 2010-2019 Legacys develop annoying clunking or rattling from the front suspension, particularly over small bumps, rough roads, and during low-speed turns. The primary causes are worn front stabilizer bar end links and deteriorated strut top mounts. The stabilizer end link ball joints dry out and develop play, while the strut mount bearings wear causing a popping sound during turning. Cold weather exacerbates both issues. This is one of the most common complaints on Legacy forums.

Common Symptoms

Clunking noise from front end over small bumps
Rattling on rough road surfaces
Popping or creaking during low-speed turns
Noise worse in cold weather
Vague or loose feeling in steering

How to Fix

Replace front stabilizer bar end links (Subaru 20470AJ000 or Moog K750613). If popping during turns, also replace strut top mounts (Subaru 20320FJ000). End links are a straightforward 30-minute per side DIY job. Strut mount replacement requires spring compressor and is best left to a shop. TSB 18-148-17 addresses front suspension noise on some models.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 720+ owners who fixed this issue

Tip
Tip (Moog #K750613)
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UpgradeQuality replacement struts for ride comfort and handling restoration (Monroe Quick-Strut Complete Assembly)
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UpgradeStrut mount and bearing for noise-free strut operation (Moog Strut Mount Assembly)
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Typical repair cost:$100 - $600

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720+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence720 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026

2019 Subaru Legacy Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 2 Known Issues

2010-2020 Subaru Legacy: CVT Transmission Failure#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2010-2019 Subaru Legacy: Front Suspension Clunk - Stabilizer Bar End Link and Strut Mount#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

Other Subaru Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Subaru Legacy problems?

Is the Subaru Legacy reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Subaru Legacy problems?

What is the 2010-2020 Subaru Legacy CVT Transmission Failure?

What is the 2010-2019 Subaru Legacy Front Suspension Clunk - Stabilizer Bar End Link and Strut Mount?