Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
470–25K
425–50K
150–75K
075–100K
0100–150K
0150K+
52 reports with mileage · 69 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Visibility/wiper. Review the 57 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 15 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Visibility. Review the 9 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
1 crash reports1 fire reports1 injury reports
What owners actually said
121 reports
2,300 miles · Mar 9, 2021
Visibility/wiper
ON 2/19/2021 UPON RETRIEVING MY CAR FROM AN INDOOR PARKING STRUCTURE I NOTICED A CRACK IN MY WINDSHIELD. I THOROUGHLY INSPECTED THE WINDSHIELD AND REALIZED THERE WAS NO POINT OF IMPACT. I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM AND DISCOVERED THERE ARE OTHER SUBARU OWNERS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. THROUGH THIS RESEARCH I HAVE DISCOV…
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ON 2/19/2021 UPON RETRIEVING MY CAR FROM AN INDOOR PARKING STRUCTURE I NOTICED A CRACK IN MY WINDSHIELD. I THOROUGHLY INSPECTED THE WINDSHIELD AND REALIZED THERE WAS NO POINT OF IMPACT. I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM AND DISCOVERED THERE ARE OTHER SUBARU OWNERS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. THROUGH THIS RESEARCH I HAVE DISCOVERED USING THE WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER MAY BE THE CAUSE OF THE CRACK WHICH, WAS ALSO MENTIONED TO ME BY STAFF AT THE SUBARU SERVICE DEPARTMENT WHEN I TOOK THE CAR IN FOR REPAIR ON 3/8/2021. ATTACHED ARE THE DOCUMENTS/PHOTO I HAVE AVAILABLE AT THE TIME OF THIS REPORT. THANK YOU.
NHTSA ODI #11400039
18,500 miles · Feb 25, 2021
Power Train
MY CAR BEGINS TO JERK OR PULSATE, AS IF POWER IS BEING APPLIED AND REMOVED QUICKLY, WHILE THE CAR IS UNDER LOAD. I FIRST NOTICED THIS PROBLEM WHILE DRIVING UP LONG INCLINES ON THE INTERSTATE. THEN, I NOTICED IT WHILE ACCELERATING FROM RELATIVELY SLOW SPEED TO HIGHWAY SPEEDS. TODAY, WHILE DRIVING ON A LEVEL HIGHWAY MAINTAINING SP…
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MY CAR BEGINS TO JERK OR PULSATE, AS IF POWER IS BEING APPLIED AND REMOVED QUICKLY, WHILE THE CAR IS UNDER LOAD. I FIRST NOTICED THIS PROBLEM WHILE DRIVING UP LONG INCLINES ON THE INTERSTATE. THEN, I NOTICED IT WHILE ACCELERATING FROM RELATIVELY SLOW SPEED TO HIGHWAY SPEEDS. TODAY, WHILE DRIVING ON A LEVEL HIGHWAY MAINTAINING SPEED, THE CAR KEPT DOING IT IN A VERY NOTICEABLE (HARD) MANNER. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP, BUT THEY DIDN'T OBSERVE THIS PROBLEM AND SAID THE CAR WASN'T SHOWING ANY CODES. MY CAR HAS BETWEEN 18,500 MILES ON IT, AND THE PROBLEM CONTINUES TO GET WORSE. IT IS BECOMING MORE NOTICEABLE AND MORE COMMON.
NHTSA ODI #11397972
Mileage unknown · Feb 17, 2021
Visibility/wiper
FRONT WINDOW SPONTANEOUSLY CRACKED. GOT INTO THE CAR AND DISCOVERED THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED. CAR STORED IN GARAGE.
NHTSA ODI #11396637
14,628 miles · Feb 15, 2021
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other
RADIO AND CONTROL UNIT RANDOMLY RESTARTS AND FREEZES, AFFECTING THE RADIO FROM WORKING, THE VEHICLE CONTROL AND DRIVING ASSISTANCE OPTIONS, AND THE TWO USB PORTS WHICH ARE THE ONLY POWER SOURCES IN THE VEHICLE FROM WORKING CORRECTLY. I HAVE NO AUDIO AND CANNOT RESET THE RADIO AND CANNOT CHANGE VEHICLE CONTROL FUNCTIONS. WHEN I S…
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RADIO AND CONTROL UNIT RANDOMLY RESTARTS AND FREEZES, AFFECTING THE RADIO FROM WORKING, THE VEHICLE CONTROL AND DRIVING ASSISTANCE OPTIONS, AND THE TWO USB PORTS WHICH ARE THE ONLY POWER SOURCES IN THE VEHICLE FROM WORKING CORRECTLY. I HAVE NO AUDIO AND CANNOT RESET THE RADIO AND CANNOT CHANGE VEHICLE CONTROL FUNCTIONS. WHEN I SELECT CERTAIN BUTTONS IT DOES NOTHING.
NHTSA ODI #11396240
12,000 miles · Feb 3, 2021
Visibility/wiper
THE WINDSHIELD FORMED A SPONTANEOUS CRACK. THE WEATHER WAS BELOW FREEZING OVER NIGHT AND WHEN THE CAR, WHICH WAS PARKED IN A RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY, WAS CHECKED AT 8:00AM THE NEXT MORNING AN 6 INCH CRACK ORIGINATING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD FRAME/POST WAS IN THE WINDOW. THERE WAS NO DEBRIS ON THE VEHICLE TO HAVE CAUSED I…
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THE WINDSHIELD FORMED A SPONTANEOUS CRACK. THE WEATHER WAS BELOW FREEZING OVER NIGHT AND WHEN THE CAR, WHICH WAS PARKED IN A RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY, WAS CHECKED AT 8:00AM THE NEXT MORNING AN 6 INCH CRACK ORIGINATING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD FRAME/POST WAS IN THE WINDOW. THERE WAS NO DEBRIS ON THE VEHICLE TO HAVE CAUSED IT.
NHTSA ODI #11394405
4,918 miles · Jan 31, 2021
Visibility/wiper
CRACKED WINDSHIELD FOR NO REASON. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION.
NHTSA ODI #11390896
Mileage unknown · Jan 24, 2021
Visibility/wiper
I HAVE NOT DRIVEN THE SUBARU LEGACY FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS. IT HAS BEEN PARKED OUTSIDE ON THE DRIVEWAY. TODAY, I NOTICED, THE FRONT WINDSHIELD HAS A LONG CRACK STARTING FROM TOP EDGE L SHAPED TO THE CENTER. THERE IS NO OBVIOUS SIGN OF THE IMPACT FROM ANY OBJECT. I SEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS QUITE A COMMON ISSUE …
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I HAVE NOT DRIVEN THE SUBARU LEGACY FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS. IT HAS BEEN PARKED OUTSIDE ON THE DRIVEWAY. TODAY, I NOTICED, THE FRONT WINDSHIELD HAS A LONG CRACK STARTING FROM TOP EDGE L SHAPED TO THE CENTER. THERE IS NO OBVIOUS SIGN OF THE IMPACT FROM ANY OBJECT. I SEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS QUITE A COMMON ISSUE DUE TO THE DEFECTIVE WINDSHIELD ON CERTAIN SUBARU MODELS.
NHTSA ODI #11389691
3,383 miles · Jan 11, 2021
Visibility/wiper
THE FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW SUDDENLY DEVELOPED A LARGE CRACK AFTER LOWERING AND RAISING THE WINDOW WHILE THE CAR WAS STATIONARY. FOUR MONTHS EARLIER THE FRONT WINDSHIELD CRACKED FOR NO REASON. A SEPARATE INCIDENT WAS CREATED FOR THE WINDSHIELD.
NHTSA ODI #11387513
6,089 miles · Jan 9, 2021
Unknown Or Other
THE WINDSHIELD SPONTANEOUSLY CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT IN OPERATION. IT WAS PARKED WITH NO PASSENGER.
NHTSA ODI #11387283
1,000 miles · Jan 4, 2021
Visibility/wiper
JUST THREE MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING A NEW 2020 SUBARU LEGACY, THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED. DUE TO COVID LOCKDOWNS I HAD BARELY DRIVEN IT (BETWEEN MARCH 2020 AND JUNE 2020). MY SUBARU DEALER CLAIMED IT WAS A ROCK HIT BUT I HAD NO SUCH INCIDENT HAPPEN IN THE 1000 TOTAL MILES I HAD DRIVEN THE CAR. IN FACT, IT CRACKED WHILE DRIVING STRAIG…
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JUST THREE MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING A NEW 2020 SUBARU LEGACY, THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED. DUE TO COVID LOCKDOWNS I HAD BARELY DRIVEN IT (BETWEEN MARCH 2020 AND JUNE 2020). MY SUBARU DEALER CLAIMED IT WAS A ROCK HIT BUT I HAD NO SUCH INCIDENT HAPPEN IN THE 1000 TOTAL MILES I HAD DRIVEN THE CAR. IN FACT, IT CRACKED WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT AT 20 MPH DOWN A SUBURBAN STREET WITH NO OTHER TRAFFIC. I HAVE BECOME AWARE OF CLASS-ACTION LEGAL FILINGS AROUND THIS ISSUE AND AM WONDERING IF MY SITUATION IS SIMILAR TO MANY OTHER SUBARU OWNERS. I WENT AHEAD AND FILED WITH INSURANCE AND PAID A $500 DEDUCTIBLE TO GET IT REPAIRED.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Outback and Legacy vehicles. A capacitor in the sensors for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may crack and short circuit, which can prevent the front passenger air bag from deploying in a crash.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the ODS sensors on the front passenger seat, free of charge. Owner notifications were mailed February 3, 2025. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRA-24.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Outback and Legacy vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the TCU, inspect TCU data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide. If evidence of chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 24, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRK-22. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 21V-955.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Power Train:driveline:chain/belt
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Outback and Legacy vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.
Consequence: An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the TCU, inspect TCU data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide. If evidence of chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 24, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRK-22. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 21V-955.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Outback and Legacy vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.
Consequence: An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the TCU, inspect TCU data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide. If evidence of chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 24, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRK-22. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 21V-955.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the TCU, inspect TCU data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide. If evidence of chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 19, 2022. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855. Vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855 will need to have the new remedy performed for this recall once available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRK-21.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Power Train:driveline:chain/belt
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.
Consequence: An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the TCU, inspect TCU data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide. If evidence of chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 19, 2022. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855. Vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855 will need to have the new remedy performed for this recall once available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRK-21.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.
Consequence: An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the TCU, inspect TCU data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide. If evidence of chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 19, 2022. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855. Vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855 will need to have the new remedy performed for this recall once available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRK-21.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with "high" grade and "mid" grade multimedia navigation. The August 2020 over-the-air software update may have timed out without completing the installation, corrupting the data, and causing the rearview display to shutoff intermittently. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The intermittent loss of the rearview image reduces the driver's visibility and increases the risk of crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the software and, if necessary, replace the Cockpit Control Module, free of charge. The recall began January 22, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-20.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020 Outback and Legacy vehicles. The brake pedal mounting bracket may have a missing or insufficiently tightened bolt.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A missing or loose bolt may cause the brake pedal mounting area to deform over time, which can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake pedal mounting bracket hardware and replace the hardware or brake pedal assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUL-97.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0
No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
2020 Subaru Legacy Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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