EngineHigh
2.5L oil consumption (piston-ring related on some years).
- Typically appears
- 60,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Check oil level and any ring-related campaign/warranty history.
2010–2019 Subaru Legacy · common problems & known faults
The Legacy is a comfortable AWD sedan; oil consumption and wheel bearings are the main checks.
Compiled & reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team · last reviewed July 2026
Quick answer
The most commonly reported faults on the 2010–2019 Subaru Legacy are 2.5L oil consumption (piston-ring related on some years), Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) actuator failure causing stuck rear brakes or flashing dash lights and DPF blockage and EGR valve sticking on 2.0D boxer diesel models, causing limp mode. 3 of the documented issues are rated high severity · inspect these first. Full inspection points, onset mileage and what to check are listed below.
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Build the inspection planReliability snapshot
Based on the documented faults on this page for the Subaru Legacy.
4.6/ 10
- Critical
- 0
- High
- 3
- Medium
- 3
- Low
- 2
Guidance only · reflects reported patterns, not a specific car's condition.
Known faults to check
TransmissionMedium
CVT judder on later cars.
- Typically appears
- 70,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Feel for shudder on light throttle.
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Build the inspection planSuspensionMedium
Front wheel bearing wear.
- Typically appears
- 80,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Listen for a hum that varies with steering.
ElectricalLow
Battery drain / infotainment glitches.
- Typically appears
- Age-related
- What to inspect
- Check for parasitic drain and test the screen.
BrakesHigh
Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) actuator failure causing stuck rear brakes or flashing dash lights.
- Typically appears
- 70,000-100,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Operate the EPB switch on the centre console several times. Listen for a strained motor noise and ensure the brake fully releases without triggering dashboard warning lights.
ExhaustLow
Metallic rattling noise due to corroded welds on the exhaust manifold heat shields.
- Typically appears
- 50,000-80,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Hold engine revs at exactly 1,500 to 2,000 rpm with the driver's door open. Listen for a distinct tinny, metallic vibration originating from beneath the vehicle.
SteeringMedium
Power steering pump whining due to a perished inlet O-ring drawing in air (2010-2012 hydraulic systems).
- Typically appears
- 60,000-90,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Start the engine from cold and turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock. Listen for a loud groaning or whining noise from the engine bay.
EmissionsHigh
DPF blockage and EGR valve sticking on 2.0D boxer diesel models, causing limp mode.
- Typically appears
- 60,000-80,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Check the dashboard for a flashing DPF warning light. Rev the engine to 3,000 rpm to check for hesitation, uneven idling, or excessive exhaust smoke.
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Build my inspection planFrequently asked questions
Is the Legacy reliable?
Yes overall; oil consumption on some 2.5 engines is the key check.
Which years had oil consumption?
Certain 2011–2015 2.5 engines were covered by a piston-ring campaign; check history.
Is the Legacy good in winter?
Excellent with standard AWD; keep tyres matched and healthy.
Does the 2010-2019 Legacy use a timing belt or a timing chain?
It depends on the engine and year. The earlier 2.5-litre EJ-series engines (up to 2012) and the 2.0-litre boxer diesels use a timing belt requiring replacement every 60,000 miles or five years. Conversely, the later 2.5-litre FB-series engines (2013 onwards) and the 3.6-litre six-cylinder models utilise a maintenance-free timing chain.
Are head gasket failures still a concern on this generation?
Head gasket failures are significantly rarer on the fifth and sixth-generation models compared to earlier iterations, thanks to the introduction of multi-layer steel gaskets. However, early 2010-2012 2.5-litre EJ engines can still occasionally suffer from external oil or coolant weeping, making a visual inspection of the block mating surfaces essential.
Do all four tyres need to be replaced simultaneously?
Yes, Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel-drive system is highly sensitive to rolling radius differences. Tread depth variance across all four tyres must not exceed 2mm to 3mm. Fitting mismatched tyres or replacing just one axle can cause premature wear and catastrophic failure of the centre differential or CVT transfer clutch.
Sources & further reading
Faults are compiled from documented recalls, technical bulletins, owner reports and mechanic sources, then reviewed for accuracy. This is guidance only · not a substitute for a professional inspection.
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