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Subaru Legacy V faults

3 faults documented by at least two sources, listed by version then by mileage at onset when known.

Buy with care
Reliability
3.5/5

3 known faults

2.0D 150 4x4

  1. Crankshaft and bearing failure (2.0D boxer)

    Severity 3/3 · Serious

    The 2.0D boxer diesel (EE20) is known for lower-engine failures (crankshaft, bearings), often sudden, reported mainly on Euro 4 engines and occasionally on Euro 5. The causes put forward vary (block design, bearing clearance, assembly); according to testimonies, Subaru has no official position. Repairs are expensive. Sources: specialist press articles and owners' forums.

    Versions
    2.0D 150 4x4
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  2. Clogged DPF and fuel dilution of the oil (2.0D)

    Severity 2/3 · Costly

    On the diesel Legacy, repeated regenerations of the particulate filter (short journeys) can let diesel get into the oil, which rises in level and thins out. Owners report a DPF warning light, loss of power and fault codes linked to the EGR. Some owners suggest a link with lower-engine wear, but no proof has been established.

    Versions
    2.0D 150 4x4
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  3. Takata passenger airbag (recall)

    Manufacturer recall

    Subaru France cites the 2010-2014 Legacy in the worldwide Takata airbag recall (passenger airbag). The gas generator may be faulty and eject metal fragments. Only the serial number can tell whether the car is affected.

    Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).

    Versions
    2.0D 150 4x4, 2.0i Lineartronic, 2.5i Lineartronic
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

2.0i Lineartronic

  1. Takata passenger airbag (recall)

    Manufacturer recall

    Subaru France cites the 2010-2014 Legacy in the worldwide Takata airbag recall (passenger airbag). The gas generator may be faulty and eject metal fragments. Only the serial number can tell whether the car is affected.

    Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).

    Versions
    2.0D 150 4x4, 2.0i Lineartronic, 2.5i Lineartronic
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

2.5i Lineartronic

  1. Takata passenger airbag (recall)

    Manufacturer recall

    Subaru France cites the 2010-2014 Legacy in the worldwide Takata airbag recall (passenger airbag). The gas generator may be faulty and eject metal fragments. Only the serial number can tell whether the car is affected.

    Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).

    Versions
    2.0D 150 4x4, 2.0i Lineartronic, 2.5i Lineartronic
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

Price and diagnose repairs

Read fault codes

An OBD scanner plugged in under the steering wheel shows stored fault codes, even with warning lights off: useful during the test drive.

Parts and maintenance

Compare prices of parts for the Subaru Legacy V (timing, brakes, filters) to estimate the repairs to plan for.

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