Kia Optima vs Subaru Legacy: reliability compared
From 2006 to 2020, owners filed an average of 452 complaints per model year about the Kia Optima and 104 about the Subaru Legacy.
Side by side
| Kia Optima | Subaru Legacy | |
|---|---|---|
| Model years compared | 2006-2020 | 2006-2020 |
| Owner complaints | 6,784 | 1,565 |
| Complaints per model year | 452 | 104 |
| Recalls | 18 | 48 |
| Years to avoid | 201120122013201420152016 | 20112015 |
| Best years | 200820092010 | 2007 |
| Most common problem | Engine | Electrical |
| Crash rating | No data | No data |
| Fuel economy | 24-41 mpg combined (2020) | 27-30 mpg combined (2020) |
A car that sells more collects more complaints, so the fairest test is the number of years to avoid, which compares each year with a typical year of the same car.
Complaints per model year
Problems compared
| Optima | Legacy | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3,331 | 209 |
| Electrical | 809 | 295 |
| Steering | 739 | 79 |
| Brakes | 495 | 115 |
| Transmission | 473 | 208 |
| Fuel system | 459 | 72 |
| Visibility | 192 | 271 |
| Airbags | 453 | 196 |
Questions about the Kia Optima vs Subaru Legacy
Which is more reliable, the Kia Optima or the Subaru Legacy?
Between 2006 and 2020, the Kia Optima has 6 years to avoid and the Subaru Legacy 2. The Subaru Legacy has been more consistent from year to year. By raw volume, the Subaru Legacy drew fewer complaints per model year (104 vs 452), though sales volume affects that number.
Which has more recalls, the Kia Optima or the Subaru Legacy?
From 2006 to 2020, the Kia Optima was covered by 18 recalls and the Subaru Legacy by 48.
What years of the Kia Optima and Subaru Legacy should you avoid?
Kia Optima: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016. Subaru Legacy: 2011 and 2015.
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