Subaru Legacy engine failure problems

Filed Jul 18, 2026 · Airbags, Driver assistance · IL

To start, I had to replace the engine in my 2024 Legacy that I purchased brand new in June 2024. Subaru of America handled the situation incredibly poorly, I was unable to use any warranty and I was out over 6,000 dollars. Second, my passenger airbag light has been on since September 2024. I was told to replace the sensor the whole seat rail would need replaced and would be over 1000 dollars. Apparently not covered under warranty either. Lastly, god forbid you have to drive West when the sun is going down. MULTIPLE times my vehicle has popped the “obstacle detected” while I’m traveling 75 down the interstate and spikes the brakes automatically causing a massive hazard. This is my third Subaru, but it will certainly be my last. Customer service was horrible and issues are not resolved properly.

Filed Jun 4, 2026 · Engine · CT

Vehicle: 2021 Subaru Legacy Base 2.5i Mileage:~65,000 miles My engine suddenly began making loud internal knocking/tapping noises with no warning lights, no overheating, and no prior symptoms. The vehicle immediately became unsafe to operate. I had it towed to a Subaru dealership, where technicians confirmed the noise was coming from inside the engine and recommended a full engine replacement. The failure happened without any warning indicators, misfires, overheating, or oil pressure warnings. All diagnostics (including compression and leakdown) were clean, and the vehicle has been properly maintained. Subaru of America acknowledged the internal failure but only offered $1,000 goodwill toward a multi‑thousand‑dollar engine replacement. This appears to be a premature internal engine failure on the FB25 engine, which may indicate a defect. A sudden internal engine failure at highway speeds could lead to loss of power, stalling, or inability to accelerate, creating a safety hazard for the driver and surrounding traffic. I am filing this complaint because this type of unexpected internal engine failure at relatively low mileage may represent a pattern and should be tracked for potential investigation.

Filed Apr 17, 2026 · Engine · IL

Engine failed 3 cyclinders blew, car would not start, was able to drive car into parking lot (Einstein Bagels)before failure, otherwise could have been reared ended, as was in heavy traffic on westbound Dundee Road, in Palatine IL. Parking lot was near Dundee and Rand Road intersection

Filed Oct 27, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · 60,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds during colder weather, the heater failed to operate as intended. Additionally, the Eyesight system was inoperable. The check engine and other unknown warning lights were displayed. In addition, the contact stated that the engine failed to warm up as intended after being started, and the engine temperature was 107°F, which was below the normal engine temperature of 200°F. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the Thermal Control Valve needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 09-119-24; however, the vehicle was not repaired because the vehicle had a Salvaged Title. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Filed Mar 12, 2025 · Fuel system · NJ

I was driving on highway and engine failed light came on, along with low fuel sign. Engine shut off. Luckily I was able to safely pull over. The Dealer determined that the low fuel sensor failed thus shutoff the engine. Shutting engine off on a highway is dangerous and life threatening event. Need a different strategy to warn the driver with a time to safely pull over. It cost me over $1,500 to get the part repalce.

Filed Jan 3, 2025 · Engine · WA

For context, we are the original owners of the 2018 Subaru Legacy car (leased in 2018, and then purchased outright in 2022). At the time of the incident, the car was in pristine condition. We had the oil changed in accordance with the maintenance agreement during the lease, and then every 6,000 miles or whenever the dealership called us to bring in the car. The car had 39,000 miles on it at the time of the incident and had an oil change as recently as 2.5 months prior. While stopped in traffic, the car began making a sputtering noise and all the lights on the dashboard turned on at the same time. When pushing on the gas the car began rolling down the hill towards the car behind me. I put the car into park and then turned it off, and then waved traffic to pass me. After reinserting the key into the ignition, the car began to make the sputtering noise again, but I was able to move the car very slowly onto the shoulder of the road. The greatest danger is that this occurred in moving traffic. Thankfully, there was no harm done to me or anyone else. I had the car towed to the nearest auto mechanic shop. Initially, the shop informed me it was an issue with the spark plug, but upon further investigation, they told me the problem was with the engine and asked me to bring it to the dealership. The dealership is unsure of the exact issue, but stated that it was engine failure (more details in screenshots below). The technician has stated that we will need to completely rebuild the engine to fully identify and fix the problem.

Filed Nov 29, 2024 · Steering, Suspension · MA

Replaced steering rack 2/12/20 Replaced steering rack 12/07/22 Replaced sway bar links 11/09/23 Inspection found rear Lateral Link Bushings torn and alignment hardware seized in bushings torn and seized/replaced bushings and hardware to complete a proper alignment. 01/23/24 Replaced front sway bar links and strut mounts and performed alignment

Filed Aug 21, 2022 · CA · fire

During small front end collision, car’s engine failed and car sparked a fire resulting in total loss of vehicle. California highway patrol was called and a report was filed. Insurance was contacted and conducted own investigation to rule car as a total loss. No prior warning lights or messages appeared prior to accident.

Filed Aug 10, 2021 · Engine · 40,000 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2003 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated while driving 30 mph, the vehicle began to stall and then seized. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated a police officer assisted to push the vehicle out of the roadway. The contact stated he was able to restart the vehicle and drive to his destination. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact stated he and his daughter continued to experience the failure while driving the vehicle. The contact then took the vehicle to Fairway Subaru (2209 Laurens Rd, Greenville, SC 29607, (864) 242-5060) and the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact stated he continued to experience the failure. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

Filed Apr 20, 2021 · Engine · 112,000 miles · FL

Vehicle on highway and street, the head gasket is leaking heavily and causing the oil to leak onto the engine. The pistons will seize. The rods will break and a blown engine will occur.