This is my car, no problem. The problem are these other vehicles with these high beam looking lights. I believe it's LED lights, they are too bright! On a dark one lane road the road in front of me dissappears. I have to completely halt and wait for the vehicle with these lights to pass to see the road. Please regulate these lights to avoid any more accidents due to these lights.
Subaru Legacy headlights problems
72 of the 3,183 owner complaints about the Subaru Legacy describe headlights failing or too dim, most of them for the 2011 model year.
- owner complaints
- 72
- worst model year
- 2011
- typical mileage
- 50,000
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
Often reported together
Adaptive cruise 3Wipers 2Check engine light 2Battery drain 2ABS 2Won't start 1Warning lights 1Tire blowout 1
What owners say
Headlights are horrible Not effective during rain, did not see a tree in road in time. Had a collision 5k in damages.
Notice significant rust or corrosion on my 2010 Subaru Legacy, especially on the subframe. Had it professional inspected and confirmed on December 6, 2025 because it was making a squeaky noise when I applied the brakes. I purchased this vehicle 02/15/20 used, was not told about corrosion. Bought vehicle at Maxon Buick GMC in Union, New Jersey. Also,my headlight bulbs keeps going out every year since I purchased my Legacy.
I am the original owner since purchased new on the dealer lot in 2013. Within the first year, the drivers side headlight prematurely burned out (low beam). I have had to replace four bulbs (so far) since owning vehicle. The first two incidents I payed over $100 to have the bulb changed/replaced by a local mechanic. Since then, I have figured out how to replace the bulbs myself; but unfortunately the remedy is to remove the front driver's tire, remove inner plastic wheel well, and finagle and twist my arm to do this procedure (not easy!). Two main issues: Subaru needs to recall and fix the issue that is prematurely burning out this bulb, and 2; bring back the ability to (engineering design) that allows the owner of the vehicle to replace this bulb from the engine bay - NOT going through a procedure that involves a lengthy and expensive repair.
Frequently, while driving in the dark, oncoming traffic flashes their bright lights at me because they believe my brights are on. I flash them back to show them they are not on. I informed my local Subaru dealership on two separate occasions about the problem, and both times I was told there is nothing that can be done, that the lights are not adjustable and the bulbs are not too bright from the factory. I continue to have issues every time I drive the vehicle, most of my driving is in the dark. This morning, another driver behaved in a manner that made me fear for my safety. I was following a line of cars, and the vehicle in front of me pulled over to the side of the road and then pulled back on the road directly behind me. The driver continually flashed his brights at me, I'm guessing they were irritated because they believed my brights were on when I was following them. This continued for about 5 minutes. I almost called 911 because I feared for my safety and the mental stability of the driver behind me. Eventually the driver turned off the roadway and took another route than I was taking and the situation ended. I now fear for the safety of myself and other drivers, because my lights are too bright and the Subaru dealership will do nothing to remedy the safety issue. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced at the local Subaru dealership on 12/19/2023. The dealership claimed they were able to adjust the headlights and that they are properly adjusted to specs. However, there is not a noticeable difference, nor does any other vehicles on the road.
The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the headlights failed to illuminate, and the rearview camera was intermittently flashing and displaying a blank image. The contact stated that on various occasions when the vehicle was parked, the parking brake failed to activate as needed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the head unit software needed to be updated; however, the part for the repair was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired and occasionally failed to start. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 18V935000 (Visibility) or Number: 18V626000 (Parking Brake). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 23,191.
Check engine light came on at 55,500 miles on exactly the third anniversary of purchase. Local mechanic determined the code related to Thermo Control Valve failure. Apparently an ongoing issue with many Subarus since replacing the thermostat with this in their cars. Lost all eyesight features, including cruise control and high beams, as well as cabin heat in the midst of winter in the northeast. A simple google search reveals MANY instances of this subpar part falling on Subaru cars. $1,066 later, I feel a recall or coverage under powertrain warranty is warranted.
The contact owns a 2011 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the headlights failed to illuminate. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Battery continually dies. Driven daily and even after driving same day battery will be dead. Issue occurs more frequently when headlights are set on auto. Seems battery drains when car is off but still pulling a charge. Have been stranded numerous times since purchasing the car 2 years ago. Have had battery checked and told it is fine.
Dashboard has melted from sun and heat, has become extremely shiney & sticky, plus sun & headlights reflect off the windscreen.
Related recalls
Exterior lighting
- What is wrong
- Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010 and 2011 Legacy and Outback vehicles, certain model year 2006 through 2012 Tribeca vehicles sold before January 2012, and certain model year 2009 through 2012 Forester vehicles sold before January 2012. Up to 78,650 of these vehicles may have been equipped with accessory puddle lights that, when illuminated, brighten the area under the doors of the vehicle. A short circuit can develop when either the puddle light or connector are exposed to an electrolytic moisture source (such as road spray that has road salt in it) and it penetrates the circuit board of the puddle light or the pins of the puddle light connector(s).
- Risk
- Over time, migration of the moisture into the circuit board and/or into the connector cavity, may result in a short circuit of the puddle light system. This may generate heat which may melt the plastic resulting in smoke or fire.
- Remedy
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional fused-harness, free of charge. The recall began February 19, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1‑800‑782‑2783 for more information.
Recall number 12V602000 · Recall details
Exterior lighting: hazard flashing warning lights: switch
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Insufficient clearance within the hazard warning light switch housing can cause a binding between the actuating button and the housing.
- Risk
- The switch could stick in an intermediate position when deactivating, resulting in the turn signals becoming inoperable.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a modified hazard warning switch.
Recall number 97V210000 · Recall details
Questions about the Subaru Legacy headlights
Which Subaru Legacy years have headlights failing or too dim problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2011 (18 complaints), 2010 (12 complaints) and 2014 (6 complaints).
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