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
Subaru Legacy won't start problems
34 of the 3,184 owner complaints about the Subaru Legacy describe won't start, most of them for the 2016 model year.
- owner complaints
- 34
- worst model year
- 2016
- typical mileage
- 41,600
Is there a fix? There are 4 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
Often reported together
Battery drain 10Fuel smell 3Loss of power 2Fuel pump 2Water leak 1Transmission failure 1Pulling 1
What owners say
Due to a dead battery issue in 2025, I bought a new battery. A year later, the car wouldn't start & I finally got it jumped. Ran fine for 3 weeks, then wouldn't start again. I brought car back to the Interstate battery shop, who tested the alternator, which was fine, but he said the battery was appearing low. After researching this problem, I discovered there's a known issue that the battery dies due to a parasitic draw. Subaru knows there is a problem but refuses to correct the issues. The dealer I bought the car from neglected to tell me there was an existing issue and will be happy to charge me $500+ to diagnose. This is a major defect on Subaru's part, and all future buyers should be aware of it!
This issue started on the trip back from Nashville. Upon cold start in the morning the center console display won't start. This affected infotainment, climate, eyesight, cruise etc. The system didn't work during the entire trip of 3 5 hours and inability to operate climate control caused the car to build up fog on all windows reducing visibility significantly at times. Turning ignition off, lock-unlock sequences didn't help the issue. The system booted normally after it sat locked for few hours upon arrival. A visit to dealer didn't find any issues. The usual comment the car needed software update, which I couldn't verify.
Subaru Starlink system constantly drains battery, leaving driver and passengers stranded. The Starlink is constantly looking for a 3G network, and my area has updated all 3G networks to 5G. After shutting car off, the Starlink will continuously search and drain battery so it will not start. The only temporary fix is to remove the fuse and disable the module. The Starlink is supposed to help in the case of an emergency, but it cannot help if the battery is dead. dealerships have acknowledged the problem but will only offer a fix for the replacement of the module for a sum of about $ 1,300.00.
Car wont start after having a new battery (only 2 months old) put volt meter on battery and reads 5.76 volts. Put 2 amp charger on it for an hour and car starts and voltage meter shows 12.26 volts after i shut it off. This is clearly an electrical problem that Subaru is trying to put off as a battery issue. This car only has 22 thousand miles on it and it is unreliable.The dealer says there is nothing wrong but anybody that knows anything about cars will disagree.
2019 Subaru Legacy battery drain. The car would not start, it was jumped in February 2023. In March, the car would not start and it was jumped and taken to the Subaru Serramonte dealer, a claim was filed for the extended warranty and the battery was replaced at no charge. In April 2023, the car would not start, it was jumped and taken to the dealer, the battery was replaced at no charge. In June 2023, the car would not start, it was jumped and taken to dealer where it is now not jumpable and the dealer says the electrical system is draining the battery through the On Star system. There is a 2-month back order on the part, at which time the car is not usable. The dealer claims they cannot disconnect the On Star system due to safety issue.
I have owned my car since January 2019. I replaced the battery in November 2022 because the car wouldn't start after being left home for a week with no one driving it. In January 2023, I had to replace my battery because the car wouldn't start after not driving it for a weekend. I was told the battery was faulty. Now, on March 1, 2023, my car won't start again since no one drove it yesterday. The fob won't even open the doors. I have heard that there is a lawsuit open over my car make, model, and year because of a battery drain problem.
Subaru battery drainage defect. CAN electrical system causing battery to drain when car isn't running. Car may unknowingly not start at any time battery could be dead. Just put new battery in 1 year ago this did not fix the issue. I shouldn't have to worry about being stranded with my child if my car doesn't start due to a known battery issue.
Having a problem with battery draining while the car is turned off. Experienced it previously 24,095 miles and 3 years on the first battery. Had to call AAA and get a jump start, and simply replaced the battery (9/18/19). Over the last year started experiencing similar problems with the replacement battery, and bought a battery charger, so when it would not start in the morning, I would put it on the charger and use my other car (a 2020 Subaru Forester). Took the Legacy to the dealer (10/15/22 - 39,224 odometer reading), he tested the battery, and said there was no problem. Went on vacation for 5 days, came back, and again the car would not start. Took it to another battery dealer, after charging, and they also said there was no problem with the battery. Recently found out that Subaru has agreed to a settlement in a class action lawsuit. Since Subaru understands the problem Hardware/ Software problem with the CAN system, why the affected vehicles are not subject to recall. Vehicles include 2015 - 2020 Outback; 2025 - 2020 Forester; 2015 - 2020 Legacy; 2015 - 2020 WRX; 2019 - 2020 Ascent. I would think the possibility of stranding a motorist in a remote location, adverse weather conditions, etc. would deem this defect to be serious safety defect.
Battery drains completely and will not start if not driven for a day. Have had the battery rep,aced twice and electrical system checked, yet batteries continue to discharge and are dead if the vehicle is not driven for one day.
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: hoses/lines/piping/fittings
- What is wrong
- Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010 outback and legacy passenger vehicles manufactured from july 31 through december 1, 2009. A crack or split can occur in the CVT cooler hose resulting in a fluid leak.
- Risk
- If the fluid is completely leaked during driving, the vehicle will come to a stop, possibly resulting in a crash.
- Remedy
- Subaru will notify owners and dealers will replace any affected cooler hoses free of charge. The safety recall began on june 8, 2010. Owners may contact subaru at 1-800-subaru3 (1‑800‑782‑2783).
Recall number 10V196000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: engine
- What is wrong
- Subaru is recalling 16,715 my 2007-2008 legacy sedans and wagons, my 2008 impreza sedans and wagons, and my 2009 forester vehicles. Some vehicles may have the cylinder head-side oil supply pipe and turbocharger-side pipe improperly assembled.
- Risk
- Vibration would occur while driving and, over time, could eventually result in cracking the pipe which would allow oil to leak. If leaking oil contacts components operating at high temperatures, an engine compartment fire could occur.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect for cracking or an oil leak at the oil supply pipe at the cylinder head-side. An additional bracket will be installed to increase rigidity of the pipe and the pipe assembly will be replaced with a modified part. The recall began on october 20, 2008. Owners may contact subaru at 1‑800‑782‑2783.
Recall number 08V460000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system
- What is wrong
- On certain sport utility and passenger vehicles equipped with 4-cylinder engines, the water pump pulley center hole was improperly machined.
- Risk
- In some instances, the interference fit between the inner wall of the pulley center hole and the water pump drive shaft was not as tight as specified in the drawing specification. This could result in the water pump pulley dislodging from the water pump shaft, which can cause severe engine damage/seizure during vehicle usage.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the water pump. Owner notification began september 12, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact subaru at 1‑800‑782‑2783.
Recall number 02V240000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: engine
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles, also service parts supplied to subaru dealers are involved (lot numbers f01 j21d2, f01 j30d2, f02 j09d1, f02 j09d2, and f02 j20d1). The purolator oil filter cans used on these vehicles can fracture causing a vaporized oil spray and subsequent oil leak.
- Risk
- This vaporized oil spray can result in oil vapor ignition by the hot exhaust system resulting in a possible underhood fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace these engine oil filters.
Recall number 98V127000 · Recall details
Questions about the Subaru Legacy won't start
Which Subaru Legacy years have won't start problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2016 (7 complaints), 2019 (7 complaints) and 2015 (5 complaints).
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