2005 Subaru Legacy
The 2005 Subaru Legacy is a mid-size sedan/wagon known for its standard all-wheel drive, which is one of its major selling points. The 2005 model year came with three engine options: a 2.5L SOHC naturally aspirated flat-4 producing 168 horsepower and 166 lb-ft of torque, a 2.5L SOHC turbocharged flat-4 producing 250 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque (Legacy GT), and a 3.0L DOHC naturally aspirated flat-6 producing 250 horsepower and 219 lb-ft of torque (Legacy 3.0R). Transmission options included a 5-speed manual, a 4-speed automatic (2.5i), and a 5-speed automatic (Legacy GT and 3.0R). People appreciate the Legacy for its reliability, all-weather capability, and comfortable ride. Common complaints include its somewhat bland styling and potential for high maintenance costs, particularly with the turbocharged engine.
Engine
2.5L SOHC Naturally Aspirated Flat-4
- Head Gasket Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Overheating, coolant loss, white smoke from the exhaust, bubbling in the coolant reservoir.
- Solution: Replacing the head gaskets with updated multi-layer steel gaskets.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Catalytic Converter Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Check engine light (P0420 code), reduced fuel economy, poor performance, rattling noise from the exhaust system.
- Solution: Replacing the catalytic converter.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
2.5L SOHC Turbocharged Flat-4 (Legacy GT)
- Turbocharger Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, whistling or whining noise from the turbocharger, excessive oil consumption, check engine light.
- Solution: Replacing the turbocharger.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Head Gasket Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Overheating, coolant loss, white smoke from the exhaust, bubbling in the coolant reservoir.
- Solution: Replacing the head gaskets with updated multi-layer steel gaskets.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Oil Leaks (AVCS)
- Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks around the AVCS (Active Valve Control System) solenoids and lines, causing a burning oil smell.
- Solution: Replacing the AVCS solenoids, gaskets, and lines.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
3.0L DOHC Naturally Aspirated Flat-6 (Legacy 3.0R)
- Oil Leaks (Valve Cover Gaskets)
- Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks around the valve covers, causing a burning oil smell.
- Solution: Replacing the valve cover gaskets.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
- Coolant Leaks (Hoses and Water Pump)
- Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, low coolant level.
- Solution: Replacing the leaking hoses or water pump.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $700+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
4-Speed Automatic (2.5i)
- Shift Solenoid Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Harsh or erratic shifting, slipping between gears, difficulty shifting into certain gears, check engine light.
- Solution: Replacing the faulty shift solenoid(s).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
5-Speed Automatic (Legacy GT and 3.0R)
- Torque Converter Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration at low speeds, stalling, poor acceleration.
- Solution: Replacing the torque converter.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Rear Wheel Bearings Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Grinding or humming noise from the rear of the vehicle, especially noticeable at higher speeds, excessive play in the rear wheels.
- Solution: Replacing the rear wheel bearings.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+ per side
- Recalls: None Found
- Strut Mounts Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises when going over bumps, poor handling, uneven tire wear.
- Solution: Replacing the strut mounts.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ for a pair
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Oxygen Sensor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Check engine light (P0130, P0131, P0132, P0133, P0134, P0135 codes), poor fuel economy, rough idling.
- Solution: Replacing the faulty oxygen sensor(s).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+ per sensor
- Recalls: None Found
- Grounding Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Intermittent electrical problems, such as lights flickering, poor starting, or malfunctioning sensors.
- Solution: Cleaning and tightening ground connections throughout the vehicle.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Rust (Rear Wheel Arches and Rocker Panels)
- Description/Symptoms: Rust forming on the rear wheel arches and rocker panels.
- Solution: Repairing or replacing the affected panels, and repainting.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ per panel
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Climate Control Malfunctions
- Description/Symptoms: Air conditioning not blowing cold air, heater not blowing hot air, or the system blowing air at the wrong temperature or location.
- Solution: Repairing or replacing faulty blend door actuators, refrigerant leaks, or other climate control components.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
- Radio/Head Unit Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Radio not working, display not lighting up, speakers not working, or CD player malfunctioning.
- Solution: Replacing the head unit or repairing wiring connections.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2005 Subaru Legacy, while generally reliable, does have several common issues. The most prevalent problems revolve around engine issues, particularly head gasket failures and turbocharger issues on the GT models. Suspension and electrical problems are also noted. The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to major repairs, with costs varying accordingly. Rust can also be a concern, especially in regions with harsh winters. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues and have any prospective purchase inspected by a qualified mechanic before committing to the sale.