2019 Subaru Legacy

The 2019 Subaru Legacy is a mid-size sedan known for its standard all-wheel drive, comfortable ride, and spacious interior. Engine options include a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 175 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine producing 256 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Owners often praise the Legacy’s reliability, safety features, and fuel efficiency (particularly with the 2.5L engine). Common complaints include the somewhat uninspired styling and the CVT transmission’s occasional sluggishness and droning noise, as well as the infotainment system.

Engine

2.5L Four-Cylinder Engine

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners report higher than normal oil consumption, requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes. This can manifest as the oil light illuminating or a noticeable drop in the oil level on the dipstick.
  • Solution: A Subaru Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) may address this, and the dealer may perform an oil consumption test. If the test fails, potential solutions include replacing the piston rings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Faulty Oxygen Sensor
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported that the oxygen sensor has failed in the 2.5L engine. Symptoms include a check engine light, poor fuel economy, and rough running.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty oxygen sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

3.6L Six-Cylinder Engine No Issues Found

Transmission

CVT (Both Engine Options)

• CVT Juddering/Shaking
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners experience a juddering or shaking sensation, particularly during low-speed acceleration or when the transmission is cold. This can feel like a hesitation or vibration.
  • Solution: A software update or CVT fluid change may resolve the issue. In some cases, a complete CVT replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Software update $100 - $200, CVT fluid change $200 - $400, CVT replacement $5,000 - $8,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Delayed Engagement
  • Description/Symptoms: Delayed engagement may occur when shifting from park to drive or reverse. The vehicle may hesitate before moving.
  • Solution: A software update or CVT fluid change may resolve the issue. In some cases, a complete CVT replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Software update $100 - $200, CVT fluid change $200 - $400, CVT replacement $5,000 - $8,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Premature Wear of Rear Wheel Bearings
  • Description/Symptoms: Grinding or humming noise coming from the rear of the vehicle, especially noticeable at higher speeds. Looseness or play in the rear wheels when inspected.
  • Solution: Replacement of the worn rear wheel bearings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600 per side
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system (Starlink) may freeze, become unresponsive, or crash unexpectedly. This can affect navigation, audio, and other connected services.
  • Solution: A software update may resolve the issue. In some cases, replacement of the head unit may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Software update - Free at dealership, Head Unit Replacement $500 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported issues with the battery draining quickly, especially when the vehicle is not driven for a few days.
  • Solution: Check for parasitic drains by testing the current draw. A software update, battery replacement or replacement of a faulty module may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Battery replacement $200 - $400, Diagnosis and repair of parasitic drain $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Faulty Backup Camera
  • Description/Symptoms: Display does not show the rear view, black screen. Camera is blurry, washed out, or has poor image quality. The camera may not activate at all when the car is put into reverse.
  • Solution: Check for loose or damaged wiring connections, especially at the camera itself and where it connects to the infotainment system. Replacement of the faulty backup camera.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Windshield Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have noted that the windshield is particularly prone to cracking or chipping from small impacts. This may be due to the angle and thinness of the glass used.
  • Solution: Windshield replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof may get stuck, make excessive noise when opening or closing, or leak water into the cabin.
  • Solution: Inspect and clean the sunroof tracks and drainage tubes. Lubricate moving parts. In severe cases, the sunroof motor or entire assembly may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Cleaning and lubrication $50 - $150, Motor replacement $300 - $700, Assembly replacement $800 - $2,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2019 Subaru Legacy generally offers decent reliability but it’s worth noting the potential issues related to oil consumption in the 2.5L engine, the CVT transmission, and the infotainment system. The cost of repairs can range from relatively minor software updates to more significant expenses like CVT replacement or engine work. Prospective buyers should be aware of these potential issues and consider a pre-purchase inspection, especially focusing on the CVT’s performance and any signs of oil consumption.