2020 Subaru Legacy
2020 Subaru Legacy
Overview
The 2020 Subaru Legacy, a mid-size sedan known for its standard all-wheel drive and comfortable ride, generally presents a solid reliability record. This generation, the seventh, introduced updated styling and technology. While most owners report a positive experience, like any vehicle, there are specific areas that have seen more attention from repair shops. This analysis focuses on documented technical issues beyond routine maintenance, providing insights into potential concerns for owners and prospective buyers of the 2020 model year, covering its various powertrain configurations.
Engine
2.5L Boxer (FB25)
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: N/A
2.4L Turbo Boxer (FA24)
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: N/A
Transmission
CVT (Lineartronic)
Hesitation or Jerking
- Symptoms: Occasional hesitation during acceleration or a slight jerk when shifting between simulated gears.
- Solution: Software updates for the transmission control module are often the first step. In more severe cases, internal transmission inspection or repair may be necessary.
- Cost: $150 - $1,200
Suspension
Standard Chassis
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: N/A
Electrical
Infotainment System
Screen Freezing or Unresponsiveness
- Symptoms: The touchscreen display may freeze, become unresponsive to touch inputs, or reboot unexpectedly.
- Solution: Software updates for the infotainment system are the primary solution. In rare cases, the unit may need to be replaced.
- Cost: $100 - $1,500
Battery Drain
Intermittent Battery Drain
- Symptoms: The battery may drain prematurely, leading to starting issues, often attributed to parasitic draw from certain electronic modules.
- Solution: Diagnosis to identify the parasitic draw source (e.g., infotainment, sensors, modules) and repair or replace the faulty component. Battery replacement may be needed if damaged.
- Cost: $200 - $800
Exterior
No widespread issues reported.
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: N/A
Interior
No widespread issues reported.
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: N/A
Summary Verdict
The 2020 Subaru Legacy demonstrates good overall reliability, particularly with its core powertrain components. The standard 2.5L and optional 2.4L turbo engines have not shown significant widespread issues. The primary areas of concern tend to be the CVT transmission, which can occasionally exhibit hesitation or jerking, and the infotainment system, which may experience freezing or unresponsiveness. Intermittent battery drain has also been noted. These issues are generally addressable through software updates or component repair/replacement, with costs varying. For owners, staying on top of software updates and addressing any early signs of transmission or electrical anomalies can help maintain the vehicle’s reliability.