2005 SUBARU Legacy Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
181
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
25 complaints
THIS IS THE SECOND WELL MAINTAINED SUBARU LEGACY THAT THE ENGINE HAS BLOWN IN UNDER 150,000 MILES. FIRST A 1999 AND NOW A 2005. RESEARCH ONLINE SHOWS THAT THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM AND HAS ALSO BEEN CONFIRMED BY INDEPENDENT MECHANICS. PLEASE ADVISE WHAT RECOURSE I CAN TAKE LEGALLY AS SUBARU HAS NOT OFFERED TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED FOR AN INSPECTION. THE LAST TIME THEY OFFERED A $500 CREDIT TOWARDS A PROPOSED REPAIR THAT WAS ESTIMATED AT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS OVER THE CLOSEST INDEPENDENT. I WOULD LIKE TO FIND OUT IF THE GOVERNMENT HAS HAD ANY SUCCESS IN GETTING SUBARU TO ADMIT THE PROBLEM AND DO SOMETHING MEANINGFUL TO ADDRESS IT, OR IF THERE IS A CLASS ACTION SUIT I CAN JOIN TO GET SOME SATISFACTION. THANKS YOU. *KB
Jul 05, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, HE WAS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DECELERATE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO REPLACED THE TURBO MECHANISM. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT THEY WOULD INVESTIGATE THE PROBLEM. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 62,000.
Apr 28, 2011
I WAS DRIVING AT THE SPEED LIMIT. I HEARD NOISES START TO COME FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF THE CAR, AND THE CAR LOST POWER. AS SOON AS I SAFELY COULD, I PULLED OVER AND PARKED THE CAR. I HAD IT TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR. THE DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A FAILED TURBOCHARGER. IT REPLACED THE TURBOCHARGER AND RETURNED THE CAR TO ME. IT TOOK THE DEALER FOUR DAYS TO RETURN THE CAR TO ME. APPROXIMATELY 150 MILES LATER, I EXPERIENCED THE SAME SYMPTOMS. I DROVE STRAIGHT TO A DEALERSHIP JUST A MILE OR TWO FROM WHERE I WAS LOCATED, BY COINCIDENCE, AT THE ONSET OF THIS SECOND PROBLEM. THIS SECOND DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM: THE REPLACEMENT TURBOCHARGER FAILED. IN ADDITION, THE ENGINE WAS NOW DAMAGED. NOW THE ENTIRE ENGINE, INCLUDING YET ANOTHER TURBOCHARGER, IS BEING REPLACED, ALONG WITH OTHER ANCILLARY PARTS. THE DEALER HAS HAD THE CAR FOR FOUR DAYS THUS FAR. *TR
Feb 27, 2011
LTR FWD FM (VA) OWNER OF A 2005 SUBARU LEGACY GT CONCERNED THAT SERVICE BULLETIN RELEASED BY SUBARU ONLY ALERTED DEALERSHIPS NOT THE VEHICLE OWNERS RE TURBOCHARGER DEFECT, REPLY TO ROANOKE, VA OFC. *TGW WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE STARTED MAKE A WHINING SOUND FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE WHINING QUICKLY TURNED TO A RATTLE AND THEN RAPIDLY TO A CLANGING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS DETERMINED THE TURBOCHARGER WAS BLOWN. APPARENTLY, SUBARU ENGINEERS DECIDED TO ROUTE LUBRICATING ENGINE OIL TO THE TURBOCHARGER THROUGH A BANJO BOLT. THE BANJO BOLT HAS AN INTERNAL MESH SCREEN THAT FILTERS THE OIL AND ENSURES THAT THE OIL FLOWING TO THE TURBO IS CLEAN. IF THE SCREEN IS CLOGGED OR BLOCKED IN ANY WAY, THIS WILL RESULT IN DECREASED FLOW OF OIL TO THE TURBO. A TURBO WITH INADEQUATE OIL FLOW WILL BASICALLY SELF-DESTRUCT AND SEND TINY SHARDS OF METAL INTO THE ENGINE'S COMPRESSIONS CHAMBER.*JB
Mar 22, 2010
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, PULLED OVER IMMEDIATELY AND CHECKED OIL ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD ALSO LOOKED THROUGH OWNERS MANUAL. THE OIL WAS A QUART LOW, TURBO MAKING SUCTION NOISES, PICK UP FROM A STOP OR QUICK THROTTLE TO PASS ON HIGH WAY WAS GONE. ADDED A QUART OF OIL AND HAD AN OIL CHANGE & CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DIAG DONE THE NEXT DAY ( DROVE MAYBE 60 MILE WITH LIGHT ON). AFTER THE OIL CHANGE METALLIC NOISE FROM PASSENGER SIDE OF ENGINE COULD BE HEARD AND EXHAUST WAS POURING OUT THICK SMOKE. THE CODE WAS P011 TIMING ISSUE, TURBO BANJO (OIL LINE FILTER) CLOGGED. CAR HAS 64K ON IT OIL CHANGED EVERY 4000. FOUND THIS IS A VERY COMMON ISSUE THAT IS A VERY HOT TOPIC ON MANY SUBARU FORUMS. SUBARU WILL NOT COVER UNDER THIS ISSUE WARRANTY SIGHTING THAT CONSUMER MAINTENANCE CAUSED SLUDGE TO BUILD UP ON THE BANJO BOLT FILTER. YET SUBARU HAS NO MENTION OF CLEANING OR MAINTENANCE OF THE TURBO BANJO BOLT FILTER IN THE OWNERS MANUAL. THIS ISSUE CAUSED MY CAR AND OTHERS TO HAVE ENGINE DAMAGE REQUIRING THE CUSTOMER TO FIT A 4 TO 11 THOUSAND DOLLAR BILL TO FIX. SUBARU SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL AND REFUND CUSTOMERS THAT HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET. *TR
Mar 09, 2010
+ 20 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS
16 complaints
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V323000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART FOR THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
May 19, 2017
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V343000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Oct 14, 2016
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 SUBARU LEGACY. WHILE DRIVING HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE CONTACT SWERVED TO THE RIGHT TO PREVENT A CRASH. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE WENT DOWN AN EMBANKMENT AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE HEAD, CHEST, BACK, AND INTERNAL BRUISING. THE CONTACT RECEIVED MEDICAL TREATMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A YARD AND DEEMED DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED TO DETERMINE WHY THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT LATER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V311000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) AND 15V323000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Oct 13, 2016
2005 SUBARU OUTBACK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO REPLACEMENT PARTS NOT AVAILABLE TO REPAIR AIRBAG RECALL. *SMD
Jun 21, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V323000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
May 27, 2016
+ 11 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES
15 complaints
The vehicles brake lines have corroded and started to leak, resulting in the stopping distance increasing and the vehicle not being safe to drive. When getting the airbag recall performed at the Subaru dealership 3 years ago I mentioned the brake line recall. They stated they inspected the lines, and no issue was present. There is now an obvious issue with the brake line corroding and failing. Subaru is telling me there is no active recall.
Dec 12, 2023
I noticed a small puddle of fluid by the right rear wheel and immediately brought the vehicle over to Premier Subaru of Fremont, CA for an inspection. Premier Subaru diagnosed the problem as the right rear hard brake line failure and leak due to excessive corrosion. Premier Subaru provided a repair estimate of $3,997.17; stating that this issue needs immediate attention. Back in 2014, there was a service campaign to address this issue; #14V311000 and my car received this service. I've contacted Subaru of America (SOA), Customer Advocacy, about this issue and they are not willing to provide any assistance to address this current issue, even though it is directly related to the 2014 campaign. I am the second owner of this car purchasing it in 2011. The car is in excellent mechanical condition having only 135,000 miles (averaging ~7,100 miles/year) and has spent the last 7 years in the San Francisco, CA area. Pictures of the undercarriage of the car are available should you need them.
Aug 12, 2023
The rear brakes on the above referenced vehicle failed due to environmental corrosion. This is aligned with recall WQK47-2 which was open for the effected vehicle. The vehicle was transported to Suburban Subaru of Vernon CT for recall resolution. The dealership service department was not willing to complete the repair for different reasons. The vehicle was returned to me, with the rear brakes inoperable, but upon review of NHTSA.gov and Subaru's recall lookup, the recall was marked as Completed. The Service Writer communication with me and the provided Service Invoice from Suburban Subaru of Vernon CT clearly state that the recall was not completed. This is in direct conflict with the reporting to Subaru and NHTSA with regards to Recall Compliance. I reached out to Subaru Customer Advocacy for resolution of this documentation compliance but there was no direct path to re-open the recall and rectify the situation.
Sep 15, 2022
Car is a Subaru Legacy GT 2005 Brake lines were corroded and burst and almost caused major accident on highway. Subaru is not taking responsibility of the recall since the car is in Florida now. Originally it was in New Hampshire which was designated as a recall state I called their customer recall line and they refused to repair it. this was part of a 200,000 + recall. Car only has 20,000 miles. Subaru is putting everyone’s safety at risk by not taking care of their recalls.
Aug 03, 2022
The contact owns a 2005 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated while driving 30 mph and approaching a red light, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floor. The brake warning light was illuminated. The contact continued driving to the residence. The contact checked the brake fluid reservoir and noticed that the brake fluid was low. The brake fluid was topped off however, several days later the warning light reappeared. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the brake lines above the gas tank were leaking. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the vehicle was previously repaired in 2014 under NHTSA campaign number: 14V311000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but declined to offer a second free repair. The failure mileage was 160,000.
Jul 29, 2021
+ 10 more complaints for this component
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
10 complaints
DRIVING VEHICLE EASTBOUND ON HWY-14 IN VANCOUVER, WA, APPROX 60 MPH. VEHICLE LOST POWER AND WOULD NOT RESTART. AFTER WE GOT VEHICLE HOME, INSPECTION FOUND HIGH PRESSURE FUEL LINE HAD BLOWN-OFF AT THE FUEL PUMP CONNECTION, CAUSING LARGE AMOUNT OF FUEL TO LEAK UNDER THE VEHICLE.
Nov 03, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ODOR OF FUEL WAS PRESENT INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE FUEL FLANGE BRACKET ASSEMBLY CHAMBER (PART NUMBER: 42052AG87A) HAD CRACKED AND CAUSED FUEL TO LEAK FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ORDERED THE PART FROM THE MANUFACTURER AND REPLACED THE FAILED PART. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED APPROXIMATELY 15,000 MILES LATER. THE LOCAL DEALER (HADDAD SUBARU, 652 E. ST., PITTSFIELD, MA) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000.
Sep 17, 2018
FUEL LEAKING FROM TOP OF GAS TANK. NO COLLISON. GAS SMELL BEGAN AS CHECK ENGINE LIGHT LIT AND CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT STARTED SLOW BLINK. SMELL HAS GRADUALLY GROWN STRONGER. SMELL STRONGEST ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. SMELL SOMETIMES ENTERS CAR INTERIOR.
May 14, 2017
AFTER MY DAD FILLED HIS LEGACY WITH FUEL WE COULD SMELL FUMES FROM THE FUEL. WE TOOK IT TO THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP WE BOUGHT IT FROM FOR THEM TO OVERLOOK THE FUEL SYSTEM TO SEE WHERE THE LEAK WAS COMING FROM. AFTER IT WAS LOOKED OVER BY THE MECHANIC, WE WERE TOLD THAT THE GAS TANK ITSELF IS LEAKING AND WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED. WE ARE NOT MADE OF MONEY, SO WE CONTACTED SUBARU OF AMERICA AND ASKED FOR THEM TO HELP US WITH THE COST. THEY CONTACTED OUR SERVICE ADVISOR AND THE NEXT DAY TOLD MY DAD THEY COULD NOT HELP. TO US THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND CAN NOT FIGURE OUT WHY SUBARU WOULDN'T WANT TO HELP WHEN IT CONCERNS CUSTOMER SAFETY. I KNOW THAT FORD IS RECALLING THEIR FUEL TANKS FOR THIS ISSUE, AND CANNOT SEE WHY SUBARU ISN'T DOING THE SAME. BETWEEN THE LEAKING FUEL TANK AND WAITING OVER A MONTH FOR THE AIR BAG RECALL, WE DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS CAR. HOPEFULLY WE WILL BE ABLE TO GET THIS FIXED AND THE CAR WILL BECOME SAFE TO DRIVE AGAIN.
Apr 08, 2016
THE CAR IS CREATING A GAS LEAK AND SMELL AFTER COLD START UPS. THE CAR ALSO FILLS UP WITH SMOKE AFTER WARMING UP THE CAR 5-10 MIN.
Jan 19, 2016
+ 5 more complaints for this component
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
10 complaints
ONCE THE TEMPERATURE HAS DIPPED BELOW ABOUT 25 DEGREES, THERE IS A STRONG SMELL OF GAS THAT COMES FROM THE ENGINE AREA. THE LAST SEVERAL DAYS HAVE BEEN ESPECIALLY COLD, AND THOUGH I AM DRIVING WITH THE WINDOWS DOWN OUT OF NECESSITY (IT'S -5 DEGREES TODAY) THE GASOLINE SMELL IS OVERWHELMING, AND I HAVE SUFFERED FROM A HEADACHE THE PAST 3 DAYS IN THE MORNING DUE TO THIS ISSUE. IT IS OBVIOUS THIS ISSUE EXISTS BEYOND JUST ME, AS IT TAKES A SIMPLE SEARCH TO TURN UP DOZENS, IF NOT HUNDREDS, OF SIMILAR ISSUES. IT IS A SERIOUS HEALTH AND SAFETY CONCERN AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. *TR
Feb 05, 2014
EXTREMELY STRONG RAW FUEL SMELL COMING FROM VENTS WITH HEATER ON. WEATHER HAS BEEN BELOW 30 DEGREES FOR OVER 2 WEEKS IN OHIO. THE SMELL IS NOT AS BAD WHILE DRIVING, BUT WHEN STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT OR STOP SIGN THE ODOR IS CAUSING SEVERE HEADACHE AND BURNING SENSATION IN EYES. ALSO STARTS TO GAG YOU. FAINT SMELL OUTSIDE THE CAR UNDER THE HOOD ON THE DRIVER SIDE. NO LEAK VISIBLE. INSIDE CAB SMELLS LIKE A GAS STATION, BUT STRONGER. *TR
Jan 23, 2014
2005 LEGACY TURBO. A STRONG SMELL OF GAS IN COLD WEATHER. SEEMS TO HAVE BEEN A PROBLEM WITH WRX MODELS AND SAAB 9-2X BUILD BY SUBARU IN 2005 AND 2006. SHOULD THERE BE A RECALL FOR GAS LEAK. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR SUBARU MODELS UP TO 2004. WHAT WAS THE FIX FOR THE PROBLEM. THIS APPEARS TO BE A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Jan 07, 2014
IN COLD (<32F) WEATHER VEHICLE EMITS VERY STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE FROM INSIDE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. ONCE TEMP RISES SMELL GOES AWAY.
Feb 13, 2011
SECOND TIME CAR HAS BEEN IN FOR THIS ISSUE. ISSUE IS COMMON, AND MANY FORUMS TOPICS HAVE BEEN STARTED DOCUMENTING THE COMMONALITY OF THIS ISSUE. I CAN PROVIDE LINKS. ISSUE: LEAKING/RAW GAS SMELL OUTSIDE OF CAR, INSIDE OF CAR, AND INSIDE OF ENGINE BAY IN COLD WEATHER UPON START UP (ENGINE WARM OR COLD). LEAKING/DRIPPING GAS CAN BEEN SEEN IN ENGINE BAY. FIRST REPAIR: TIGHTENED FUEL LINE CLAMPS. ISSUE FIXED. NEXT WINTER CAME ALONG, ISSUE RETURNED. THIS TIME DEALERSHIP (NORTH SHORE SUBARU, HIGHLAND PARK, IL) WANTS $700 TO FIX THE ISSUE. FIRST REPAIR COST $51.33 AT LIBERTY AUTO CITY/SUBARU IN LIBERTYVILLE, IL. CALLED SUBARU OF AMERICA AND REPORTED REPEAT OF ISSUE. THEY HAVE NOT OFFERED TO REPAIR IT AND DENY THAT THE ISSUE IS COMMON. I BELIEVE THIS IS AN ENVIRONMENTAL, HEALTH, AND SAFETY CONCERN. NO VEHICLE I'VE EVER OWNED HAS LEAKED FUEL AND I'M BAFFLED AS TO WHY SUBARU DOESN'T CONSIDER THIS A SERIOUS LIABILITY RISK. *TR
Jan 25, 2011
+ 5 more complaints for this component
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
9 complaints
While driving, cruise control and check engine light comes on and then the car won't accelerate. Engine revs really high and when pushing accelerator pedal, car will not move. The check engine code states "throttle position sensor". This has happened more than 20 times
Sep 20, 2022
DRIVING SOUTHBOUND ON HWY 17 AT 60MPH 11/15/2020 ENGINE SUDDENLY WENT TO IDLE. THROTTLE BECAME UNRESPONSIVE. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. I DRIFTED TO SAFETY OFF THE HIGHWAY. ENGINE STILL IDLING, THROTTLE UNRESPONSIVE. AFTER CHECKING UNDER THE HOOD, I RESTARTED THE CAR AND NORMAL THROTTLE RESPONSE RETURNED. I CAUTIOUSLY DROVE HOME AND READ THE CODE FOR THE CEL: P2138 -- THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR VOLTAGE CORRELATION. A QUICK SEARCH FOUND OTHERS HAVE SOLVED THIS PROBLEM BY CHANGING THROTTLE CONTROL TO AN UPDATED VERSION THAT USES HALL EFFECT METHOD INSTEAD OF A RHEOSTAT. I INQUIRED WITH PREVIOUS OWNER OF THIS CAR AND FOUND IT HAD HAPPENED ONCE BEFORE.
Nov 18, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU LEGACY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT HAD TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL AND SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF IN ORDER FOR IT TO RESUME NORMAL OPERATION. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000.
Feb 17, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST ACCELERATION POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
Apr 16, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP, THE VEHICLE WAS SLOW TO RESPOND. THE RPM GAUGE MOVED DESPITE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE THEN STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS INDEPENDENTLY DIAGNOSED AS HAVING A THROTTLE BODY SENSOR FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE INCIDENT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 146,000.
Sep 09, 2013
+ 4 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
7 complaints
The contact owns a 2005 Subaru Legacy. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V311000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the dealer refused to perform the recall. The contact stated that the dealer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, while braking for a traffic light, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The contact was able to stop the vehicle and had the vehicle towed to a dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the rear passenger side brake line had corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired by the dealer since the dealer stated the vehicle was not registered in the listed states on the recall notification. The failure mileage was 229,126. Parts distribution disconnect.
Oct 03, 2024
The contact owns a 2005 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated while driving 60 mph, the brake pedal would go all the way to the floorboard while depressed. The contact became aware that there was brake fluid leaking onto the floor from the brake line near the rear passenger’s side tire. The dealer and manufacturer were made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that there was a recall repair performed on the service brakes, hydraulic in 2014, where the affected areas were rustproofed with anti-corrosion wax. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was 180,000.
Jun 02, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LINES WERE STRUCTURALLY UNSOUND AND CONTAINED EXTENSIVE RUST AND CORROSION. DAY APOLLO SUBARU (5450 UNIVERSITY BLVD, MOON, PA 15108, (412) 264-9222) INSTALLED A COATING AND PERFORMED THE REMEDY FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V110000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC), BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED SOON AFTERWARDS. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN DUE TO THE RISK OF THE BRAKE LINES FRACTURING. THE CONTACT FELT THAT THE MANUFACTURER NEEDED TO DEVELOP A MORE ROBUST METAL AND REMEDY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,948.
Mar 04, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V110000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) IN MAY OF 2013. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT AND THEY STATED THAT HER VEHICLE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO BE REPAIRED FOR ANOTHER THREE MONTHS. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT BE REPAIRED WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. ..UPDATED 08-07-13 *BF
Jun 28, 2013
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU LEGACY. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE ANTILOCK BRAKES FAILED. THE CONSUMER WANTED THE DEALER TO DISCONNECT THE ABS (ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM) BUT STATED THAT THEY WERE NOT ALLOWED TO PERFORM THAT TYPE OF REPAIR AT THE OWNER'S REQUEST. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 34,000. UPDATED 02-14-08 *BF UPDATED 02/14/08 *TR
Jan 15, 2008
+ 2 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
7 complaints
THE TURBOCHARGER SIMPLY WENT AT ABOUT 132000 MILES. FROM WHAT I READ ONLINE REGARDING THE FAILED LEGACY TURBO,THE TURBO COULD HAVE BEEN SAVED IF THE UNION ( BANJO) BOLT WITH FILTER WAS CHANGED. SUBARU DOES NOT NOTIFY THE CONSUMER REGARDING THIS POTENTIAL PROBLEM; THAT IS IRRESPONSIBLE. IT COST ME $2300 TO REPLACE THE TURBO...I MADE SURE THAT THE UNION BOLT WAS REPLACED AS WELL. *TR
Nov 30, 2014
WHEN I ENGAGE THE CLUTCH IN THE MORNING, THE TRANSMISSION MAKES A WHINE SOUND. IT GOES AWAY AFTER TWO TO THREE MINUTES OF DRIVING THE CAR. I REPLACED ALL THE COMPONENTS OF THE CLUTCH TWO YEARS AGE AND DRIVE HE CAR GENTLY. I READ ONLINE AND READ THAT PEOPLE WITH CARS SUCH AS THE IMPREZA WRX AND MY MODEL SUFFER FROM THE SAME THING. SINCE THE TRANSMISSION ON MY CAR AND THE WRX ARE THE SAME AND THEIR CARS WERE UNDER 2,500 MILES IT MAKES ME THINK THAT THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE THROWOUT BEARING. *TR
Aug 21, 2013
TRANSMISSION POPPED OUT OF GEAR NUMBER FIVE ON HIGHWAY AND STRIPPED THE TEETH OFF THE GEAR. HAD TO GET THE TRANSMISSION REBUILT NOW 4TH GEAR IS GRINDING. *TR
Aug 19, 2008
AT 48,000 MILES THE TURBO BLEW. THE CAR HAS HAD REGULAR OIL CHANGES AND NOW WE ARE BEING REQUIRED BY SUBARU OF AMERICA TO PROVIDE RECEIPTS FOR THE OIL FILTER/OIL AS WE DID OUR OWN OIL CHANGES AND MAYBE IT WILL BE COVERED UNDER THE POWERTRAIN WARRANTY. WE WERE NEVER INFORMED OF THE BANJO BOLT AND THE NEED TO CLEAN THE SCREEN TO PREVENT OIL STARVATION (SEE SUBARU TECHNICAL BULLETIN 02-103-07) THIS PROCESS HAS TAKEN A MONTH ALREADY AND THE CAR STILL SITS, DEAD, IN THE SUBARU SERVICE DEPT. UPON INVESTIGATION THERE ARE OTHER LEGACY GT OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. SUBARU DID NOT USE THESE SAME TURBOS (VF40) IN THE 2006 MODELS. MAYBE THEY REALIZE THERE IS A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THE 2005'S? *TR
Jul 24, 2008
VEHICLE STUDDERS ON ACCELERATION, NOT A CONSTANT PROBLEM THAT WOULD BE ASSOCIATED WITH TURBO LAG, BUT AN OCCASSIONAL, INFREQUENT PROBLEM, NOT A LAG, BUT A STUDDER OR FLUTTER IN ACCELERATION FROM A DEAD STOP OR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS.
Jun 27, 2005
+ 2 more complaints for this component
SUSPENSION
6 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM FRACTURED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON ONE OCCASION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V464000 (SUSPENSION). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 202,000.
Sep 21, 2015
2005 SUBARU LEGACY WITH 202,000 MILES HAD A FAILURE OF THE RIGHT LOWER CONTROL ARM DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION. THE CAR HAD A CURRENT SAFETY INSPECTION FOR PA WHERE IT WAS BEING DRIVEN AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE CAUSED LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND IT SKIDDED OFF THE ROAD TO A STOP. THERE IS CURRENTLY A NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ( NUMBER: 11V464000 ) FOR THIS VERY PROBLEM BUT NOT FOR THIS VEHICLE MODEL. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM ON THE LEGACY WAS NOT MANUFACTURED BY FIJI HEAVY INDUSTRIES USA, INC, ACCORDING TO SUBARU AND THAT IS WHY IT WAS NOT PART OF THIS RECALL CAMPAIGN. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE ON OUR 2005 SUBARU LEGACY WAS DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION AS WE LIVE IN THE "SALT BELT". WHEN BEING REPAIRED AT THE DEALERSHIP WE WERE TOLD THE LEFT LOWER CONTROL ARM HAD EXCESSIVE CORROSION AND WE HAD THEM REPLACED IT ALONG WITH THE FAILED RIGHT LOWER CONTROL ARM.
Sep 21, 2015
FRONT AXLE FAILURE, RIGHT AXLE BROKE AND BOTH HAD TO BE REPLACED AS THE LEFT WAS CLOSE TO FAILING. *TR
Jul 14, 2012
2005 SUBARU LEGACY WAGON. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEM WITH PASSENGER WHEEL BEARING FAILURE *TGW
Oct 06, 2011
I EXPERIENCED WHAT THE SUBARU DISCUSSION BOARD (HTTP://WWW.SUBARUOUTBACK.ORG/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?S=A9A8871BA327828F596FE591382D9906&THREADID=11267&PERPAGE=20&HIGHLIGHT=INSTABILITY&PAGENUMBER=1) IS CALLING 'GHOST WALKING'. I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM UPSTATE NY TO WELLESLEY, MA DURING A SNOW STORM LAST WINTER. THE ROAD WAS SNOW AND ICE (OR SNOW PACKED) COVERED. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING SUBARUS FOR 30YRS, MANY TIMES TO UPSTATE VT SO I KNOW HOW TO DRIVE IN SNOW. BUT THAT NIGHT I NEVER FELT IN CONTROL OF THE REAR OF THE CAR IT ALWAYS SEEMED TO BE SLIPPING ONE WAY OR THE OTHER. OTHER CARS WERE PASSING ME - IT DIDN'T MATTER WHICH LANE I DROVE IN, OR WHAT SPEED I WAS GOING - SLOWING DOWN JUST MADE THINGS WORSE AS CARS WOULD WIND UP BEHIND ME, IT WAS JUST COMPLETELY NERVE-RACKING. IT DIDN'T MATTER HOW I MANAGED MY SPEED, MY SUBARU IS A 2005 LEGACY AUTOMATIC - SO I HAD LESS CONTROL OVER THE GEAR SHIFTING THAN A MANUAL - ALTHOUGH I TRIED USING THE SEMI-MANUAL MODE - BUT THAT DIDN'T HELP. IT JUST SEEMED THAT THE REAR END HAD THIS TENDENCY TO SLIDE - IT SEEMED TO ALWAYS BE ON THE EDGE OF SPINNING OUT - I NURSED THE CAR ALONG (WITH MY WIFE AND 2 KIDS) UNTIL WE GOT FURTHER INTO MA AND THE WEATHER IMPROVED. THIS ONLY HAPPENED ONCE, I HAD THE ORIG TIRES (CAR HAD ~35K MILES) WHICH ARE NOT CONSIDERED GREAT SNOW TIRES - SO I HAVE REPLACED THE TIRES. BUT THE FORUM HAD MANY POSTS WHICH IMPLY THAT THE PROBLEM IS NOT TIRES - MAYBE SOMETHING TO DO WITH SWAY BARS AND THAT SUBARU HAD CHANGED THEIR HARDWARE ON THE 2005 MODELS. I FELT THAT I SHOULD ADD MY CONCERNS SO THAT MAYBE THIS PROBLEM WOULD BE LOOKED INTO MORE SCIENTIFICALLY. AND IF THERE ARE POTENTIAL ISSUES THAT SUBARU WOULD HAVE TO PROVIDE SOME TYPE OF REMEDY TO ITS CUSTOMERS. *TR UPDATED *JS 07/10/2012
Dec 07, 2008
+ 1 more complaint for this component
TIRES
6 complaints
MICHELIN DEFENDER TIRES; ALL 4 TIRES ARE DRY ROTTING WHERE THE TREAD MEETS THE CASING AND BELTS . DEGRADATION OF THE TIRES OVER A LITTLE OVER 2 YEARS IS EXTREMELY PREMATURE CONSIDERING THESE TIRES ARE ADVERTISED TO GIVE 90,000 MILES AND WE PROBABLY ONLY PUT ON AROUND 8,000 MILES A YEAR . WE LIVE IN THE PITTSBURGH, PA AREA WHERE THEY USE SEVERAL DIFFERENT ICE MELTING CHEMICALS INCLUDING ROCK SALT THAT CAN ENTER THE LARGE CRACKS IN THE RUBBER AND EAT AWAY AT IT . I'M AFRAID TO TAKE THE CAR ON LONG TRIPS USING INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS AT HIGH SPEED FOR FEAR OF THE TREAD SEPARATING FROM THE CASING OF THE TIRE . WHAT'S IRONIC IS THAT LOOKING ON-LINE THERE ARE MANY OTHER PEOPLE ALSO COMPLAINING ABOUT MICHELIN TIRES DRY ROTTING PREMATURELY . I HAVE SEVERAL EXCELLENT CLOSE-UP PICTURES THAT I CAN EMAIL UPON REQUEST .
Jun 14, 2015
I JUST BOUGHT A USED 2005 SUBARU LEGACY GT. 20 MINUTES AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE I WAS DRIVING ALONG A SNOWY HIGHWAY AND ACCELERATED JUST AFTER A SET OF LIGHTS. THE REAR END OF THE CAR FELT VERY LOOSE AND THE CAR SQUIRRELED AFTER GAINING CONTROL AND ACCELERATING TO KEEP TRAFFIC MOVING THE REAR END SQUIRRELED OUT AND I WAS UNABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL. THE CAR SPUN 180 AND SLAMMED INTO THE SNOW BANK SIDEWAYS. IT HAS THE STOCK POTENZA 205-45-17'S I HAVE NEVER LOST CONTROL OF A VEHICLE IN MY LIFE LIKE THAT 2WD OR 4WD. DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE WAS MINOR THE DRIVERS SIDE DOORS ARE BOTH CRINKLED AT THE BOTTOMS AND PART OF THE SHROUD UNDERNEATH WAS BROKEN OFF. PLAN IS TO REPLACE TIRES ASAP SHAME ON SUBARU PUTTING OUT A WINTER VEHICLE WITH POOR PERFORMANCE TIRES. VEHICLE AND STOCK TIRES HAVE 36000KMS. *TR
Jan 09, 2011
OEM TIRES ON THE 2005 SUBARU LEGACY GT ARE DANGEROUS. JUST TWO MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING OUR VEHICLE WE WERE CAUGHT IN AN ICE STORM. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO NAVIGATE A GAS STATION AT EXTREMELY LOW SPEEDS THE CAR LOST TRACTION AND RAN INTO A POLE IN FRONT OF A FUEL PUMP. WE OWN A NON-AWD VEHICLE AND IT HAS NEVER LOST TRACTION AT SUCH LOW SPEEDS ON ICE. WE ALSO NOTICED IT DID NOT HANDLE WELL IN THE RAIN, THOUGH IN SNOW IT WAS MARGINALLY BETTER BUT STILL DANGEROUSLY EASY TO LOSE TRACTION IF THE SNOW WAS PACKED ANY. DECIDED TO PURCHASE SNOW TIRES BECAUSE TRAVEL IN THE WINTER WAS DANGEROUS. NOW, WE'VE HAD TO REPLACE THE OEM TIRES BECAUSE OF PREMATURE WEAR -- THEY HAVE LESS THAN 20,000 MILES ON THEM AND THE REAR TIRES ARE NEARLY BALD. ALL PAID FOR OUT OF POCKET -- SUBARU CLAIMS NO RESPONSIBILITY OVER THE TIRES SINCE THEY DON'T MANUFACTURE THEM AND THEY AREN'T COVERED BY WARRANTY AND CONTINUES TO PUT THEM ON THEIR VEHICLES. SUBARU NEEDS TO RECALL THE TIRES AND GIVE PEOPLE TIRES THAT CAN ACTUALLY HANDLE REAL-WORLD CONDITIONS. THE DROPDOWN MENU FOR THE TIRES IS INCORRECT -- THESE ARE 17" TIRES, STANDARD FOR THE GT LTD. *NM
Jan 26, 2007
STANDARD EQUIPPED TIRES ON SUBARU LEGACY 2.5 WAGONS ARE BRIDGESTONE POTENZA RE92 215/45/ZR 17, SUPPOSEDLY AN ALL YEAR TIRE. THIS TIRE SIZE DOES NOT APPEAR IN THE DROP DOWN MENU ON THE TIRE PAGE, THUS THE TIRE INDICATED ON THAT PAGE IS INCORRECT. THE TIRE IN QUESTION IS THE RE 92 215/45/ZR 17. THESE TIRES ARE DANGEROUS ON WET PAVEMENTS AND IMPOSSIBLE TO CONTROL ON SNOW. THEY SHOULD NOT BE SOLD IN THE NORTHERN US. I'VE HAD COUNTLESS INCIDENTS TRYING TO CONTROL THE CAR IN LOW SPEED STOPPING AND IN LOW TO MODERATE SPEED TURNING IN LIGHT TO MODERATE SNOW CONDITIONS. I PURCHASED A 4 WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLE BECAUSE OF THE SNOW CONDITIONS IN UPSTATE NY. INSTEAD I HAVE A CAR WITH TIRES THAT CANNOT HANDLE EVEN MODERATE WINTER CONDITIONS. THESE TIRES WILL ULTIMATELY RESULT IN SOMEONES INJURY AND/OR DEATH. *NM
Feb 22, 2006
THE TIRES DO NOT FUNCTION, AND HOLD TRACTION DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LOSE CONTROL. MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. OWNER STATED THAT VEHICLE WAS ALL WHEEL DRIVE AND BRAND NEW. THE CAUSE IS UNDETERMINED AT THIS TIME. *AK *NM
Mar 15, 2005
+ 1 more complaint for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY/WIPER
5 complaints
I RECENTLY NOTICED THAT SOME ELEMENTS OF MY REAR HATCH ON MY SUBARU LEGACY WAGON WERE NOT WORKING. SPECIFICALLY, THE LIGHTS THAT ILLUMINATE THE LICENSE PLATE, THE REAR DEFROSTER, CENTER BRAKE LIGHT, HATCH LOCKING MECHANISM, AND RADIO ANTENNA WERE NOT WORKING. AN INSPECTION OF THE AREA WHERE THE WIRES ENTER THE HATCH DOOR FROM THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE REVEALS THAT SEVERAL OF THE WIRES IN THE HARNESS WERE BROKEN COMPLETELY WITH SOME WIRES IN VARIOUS STATES OF DETERIORATION. I BELIEVE THIS IS AN UNUSUAL FAILURE AND NOT A TYPICAL WEAR ITEM. I AM CONCERNED AS I HAVE LOST THE ABILITY TO PROPERLY LOCK AND SECURE MY VEHICLE, TO CLEAR FROST AND ICE FROM THE REAR GLASS FOR PROPER VISIBILITY, LOST THE ABILITY TO ILLUMINATE MY LICENSE PLATE WHICH COULD RESULT IN BEING PULLED OVER BY LAW ENFORCEMENT. OVER TIME, CONTINUED DETERIORATION WILL RESULT IN THE INABILITY TO USE MY REAR WIPER AND REVERSE LIGHTS. THEY'RE SEEMS TO BE A DEFECT WITH THE WIRING USED IN THIS AREA. IT WAS NOT CAPABLE OF WITHSTANDING NORMAL USE REPETITIONS OF OPENING AND CLOSING THE HATCH DOOR. THERE ARE MANY MEMBERS OF THE SUBARU LEGACY AND OUTBACK COMMUNITIES THAT HAVE HAD THIS ISSUE OCCUR. I BELIEVE THAT THIS WILL HAPPEN TO ALL SUBARU LEGACY OR OUTBACK MODELS 05-09 GIVEN ENOUGH TIME.
Feb 10, 2020
REAR TAILGATE WIRE HARNESS FOUND TO BE BROKEN. REAR WIPER DID NOT WORK. THIS WIRE WAS COMPLETELY BROKEN. TWO OTHER WIRES FOUND TO BE CRACKED AND ABOUT TO FAIL. THIS COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE REAR HI MOUNT STOP LIGHT, LICENSE PLATE LIGHTS, AND BACK UP LIGHTS TO BE NON-FUNCTIONAL. *TR
Jan 24, 2015
MY REAR BRAKE LIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING, MY WIPER WOULD WORK INTERMITTENTLY, AND LICENSE PLATE LIGHTS WOULD NOT WORK AT ALL. TOOK TO A MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRES TRAVELING THROUGH THE RUBBER GROMMET TO THE REAR GATE HAD BEEN BROKEN DUE TO A DESIGN IN THE PATH THEY TRAVEL WHERE THEY ARE BENT SEVERELY EVERY TIME THE GATE IS OPENED AND CLOSED, AND EVENTUALLY THEY SNAPPED. HE INFORMED ME THAT THIS WAS A COMMON ISSUE ON MY MODEL AND PUT NEW WIRES IN PLACE OF THE BROKEN ONES. *TR
Sep 29, 2014
THE WIRING HARNESS ON THE REAR LIFT GATE (STATION WAGON) KEEPS BREAKING AND SHORTING OUT. THIS IS A DANGEROUS DEFECT, AS REAR LIGHTS CAN GO OUT WITHOUT NOTICE, LEADING TO A POSSIBLE REAR-END COLLISION. DANGEROUS FOR PEDESTRIANS WHEN THE BACKUP LIGHTS HAVE SHORTED OUT AND ARE NOT VISIBLE. REAR VISIBILITY ALSO HAMPERED UNDER SNOWY OR RAINY CONDITIONS WHEN THE WIPER SHORTS OUT. REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE AT LEAST THREE (3) TIMES (2/22/11, 3/24/13, 9/25/13), YET THESE ELECTRICAL ISSUES STILL PERSIST. A RECALL FROM SUBARU SHOULD BE ORDERED TO ADDRESS THIS ELECTRICAL DEFECT AND SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Dec 10, 2013
REAR WIPER STOPPED WORKING. THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO A BROKEN WIRE INSIDE THE PASSENGER'S SIDE ACCORDION BOOT FOR THE REAR HATCH OF THE WAGON. OTHER WIRES WITHIN THE HARNESS (WHICH SUPPLIES POWER TO THE REAR HATCH LIGHTS, HATCH LOCK, AND WIPER MOTOR/SPRAYER) WERE ALSO CRACKED. IN RESEARCHING THIS PROBLEM, I HAVE FOUND THIS THIS IS STARTING TO BECOME A MORE FREQUENT ISSUE AND SHOULD BE REPLACED/RECALLED BY SUBARU. *TR
Oct 13, 2013
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
5 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU LEGACY. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V297000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SUBARU OF JACKSONVILLE (LOCATED AT 10800 ATLANTIC BLVD, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32225, (904) 641-6455) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
Jul 15, 2019
CAR DID NOT HAVE BACKUP LIGHTS, ELECTRONIC LOCK FOR REAR HATCH DID NOT WORK. TESTED BULBS AND SWITCH FOR BACKUP LIGHTS AND THEY WERE FINE. UNCOVERED WIRING HARNESSES LEFT AND RIGHT OF REAR HATCH 6 BROKEN WIRES RIGHT SIDE 1 BROKEN WIRE RIGHT. SPLICED TEMPORARILY UNTIL I GET THE TIME AND MONEY TO MAKE PERMANENT REPAIR.
Jan 11, 2016
THE WIRING HARNESS THAT GOES TO THE HATCH IS MADE OUT OF UNDERSIZED WIRE AND FROM OPENING AND CLOSING THE HATCH THE WIRES HAVE BROKEN. I HAVE REPORTED THIS PREVIOUSLY, BUT AT THAT TIME, THE ONLY PROBLEM WAS THAT THE HATCH WOULD NOT LOCK. NOW I DO NOT HAVE BACKUP LIGHTS. THIS IS CLEARLY A DESIGN DEFECT. WHAT DO WE NEED TO DO TO GET SUBARU TO FIX THIS?
Aug 13, 2015
MY TAILGATE WILL NO LONGER LOCK OR UNLOCK. AFTER A LOT OF READING ONLINE IT SEEMS THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE REAR GATE HARNESS IS FRAYED AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. IF ANY OF THE OTHER WIRES IN THIS HARNESS FAIL I COULD POTENTIALLY LOSE TAIL LIGHTS AND LICENSE PLATE LIGHTS. *TR
Aug 15, 2014
THE HATCH APPEARS TO BE RUBBING ON THE WIRES THAT CONNECT THE HATCH ELECTRICAL TO THE REST OF THE BODY. WIRES HAVE BEEN CUT AND VARIOUS HATCH FUNCTIONS ARE BEING DISABLED. SO FAR LOCKING AND HATCH OPEN WARNING HAVE BEEN AFFECTED, BUT THIS WILL EVENTUALLY AFFECT THE TAILLIGHTS, BRAKE LIGHTS, BACKUP LIGHTS, LICENSE PLATE LIGHTS AND REAR DEFOGGER, AND THE ISSUE WOULD THEREFORE BE CONSIDERED A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Apr 30, 2013
VISIBILITY
5 complaints
2005 SUBARU LEGACY GT WAGON WITH 55K STARTED INTERMITTENTLY ABOUT NOV 1, 2008. THE HEATING/AC DISPLAY WOULD GO DEAD BUT THE FAN WAS ON AND KEPT BLOWING WHATEVER TEMP WAS LAST SELECTED BUT NONE OF THE CONTROLS WOULD CHANGE IT. COULD NOT DUPLICATE AT THE DEALERSHIP SO THEY DIDN'T DO ANYTHING. ABOUT 2 WEEKS LATER IT WENT FROM INTERMITTENT TO 100% DEAD. RADIO STILL WORKS AND I'VE NOTICED THAT THE RADIO DISPLAY DOESN'T DIM AT NIGHT EVEN THOUGH THE REST OF THE INSTRUMENT PANELS DOES. I CANNOT CONTROL ANY OF THE DEFROST OR HEATING/AC CONTROLS. *TR
Oct 18, 2010
LAST SATURDAY, DURING A SNOW STORM,THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER ARM ON THE 2005 SUBARU LEGACY WITH 11210 MILES CAME LOOSE AND STOPPED FUNCTIONING. I WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE IN THE SNOW STORM. THE DEALER , GANLEY SUBARU, EXPLAINED THIS WAS NORMAL. THEY STATED THE WIPER LINKAGE IWASNOT AS ROBUST AS THEY USED TO BE, AND THE WIPER WERE RETAINING NUT WAS DESIGNED TO COME LOOSE IF THERE WAS RESISTANCE ON THE WIPER. THIS WAS TO PROTECT THE WIPER LINKAGE AND MOTOR. THIS WAS VERY DANGEROUS. ESPECIALLY ON A CAR WITH ALL WHEEL DRIVE MARKETED FOR WINTER USE.*AK
Apr 13, 2007
THE WINDSHIELD WIPER SPEED ON MY 2005 SUBARU LEGACY WAGON IS MARGINALLY ADEQUATE IN VERY HEAVY RAINSTORM CONDITIONS. THIS CONDITION WAS REPORTED TO MY DEALER SERVICE CENTER, WHO ADMITTED THAT OTHER CUSTOMERS HAVE VOICED SIMILAR CONCERNS. THE DEALER VERIFIED THAT MY WIPER BLADE SPEED IS NORMAL FOR THAT MODEL. THE WIPER SPEED ON THE HIGH SETTING IS 10 CYCLES EVERY 10 SECONDS. WHEN COMPARED TO MY 2003 SUBARU OUTBACK WAGON, THE SPEED ON THAT VEHICLE IS 12 CYCLES EVERY 10 SECONDS. THAT IS 20% FASTER AND CLOSER TO WHAT I FEEL IS ACCEPTABLE FOR SAFE DRIVING IN A THUNDERSTORM. *JB
Jul 25, 2006
HEATING ALWAYS ON IN ANY VENT MODE, OPERATION OF CAR UNHEALTHY DUE TO HOT AIR ALWAYS BLOWING OUT OF VENTS; EVEN WITH COOL AIR AT LOWEST SETTING, 65 DEGREES F.
Jun 30, 2005
THE WINDSHIELD HAS CRACKED A TOTAL OF SIX DIFFERENT TIMES WHEN THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN. THIS COULD BE DANGEROUS BECAUSE THE WINDSHIELD COULD BREAK IN THE DRIVER'S FACE. TAKEN TO DEALER FOR REPAIR TWICE. *NM
Jan 13, 2005
WHEELS
4 complaints
THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL BEARING STARTED MAKING NOISE INDICATING IT WAS FAILING. THE LEFT REAR WHEEL BEARING FAILED AT ~ 42,000 MILES A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO. SUBARU INDICATED THESE SHOULD LAST 80,000 MILES. YOUR PARTS SELECTION WON'T LET ME ENTER WHEEL BEARING. *TT
Aug 28, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU LEGACY. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT ONE OF THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL LUG NUT BOLTS HAD SHEERED AWAY FROM THE WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WAS LOOSE AND THE REAR DRIVER SIDE WHEEL LUG NUT BOLT WAS ALSO FRACTURED. THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL LUG NUT BOLT WAS REPLACED. THE REAR DRIVER SIDE LUG NUT BOLT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Sep 28, 2012
FRONT WHEEL BEARING FAILURE. *TR
Jul 26, 2009
RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BROKE. CAST WHEEL. FOUND TIRE AND RIM 30 FEET AHEAD OF VEHICLE AFTER CRASH DUE TO LOSS OF CONTROL. VEHICLE SPUN, ENTERED CULVERT FACING OPPOSITE DIRECTION AND IMPACTED TREE CAUSING IT TO ROLL TWICE. VEHICLE TOTALED. GEICE INSURANCE HAS POSSESSION OF VEHICLE BUT WILL LEAVE INTACT FOR ANOTHER 30 DAYS. HAVE PICTURES, BROKEN RIM AND PART OF SPOKE. WE'VE PURCHASED A SUBARU FORRESTER WITH SUBARU GIVING US A CUSTOMER LOYALTY REBATE. THERE IS LITTLE DOUBT IN OUR MINDS THAT THIS CASTING WAS DEFECTIVE AND MAY CAUSE MANY MORE SERIOUS ACCIDENTS WITH DEATH OR INJURY. WE WE'RE FRANKLY LUCKY. PICTURES AND COMMENTS CAN BE VIEWED AT HTTP://LEGACYGT.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?P=346119#POST346119.*JB
Nov 21, 2005
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
4 complaints
THE LOW BEAM LIGHT BULBS BURN OUT FREQUENTLY. I USE THE HIGH QUALITY BULBS (AROUND $28 EA) BUT THEY STILL BURN OUT EVERY 3 TO 4 MONTHS, SAME AS THE LOWER QUALITY BULBS. EVEN WITH BEING VERY CAREFUL INSTALLING THE BULBS, WEARING CLEAN GLOVES AND CLEANING WITH ALCOHOL PRIOR TO SETTING AND LOCKING, THEY STILL BURN OUT. I BOUGHT THE CAR AT 27,000 MILES, NOW IT HAS 50,500 AND THE PROBLEM IS CONSISTENT. I DOUBT THAT BULB QUALITY IS THE ISSUE HERE, SINCE I'VE EXPERIMENTED WITH THE $17 BULBS AND THE $28 BULBS AND THE RESULTS ARE THE SAME. *TR
May 20, 2009
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED AFTER PURCHASING A NEW VEHICLE, ALTHOUGH THE HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS ILLUMINATED THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE. THE DEALER SUGGESTED REPLACING THE EXTERIOR HEADLAMP BULBS. AFTER THE BULBS WERE REPLACED THIS MOMENTARILY REMEDIED THE PROBLEM, BUT LATER THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE.
Feb 10, 2006
I WANT TO REINFORCE A SAFETY PROBLEM ALREADY REPORTED ON YOUR LIST. AT NIGHT, WITH THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS AND ALWAYS LIT DASH, IT IS HARD TO NOTICE IF YOUR LIGHTS ARE ON. THERE IS A SMALL INDICATOR SHOWING WHETHER THEY ARE ON, BUT SOMETHING MORE IS NEEDED TO REMIND YOU THEY ARE OFF AT NIGHT. I HAVE DRIVEN SEVERAL TIMES WITH NO TAIL LIGHTS AND HAD TO BE REMINDED BY SOMEONE DRIVING NEAR ME. THIS IS DANGEROUS. *NM
Jan 03, 2006
NO FAILURE OF SAFETY EQUIPMENT BUT VEHICLE DESIGN PROMOTES OPERATION AT NIGHT WITH NO TAIL LIGHTS. WHEN THE LIGHT SWITCH IS TURNED OFF, THE HEADLIGHTS (DRL) AND INSTRUMENT LIGHTS REMAIN ON. THIS MAKES THE OPERATOR THINK ALL EXTERIOR ILLUMINATION IS FUNCTIONING, WHEN ONLY THE HEADLIGHTS AND INSTRUMENT LIGHTS ARE ILLUMINATED. *AK
Mar 14, 2005
SEAT BELTS
4 complaints
PASSENGER SEAT BELT WARNING LAMP ON DASHBOARD BLINKED, CAUSING DRIVER TO MOVE HIS EYES OFF ROAD AND FOCUS ON WARNING LIGHT. DEALER CALLED IN FACTORY REPRESENTATIVE AND ENGINEER. AFTER 5 TRIPS TO DEALER. SUBARU CLAIMED THAT THISWAS A NORMAL SITUATION ON THE 2005 LEGACY. THEY STATED THAT THEY DO NOT INTEND TO FIND A SOLUTION, AND SUGGESTED THAT WE LIVE WITH THE PROBLEM. *AK
Jul 05, 2007
THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT SENSOR SENSED THAT THERE WAS SOMEONE IN THE SEAT WHEN THERE WASN'T. THE CHIME KEPT GOING UNTIL I BUCKLED THE SEAT BELT IN. I CALLED THE SUBARU EXTENDED WARRANTY PERSON AND THEIR REMEDY WAS TO TURN KEY TO THE ON POSITION IN THE IGNITION, THEN, WITHIN 30 SECONDS, BUCKLE AND UNBUCKLE THE DRIVER SEAT BELT 20 TIMES. SHE SAID THAT IF THE BATTERY GETS REPLACED OR UNHOOKED, I WOULD HAVE TO DO THIS 30 SECOND 'DRILL' AGAIN. IT DID REMEDY THE PROBLEM.
Feb 17, 2007
SEAT BELT TIGHTENS TO THE POINT OF CHOKING HANDICAPPED SENIOR CITIZEN. WE WERE ABLE TO STOP THE CAR AND AFTER CLIMBING IN THROUGH THE REAR WINDOW I WAS ABLE TO HOLD THE BELT SO IT WOULD QUIT TIGHTENING SUBSEQUENTLY ABLE TO RELEASE. THIS HAS HAPPENED MORE THAN ONCE. ONCE WITH JUST A SENIOR THAT WAS ABLE TO FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS. *NM
Dec 12, 2005
2005 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK. THE REAR SEAT BELTS MALFUNCTIONED. WHEN BUCKLING THE BELTS, THE CENTER BELT WOULD UN-BUCKLE. *TS THE SEAT BELTS WERE TOO CLOSE. THE CENTER SEAT BELT WAS SLIGHTLY ABOVE THE LEFT HAND SEAT BELT WHICH CAUSED THE LEFT HAND SEAT BELT TO UNLOCK. THE CONSUMER FOUND AT THE DEALER THAT THESE VEHICLE'S SEAT BELT WERE DEFECTIVE. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURE AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THAT THEY COULD DO. *SC
Nov 29, 2005
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 complaints
A combination of high temperature and exposure to sunlight is causing dashboard to become sticky/melted. The center for auto Safety is calling on car makers and the federal govement to address melting dashboards. The melting plastic coupled with sun glare makes it difficult to see through the windshield under certain conditions. I have the same issue that has been documented in the Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry, Mazda 3, Lexus IS 250 and the Lexus 350 according to the GibbsLaw Group. Upon contacting Subaru, I was offered a $500 credit to have the dashboard replaced. This may only be 25% of the cost for replacement. As a safety issue, this should be paid for in full under a manufacturers recall.
Apr 28, 2022
THE DASH IS MELTING AND CREATING SUCH A GLARE AND A REFLECTION ON THE WINDSHIELD THAT IT OBSTRUCTS THE DRIVERS VIEW AND POSES A SAFETY RISK.
Mar 25, 2019
I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR MY SUBARU LEGACY AND PROCEEDED TO TAKE MY CAR IN FOR INSPECTION AT SERVCO SUBARU HONOLULU. THEY PASSED MY CAR FOR A DASHBOARD REPLACEMENT RECALL ABOUT 6-7 MONTHS AGO AND SAID THEY WOULD PERFORM THE RECALL AS SOON AS THE PARTS HAVE COME IN. EVERY TIME I CALL THEY SAY THAT THE PARTS HAVE NOT COME IN YET, WHICH IS HARD TO BELIEVE BECAUSE THE RECALL EXTENDED WARRANTY WAS SUPPOSED TO BE EXTENDED UNTIL MARCH 31ST 2017. AT THAT TIME I WOULD THINK THEY WOULD TELL ME THAT THE RECALL WOULD NOT BE COVERED EVEN IF THEY APPROVED ME MANY MONTHS IN ADVANCE.
Dec 28, 2016
SEATS
3 complaints
THE HEATED SEAT ELEMENT ON THE BUTT PORTION OF THE SEAT IN MY 2005 SUBARU LEGACY GT HAS FAILED DUE TO ARCING OF THE WIRES. *TR
Nov 24, 2008
I WAS STOPPED IN TRAFFIC ON A BRIDGE WHEN A PICK UP TRUCK BEHIND ME DID NOT AND HIT MY CAR IN THE REAR. THE CAR SUSTAINED ABOUT $9600 IN DAMAGE. THE CAR WAS A 2005 SUBARU LEGACY. I SUSTAINED INJURY TO MY BACK, MY HEAD, LEFT ELBOW AND LEFT CALF. THE CAR WAS NOT GOING OUTRAGEOUSLY FAST. THE BRIDGE TRAFFIC WAS NOT MOVING THAT FAST TO BEGIN WITH. THE BACK OF THE SEAT FRAME ON THE LEFT SIDE GAVE AND BENT. THIS I BELIEVE CAUSED OR WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE BULK OF MY INJURY. *TR
Jun 19, 2008
THE HEATED SEATS IN THE SUBARU LEGACY GT LIMITED HAVE AN ELEMENT THAT "ARCS" ON TO ITSELF. MINE HAD A BURN HOLE IN THE FABRIC UPON REPLACEMENT. THIS REPRESENTS A FIRE HAZARD. POSSIBLE SYMPTOMS ARE BOTTOM OF THE SEAT HEATING, BUT NOT THE BACK, AND VICE VERSA. *TR
Jan 25, 2008
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY/WIPER
2 complaints
WIRES THAT GO TO THE REAR HATCH FOR THE WIPER AND THIRD BRAKE LIGHT ARE SEVERED AFTER REPEATED OPENING/CLOSING OF REAR HATCH AND AFFECT THE FUNCTIONALITY.
Oct 16, 2018
REAR WINDSHIELD WIPER STOPPED WORKING CAUSING VERY LIMITED VISIBILITY OUT OF REAR WINDOW DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER. I DISCOVERED THE CONNECTING HARNESS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR THAT CONTROLS THE REAR WIPER AND BRAKE LIGHTS DAMAGED WHERE IT PASSES FROM THE CAR BODY TO REAR TAILGATE. THE GROMMETT DOES NOT SEEM TO BE SERVING ITS PURPOSE AND THE WIRING HARNESS DOES NOT SEEM DURABLE ENOUGH. THIS CAN CREATE A VERY DANGEROUS COMBINATION. *TR
Apr 30, 2013
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS
2 complaints
THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON A CITY STREET. MY SON WENT OUT IN THE MORNING TO MOVE IT TO FIND THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BURNED COMPLETELY OUT AND SOOT ALL OVER THE CAR. HIS INSURANCE (LIABILITY ONLY) WOULD NOT COVER THE DAMAGE AND WAS TOLD BY SUBARU TO HAVE IT TOWED TO A DEALER AT HIS EXPENSE FOR THEM TO INSPECT IT. AFTER OVER A MONTH HE WAS TOLD THAT THE FIRE BY THEIR DETERMINATION WAS NOT CAUSED BY THE HEATED SEATS BUT BY ANOTHER SOURCE. IT IS OBVIOUS BY THE PICTURES AND BY INSPECTION THAT THE FIRE WAS CAUSED AND STARTED BY FAULTY WIRING ON THE HEATED SEATS.
Mar 16, 2018
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE HEATING SYSTEM ACTIVATED, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT WAS SMOLDERED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT WAS SEVERELY BURNED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 134,000. UPDATED 04/10/15*LJ UPDATED 6/26/2015*JS
Jan 29, 2015
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaints
ENGINE ACCELERATED AT A RAPID SPEED ON ITS OWN POWER.. UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE WITH THE BRAKES. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION IN THE PARKING LOT..
Sep 01, 2017
WHILE PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR THERE WAS NO RESPONSE. THE CAR CONTINUED AT IT'S NORMAL IDLE, BUT PRESSING ON THE GAS GAVE NO RESPONSE. I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO A STOP OFF THE ROAD AND TURN THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON, WHICH FIXED THE PROBLEM THE FIRST TIME. THIS HAS HAPPENED AGAIN TWO TIMES AS OF TODAY AND IT TOOK SEVERAL TIMES TURNING THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON TO GET USE OF THE ACCELERATOR AGAIN. THIS SEEMS LIKE A SAFETY ISSUED, AND OF COURSE A PROBLEM THAT COULD EASILY LEAVE ME AND MY KIDS STRANDED OR INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT IF I WERE TRAVELING AT HIGHER SPEEDS WHEN THE PROBLEM OCCURS. I'VE READ ONLINE THAT IT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH SUBARU. THE CODE THAT I RECEIVED WAS P2138 (THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR). *TR
Apr 22, 2015
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER
2 complaints
IN THE 2005 WAGON, THE REAR WIRING HARNESS THAT GOES THROUGH THE HATCH AND IS SUBJECT TO A LOT OF BENDING (IT CONNECTS THE REAR WIPER, BACKUP LIGHTS, ETC) USES CHEAP WIRING THAT WEARS OUT. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN EXTENSIVELY DOCUMENTED BY SUBARU OWNERS AT HTTP://LEGACYGT.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP/WAGONS-BEWARE-TAILGATE-ELECTRICALS-161086.HTML. TODAY, MY REAR WIPER STOPPED WORKING, AND SEVERAL OTHER WIRES ARE ABOUT TO BREAK. THIS COULD AFFECT REAR WIPERS, BACKUP LIGHTS, REAR LICENSE PLATE LIGHTS, ETC. THESE WIRES ARE OF VERY POOR QUALITY - I HAVE OWNED 2 OTHER CARS WITH HATCHES, AND EVEN IN HARSH CANADIAN WINTERS, HAD NO ISSUES. THESE WIRES BROKE JUST DUE TO USE IN VERY MILD CALIFORNIA CONDITIONS. *TR
Feb 04, 2015
SUBARU LEGACY 2005 WAGON; MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL WIRES ROUTED THROUGH A FLEXIBLE RUBBER BOOT LEADING FROM THE CHASSIS TO THE REAR HATCH OF THE WAGON HAVE BROKEN FROM REPEATED BENDING ACTION BY OPENING/CLOSING THE REAR HATCH RENDERING THE REAR WIPER INOPERABLE. *TR
Apr 22, 2013
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,VISIBILITY/WIPER
2 complaints
MY CAR DOOR POWER DOOR LOCKS STOPPED WORKING, REAR WIPER STOPPED WORKING, REAR BRAKE LIGHTS AND RUNNING LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING, ALSO RADIO STOPPED WORKING. UPON INVESTIGATION I FOUND THAT THE WIRING HARNESS ON BOTH SIDES OF MY REAR LIFT GATE HAD TORN AND SHORTED OUT. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SHORTCOMING ON THIS CAR, THE WIRES ARE SO SHORT AND PLACED UNDER CONSTANT TENSION THAT THEY RIP THEMSELVES APART. *TR
May 13, 2013
THE REAR HATCH OF MY SUBARU LEGACY WAGON - THE ELECTRICAL WIRES SUPPLYING THE REAR BRAKES, HATCH LOCK, AND REAR WINDOW WIPER ARE BEING CUT BY THE HATCH OPENING AND CLOSING. LOSS OF REAR BRAKE LIGHTS, REAR WIPER FUNCTION, AND REAR HATCH LOCKING MECHANISM ALL EFFECTED BY THE POOR ROUTING OF THESE ELECTRICAL WIRES THROUGH AN ACCORDION STYLE BOOT. VERY DANGEROUS ISSUE WITH REGARD TO MULTIPLE SAFETY CONCERNS. *TR
Apr 08, 2013
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2005 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that the hydraulic brake lines were leaking. The brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the contact was informed that there was rust covering the subframe of the vehicle and fuel tank. The dealer declined to complete a recall repair under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V311000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.
Jan 05, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
THE CD PLAYER TURNS ON BY ITSELF WHEN RADIO IS ON. NOTHING SPECIFICALLY MAKES IT HAPPEN LIKE HITTING A BUMP OR ANYTHING IT DOES IT WHILE CAR IS STILL. CAR WAS TAKIN ON TO BE LOOKED AT BUT THEY SAID NOTHING COULD BE DONE. ALSO, GEAR SHIFT DOESN'T ALWAYS LOCK IN PLACE. WHICH MAKES THE CAR NOT ABLE TO START AND/OR MOVE IF ON A SLIGHTLY HILL.
Feb 15, 2020
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
TAKATA RECALL,WAS TALKING TO DEALERSHIP,BUT LIGHTS STILL INDICATE AIRBAG ,CRUZ CONTROL , CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON.WAS TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR AND RESET.BUT I DON'T THINK IT WAS DONE. OTHER RECALLS ON BREAK LINE COATING'S NOT DONE , I LOST BREAK LINES WHILE DRIVING,AT THREE DIFFERENT TIMES.SUBARU ISSUED A SECOND RECALL , WITH EXPLICIT ATTENTION TO THE AREA WHERE THE LINE CONNECTS TO THE BREAK FOR RUST.THE DEALER WAS TO TO REPLACE ANY BREAK LINES SHOWING DAMAGE IN THIS AREA.THIS RECALL WAS TAKEN IN AND AGAIN WAS NOT REPLACED . THEY COATED MAYBE ON TOP OF THE RUST. I HAD THE REMAINING BREAK LINE REPLACE ASA PERCAUSETION MEASURE ,ALL COST TO ME.SEAT BELT NOT RETRACTING , WHEN RELEASED.,THIS WAS REPLACED TWICE .IT STILL DOES IT AND THE WEBBING I COUGHT UP IN THE DOOR CLOSESING. THE RUG HOOK DRIVES SIDE REPLACE THREE TIMES WARNING LIGHTS STILL ON ,FOR CRUZCONTROL,DOES NOT FUNCTIONING. I USED IT MAYBE 3 TIME'S SINCE L BOUGHT THE CAR NEW.WENT THROUGH THE FIRST SET OF TIRES,CUBBING DO TO WARPED RODTORS IN NOT EVEN 700 MILES.STILL DOESN'T STAY IN ALINEMENT.EATS TIRES ,4SETS BY 67'00 MILES.DASH ELECTRIC ,CD ,HEAT RADIO, SECURITY SYSTEM DEFO ALL ONE COMPUTER PANEL, WOULD WEAR BATTERY DEAD OVER NIGHT. I HAD TO PLUG IT IN TO SLOW CHARGERTHAT SHUT DOWN WENT BATTERY WAS CHARGED.UNTILL A CORRECT REPLACEMENT ,UNIT COULD BE FOUND.TOOK AWHILE, VERY LIMITED LEGACY WAGON. I HAVE A BRIEF CASE AF PICTURE S AND WORK ORDERS IN PLASTIC SLEEVES.WHEN TIME FOR WARRANTY WAS UP , I HAD LESS THEN 20'000 MILES ON THE CAR.SUBARU CORPORATE,PAID SOME OF THE SERIOUS FUEL ISSUE IT HAD. I HAVE NOT HAD A COLLISION WHAT DOES VEHICLE. I T HAS BEEN MAINTAINEDREGULARL A PEICE OF RUBBER TRIM WAS COMING OF THE DAY L BROUGHT IT HOME, I PHOTOED THIS, IT'S FIRST PICTURE IN MY BOOK.THE DEALERSHIP TRYED GLUEING IT ON.IT NEVER STAYED ON . I SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED AS METAL CLIP'S IN TRIMRUSTNOWONFENDER.
Nov 06, 2018
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
I HAD OWNED THE CAR FOR NOT EVEN A YEAR YET BACK IN 2012, AND THE ONLY ACCIDENT I'VE EVER BEEN IN HAPPENED ON MY WAY TO SCHOOL(COLLEGE). THE AIR BAG DID NOT COME OUT OF THE STEERING WHEEL, BUT SHOULD HAVE. LUCKILY I ONLY EXPERIENCED MILD WHIP LASH, AND VERY LARGE BODY SHOP BILL. ALSO WHEN THEY FINALLY BROUGHT ME IN TO GET IT REPLACED THIS PAST SUMMER(2017) THEY PUSHED MY CAR AROUND THE LOT, AND MESSED UP MY TRANSMISSION AMONGST SOME OTHER THINGS. BUT WHEN I ASKED THE TECHNICIANS ABOUT IT, THEY GOT DEFENSIVE, AND DENIED ANY CLAIM OF WRONG DOING.
Dec 15, 2017
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
AS WE WERE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, WE HEARD WHAT SOUNDED LIKE A AIRPLANE PROPELLER WHIRLING. THE CAR THEN STOPPED. THE MECHANIC AT THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP SAID WE BLEW A CYLINDER. THE CAR IS NOW IN NEED OF A NEW ENGINE OR WILL BE SCRAPPED. WE KEPT THE CAR SERVICE RELIGIOUSLY AND WAS IN GREAT SHAPE. HOW DOES THIS HAPPEN? I THOUGHT WE HAD A RELIABLE CAR.
Aug 12, 2015
SUSPENSION,AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
VEH. WAS TRAVELING AT APPROX. 25MPH UP A LOW INCLINE ON SLUSHY PAVED 2 LANE SURFACE. VEH. BROKE TRACTION SPUN SIDEWAYS AND TRAVELLED SIDEWAYS INTO BRUSH AND STRIKING A TREE IN THE DRIVER. SIDE FRONT FENDER (SIDE IMPACT). DRIVERS HEAD STRUCK AND BROKE DRVRS. DOOR WINDOW. DRVR. SUSTAINED SEVERAL FACIAL LACERATIONS REQUIRING PLASTIC SURGERY AND RESULTING IN PROBABLE SCARRING. FRONT SEAT PASSENGER SUSTAINED RIGHT LEG INJURY RESULTING IN SEVERE BRUISING AND SWELLING. BOTH WERE TREATED IN AN EMERGENCY ROOM AND RELEASED. VEH. IS EQUIPPED WITH SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS WHICH DID NOT DEPLOY. IF DEPLOYED, THE DRVR. SIDE AIRBAG WOULD HAVE PREVENTED THE DRVRS. INJURIES. *TR
Jan 28, 2015
STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BE SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14V311000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THAT PRIOR TO THE RECALL REPAIR THE THE REAR SUSPENSION, THE REAR PASSENGER SPRING, BOTH REAR LATERAL LINKS, AND THE REAR SUSPENSION SUBFRAME NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED DUE TO CORROSION AND BUILD UP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 169,000.
Jan 09, 2015
STEERING,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
BOOTS CRACK AND YOU MUST REPLACE ENTIRE DRIVE SHAFT. LEFT FRONT DRIVE SHAFT WAS JUST REPLACED @85,000 MILES AS THE BOOT CRACKED ON THE OTHER SIDE AS WELL. THINK THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW AS DRIVE SHAFT SITS OVER THE TOP OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WITH NO SHIELD TO BLOCK THE HEAT. *TR
Nov 22, 2014
WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
WHEN HAVING NEW TIRES PLACED ON THE CAR THERE WAS SO MUCH CORROSION ON THE WHEELS AND BRAKE HOUSING THE SERVICE PERSON HAD TO BREAK OFF THE CHUNKS OF RUST TO GET THE TIRES OFF. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME THE TIRES ARE CHANGED. THEY ADVISE EACH TIME THAT THIS NOT KNOWN TO HAPPEN ON A NEWER CAR. AT THE TIME THAT THIS WAS FOUND THERE WAS A RECALL FOR CARS IN OTHER STATES FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT WHEN I CALLED SUBARU ABOUT THIS I WAS TOLD THAT THE RECALL DID NOT EXTEND TO OUR STATE. THE MECHANIC I TAKE MY CAR TO SAID IT IS JUST A MATTER OF TIME UNTIL THE WHEELS WILL FALL OFF DUE TO FAILURE FROM THE CORROSION. *TR
Oct 30, 2014
ENGINE
1 complaint
THE 2005 SUBURU SUDDENLY STOPS NO MATTER WEATHER GOING 35 MPH OR 70MPH WITHOUT WARNING! LATER THE ENGINE WARNING FLASHES, THEN THE CRUISE CONTROL FLASHES, AFTER ABT. 20 SECONDS IT STARTS, BUT STOPS INTERMITTENTLY W/O WARNING. LIFE/DEATH RISK.JUST BOUGHT IT 5 MOS. AGO. THE TURBO MALFUNCTIONS--CRACKS. *TR
Aug 28, 2014
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ENGINE
1 complaint
THE VEHICLES TURBO FAILED AND DESTROYED THE ENGINE. THE TURBO AND ENGINE WERE ALL FACTORY ORIGINAL. I REPLACED THE PART THAT I THOUGHT WAS CAUSING PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE AND TURNED THE CAR ON AND BLACK SMOKE CAME OUT OFF THE EXHAUST. ACCORDING TO THE MECHANIC SHOP I TOOK IT TO THE OIL UNION BOLTS ARE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM TO STARVING OIL TO THE TURBO AND THEN THE TURBO FAILS. I THINK IT IS UNCLEAR THAT THESE ENGINES HAVE A MAJOR FLAW IN THEM. MOST PEOPLE HAVE THESE PROBLEMS WAY BEFORE THE 100,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER MARK. I WOULD NEED A COMPLETELY NEW ENGINE FOR THE VEHICLE. I DID OIL CHANGES EVERY 3000 MILES AND DID THE RECOMMENDED SERVICES AT EACH TIME OR MILEAGE INTERVALS. *TR
Feb 17, 2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, AND THE CAR SEEM TO LOOSE POWER, LUCKILY I NOTICED IT, AS I WAS ABLE TO COST OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE RODE. I OWN A CARMD, AND ATTACHED IT TO MY CAR, IT GAVE ME CODE P2138 WHICH MEANS THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSORS (2 OF THEM) NOT BEING IN AGREEMENT. I THINK THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AS THIS CAN HAPPEN AT ANY TIME WHILE ONE IS DRIVING, POTENTIAL LEADING TO A ACCIDENT OR FATALITY. *TR
Dec 23, 2012
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
FOR THE SECOND TIME MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON AND MY CAR HAS GONE INTO A FAIL SAFE MODE WHILE DRIVING (ELIMINATING THE ABILITY TO ACCELERATE). THE CODE THE COMPUTER PROVIDES IS P2138, WHICH REFERS TO THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSORS (THERE ARE TWO) NOT BEING IN AGREEMENT. I TOOK THE CAR TO WHITE BEAR LAKE SUBARU IN WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN TO HAVE THIS ISSUE RESOLVED. THEY DID NOT REPLICATE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND THEREFORE WOULD NOT PERFORM ANY SERVICE. THE ISSUE AGAIN HAPPENED, THIS TIME OVER 1,000 MILES AWAY IN GEORGIA AND I WAS ALMOST RUN OVER BY MULTIPLE VEHICLES AS I TRIED TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD - THE CAR WAS NOT RESPONDING. THEREFORE, THIS ISSUE IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD. *TR
Dec 19, 2012
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
1 complaint
CAR HAS BEEN VERY SLOW TO REDUCE RPMS WHEN SHIFTING GEARS OR WHEN STOPPED (AND IN NEUTRAL) FOR THE PAST FEW WEEKS. TODAY, WHEN PULLING INTO A STARBUCKS, THE CAR SURGED FORWARD. LUCKILY I HAVE A STICK SHIFT AND JUST PUSHED THE CLUTCH IN. AFTER SURGING, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. USING A DIAGNOSTIC TOOL, I FOUND THAT THE CAR IS THROWING ERROR CODE P2138. THIS INDICATES THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL POSITION (APP) SENSOR IS EITHER BAD OR HAS A POOR CONNECTION. THE DETAIL ON THE ERROR STATS "THE ECM HAS DETECTED THAT THE APP SENSOR 1 AND APP SENSOR 2 DISAGREE MORE THAN 4.5% FOR LESS THAN 1 SECOND." ESSENTIALLY, ONE OR BOTH THROTTLE-BY-WIRE CIRCUITS ISN'T FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. I WENT ONLINE AND FOUND THAT THIS IS AN ALL TOO COMMON PROBLEM AND SOME FOLKS HAVE FOUND THAT THEIR CARS ARE SURGING FORWARD, THREATENING SAFETY. *TR
Oct 14, 2012
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
THIS 2005 SUBARU LEGACY IS A STATION WAGON WITH POWER DOOR LOCKS, THE BACK LIFT GATE WIRING HARNESS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE HAS TORN THE ELECTRICAL WIRES WITHIN THE FLEXIBLE BOOT MOUNTED ON THE TOP OF THE CAR BETWEEN THE BODY AND THE REAR HATCH. AS A RESULT IT IS NO LONGER POSSIBLE TO LOCK AND SECURE THE REAR HATCH BACK DOOR OF THE STATION WAGON. THE WIRES WITHIN THE WIRING HARNESS ARE JUST TO SHORT AND HAVE RIPPED THEMSELVES APART IN ADDITION THE REAR HIGH MOUNT BRAKE LIGHT IS ALSO NO LONGER FUNCTIONING. *TR
Sep 03, 2012
STEERING,WHEELS,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
WITH GOOD ALL-SEASON TIRES, THE CAR BEGAN "SWIMMING", FISH-TAILING ON SNOW-PACKED ROADS. AT SLOWER SPEEDS IT STILL FELT LIKE WE HAD A FLAT TIRE. DEALER CHECKED THE CAR AND SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG, THAT THEY HAD NEVER HAD SUCH A COMPLAINT BEFORE AND THAT IT NEEDED GOOD SNOW TIRES. AFTER $500+ IN SNOW TIRES IT, AGAIN, HANDLED BADLY ON SLIPPERY ROADS. THE DEALER'S INSISTENCE THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG PROMPTED ME TO SELL THE VEHICLE AND LEAVE SUBARU (HAVING OWNED 3). IT'S A SAD DAY WHEN A DEALER PREFERS TO SEE A CLIENT DEAD THAN ADDRESS THE PROBLEM. GOOD BYE SUBARU. *TR
Jan 12, 2012
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,INTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
I AM THE OWNER OF A 2005 SUBARU LEGACY 2.5GT. LAST NIGHT, WHEN I WAS TRYING TO START THE VEHICLE, IT SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF STARTING AND THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY WENT DEAD. THIS MORNING, I NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A LARGE AND DEEP BURN MARK IN THE HEADLINER SURROUNDING THE MAP LIGHT PANEL AND THAT PART OF THE MAP LIGHT AS WELL AS THE AUTO-DIMMING MIRROR WERE MELTED. *TR
May 22, 2010
POWER TRAIN,EQUIPMENT,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
1 complaint
VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY AND ENCOUNTERED WET ROAD CONDITIONS. VEHICLE BEGAN TO PULL TO THE LEFT AND THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT BUMPER COLLIDED WITH CENTER CONCRETE MEDIAN. VEHICLE CONTINUES TO SPIN COUNTERCLOCKWISE AND THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR BUMPER COLLIDES WITH THE CENTER CONCRETE MEDIAN BEFORE COMING TO A STOP. NO OTHER VEHICLES WERE INVOLVED IN THE CRASH. HIGHWAY PATROL WRITES UP THE ACCIDENT AND VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN HOME. VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO THE INSURANCE COLLISION REPAIR CENTER AND INSURANCE DETERMINES VEHICLE TO BE A TOTAL LOSS. VEHICLE HAS A TOUTED REPUTATION FOR HAVING A SYMMETRICAL AWD SYSTEM FOR SUPERIOR TRACTION AND CONTROL. BASED ON THE EXPERIENCE OF THE ACCIDENT, THE VEHICLE LOSS TRACTION AND THE SYMMETRICAL AWD DID NOT PERFORM TO MAINTAIN TRACTION AND CONTROL. *TR
Nov 06, 2009
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
I HAVE 2005 SUBARU LEGACY 2.5I, BASE MODEL. FIRST THE RATTLING NOISE BY THE DRIVER SIDE DASH BOARD AND THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED, WHICH IT IS ALREADY ON RECALL STATUS (CRUISE CONTROL ONLY). NOW, THE CLUTCH IS FAILING BY ENGINE CUTTING OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING WHEN THE CLUTCH IS ENGAGED-- I MEAN WHILE DRIVING OVER 60 MILES. I CONSIDER IT IS LIFE THREATENING SITUATION WHERE THE CAR MANUFACTURE SHOULD LOOK INTO IT. *TR
Sep 08, 2008
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
THE LETTER I SENT TO SUBARU OF AMERICA (EDITED): I AM THE OWNER OF A 2005 LEGACY GT. ON AUGUST 5TH, 2008 MY FAMILY AND I WERE HEADED TO BOISE, IDAHO FROM BEND, OREGON. ABOUT AN HOUR AND A HALF FROM HOME I NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE WAS REVVING ABNORMALLY HIGH TO MAINTAIN SPEED. I CALLED THE SHOP BACK IN BEND (THOMAS SALES AND SERVICE) AND THEY RECOMMENDED THAT I HAVE THE CAR TOWED BACK TO THEM. WHEN WE ARRIVED BACK IN BEND THE TECH AT THE DEALER INSPECTED THE CAR AND DETERMINED THAT IT WAS A TURBO ISSUE, AS I HAD SUSPECTED. THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE DEALER WHO INFORMED ME THE ISSUE WOULD BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. PARTS WERE ORDERED AND SERVICE WAS SCHEDULED. SEVERAL DAYS LATER I WAS CONTACTED AGAIN BY THE SERVICE MANAGER WHO INFORMED ME THAT SINCE MY CAR WAS AT 74K MILES (BUT STILL INSIDE THE 5 YEAR WARRANTY PERIOD) IT WOULD NOT BE COVERED AND THAT THE REPAIR COSTS WOULD BE RIGHT AROUND $2000. NATURALLY I WAS UPSET WITH THIS NEWS. I AM A MEMBER OF THE WEBSITE LEGACYGT.COM AND STARTED LOOKING AROUND FOR INFORMATION REGARDING MY PROBLEM AND FOUND A SERVICE BULLETIN REGARDING THE BANJO BOLT SCREEN IN THE TURBO GETTING CLOGGED. AT NO TIME WAS I EVER CONTACTED BY SUBARU OR MY DEALER REGARDING THIS POTENTIAL PROBLEM OR I WOULD HAVE HAD IT CHECKED OUT. I AM ALSO A MEMBER OF MYSUBARU.COM AND WAS NOT INFORMED THERE EITHER. I HAVE HAD REGULAR OIL CHANGES PERFORMED AND HAVE PERFORMED SEVERAL MYSELF (I HAVE NO RECORD OF THIS IN THE FORM OF RECEIPTS, SEE ATTACHED COPIES) AND THE NIGHT BEFORE WE LEFT FOR BOISE I CHECKED ALL THE FLUIDS AND THE AIR PRESSURE IN THE TIRES AND FOUND EVERYTHING WAS GOOD. I WAS PLANNING ON HAVING THE OIL CHANGED AGAIN IN BOISE. I HAVE ALWAYS USED HIGH QUALITY SYNTHETIC OIL SINCE AFTER THE FIRST COUPLE OF CHANGES. WHAT IS REALLY TROUBLING IS THAT AT NO TIME DID I EVER GET A WARNING FROM A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OR ERROR CODE, YET I SEEMED TO HAVE HAD A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. *TR
Aug 19, 2008
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
2005 SUBARU LEGACY GT PASSENGER SEAT BELT SENSOR IS NOT FUNCTIONING CORRECTLY. THE SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT AND CHIME COMES ON AFTER DRIVING ABOUT 7 MILES WITH NO ONE IN THE SEAT OR ANYTHING SITTING ON THE SEAT. IT SEAMS TO BE WORSE IN THE WINTER THAN IN THE SUMMER. THE RENO DEALER HAS 'CALIBRATED' IT AT LEAST TWICE AND SEVERAL TIMES THE SERVICE ADVISOR SAID TRY PUTTING THE BACK OF THE SEAT MORE VERTICAL AND THAT SHOULD FIX THE PROBLEM (IT DID NOT). I E-MAILED SUBARU SUPPORT AND WAS TOLD THAT THE PROBLEM DOES APPEAR TO BE A NORMAL OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE. I WAS GIVEN THE OPTION TO PERFORM A PROCEDURE TO PERMANENTLY DISABLE THIS WARNING CHIME, WHICH I DO NOT WANT TO DO. *JB
Feb 07, 2007
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING HEAVY RAIN STORMS, MY 2005 SUBARU LEGACY WAGON HAD PROBLEMS STARTING AND RUNNING. THE ENGINE 'STUTTERS' OR 'MISFIRES' UNTIL THE BATTERY IS DISCONNECTED AND LEFT FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES, THEN RECONNECTED. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR IN TO THE SUBARU DEALER ON APPROXIMATELY FOUR OCCASIONS FOR THIS PROBLEM, WHERE ECU CODES HAVE BEEN CLEARED, AND I HAVE BEEN INFORMED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS SOLVED. IT INVARIABLY RETURNS WITH THE NEXT RAINSTORM. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS PROBLEM COULD EMERGE WHILE DRIVING IN RAINY CONDITIONS, LEADING TO AN IMMEDIATE LOSS OF POWER AND CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. *JB
Jul 31, 2006
POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
I HAVE A 2005 SUBARU LEGACY GT MANUAL TRANSMISSION SEDAN. THUS FAR I HAVE HAD SEVERAL ISSUES WITH THE CAR. 1) ENGINE STUTTERING: THIS PROBLEM NORMALLY OCCURS WHEN STARTING FROM A DEAD STOP, OR WHEN SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR. THE ENGINE WILL PAUSE, OR STUTTER, OR HESITATE, AND CAUSE THE CAR TO SLIGHTLY "JUMP". THIS OCCURS UNDER LOW ACCELERATION AS WELL AS HIGH ACCELERATION. 2) CLUTCH STINK: THE PROBLEM IS ESPECIALLY NOTABLE WHEN GOING UPHILL FROM A DEAD STOP. WHEN THE CLUTCH SLIPS, IT CAUSES A VERY ACRID SMELL, LIKE SOMETHING IS BURNING. THIS ISSUE ALSO OCCURS WHEN IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. 3) CLUTCH SQUEAK: WHEN PRESSING ON THE CLUTCH, ESPECIALLY AFTER THE CAR HAS BEEN DRIVEN FOR 5-10 MINUTES, THE CLUTCH WILL BEGIN TO SQUEAK, AND CAUSE REVERBERATIONS THAT CAN BE FELT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AS WELL. THE CAR WAS BROUGHT INTO THE DEALER WHO VERIFIED THE ISSUE. THE ENTIRE CLUTCH ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED WITHOUT FIXING THE ISSUE. THEN THE CLUTCH SPRING WAS REPLACED, AND THAT MADE THE SQUEAK GO AWAY FOR A WHILE, BUT HAS SINCE RETURNED. 4) WEAK WINDSHIELD: OVER THE COURSE OF NORMAL DRIVING ON HIGHWAYS, THE WINDSHIELD HAS RECEIVED NUMEROUS SMALL CHIPS FROM DEBRIS. SEVERAL OF THESE HAVE CAUSED CRACKS THAT HAVE HAD TO BE FILLED IN. *JB
Feb 14, 2006
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 complaint
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE ODOR OF GASOLINE WAS NOTICED INTERMITTENTLY UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALERSHIP WHERE THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO SMELL OF GASOLINE AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE SERVICE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DISCOVERED FLUID WAS LEAKING FROM THE STEERING AREA. THE LEAK WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE ODOR OF GASOLINE CONTINUED. THE ODOR IS STRONGEST AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN SITTING FOR A PERIOD OF TWO HOURS OR MORE. THE ODOR DISAPPEARS AFTER DRIVING A HUNDRED YARDS OR MORE. THE AMOUNT OF FUEL IN THE TANK DOES NOT HAVE ANY IMPACT ON THE ODOR. THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE DEALER AGAIN, IT WAS DETERMINED THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING NORMALLY AND THE DEALER ONLY SUGGESTED MAKING AN ADJUSTMENT TO THE BRAND OF GASOLINE BEING USED. UPDATED 03/03/06. *JB
Feb 13, 2006
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE WAS HIT ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE, NEAR THE BUMPER AND WHEEL. THE OTHER VEHICLE IMPACTED THE VEHICLE AT 40 MPH. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE ENGINE DID NOT SHUT OFF. THE MANUFACTURER DETERMINED DUE TO THE ANGLE OF IMPACT THE AIRBAGS SHOULD NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS WEARING A SEATBELT, BUT SUSTAINED WHIPLASH. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT TAKEN AT THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP.
Jan 24, 2006
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,INTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
WITH APPROXIMATELY 2,000 MILES ON MY BRAND NEW SUBARU LEGACY GT I WAS DRIVING 80 MILES TO MY HOME. THE LIGHTS ON MY DASH WERE FLICKERING AND THE CRUISE CONTROL WORKED, THEN STOPPED WORKING WHEN I WOULD TRY TO DECREASE OR INCREASE MY SPEED. ONCE I GOT INTO THE CANYON ABOUT 20 MILES FROM HOME (A CURVY ROAD NEXT TO THE COLORADO RIVER) ALL MY INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTS WENT OFF SUDDENLY. I MANEUVERED MY WAY TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, SHUT THE CAR OFF THEN TURNED IT BACK ON. THANKFULLY, THE LIGHTS CAME BACK ON. I TOOK THE CAR INTO THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP AND THEY DIDN'T FIND ANYTHING. THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T FIX IT UNTIL THE PROBLEM WAS DUPLICATED. MY MAIN CONCERN WITH THIS STATEMENT IS THAT IF I CRASH MY CAR AND INJURE MYSELF OR KILL MYSELF BECAUSE THE LIGHTS WENT OUT, IT WILL BE FAIRLY DIFFICULT FOR ANYONE TO "DUPLICATE" THE PROBLEM. SECOND ISSUE HAPPENED ABOUT A MONTH LATER WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK IT TO THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP AND THEY DISCOVERED A VALVE BODY PROBLEM. MEANWHILE A DAY LATER I WAS DRIVING AND THE CAR WOULD BARELY MOVE. IT FELT AS IF IT WERE STUCK IN 3RD GEAR. I TOOK IT BACK IN AND DROVE A RENTAL CAR UNTIL THE PART CAME IN. I HAVE THE CAR BACK NOW WITH THE 2ND AND 3RD PROBLEM FIXED, BUT WITH STILL NO RESOLUTION TO THE FACT THAT MY LIGHTS COULD AGAIN SHUT OFF WHILE I AM DRIVING AT NIGHT. *JB
Sep 06, 2005
SEAT BELTS,SEATS
1 complaint
DT: CONSUMER DRIVING WITH CHILD IN REAR SEAT. CONSUMER SLOWED DOWN TO EXIT FREEWAY, AND THE MIDDLE SEAT BACK CAME DOWN AND UNBUCKLED THE SEAT BELT. SEAT BACK PUSHED THE MIDDLE SEAT BELT INTO THE RELEASE OF THE SIDE SEAT BELT AND UNLOCKING THE BOOSTER SEAT. CONSUMER'S DAUGHTER TOLD CONSUMER THAT HER SEAT BELT CAME UNDONE. CONSUMER STOPPED AND REBUCLED THE SEAT BELT. THIS WAS A RENTAL VEHICLE FROM DOLLAR RENTAL. CONTENTS OF TRUNKS WAS WHAT CONSUMER BELIEVED PUSHED THE SEAT BACK DOWN, AND UNBUCKLED THE SEAT BELT.*AK
Jun 08, 2005
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 2005 SUBARU Legacy have?
The 2005 SUBARU Legacy currently has 181 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.
What are the most common problems with 2005 SUBARU Legacy?
The most common problems reported for the 2005 SUBARU Legacy are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.
Where does this 2005 SUBARU Legacy problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 2005 SUBARU Legacy comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
Other Years - SUBARU Legacy
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2010 Problems
2009 Problems
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2006 Problems
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2003 Problems
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2001 Problems
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