KnownCarProblems2013 Subaru Legacy Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 66 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Subaru Legacy, most often about the engine (30% of complaints, typically around 32,000 miles). It is 14th of 26 Legacy model years by number of complaints and has 12 recalls.
Most common 2013 Subaru Legacy problems
Engine
20 complaints · 30%Half of these problems showed up before 32,000 miles.
The vehicle has a CVT transmission. While driving the vehicle when the speed has stabilized above 40 MPH the engine RPM runs at 1750 -1800. Mileage was in the area of 37-40 mpg. I noticed mileage dropping and the engine RPM was settling about 2000-2100. After some research I found out the the only way I could get the…
Issue: sudden unintended acceleration. 2013 Subaru Legacy. First occurrence when slowly pulling into driveway. Car surged forward with high engine revs. Dealer applied software update, but problem occurred again one month later when slowly driving up to a mail box at the post office. This latest time, car was slowly…
Air bags
14 complaints · 21%Half of these problems showed up before 20,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the air bag sensor needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the parts were on backorder. The vehicle was not…
Subaru Legacy driver side air bag failure. Was pulling forward on a green light when I was t-boned on drivers side door and front wing/wheel. My speed approx 5 MPH,, straight, other car driving above the threshold for a front airbag to deploy in a hyundai sonata 2013, which I believe above 14 MPH into solid concrete…
Transmission
12 complaints · 18%Half of these problems showed up before 109,500 miles.
I bought this 2013 Subaru Legacy limited on june 12,2019 and a week later the emergency brake light and cruise control did not work and the lights were on the dashboard. I brought the car to a Subaru dealer in wilmington, nc and was told that it needed the control panel for the emergency brake which effects the cruise…
The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, there was an abnormal noise coming from the transmission. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician informed the contact that the failure was the transmission. The vehicle was taken to the…
Electrical
6 complaints · 9%Airbag fault warning light turn on with front passenger airbag off light turn on and the front passenger seat belt unbuckle warning also turn on while driving. There is a passenger in the front seat with seat belt on. Turn off the car and started the car again multiple time did not resolve the problem, the passenger…
We just bought this car and 2 days later the service engine light went on and the brake icon was blinking and the cruise control didnt work. A Subaru dealer told me that it needs the parking break electrical control panel. I find this strange as the car is only 6 years old. Please advise me what you find out.
Body and structure
5 complaints · 8%Parts named most often: body.
As I drove my vehicle into a parking space with a concrete bumper at the head, just as it was ready to stop, it suddenly lunged forward over the concrete bumper and finally came to a stop when the back wheels made contact with the concrete bumper and the ignition was turned off. A very frightening experience. Am not…
The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that rear roof of the vehicle collapsed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 27,000.
Other or unspecified
5 complaints · 8%As I drove my vehicle into a parking space with a concrete bumper at the head, just as it was ready to stop, it suddenly lunged forward over the concrete bumper and finally came to a stop when the back wheels made contact with the concrete bumper and the ignition was turned off. A very frightening experience. Am not…
Unusual oil consumption. Currently there is a class action lawsuit ongoing. I have my service report papers, a tsb report (surface treatment change to oil control piston rings) and my car has been checked out by walnut creek Subaru dealership, but they state the problem is not severe enough to do anything at this time.
Steering
4 complaints · 6%The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle began to swerve. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection and they stated they could not diagnose the cause of failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure…
The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that the telescopic steering wheel would not lock into position. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer where the steering wheel shaft was replaced. The contact was informed by the manufacturer that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id number…
Speed control
4 complaints · 6%My vehicle showed significant lag in speeding up after pressing the accelerator and revved very high rpms (34-4200). This also occurred when I removed my foot from the accelerator going down a hill...high RPM (34-400) without decrease in speed. Subaru of manchester determined transmission came from manufacturer with…
Getting on a highway from on ramp. I attempted to accelerate. The accelerator went to the floor, the car was grumbling and the pick up of speed was exceptionally slow. Rpms went to approximately 4600. I eased back on the accelerator and tried again with same slow pick up, to floor accelerator and rooms to 4000s. I was…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2013 Subaru Legacy recalls
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Subaru will notify their owners. General motors will notify saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began january 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the saab customer assistance center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is tkb-20.
Full defect summary
Subaru of america, inc. (subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 forester, 2003-2006 baja, 2004-2011 impreza, 2004-2014 wrx (including sti), 2003-2014 legacy and outback, and 2006 saab 9-2x vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of arizona, arkansas, delaware, district of columbia, illinois, indiana, kansas, kentucky, maryland, missouri, nebraska, nevada, new jersey, new mexico, north carolina, ohio, oklahoma, pennsylvania, tennessee, virginia, and west virginia or "zone b." these vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Subaru will notify their owners. General motors will notify saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators with alternate inflators, free of charge. The recall began january 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the saab customer assistance center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is tka-20.
Full defect summary
Subaru of america, inc. (subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 forester, 2003-2006 baja, 2004-2011 impreza, 2004-2014 wrx (sti included), 2003-2014 legacy and outback, and 2005-2006 saab 9-2x vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of alabama, california, florida, georgia, hawaii, louisiana, mississippi, south carolina, texas, puerto rico, american samoa, guam, the northern mariana islands (saipan), and the u.s. Virgin islands or "zone a." these vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Subaru will notify their owners. General motors will notify saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began january 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the saab customer assistance center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is tkc-20.
Full defect summary
Subaru of america, inc. (subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 forester, 2003-2006 baja, 2004-2011 impreza, 2004-2014 wrx (including sti), 2003-2014 legacy and outback, and 2005-2006 saab 9-2x vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of alaska, colorado, connecticut, idaho, iowa, maine, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, montana, new hampshire, new york, north dakota, oregon, rhode island, south dakota, utah, vermont, washington, wisconsin, and wyoming or "zone c." these vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Electrical: switch
Risk: The engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash. If a crash occurs under this condition, the air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition switch, replacing the ignition switch, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began may 10, 2019. Owners may contact subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is wuf-91.
Full defect summary
Subaru of america, inc. (subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 forester vehicles, 2008-2011 impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 wrx vehicles, 2005-2014 legacy vehicles, 2005-2014 outback vehicles and 2006-2008 tribeca vehicles equipped with a mechanical key ignition switch installed as a replacement part. The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switch. If this occurs, the weight on the key ring and certain road conditions could cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Subaru is notifying owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began january 25, 2019. Owners may contact subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is tkb-19.
Full defect summary
Subaru of america, inc. (subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 tribeca, wrx, outback, and legacy vehicles, 2010-2011 impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 forester vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of arizona, arkansas, delaware, district of columbia, illinois, indiana, kansas, kentucky, maryland, missouri, nebraska, nevada, new jersey, new mexico, north carolina, ohio, oklahoma, pennsylvania, tennessee, virginia, and west virginia. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began january 25, 2019. Owners may contact subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is tka-19.
Full defect summary
Subaru of america, inc. (subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2013 forester, 2010-2014 tribeca, wrx, outback, legacy, and 2010-2011 impreza vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of alabama, california, florida, georgia, hawaii, louisiana, mississippi, south carolina, texas, puerto rico, american samoa, guam, the northern mariana islands (saipan), and the u.s. Virgin islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Subaru is notifying owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on january 25, 2019. Owners may contact subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is tkc-19.
Full defect summary
Subaru of america, inc. (subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 tribeca, wrx, legacy and outback vehicles, 2010-2011 impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 forester vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of alaska, colorado, connecticut, idaho, iowa, maine, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, montana, new hampshire, new york, north dakota, oregon, rhode island, south dakota, utah, vermont, washington, wisconsin, and wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Brakes: parking brake
Risk: A vehicle rollaway can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the epb actuator assembly, free of charge. The recall began july 19, 2019. Owners may contact subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is wtv-81.
Full defect summary
Subaru of america, inc. (subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 subaru legacy and outback vehicles equipped with a manual transmission. The electronic parking brake (epb) may not engage as intended, allowing the vehicle to rollaway if the transmission is not in the proper gear when parked.
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on february 9, 2018. Owners may contact subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is tka-18.
Full defect summary
Subaru of america, inc. (subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 legacy, forester, tribeca, wrx and outback vehicles, and 2009-2011 impreza vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of alabama, california, florida, georgia, hawaii, louisiana, mississippi, south carolina, texas, puerto rico, american samoa, guam, the northern mariana islands (saipan), and the u.s. Virgin islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Visibility and wipers: motor
Risk: If the windshield wiper motor overheats, the wipers may fail, reducing driver visibility and increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, the wiper motor cover may melt, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor bottom cover assembly, free of charge. The recall began october 2016. Owners may contact subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is wtk-71. Note: this recall supersedes recall 11v-469. All vehicles that were remedied under that campaign are affected by this campaign, and need to have their wiper motor bottom cover replaced again.
Full defect summary
Subaru of america, inc. (subaru) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 legacy vehicles manufactured november 26, 2008, to june 7, 2013, and 2010-2014 outback vehicles manufactured january 9, 2009 to june 7, 2013. Due to contamination, components within the windshield wiper motor bottom cover may interfere with each other. If an obstruction, such as a buildup of snow or ice prevents the wiper arms from being able to stop in the parked position, the wiper motor may overheat and the bottom cover may melt.
Steering: column
Risk: If the shafts become disengaged, the driver would lose the ability to steer the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering column assembly with a new one, free of charge. The recall began on may 14, 2013. Owners may contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's recall campaign number is wqi-45.
Full defect summary
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2013 outback and legacy vehicles manufactured from february 15, 2012, through june 15, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the inner and outer shafts of the steering column assembly may become disengaged from one another.
Equipment
Risk: The engine may inadvertently start and run for up to fifteen minutes. The engine may continue to start and stop until the fob battery is depleted, or until the vehicle runs out of fuel. If the vehicle is parked in an enclosed area, there is a risk of carbon monoxide build-up which may cause headaches, dizziness or, in extreme cases, unconsciousness and/or asphyxiation.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the res key fobs, free of charge. The recall began on april 22, 2013. Owners may contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.
Full defect summary
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 legacy and outback vehicles equipped with an automatic or CVT transmission and an audiovox remote engine starter (res) accessory, certain model year 2012-2013 impreza vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an audiovox remote engine starter (res) accessory, and certain model year 2013 xv crosstrek vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an audiovox remote engine starter (res) accessory. Additionally included are certain model year 2013 legacy and outback vehicles that may have received replacement res fobs. If the res fob is dropped, the fob may malfunction and randomly transmit an engine start request without pressing the button.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2013 Subaru Legacy
- What are the most common problems with the 2013 Subaru Legacy?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: engine (20 complaints, typically around 32,000 miles); air bags (14 complaints, typically around 20,000 miles); transmission (12 complaints, typically around 109,500 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2013 Subaru Legacy have?
- 12 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from January 2, 2020 (air bags). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2013 a bad year for the Subaru Legacy?
- It is 14th of 26 Legacy model years by number of complaints, with 66 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.