Reliability AnalysisBased on known issue patterns, repair cost data, and ownership trends · How we score

2018 Subaru Legacy Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict

85/ 100

KeepScore

LOW RISK

Grade: B+

A reliable, safe, and practical sedan, the 2018 Legacy offers excellent all-weather capability but demands attentive powertrain maintenance.

Full system breakdown + what I would do

Quick Facts · 2018 Subaru Legacy

  • Has 3 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump.
  • Scores 3 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2019 Subaru Legacy earns a 88.
  • The system most likely to surface first: continuously variable transmission (cvt) (major severity).

Should You Buy the 2018 Subaru Legacy?

The 2018 Subaru Legacy is one of the safest and most dependable all-weather sedans you can buy on the used market, offering robust AWD and a high degree of occupant protection. While generally reliable, diligent attention to routine maintenance, especially for the CVT and engine oil levels, is crucial to ensure its long-term health and avoid common Subaru pitfalls. It's a confident buy for the right owner.

Biggest Strengths

  • Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
  • Excellent IIHS Top Safety Pick+ ratings (especially with EyeSight)
  • Strong resale value and longevity

Top Risk Areas

The systems that break first on the 2018 Subaru Legacy. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.

1
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)major
2
Engine Oil Consumption (2.5L FB25)moderate
3
Infotainment Systemminor
Typical mileage, cost ranges, and the exact what-to-check list are in the full report.

NHTSA Recalls

3 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Legacy, Outback, and BRZ vehicles. In the affected vehicles, a software issue may cause the audio display system to not initialize, resulting in the camera display remaining blank. If this occurs, the rearview image will not display while backing up the vehicle. As a result, the vehicles fail to comply with requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."

What breaks on the 2018 Subaru Legacy?

Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.

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Subaru Legacy by Year

Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Subaru Legacy. Click any year for its full report.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Full Report

2018 Subaru Legacy

7-system breakdown, mileage danger zones, repair cost projections, buyer checklist, and expert verdict.

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Complete Owner's Guide

Already own one? Get the 13-chapter owner's guide with specs, service schedules, and fluid capacities.

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Final Step

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Just bought a 2018 Subaru Legacy? Keep it that way.

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