2020 Subaru Legacy Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict
Quick Facts · 2020 Subaru Legacy
- Has 6 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the back over prevention:display function.
- Outscores the 2018 Subaru Legacy by 3 points — one of the stronger nearby years to consider.
- The system most likely to surface first: infotainment system (minor severity).
Should You Buy the 2020 Subaru Legacy?
The 2020 Subaru Legacy is an exceptionally strong contender in the mid-size sedan segment, offering class-leading all-wheel drive and a robust safety suite as standard. While minor infotainment glitches may surface, its core mechanicals are solid, making it a highly reliable and practical choice for discerning buyers.
The 2020 Subaru Legacy represents a phenomenal value, combining Subaru's legendary all-wheel drive and safety prowess with a comfortable and reliable platform. Despite some minor infotainment quirks, its mechanical integrity is strong, making it an excellent choice for anyone seeking a dependable and safe family sed…
Best Model Years
2020-Present (for this generation), with 2021+ having refined infotainment software.
Years to Avoid
None for this generation; earlier generations had more pronounced oil consumption concerns on the 2.5L engine.
Biggest Strengths
- Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system reliability
- Comprehensive EyeSight Driver Assist Technology suite
- Robust and proven engine platforms (FB25 and FA24)
Top Risk Areas
The systems that tend to fail first on the 2020 Subaru Legacy, with the typical mileage window when each becomes a concern. Detailed repair-cost ranges and exact what-to-check inspection notes are in the full report.
The new 11.6-inch STARLINK infotainment system, while visually appealing, experienced software glitches, slow responses, and occasional freezes requiring resets. This can impact navigation, audio, and climate controls.
While not a widespread failure, some owners, particularly in regions with rougher roads or extreme temperatures, may experience cracks in the outer CV joint boots. If ignored, this can lead to dirt ingress and eventual joint failure.
The 2.5L engine, in particular, can occasionally trigger a check engine light due to a failing upstream O2 or air-fuel ratio sensor. This impacts fuel economy and emissions but rarely causes drivability issues immediately.
2020 Subaru Legacy Mileage Danger Zones
The mileage windows when the 2020 Subaru Legacy most commonly needs attention. Plan ahead, budget accordingly, and inspect before you cross each threshold.
Low Risk Zone
This mileage primarily covers routine maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations. Any early manufacturing defects or initial infotainment software bugs should have surfaced and been addressed under warranty.
Maintenance Zone
Around this point, expect major scheduled maintenance including spark plugs for the 2.5L engine, potentially transmission fluid change (especially if driven hard), and continued monitoring of brakes and tires. Oxygen sensor issues may st…
Elevated Risk Zone
While still generally strong, wear items like suspension bushings, CV boots, or wheel bearings may start to show signs of age. CVT fluid should definitely be on the maintenance schedule if not done already.
High Risk Zone
Beyond this, major components like the CVT or engine could require significant attention if maintenance has been neglected. Exhaust components will likely show significant corrosion, and all major wear items will be at or past their serv…
2020 Subaru Legacy Ownership Cost Outlook
What it typically costs to keep the 2020 Subaru Legacy on the road. Full 5-year cost-of-ownership projection and major-failure-risk forecast are in the report.
Annual Maintenance
$500-700
Moderate Repairs
$600-1,200 occasionally for O2 sensors, brake work, or minor suspension components.
How Long Does the 2020 Subaru Legacy Last?
For maximum peace of mind, target models with comprehensive service records and less than 75,000 miles. Beyond 100,000 miles, ensure major services, especially CVT fluid, have been completed.
What 2020 Subaru Legacy Owners Actually Say
What Owners Love
- Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive provides exceptional all-weather capability.
- Highly rated EyeSight Driver Assist system significantly enhances safety and reduces driver fatigue.
- Spacious and comfortable interior with excellent rear legroom.
- Smooth, quiet ride quality that absorbs road imperfections well.
Common Frustrations
- Infotainment system can be buggy, slow to respond, and occasionally freeze, requiring resets.
- Base 2.5L engine can feel underpowered when merging or passing, especially with a full load.
- Road noise can be more pronounced than some rivals, especially on coarse pavement.
- Interior materials, while durable, can feel less premium than some competitors.
Who Should Buy the 2020 Subaru Legacy?
Best For
- Families prioritizing safety and all-weather capability
- Drivers in snowy or rainy climates
- Commuters seeking a comfortable and reliable daily driver
Not Ideal For
- Performance enthusiasts seeking a sporty driving experience
- Buyers who prioritize cutting-edge, glitch-free infotainment systems
How the 2020 Subaru Legacy Compares to Rivals
The Legacy shines with its standard AWD and EyeSight, offering a level of all-weather confidence and safety unmatched by most FWD competitors. While the Camry and Accord might offer slightly more refined base powertrains or better infotainment, the Legacy's overall value propo…
More Reliable Than
- Nissan Altima (especially pre-2023 models for CVT reliability)
- Kia K5 (for standard AWD and safety suite)
- Chevrolet Malibu (for powertrain refinement and AWD)
Comparable To
- Honda Accord
- Toyota Camry
NHTSA Recalls
6 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with "high" grade and "mid" grade multimedia navigation. The August 2020 over-the-air software update may have timed out without completing the installation, corrupting the data, and causing the rearview display to shutoff intermittently. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.
What breaks on the 2020 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
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