Factory Subaru Legacy Parts and Accessories

Why is Subaru Legacy So Popular?

"Love: It's what makes a Subaru, a Subaru." So, the slogan goes. One such sedan that gets Subaru that love back: Legacy.

Not just from drivers like you, either. The 2021 model, for instance, says Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com in its eponymous review, "offers advantages its competitors simply can't match," adding everything one could possibly appreciate: it's "comfortable, quiet, offers good fuel economy" and it's reliable, "all in a package with plenty of interior space," with "excellent" safety scores to boot. (In fact, 2023 Legacy got the highest possible rating from IIHS for front crash prevention -- "Superior.")

Then there's Experian's perspective, from a study done on models from 2013 to 2022: "95% of Subaru Legacy vehicles sold in the last 10 years are still on the road today," which tells us something. Add to that the car winning IntelliChoice Excellent Value and IntelliChoice SmartChoice (the latter for highest retained value) from Motor Trend, in its 2022 IntelliChoice 5-Year Cost of Ownership Study, and it's plain to see: it's one of the best sedans out there, and has been for a long time.

You should know. You bought one and never looked back. It'll be around just as long, too -- a good 20 years, upwards of 200,000 miles or so -- provided it's serviced regularly. The model's not without a few issues, though; here's some you might run into from time to time, and what to do about them.

Common Problems with Subaru Legacy

Bad Head Gaskets

Driving a Legacy from between 1998 and 2012? One with anywhere from just 40,000 miles or so to well over 200,000? Cooling system problems might lead to the head gasket failing. Notice the Check Engine light on, plus white exhaust smoke, a bubbling radiator and coolant reservoir, the motor oil turning white, oil and/or coolant leaking around the gasket, low coolant levels, and engine power loss, and the head gasket's going bad. Subaru might have extended your warranty because of it; check with a Subaru dealer to see if you're covered. Otherwise, you'll have to replace it.

Oxygen Sensor Failure

Legacy models from 2000, 2001, 2004, and 2006, with 100,000 miles or more on the odometer, have a known issue with faulty O2 sensors. Usually, the Check Engine light comes on, and upon inspection, you'll find the front one's cracked. Subaru service bulletin WXW-80 should have more info on replacing it. An authorized Subaru service center can help you learn more about service.

Faulty ABS System

An anti-lock brake system (ABS) relay failing can end up running the brake pump continuously, especially on Legacy models from between 1990 and 1998, with anywhere from 130,000 miles or so to around 300,000. That'll wear the battery out. Replace the ABS relay in the brakes, and you should be good to go.

Shop OEM Legacy Parts at Subaru Parts Quick in Conway SC

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