Subaru Legacy Common Problems and Solutions
Check Engine Light
Problem:
The check engine light is illuminated, but there has been no drop in vehicle performance.
Solution:
Before you head to a garage for a full diagnostic check, have a look at the oxygen sensor element. It's common for the element to crack, and it's an easy fix if this is the problem. Have a new element delivered by BreakerYard. If the element is fine, then you'll need a full diagnostic check to identify the cause.
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Oxygen Sensor
Vibration When Accelerating
Problem:
The car vibrates excessively when you are accelerating.
Solution:
There are a few faults that can cause vehicle vibration, but the Legacy is known to have a transmission torque convertor that is a bit of a weak spot. There is a revised version of the convertor available, which you can easily find on our parts list.
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Overheating Engine
Problem:
The engine has started to overheat, and you are using more engine oil than you used to.
Solution:
It's likely that you have an oil leak, usually located at the camshaft seal or the crankshaft front seal. If you have more than one leak, you should also consider replacing the timing belt at the same time. We have the seals and the timing belt available to order, and installation is a straightforward job that can be done in under 20-minutes.
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Rapid Battery Use
Problem:
Your battery goes from fully charged to completely drained very quickly.
Solution:
Rapid battery drains are a sign that something is constantly running when it shouldn't be. On the Legacy, the most likely culprit is the anti-lock brake system (ABS). Subaru is aware of this fault and issued an improved ABS relay which you can order directly from BreakerYard for quick delivery.
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Incorrect Fuel Gauge Reading
Problem:
Your fuel gauge is giving you an incorrect reading, making it harder to know how much fuel you have in the tank.
Solution:
This is nothing more than a software issue. Head to a Subaru dealer, and you should be able to get a free software update, although some dealers may charge you for this if you're not covered by warranty.
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Bumpy Driving (All Gen4 Models)
Problem:
You can feel every bump in the road, indicating that there is a problem with your suspension.
Solution:
Check your lower front suspension arm rear bushes, as these are easy to install and much more affordable than replacing the whole suspension system. If the bushes are worn, then that's the problem, and we can deliver replacement bushes when you order from our parts list.
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Lower Suspension Arm
Squeal When Revving
Problem:
When you rev the engine, you can hear a loud squeaking noise. When you accelerate hard, you can hear a deep, resonating rattle.
Solution:
A common fault on the Legacy, this will be caused by a worn-out dual-mass flywheel. A garage will charge you a lot of cash to install a new one, so it's always a better idea to order a new one from our parts list and do the work yourself. There are plenty of guides that will show you how to install the new part.
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Dual Mass Flywheel
Turbo failure
Problem:
There are several indications of a turbo failure: If you have noticed a lack of power, blue/black smoke coming from the exhaust and a louder than usual whistling noise coming from the top of the engine. If you have any of these symptoms, then you have a faulty turbo. Watch the video below to learn more about the turbo failure, and other preventative measures you can take to avoid this in future. The video also shows other common problems for the Legacy:
Solution:
You will need to replace the turbo to resolve the issue.
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Radiator failure
Problem:
Has your car started overheating? The radiator is known for failing on the Legacy. When the engine has warmed up, open the bonnet and put your hand close to the radiator, but do not touch it! The radiator should be hot all the way along. If there are cold spots along the radiator, it needs to be replaced.
Solution:
As mentioned above, you will need to fit a replacement radiator, to rectify the problem.
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Radiator
Starter motor failure
Problem:
The starter motor on the Legacy can be unreliable. If you are having problems starting the car, then there is a known issue with the starter motor. This issue can lead to intermittent starting problems.
Solution:
You will need to fit a replacement starter motor, in order to sort the issue.
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Starter Motor
Warm engine starting problems
Problem:
Are you having any troubles starting the car when the engine is warm? Does it seem to start okay when the engine is cold? If so, then it is most likely due to a failure of the camshaft sensor, but there has also been reports of this problem due to the crankshaft sensor.
Solution:
You are best running a diagnostic check, to correctly identify which sensor is causing the fault. You will either need to replace the camshaft, or crankshaft sensor to fix this problem. We want to help you to find your replacement engine sensors, at very low prices.
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Inconsistent Acceleration
Problem:
The acceleration on your Legacy is unpredictable. The engine may not start or will die under a heavy load. The engine will also get hot very quickly, and you are using more fuel than you used to.
Solution:
Early models of the Legacy were plagued with fuel pump problems, which is what's happening here. Even if you're not suffering from these problems, you should consider replacing the fuel pump anyway. We have the improved fuel pumps in stock at all times and deliver quickly.
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Fuel Pump in Tank
Non-Functioning Handbrake
Problem:
The handbrake has started to need extra travel and may have stopped working entirely.
Solution:
The electronic handbrake capacitor, which you can find on the inner circuit board, and the magnetic ring of the sensor are prone to fractures and breakages. You can solve this issue by simply replacing the handbrake actuator, which you can find on our parts page for the Legacy.
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Shuddering Vehicle
Problem:
The car sometimes judders when you're driving or when you stop quickly.
Solution:
The CVT gearbox on the Legacy has a well-known issue with premature wear. It affected so many vehicles that Subaru extended the warranty cover on the CVT gearbox to an extra ten years, although they have some strict criteria to meet. If you're not covered by warranty, then you can browse our parts list for a new CVT gearbox, although installation is a challenging DIY job.
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Engine Misfire and Ticking
Problem:
The engine has started to misfire, and you can hear a ticking sound when the engine is running.
Solution:
Have a look at your engine valve springs, which are likely to have fractured. If so, order a new set of valve springs from BreakerYard and carefully install the new ones.
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