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ProblemsByVinFile / 2005-SUBARU-LEGACYNHTSA data synced 4 days ago
2005 · Subaru
Subaru Legacy problems
1 critical safety recall on file — the kind NHTSA opens when crashes, fires, or injuries are documented. 182 owner complaints alongside. Read those first.
Reliability score
6.8 / 10
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
1
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2005 Legacy?
Avoid — the engine
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the engine was repaired or replaced.
Engine: 30 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 30,000–74,000 mi
Reliability score 6.8/10 — around the segment average
2 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
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What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2005 Legacy· brakes
Hydraulic brake failure while driving. Upon brake application, pedal went to floor, had to use parking brake to stop vehicle. Inadequate, ineffective preventive recall done to brake lines as a rust proofing measure was done twice and lines still rusted through and perforated in…
I was driving on the highway, and the car seem to loose power, luckily I noticed it, as I was able to cost over to the side of the rode. I own a carmd, and attached it to my car, it gave me code p2138 which means the throttle position sensors (2 of them) not being in agreement.…
For the second time my check engine light has come on and my car has gone into a fail safe mode while driving (eliminating the ability to accelerate). The code the computer provides is p2138, which refers to the throttle position sensors (there are two) not being in agreement.…
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Subaru legacy. While operating the vehicle, the brake sensor suddenly illuminated. Moments later, the bakes failed and the brake pedal extended to the floor. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the brake lines positioned…
Had a problem with your 2005 Subaru Legacy?
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Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passengers frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Subaru will notify their owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQP-51. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-471. This recall has been partially superseded by 15V-323. All 2005 model year Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles will now be repaired under recall 15V-323.
The left and right side curtain air bags in certain vehicles involved in this campaign may not fully deploy rapidly enough when activated in a side impact collision
This may result in failure to provide the intended head protection, increasing the risk of injury to a seat occupant.
Fix: Dealers will replace the left and right side curtain air bag modules. The recall began on june 11, 2004. Owners should contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
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Under investigation
1 open at NHTSA
EAAir Bags › Frontal · opened February 2015
NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. EA15001 on NHTSA →
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.8 out of 10 based on 182 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2005 Subaru Legacy has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2005 Subaru Legacy?
On the NHTSA data, the 2005 Subaru Legacy is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the engine was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: Engine: 30 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 30,000–74,000 mi; Reliability score 6.8/10 — around the segment average; 2 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What's the most common problem on the 2005 Subaru Legacy?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 30 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 54,768 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The engine is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 54,768 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Subaru Legacy has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2005 Subaru Legacy?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 182 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $3,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 4 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2005/Subaru/Legacy.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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