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ProblemsByVin File / 2008-SUBARU-LEGACY NHTSA data synced 4 days ago
2008 · Subaru

Subaru Legacy problems

1 critical safety recall on file — the kind NHTSA opens when crashes, fires, or injuries are documented. 65 owner complaints alongside. Read those first.

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Reliability score
7.4 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

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Critical
0
Severe
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Moderate
Should you avoid this 2008 Legacy?
Acceptable — with caveats

Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.

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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Top trouble spots 6 categories with 3+ complaints

airbags
21 reports · fails ~75,713 mi · avg $1,100
severe
brakes
11 reports · fails ~148,468 mi · avg $450
moderate
electrical
8 reports · fails ~104,141 mi · avg $850
moderate
powertrain
6 reports · fails ~59,116 mi · avg $2,500
severe
cruise control
5 reports · fails ~35,060 mi · avg $600
severe
lighting
3 reports · fails ~18,000 mi · avg $250
moderate
Buyer's checklist
Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.
Generated from this 2008 Legacy's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.
See the checklist ->
Honest Calculator
Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2008 Legacy?
We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.
See the calculator ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2008 Legacy · visibility
The dash has melted leaving it hard to see out of the windshield. The dash is also extremely sticky and shiny. I thought it just needed to be cleaned but realized shortly after that was not the case and have since found this is an issue with my make and model per Subaru.
12/20/2019 · at 70,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11290436.0
2008 Legacy · brakes
This is in reference to Subaru recall wqk-47: while driving vehicle, brake indicator on dashboard illuminated and within a few minutes of driving, I could feel something was a bit different with the brake pressure. Within a few moments of that while attempting to stop, I…
12/17/2019 · at 180,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11289575.0 · see brakes pattern →
2008 Legacy · powertrain
Tl*the contact owns a 2008 Subaru legacy. While driving less than 35 MPH, the transmission shifted on its own from drive into neutral. The RPM's also revved. The contact attempted to shift back into drive, but it was stuck in neutral. The ABS, cruise control, oil, and sport…
12/01/2008 · at 26,542 mi · NHTSA ODI #10250245.0 · see powertrain pattern →
2008 Legacy · lighting
2008 Subaru legacy gt with moisture/condensation buildup in headlight. Automobile was taken to dealership for 15k servicing and was told that condensation buildup is normal during transitional seasons (spring/fall). However I presume that the moisture is causing temporary…
11/29/2009 · at 18,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #10293804.0 · see lighting pattern →
View all 65 owner complaints →
Had a problem with your 2008 Subaru Legacy? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

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At 80,000 miles
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Active recalls showing 1 of 1

critical NHTSA 15V323000 May 28, 2015

Subaru of America, Inc

In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's 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 and General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The Subaru recall began on June 17, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. The Saab recall began on July 27, 2015. Owners of Saab vehicles may call 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is WQR-53. Note: The recall completely supersedes recall 14V-399 (WQL-48) and partially supersedes recall 14V-763 (WQP-51) in that model year 2004 through 2005 Subaru Impreza and model year 2005 Saab 9-2x vehicles are now only part of this campaign. Note: On December 18, 2015 Subaru informed NHTSA of an expansion of this recall to include certain model year 2003-2004 Subaru Baja, 2003-2008 Subaru Legacy and 2003-2008 Subaru Outback vehicles.

Common questions

Is the 2008 Subaru Legacy reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.4 out of 10 based on 65 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 Subaru Legacy is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

Should you avoid the 2008 Subaru Legacy?

The 2008 Subaru Legacy is acceptable, with specific caveats. Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy. The record behind that call: Reliability score 7.4/10 — around the segment average; 1 recall campaign 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 2008 Subaru Legacy?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is airbags, with 21 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 75,713 miles. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The airbags is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 75,713 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 2008 Subaru Legacy?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 65 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $1,100, 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.

Related

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/2008/Subaru/Legacy. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Subaru. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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