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 INDICATORS WERE FLASHING ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE GEAR DISPLAY ONLY DISPLAYED A WHITE DASHED HORIZONTAL LINE. IT DI…
2008 subaru Legacy powertrain problems
severe 6 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500
Complaints
6
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Avg fix
$2,500
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2008 subaru Legacy?
It's a meaningful issue. 6 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
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