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ProblemsByVinFile / 2013-SUBARU-LEGACYNHTSA data synced 4 days ago
2013 · Subaru
Subaru Legacy problems
1 critical safety recall on file — the kind NHTSA opens when crashes, fires, or injuries are documented. 66 owner complaints alongside. Read those first.
Reliability score
7.2 / 10
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
1
Critical
1
Severe
1
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2013 Legacy?
Acceptable — with caveats
Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.
Reliability score 7.2/10 — around the segment average
3 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
2013 Legacy· brakes
Electronic parking brakes- malfunction causing the electronic parking brakes to become stuck and will not disengage causing the vehicle to be immobile.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Subaru legacy. The contact stated that the telescopic steering wheel would not lock into position. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer where the steering wheel shaft was replaced. The contact was informed by the manufacturer that the vehicle…
On 01/17/14, the air bag light came on and car was taken to Subaru dealer. Dealer verified condition and performed re-calibration of the air bag system. This cleared the air bag. On 01/21/14, the air bag light came on and the car had 10611 miles. Car was taken to dealer…
About mid september my son took the car in due to a noise he heard, was advised that it was the serpentine belt & needed to be replaced. Had the recommended service done..heard noise again and returned car, was advised "tech can not duplicate noise". Took car back 3rd time and…
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An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-18.
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2013 Outback and Legacy vehicles manufactured from February 15, 2012, through June 15, 2012
If the shafts become disengaged, the driver would lose the ability to steer the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering column assembly with a new one, free of charge. The recall began on May 14, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's recall campaign number is WQI-45.
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with an automatic or CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, certain model year 2012-2013 Impreza vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, and certain model year 2013 XV Crosstrek vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory
The engine may inadvertently start and run for up to fifteen minutes. The engine may continue to start and stop until the fob battery is depleted, or until the vehicle runs out of fuel. If the vehicle is parked in an enclosed area, there is a risk of carbon monoxide build-up which may cause headaches, dizziness or, in extreme cases, unconsciousness and/or asphyxiation.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RES key fobs, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.
Common questions
Is the 2013 Subaru Legacy reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.2 out of 10 based on 66 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 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 2013 Subaru Legacy?
The 2013 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 7.2/10 — around the segment average; 3 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 2013 Subaru Legacy?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 17 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 49,893 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 49,893 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 2013 Subaru Legacy?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 66 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/2013/Subaru/Legacy.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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