This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Subaru Legacy powertrain problems
moderate 12 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
12
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
When does it fail?
Of the 12 powertrain complaints filed for the 2013 Subaru Legacy, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Powertrain accounts for 18% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 7 categories tracked.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 9 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin announces the service manual correction regarding clutch master cylinder reservoir service procedures.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which enhancement was implemented to prevent abnormal operations. The updated valve body incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body. The updated valve body incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin has been developed in response to a small number of customer concerns regarding fluid seepage found coming from the CVT assembly.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe two broad failure categories in this 2013 Legacy. First, extended cranking: the engine won't start after sitting a few hours, or cranks for 10–30 seconds before catching. Once running, it knocks and runs rough until warm. A Subaru representative confirmed this is a known issue for the model year, blamed faulty computer code, and said the problem accelerates engine wear. The company has not fixed it absent a recall.
Second, CVT transmission problems dominate the complaints. A whining noise starts quietly around 2017 and escalates. More critically, the transmission stalls without warning—at traffic lights, on interstates at 65+ mph—creating acute safety risk. Valve body failures occur between 83,000 and 120,000 miles. Owners report dealers confirm CVT transmissions on this model are "known to have this problem." Repairs involve valve body replacement (sometimes under extended warranty), but owners claim the replacement part is identical to the failed unit and will fail again. One owner states the transmission fluid requires replacement every 30,000 miles rather than the owner's manual interval of 100,000 miles due to contamination from the failing valve body. Repair costs range from $1,700 for solenoid work to $9,000 for full CVT service. A secondary electrical issue involves emergency brake control panel failure affecting cruise control function.
Same Subaru Legacy powertrain reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011 · 2012 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Extended Crank / Hard Start
Engine takes 10-30 seconds to crank after sitting a few hours; sometimes fails to start entirely. Once running, engine knocks and runs rough until warm. A Subaru representative acknowledged this as a known issue for the 2013 model year, blamed faulty computer firmware, and stated the problem causes accelerated engine wear. No fix available pending recall approval.
When: Observed after 10 months of ownership; manifests after short parking intervals
Symptoms owners cite: Prolonged cranking (10-30 seconds); Failure to start; Engine knock when cold; Rough idle until engine warms
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership advised replacement of computer/ECU required; no repair completed due to lack of recall approval
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru representative deemed issue 'normal' and stated 'nothing can be done until recall gets approved' and acknowledged system bugs requiring fixes
CVT Transmission Whining, Stalling, and Valve Body Failure
CVT transmission exhibits progressive whining noise starting in 2017, escalating to audible levels by 2020. Multiple reports of sudden transmission stalling mid-drive, including at traffic intersections at low speed and on interstate at highway speed. Valve body replacements documented at 83,874 miles and 100,128 miles. Dealers confirmed CVT transmissions on 2013 Legacy are 'known to have this problem.' Owners report replacement valve body is identical to failed unit and will likely fail again.
When: Whining began 2017, progressed through 2020; stalling and valve body failure between 83,000-120,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Whining noise (intermittent, escalating severity); Sudden transmission stall while driving; Loss of power/jerking as if in neutral; Multiple dashboard warning lights; Check engine light illumination
Repairs/costs cited: Valve body replacement covered under extended warranty in some cases; owner reports warranty covers only $413 transmission fluid replacement out of pocket, though dealer claims fluid must be changed every 30,000 miles (not per owner's manual 100,000-mile interval) due to contamination from failing valve body; CVT transmission repair estimated at $9,000; torque converter clutch solenoid replacement $1,700
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Extended warranty program offered in 2018 (owners claim lack of notification); Subaru offered $1,000 credit toward new vehicle as settlement in one case
Serpentine Belt and Transmission Noise Misdiagnosis
Vehicle presented with noise starting above 15 mph. Dealership initially and incorrectly diagnosed serpentine belt as cause and replaced it. Noise persisted. After multiple visits and field engineer involvement, transmission problem was identified, but dealership labeled vehicle unsafe to drive. When questioned about refund for unnecessary belt replacement, dealer cited 'known problem with belts but no recall.'
When: Mid-September; noise occurred at speeds above 15 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Noise audible above 15 mph; Noise continued after serpentine belt replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Serpentine belt replaced unnecessarily; transmission problem ultimately diagnosed but repair not detailed; no refund offered for unnecessary belt work
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer acknowledged 'known problem with belts but there was no recall'
Emergency Brake Control Panel / Cruise Control Failure
At 100,000+ miles, emergency brake light and cruise control stopped functioning. Diagnosis revealed faulty emergency brake control panel affecting cruise control operation. Manual transmission variant of 2013 Legacy already subject to recall for identical failure; owner contends automatic transmission variant should be recalled as well.
When: One week after purchase at 100,000+ miles (out of warranty)
Symptoms owners cite: Emergency brake warning light on; Cruise control inoperative; Dashboard lights illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Control panel replacement needed; repair cost over $1,200
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall for automatic transmission variant despite identical failure mode in manual transmission variant
ECU and Gear Shifter Defects
Transmission failure at 100,128 miles triggered initial warranty denial due to expired coverage. Manufacturer ultimately agreed to warranty after notification. Dealer identified defective ECU unit and gear shifter requiring replacement at estimated cost of $1,900. Owner associated failure with electrical system recall 19V297000, but manufacturer confirmed VIN was not included in that recall.
When: 100,128 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission failure
Repairs/costs cited: ECU and gear shifter replacement estimated at $1,900; vehicle held by dealer for nearly two months; repair not completed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer initially denied warranty, then agreed to cover under warranty after contact; confirmed VIN not eligible for recall 19V297000
Synthesized from 12 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
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 made tech get into car with him to go for ride..tech now hears noise and advises my son to leave the car, you'll have it…
Faulty transmission, erratic gear shifting and now it seems the transmission is no longer working, mileage on vehicle is not even 130,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Subaru legacy. The contact took the vehicle to be serviced at heuberger Subaru (1080 motor city dr, colorado springs, co 80905, 719-475-1920) for transmission failure. Initially, the dealer would not cover the cost of the repair due to the warranty expiring; however, the manufacturer was notified and ultimately agreed to service the vehicle under warranty. Since then,…
Torque convertor clutch solenoid went out while driving on the highway at 75mph. Ended up having it replaced at 138,000 miles on 2013 Subaru legacy. Cost $1,700 at Subaru dealership.
I bought this 2013 Subaru legacy limited on june 12,2019 and a week later the emergency brake light and cruise control did not work and the lights were on the dashboard. I brought the car to a Subaru dealer in wilmington, nc and was told that it needed the control panel for the emergency brake which effects the cruise control. This same problem is a current recall in Subaru legacy manual…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2013 Subaru Legacy?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2013 Subaru Legacy?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 12 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 9 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 98,000 and 138,000 miles, with the median around 109,339. A quarter of owners report trouble before 98,000; a quarter make it past 138,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
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.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Subaru/Legacy.
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. Some links on this page are affiliate links.