2018 Subaru Legacy Report
Known issues, recalls, running costs, and what to check before you buy.
Overall Score
Key Takeaways
- The electrical system is the most common complaint area, with owners reporting infotainment failures, battery drain, and power loss.
- Frequent windshield cracking and chipping compromise visibility and are a significant concern.
- A recall for the fuel pump indicates a critical component failure mode that could lead to engine stall.
- Despite a 5-star NHTSA safety rating, the volume of complaints and recalls points to a below-average reliability profile.
2018 Subaru Legacy
The 2018 Subaru Legacy offers standard all-wheel drive and a comfortable ride, but used car shoppers should be aware of its reliability concerns. With 13 recalls and 152 complaints logged with NHTSA, this model presents potential ownership challenges. The most frequent issues reported involve the electrical system, particularly infotainment and battery drain, and visibility/wiper problems, often related to windshield cracking. While it achieved a perfect 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, the high number of recalls and complaints suggests potential repair costs and a need for thorough pre-purchase inspection. The combined EPA-estimated fuel economy is 23 MPG.
Critical Failure Risk
Frequent issues include infotainment system malfunctions (freezing, screen delamination, random inputs), battery drain, intermittent power loss, and backup camera failures. Some owners report the vehicle shutting off unexpectedly while driving.
Early detection can help you avoid a $200-$1,200 repair.
Safety & Bulletins
Owner Complaints
Performance & Efficiency
Reliability
Practicality
The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption.
Who This Car Is For
Best for
Buyers prioritizing standard all-wheel drive and strong safety scores.
+2 more buyer-fit notes in the full report
Avoid if
Risk-averse buyers.
+2 more buyer-fit warnings in the full report
2018 Subaru Legacy Reliability Analysis
Explore comprehensive reliability data including official safety recalls, consumer complaints, and common mechanical failures for the 2018 Subaru Legacy.
Vehicle Specs
- Fuel Type
- Regular
- Seating Capacity
- 5
- Transmission
- Automatic (AV-S6)
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Body Style
- Sedan
- EPA Combined MPG
- 23
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Most Common Issues
1. Electrical System
Most reportedUsage: 33 reports
2. Visibility
Usage: 24 reports
First Service Interval
- Oil Change (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Engine Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation - Inspect Brakes - Inspect Battery Terminals - Inspect Fuel Injection System - Replace Cabin Air Filter
Est. shop cost: $100 - $200
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FAQ
Is the 2018 Subaru Legacy reliable?
The CarFocal Reliability Score for the 2018 Subaru Legacy is 6.9/10. Reliability score is 6.9/10. NHTSA recalls: 13. Owner complaints: 152.
How practical is the 2018 Subaru Legacy for daily use?
Practicality score is 5.2/10. The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption. EPA combined economy is 23 MPG. Seating capacity is 5. 4 passenger doors are listed. Boot capacity is 425 litres.
What is the overall score for the 2018 Subaru Legacy?
The CarFocal Overall Score for the 2018 Subaru Legacy is 7.1/10. Overall score is 7.1/10 (Good). Confidence 85%. Maintenance 7.8/10. Tuning 3.0/10. Practicality 5.2/10.
What does it cost to own and maintain a 2018 Subaru Legacy?
Based on Carfocal's data, First listed service: - Oil Change (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Engine Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation - Inspect Brakes - Inspect Battery Terminals - Inspect Fuel Injection System - Replace Cabin Air Filter at 6,000 miles. Estimated first-year maintenance: $900 - $1,100. Repair prediction highlight: Fuel Pump (typical at 50,000 miles, estimated cost Min: $400 • Max: $500).
What is the MSRP range for the 2018 Subaru Legacy?
Base MSRP is $22,195.
What engine is in the 2018 Subaru Legacy?
Engine specs list 6 • 3.6.
What transmission does the 2018 Subaru Legacy use?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2018 Subaru Legacy, transmission is Automatic (AV-S6). The paired drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive.
What is the combined EPA MPG for the 2018 Subaru Legacy?
EPA combined estimate is 23 MPG.
What driver assistance and safety features are available on the 2018 Subaru Legacy?
6 standard and 6 optional driver assistance features. Key features include Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control.
How many people fit in a 2018 Subaru Legacy?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2018 Subaru Legacy, seating capacity is 5.
What body style is the 2018 Subaru Legacy?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2018 Subaru Legacy, body style is sedan.
What drivetrain does the 2018 Subaru Legacy use?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2018 Subaru Legacy, drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive. Transmission is Automatic (AV-S6).
What are the NHTSA safety ratings for the 2018 Subaru Legacy?
NHTSA ratings: Overall 5/5 • Frontal 5/5 • Side 5/5 • Rollover 5/5.
Is the 2018 Subaru Legacy good for tuning?
Tuning potential is rated 3/10. The 2018 Subaru Legacy, particularly the 3.6R model, is a comfortable and capable sedan with standard all-wheel drive.
What are the most common electrical system problems on the 2018 Subaru Legacy?
Top complaint category: electrical system (33 reports, 21.7% of complaints).
Are there open safety recalls on the 2018 Subaru Legacy?
This model year has 13 official safety campaigns listed.