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2007 Subaru Legacy Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2007 Subaru Legacy has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Head gasket leak requiring replacement.” Subaru's symmetrical AWD system places unusually high demands on differential fluid and transfer case service — skipping these is the most common cause of premature drivetrain wear. Older Subarus with the EJ25 engine (pre-2011) require timing belt replacement; FB and FA engines (2011+) use a maintenance-free chain. Subaru's published intervals below align with the owner's manual Schedule II (severe) which most US drivers qualify for.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2007 Subaru Legacy.

Reported to NHTSA

Head gasket leak requiring replacement

ENGINE

5 NHTSA complaints · 2013-01 → 2021-04

“VEHICLE ON HIGHWAY AND STREET, THE HEAD GASKET IS LEAKING HEAVILY AND CAUSING THE OIL TO LEAK ONTO THE ENGINE. THE PISTONS WILL SEIZE. THE RODS WILL BREAK AND A BLOWN ENGINE WILL OCCUR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11413090
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE BEING SERVICED, THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE HEAD GASKET WAS LEAKING AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURED WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10501273
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND PROPERLY TO ACCELERATION ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE VALVE COVER GASKET WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10492260

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Wheel bearing failure

SUSPENSION, WHEELS

3 NHTSA complaints · 2011-09 → 2021-10

“Rear driver side wheel bearing is bad at 75,000 miles”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11438076
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN MAKING A HUMMING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND WAS DIAGNOSED AS A REAR WHEEL BEARING FAILURE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10535357
“FRONT LEFT WHEEL BEARING FAILURE. THE CAR WAS STILL UNDER FACTORY WARRANTY, SO IT WAS REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. AT APPROXIMATELY 60,000 MILES THE REAR LEFT WHEEL BEARING STARTED TO FAIL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10427036

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake line corrosion outside recall region

SERVICE BRAKES

2 NHTSA complaints · 2020-03 → 2024-03

“Brake line failed unexpectedly and catastrophically while driving 2007 Subaru Legacy”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11578758
“SUBARU USA AND THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION HAVE ISSUED A RECALL ON SPECIFIC SUBARU'S THAT IDENTIFIES THE BRAKE SYSTEM WILL FAIL WITHOUT NOTICE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11317158

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

HVAC and radio display failure

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VISIBILITY

2 NHTSA complaints · 2011-09 → 2012-04

“IF YOU PRESS ON MY RADIO AND/OR SOMETIMES FOR NO REASON AT ALL, MY DISPLAY LIGHTS ON THE RADIO GO OUT, THE LIGHTS FOR HEATER/AC/TEMP CONTROL GO OUT AND MY FOUR WAY FLASHERS COME ON”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10454942
“THE ELECTRONIC DISPLAY FOR THE HVAC CONTROLS AND RADIO GO OFF AND COME ON INTERMITTENTLY FOR NO REASON. WHEN THE DISPLAY IS OFF, YOU CANNOT ENGAGE DEFROST, HEAT, A/C, AND NONE OF THE RADIO CONTROLS AT ALL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10426843

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Takata air bag recall parts unavailable

AIR BAGS

7 NHTSA complaints · 2015-11 → 2016-08

“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V323000 (AIR BAGS). HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10899701
“TL* TAKATA RECALL- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V323000(AIR BAGS) WAS RECEIVED IN DECEMBER OF 2015”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10865739
“THE RED AIR BAG LIGHT ON MY CAR'S DASH IS CONSTANTLY ON, AND WILL NOT TURN OFF. I AM CONCERNED BECAUSE MY CAR IS A 2007 SUBARU LEGACY, AND I KNOW THAT THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL ON CARS THAT HAVE THE TAKATA AIR BAGS INSTALLED IN THEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10789273

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bag warning light and non-deployment

AIR BAGS

3 NHTSA complaints · 2008-08 → 2014-08

“ON AUGUST 2ND, 2008, I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT IN 2007 SUBARU LEGACY, SW, AS A RESULT OF CAR ?FISHTAILING? AFTER EMERGENCY MANEUVER ON A HIGHWAY. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, EVEN THOUGH I WAS TRAVELING WITH SPEED OF 60+ MPH AND CAR WAS DECLARED TOTAL LOSS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10237857
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10622198
“THE AIR BAG SENSOR DOES NOT WORK IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, THE PART FAILS MOSTLY IN COLD WEATHER EVEN WHEN THERE'S NO PASSENGER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10448314

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Oil return line failure with engine fire

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2 NHTSA complaints · 2007-09 → 2008-05

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 SUBARU LEGACY. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, OIL LEAKED ON THE EXHAUST AND CAUSED A SMALL ENGINE FIRE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE OIL LINE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,200 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 12,500”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10203272
“THE FIRST TIME MY OIL RETURN LINE CRACKED AND LEAKED IT STARTED A SMALL FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. THIS IS BECAUSE MY DEALER TOLD ME TO KEEP DRIVING AND MAKE A APPT. A FEW DAYS DOWN THE LINE. LINE GETS REPLACED AND ABOUT 11 MONTHS LATER THE SAME PROBLEM HAPPENS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10227970

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 6,000 mi

Replace 0W-20 full-synthetic oil and filter every 6,000 miles. WRX/STI 2.0L/2.5L turbo: 3,750 miles. Non-turbo FB engines: 6,000 miles severe / 10,000 normal.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. Critical on Subaru AWD — uneven tread depth across all 4 tires (>2/32") forces the center differential to bind, damaging the AWD coupling.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, calipers, and parking brake every 7,500 miles. Outback and Forester pads commonly last 35,000-50,000 miles depending on terrain.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Front Differential / Manual Transmission Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace front differential and manual transmission fluid every 30,000 miles. CVT models use proprietary Subaru CVT fluid — a separate item.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace rear differential fluid every 30,000 miles. Use Subaru 75W-90 GL-5 — substitutes can cause whining noises within months.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

CVT Fluid (Lineartronic)

Every 30,000 mi

Subaru CVT models (Outback, Legacy, Forester, Crosstrek, Impreza, Ascent): replace Lineartronic CVT fluid every 30,000 miles severe / 60,000 normal. Subaru High-Torque CVT-II fluid only — incorrect fluid destroys the chain-and-pulley system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$360–$500

Shop

~$255–$355

DIY

~$80–$180

CVT fluid is manufacturer-specific and pricey — do NOT substitute conventional ATF.

Timing Belt (EJ25 engines, pre-2011)

Every 105,000 mi

Older Subarus with the EJ25 boxer engine (Forester, Outback, Legacy 1996-2010): replace timing belt every 105,000 miles. FB and FA boxer engines (2011+) use a chain — no scheduled replacement.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$935–$1175

Shop

~$655–$825

DIY

Pro only

On interference engines, a snapped belt destroys valves. Worth doing on schedule. Bundle water pump + tensioner — labor is already there.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 30 months. Subaru's brake hold and EyeSight automatic emergency braking depend on uncontaminated fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles. WRX/STI: inspect every oil change due to the higher airflow demand of the turbo intake.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Spark Plugs

Every 60,000 mi

Iridium plugs every 60,000 miles on FB engines. WRX/STI 2.5L turbo: 30,000 miles due to higher cylinder pressures and EGT.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Super Coolant

Every 30,000 mi

Subaru Super Coolant (blue): first change at 137,500 miles or 11 years, then every 30,000 miles. Do not substitute green or orange — head gasket sealing chemistry depends on the formula.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 15,000 miles. Behind the glove box on most Subaru models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

19 crashes 1990–2024

How the 19 occupant deaths break down

13

driver deaths

6

passenger deaths

19

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2012 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

1

complaints mentioning a crash

4

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2007 Subaru Legacy reflects Subaru's published service intervals. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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