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2019 Subaru Legacy Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2019 Subaru Legacy carries 3 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering fuel pump. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Windshield cracking without impact.” 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.

3 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Campaign #21V587000 · Jul 29, 2021

Issue: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Campaign #20V218000 · Apr 16, 2020

Issue: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Impreza, Outback, Legacy, and Ascent vehicles. The low pressure fuel pump may become inoperative.

Risk: If the low pressure fuel pump fails, the engine may stall without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-20.

STRUCTURE

Campaign #19V493000 · Jun 26, 2019

Issue: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Legacy and Outback vehicles. Spot welds located on the duct below the cowl panel may have been improperly applied, impacting the vehicle's body strength.

Risk: In the event of a crash, the reduced strength of the vehicle body may increase the risk of injury.

Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and repair or repurchase the vehicle, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 26, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUH-93.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2019 Subaru Legacy.

Reported to NHTSA

Windshield cracking without impact

VISIBILITY/WIPER

52 NHTSA complaints · 2018-11 → 2024-06

“THE VEHICLE IS LESS THAN ONE MONTH OLD AND IT WAS FOUND ONE MORNING WITH AN 8 INCH CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD. THERE WAS NO IMPACT MADE ON THE WINDSHIELD. THE CRACK IS COMING FROM THE BOTTOM LEFT CORNER AND GOES TOWARDS THE CENTER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11154222
“We had to replace the car’s original windshield due to a stone hitting it on the highway- just bad luck and something that happens from time to time. Since then, we’ve had TWO replacement windshields spontaneously crack without any impacts in the span of 3 weeks”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11592264
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY OF THE RESIDENCE, THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED WITHOUT BEING STRUCK BY A FOREIGN OBJECT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11310327

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Infotainment touchscreen delamination and erratic display

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER

16 NHTSA complaints · 2022-08 → 2026-04

“The entertainment system got bubbles and stopped working only after 50,000 miles”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11669029
“Infotainment system touchscreen failed and it became unstable”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11626593
“Main infotainment display delamination, this causes a safety concerns, as the screen can become irresponsive, and even black out during reverse making the backup camera, nonfunctioning”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11631631

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Steering wheel and power steering malfunction

STEERING

3 NHTSA complaints · 2019-05 → 2023-03

“Power steering stopped working. I see online this problem was reported with other Subaru vehicle 2019 models and a recall was made but for some reason my car is not included”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11513814
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 SUBARU LEGACY. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL TURNED ON ITS OWN TO THE LEFT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11243278
“WHAT WE NOTICE IS A CHANGE IN RESPONSE OF THE STEERING IN SOME SITUATIONS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11209372

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Parasitic battery drain

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

24 NHTSA complaints · 2019-10 → 2026-03

“Due to a dead battery issue in 2025, I bought a new battery. A year later, the car wouldn't start & I finally got it jumped. Ran fine for 3 weeks, then wouldn't start again”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11728063
“The Subaru models from 2019 have a known parasitic battery drain problem. My car will have a dead battery after a week not driving it, or even just 2 days in winter. The problem is confirmed by Subaru but not addressed in any way”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11591567
“Battery keeps draining and dying. Replaced battery in October 2021, December 2021 and February 2022. Battery dead again June 2022”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11469398

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel pump failure causing stalling

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

4 NHTSA complaints · 2020-08 → 2025-11

“Fuel Pump failed. Available for inspection upon request. Vehicle shut down near a busy intersection. There were no warnings, just failed while leaving a restaurant”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11509257
“Acceleration is uneven/hesitant. I think it’s the fuel pump. 56,000 miles on vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11476651
“TL* THE CONTACT'S WIFE OWNS A 2019 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS WIFE RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V218000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11350937

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

EyeSight braking and acceleration malfunction

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

3 NHTSA complaints · 2021-07 → 2024-04

“Vehicle is equipped with Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist which includes reverse automatic braking. Vehicle was reversing towards a parked vehicle on the street and the RAB feature failed to apply the brakes and the vehicle collided with the parked vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11585165
“Vehicle was using the self driving feature of the Subaru Eyesight system. With the system engaged, the vehicle is supposed to accelerate and apply brakes accordingly as to keep a distance from the vehicle in front. Today, that system failed”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11557493
“I've had this occur two times. Other vehicles pulled out in front of me, and the Eyesight technology applied the brakes very, very hard”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11423312

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

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

3 crashes 2010–2024

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

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.

2

complaints mentioning a crash

1

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls 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 2019 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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