Is the 2018 Subaru LEGACY reliable?

The 2018 Subaru LEGACY has 161 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.1x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: ELECTRICAL problems.

What are common problems with the 2018 Subaru LEGACY?

Top problems: ELECTRICAL (40 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (32 complaints, avg repair $500); VISIBILITY (32 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2018 Subaru LEGACY?

Yes, there are 3 recall(s): FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP, VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. Contact any Subaru dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2018 Subaru LEGACY?

The 2018 Subaru LEGACY gets 26 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1846. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2018 Subaru LEGACY?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2018 Subaru LEGACY is approximately $1,607/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2018 Subaru LEGACY

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2018 Subaru LEGACY has 161 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.1x the segment average of 140. The most common issue is electrical problems (25% of all complaints), specifically: purchased a new subaru legacy feb. 28, 2018. after only 70 miles the warning light for seat belts and airbag malfunction appeared on a starlink system and dash. after immediately taking it in at the local car dealer, service agents claimed that a "rodent" has caused the damage. after further rese. There are 3 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 2 fire reports filed.

2 fire reports 9 crash reports 1 injury

161

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.1x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ELECTRICAL

40 complaints

25%

• PURCHASED A NEW SUBARU LEGACY FEB. 28, 2018. AFTER ONLY 70 MILES THE WARNING LIGHT FOR SEAT BELTS AND AIRBAG MALFUNCTION APPEARED ON A STARLINK SYSTEM AND DASH. AFTER IMMEDIATELY TAKING IT IN AT THE LOCAL CAR DEALER, SERVICE AGENTS CLAIMED THAT A "RODENT" HAS CAUSED THE DAMAGE. AFTER FURTHER RESE
• CAR WAS PARKED AND LOCKED. KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM ALLOWED DOORS TO BE OPENED. UPON SITTING IN DRIVERS SEAT, BEFORE ANY ATTEMPT TO START CAR, A MESSAGE ON DASH SAID "REMOTE KEY DEACTIVATED". AFTER THAT, NOTHING WORKED, NO FURTHER MESSAGES, COULD NOT LOCK DOORS, COULD NOT START CAR, NOTHING FUNCTIONED
• RAN OUT OF GAS ON A FLAT HIGHWAY, WHEN THE INDICATOR SAID THERE WERE 30 MILES LEFT. GAGUE WENT FROM 1/4 TO 0 IN LESS THAN 20 MILES.

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 1 fire reports

“PURCHASED A NEW SUBARU LEGACY FEB. 28, 2018. AFTER ONLY 70 MILES THE WARNING LIGHT FOR SEAT BELTS AND AIRBAG MALFUNCTION APPEARED ON A STARLINK SYSTEM AND DASH. AFTER IMMEDIATELY TAKING IT IN AT THE LOCAL CAR DEALER, SERVICE AGENTS CLAIMED THAT A "RODENT" HAS CAUSED THE DAMAGE. AFTER FURTHER RESE”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2018 Subaru LEGACY

Based on 70 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 20K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

VISIBILITY

In line with typicalmedian 29K mi · 26 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 15K mi · 13 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

OTHER

In line with typicalmedian 13K mi · 9 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 24K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (3)

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP29/07/2021

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 Cost Calculator for 2018 Subaru LEGACY

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,847

Per month

$154

Per mile

15.4¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,401/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,412/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2018 Subaru LEGACY

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,607

Full coverage / month

$134

Liability only / year

$611

vs US avg

-4%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$1607

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Subaru LEGACY Service Intervals

Oil change

6K mi / 6 mo

Tire rotation

6K mi

Brake fluid

30 months

Transmission fluid

30K mi

Engine coolant

138K mi

Spark plugs

60K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

Boxer engines have specific oil consumption patterns — check oil monthly. CVT service every 30K is critical; skipping shortens life dramatically. AWD requires matched tire wear.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Subaru New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

3 yr / 36K mi

These are the terms for a new Subaru. If you're buying a used 2018 LEGACY, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Subaru dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

VISIBILITY(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 161 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ELECTRICAL: PURCHASED A NEW SUBARU LEGACY FEB. 28, 2018. AFTER ONLY 70 MILES THE WARNING LIGHT FOR SEAT BELTS AND AIRBAG MALFUNCTION APPEARED ON A STARLINK SYSTEM AND DASH. AFTER IMMEDIATELY TAKING IT IN AT THE LOCAL CAR DEALER, SERVICE AGENTS CLAIMED THAT A "RODENT" HAS CAUSED THE DAMAGE. AFTER FURTHER RESE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: SUNROOF GLASS EXPLODED AND SHATTERED WHILE DRIVING. THERE WAS NO CAR IN FRONT FOR POTENTIAL ROCK DAMAGE.SUNROOF WAS COVERED SO MOST OF THE GLASS WAS CONTAINED ON THE COVER. THE GLASS WAS BOWED OUTWARD AS IF THERE MAY BE TOO MUCH STRESS FORCED UP ON THE GLASS.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
VISIBILITY: THE DRIVERS SIDE MIRROR OF 2018/2019 LEGACY'S WITH BLIND SPOT DETECTION WILL NOT ADJUST OUT FAR ENOUGH TO SEE BLIND SPOT OF VEHICLE FOR SEAT POSITION ADJUSTED FOR AVERAGE TO TALL DRIVERS. WHILE THE MIRROR DETECTION LIGHT WORKS THERE IS NO WAY TO PHYSICALLY CONFIRM SIDE TRAFFIC POSITION. DANGEROUS,
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: ON THE DASHBOARD SHOWED THAT THE REMAIN MILEAGE WAS 70, BUT IT STOPPED ALL THE SUDDEN DUE TO NO GAS. I ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE THE CAR STOPPED ON A PUBLIC STREET WITH HEAVY TRAFFIC. AFTER MANY TIMES TRYING TO START THE CAR, IT DID NOT WORK; IT WAS COMPLETELY DEAD. I HAD TO LEAVE THE CAR S
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 3 recalls have been completed — free at any Subaru dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)