Passenger-side frame rust-through, loss of control
A bolt holding the frame collapsed while driving
Check engine light: Off
A bolt holding the frame collapsed while driving, causing loss of vehicle control — similar frame rust is reported on the Subaru Outback, suggesting the defect may be shared across the Legacy/Outback platform.
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Takata airbag recall parts shortage
Dealerships booking appointments 5-9 months out
Check engine light: On
Dealerships are booking Takata airbag recall repair appointments 5-9 months out, limiting passenger seat use in the meantime.
Takata airbag replacement parts are in short supply across many manufacturers, so recall repairs can be delayed.
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Excessive oil consumption despite synthetic oil
Needs topping off every couple of weeks
Check engine light: On
One owner 'needs to top off the oil every couple of weeks,' burning a quart every 2,000-3,000 miles despite using synthetic oil.
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CVT transmission failure without warning at highway speed
"Transmission had failed, without warning" at 65 mph
Check engine light: On
Sudden, severe power loss at highway speed: 'transmission had failed, without warning' at 65 mph.
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Head gasket failure, "extremely common"
Reported repeatedly by owners
Check engine light: On
Head gasket failure is described as 'extremely common' across multiple model years — a recurring, well-known issue for this nameplate rather than an isolated problem.
$1,350 – $4,976
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Headlight replacement requires removing the front tire
A design that discourages timely bulb replacement
Check engine light: Off
Driver-side headlight replacement requires removing the front tire and inner wheel well — an access problem distinct from the bulb failure itself, since the repair's difficulty likely discourages timely replacement.
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Failure in ABS Causes Pump to Run Continuously and Wear Down Battery
A failure in the ABS causes the pump to run continuously and wear down the battery
Check engine light: Off
A failure in the ABS causes the pump to run continuously and wear down the battery. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 42 owner reports on file.
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Engine Oil May Leak From Camshaft/Crankshaft Front Seals
Engine oil leaks from the camshaft or crankshaft front seals
Check engine light: Off
Engine oil leaks from the camshaft or crankshaft front seals. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 24 owner reports on file.
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Radio Malfunction with Intermittent Audio Issues and Feedback Noise
The radio malfunctions with intermittent audio issues and feedback noise
Check engine light: Off
The radio malfunctions with intermittent audio issues and feedback noise. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 18 owner reports on file.
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Technical Service Bulletin for ABS Control Module
A technical service bulletin addresses the ABS control module
Check engine light: Off
A technical service bulletin addresses the ABS control module. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 15 owner reports on file.
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IMPORTANT — PASSENGER-SIDE FRAME RUST-THROUGH DOCUMENTED. A bolt holding the frame collapsed while driving, causing loss of vehicle control. The same frame rust is reported on the Subaru Outback, which shares this platform. Takata airbag recall parts shortages leave dealerships booking appointments 5-9 months out, limiting passenger seat use in the meantime.