MODEL
Subaru Legacy
NHTSA safety across every Subaru Legacy model year we cover.
Across the 7 model years of the Subaru Legacy we cover (2019 to 2025), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2021 at 97 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2023 at 92. 16 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Subaru Legacy is a midsize family sedan now in its sixth generation, competing in a shrinking but loyal segment against stalwarts like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. Positioned as a practical, all-wheel-drive alternative to front-wheel-drive mainstream sedans, the Legacy targets value-conscious buyers who want everyday capability without stepping up to a crossover. It is a workhorse sedan with a genuine safety reputation to back its family-friendly pitch.
The Subaru Legacy puts up an impressive safety scorecard across the 2019 to 2025 model years we cover at MotorCaliber. The headline number is a 97 out of 100 NHTSA Safety Index in the 2021 model year, landing it firmly in our Exceptional band. That result is supported by a clean sweep of five-star ratings across frontal, side, and rollover crash disciplines in the best-performing year, which is about as strong a federal crash-test result as a sedan buyer can find. That said, the broader picture deserves honest scrutiny. Across six model years, the Legacy has accumulated 16 recalls, which is a meaningful volume for a single nameplate. Shoppers should verify whether any open recalls apply to a specific vehicle using the NHTSA VIN lookup tool before purchase or delivery. Owner complaints total 336 across the covered span, with 7 alleged crash incidents, 4 fire-related allegations, and 3 reported injuries among them. These are unverified allegations, not confirmed defects, but the complaint volume warrants attention. The fire-related reports in particular are worth investigating against the recall history. On balance, the Legacy earns its Exceptional safety rating in peak form, but the recall count means diligent pre-purchase homework is non-negotiable. Buyers who do that homework will find one of the better-tested sedans in its class.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Legacy as a sensible, well-rounded midsize sedan that stands out in its segment for standard all-wheel drive. Most praise its composed ride and practical interior, while noting the powertrain options feel modest compared to some rivals. It is widely considered a solid, no-drama choice for buyers who prioritize everyday usability and real-world traction over driving excitement.
- The 2021 Legacy achieved a 97 out of 100 NHTSA Safety Index, placing it in the Exceptional band, with five-star ratings across all three crash-test disciplines, making it the strongest safety reference point within the covered model years.
- Sixteen recalls have been issued across the 2019 to 2025 model years. Before buying any used or new Legacy, run the VIN through NHTSA's free lookup tool to confirm all applicable recalls have been remedied by the dealer or previous owner.
- Owner complaints across the covered span include 4 fire-related allegations. While these are unverified, shoppers should cross-reference the recall list for any campaigns related to electrical systems or fuel components on the specific model year they are considering.
- All Legacy sedans in this generation come standard with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist suite on most trims, which includes automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. Federal crash-test results reflect the vehicle with these systems active, so buyers should confirm EyeSight is present and fully functional on any specific unit they evaluate.
Most-recalled year on record: 2020 Subaru Legacy with 6 recalls.