NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Subaru Legacy Safety Ratings
The 2019 Subaru Legacy scores 95 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 122 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2019 Subaru Legacy earns an Exceptional rating from MotorCaliber, with a Safety Index of 95 out of 100. This strong safety profile for a used sedan reflects top scores in both crash protection and avoidance technology. Only a modest deduction in the defect record category kept it from a perfect score.
The 2019 Subaru Legacy received a NHTSA Safety Index of 95 out of 100 and a 5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating, according to federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 119 Sedans from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 Subaru Legacy ranks 18 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 95 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.1% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 122 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 18 of 119 Sedans tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Subaru Legacy?
The 2019 Subaru Legacy achieved a Safety Index of 95/100, placing it in the Exceptional band. This high score is primarily attributable to perfect 70 out of 70 in crash protection and a perfect 10 out of 10 for avoidance technology. Standard equipment for this model year includes forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. The defect record, scoring 15 out of 20, was the only area preventing a perfect Safety Index. This score is a direct result of three active recall campaigns. Two of these recalls address fuel pump issues across 2018 to 2020 Subaru models, indicating a platform-wide concern. The third recall, however, specifically targets structural spot-welds on 2019 Legacy and Outback vehicles, a year-specific issue requiring VIN verification. Owners have filed 122 complaints, unverified by federal safety regulators, with a notable focus on visibility, wiper functionality, and electrical system problems. These complaints do not impact the vehicle's crash-test or avoidance-tech ratings, but they do highlight potential ownership considerations for the 2019 Legacy.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Subaru Legacy perform in crash tests?
The 2019 Subaru Legacy achieved a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. This included 5-star scores across all evaluated categories: frontal crash, side crash, and rollover. The vehicle exhibited a 10 percent rollover risk, with the dynamic tip test recording a "No Tip" outcome. No categories in the Legacy's NCAP results were rated as weak or left unrated.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13398
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Subaru Legacy have any recalls?
Three recall campaigns cover the 2019 Legacy. Two target the fuel system, specifically the low-pressure fuel pump, which may fail and stall the engine. A third addresses a structural concern involving spot welds on the duct below the cowl panel. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the data provided, but all three campaigns should be verified as remedied by VIN.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP21V587000
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2021-07-29
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP20V218000
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.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2020-04-16
STRUCTURE19V493000
Risk: In the event of a crash, the reduced strength of the vehicle body may increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2019-06-26
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Subaru Legacy?
Owners have filed 122 unverified complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Visibility and Wipers with 49 reports, followed by the Electrical System with 35 alleged reports, and Unknown or Other with 20. Engine and Forward Collision Avoidance each account for 5 alleged reports. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
122 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Subaru Legacy?
Three recall campaigns have been issued for the 2019 Legacy. Two campaigns address the fuel pump, while a third covers cowl panel spot welds. These issues warrant attention from any prospective owner. Unresolved recalls transfer with vehicle ownership, making it the buyer's responsibility to ensure all necessary repairs have been completed.
- The 2019 Legacy received perfect scores in every NHTSA NCAP crash category, including a 5-star rollover rating and a 10 percent rollover risk with a No Tip dynamic result.
- A structural recall specific to 2019 Legacy and Outback vehicles involves spot welds on the duct below the cowl panel, making it a year-specific defect not shared with earlier or later Legacy model years.
- Two separate fuel pump recall campaigns were issued for this model year, one in 2020 and one in 2021, both citing a risk of engine stall due to low-pressure fuel pump failure.
- Visibility and Wiper issues account for 49 of the 122 unverified owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this model year, making it the single most alleged problem area by a wide margin.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Subaru Legacy places
The 2019 Subaru Legacy qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Subaru Legacy safety questions
Was the 2019 Subaru Legacy crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Subaru Legacy, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 95 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2019 Subaru Legacy crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Subaru Legacy earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 5 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 10.1%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 Subaru Legacy have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2019 Subaru Legacy. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Subaru Legacy?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 122 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Subaru Legacy. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Legacy years
Rivals in Sedan (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Acura RLX Sport | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi Rs5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi S4 | 98/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2019 Tesla Model S 60d | 98/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 13398), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Subaru Legacy 2019.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 18 of 119 in the Sedan class for 2019.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.