NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Subaru Legacy Safety Ratings
The 2020 Subaru Legacy scores 92 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 6 recalls, and 121 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
A perfect five-star sweep across all NHTSA crash-test categories marks the 2020 Subaru Legacy. This strong performance underpins an Exceptional NHTSA Safety Index of 92 out of 100. Despite its stellar crash-test results, the 2020 Legacy's six recall campaigns distinguish it from the 2019 model's higher Safety Index of 95.
The 2020 Subaru Legacy holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 92 out of 100 and a five-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating, based on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 105 Sedans from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Subaru Legacy ranks 26 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 | 92 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.1% |
| Recalls on file | 6 |
| Owner complaints | 121 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 26 of 105 Sedans tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Subaru Legacy?
A defect record sub-score of 12.25 out of 20 defines the 2020 Subaru Legacy, pulling its overall NHTSA Safety Index to 92 out of 100. This places it in the Exceptional band, yet marks a three-point decline from the 2019 model's 95, despite perfect scores in crash protection (70 out of 70) and avoidance technology (10 out of 10). Six recall campaigns highlight the defect record. Two distinct recalls target transmission control module programming errors; one extends to the 2019 Ascent, indicating a potential cross-platform software issue. Another recall addresses the fuel pump, affecting multiple Subaru models. Of particular concern is the occupant classification sensor recall, initiated years after the initial sale, due to a capacitor fault that could compromise front passenger air bag deployment. A separate recall addresses the backup camera display, limited to specific multimedia trim levels. Additionally, 121 unverified owner complaints have been registered, primarily concerning visibility and wiper performance. These factors collectively indicate a year with exceptional crash protection, but a more active recall history than its direct predecessor.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Subaru Legacy perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Subaru Legacy achieved five stars in every NHTSA NCAP category tested: overall, frontal, side, and rollover. The rollover risk is rated at 10 percent with a dynamic tip result of No Tip. There are no not-rated categories and no weak scores anywhere in the crash-test record for this model year.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14807
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Subaru Legacy have any recalls?
Yes, six recall campaigns cover this model year. Components affected include the front passenger occupant classification sensor (air bag system), the transmission control module addressed by two separate campaigns, the fuel pump, and the backup camera display function. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the provided campaign data, but buyers should verify remedy status by VIN.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER24V227000
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the ODS sensors on the front passenger seat, free of charge. Owner notifications were mailed February 3, 2025. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRA-24.
Reported 2024-03-22
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)22V485000
Risk: An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the TCU, inspect TCU data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide. If evidence of chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 24, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is W
Reported 2022-07-08
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)21V955000
Risk: An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the TCU, inspect TCU data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide. If evidence of chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 19, 2022. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855. Vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855 wi
Reported 2021-12-09
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
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION20V766000
Risk: The intermittent loss of the rearview image reduces the driver's visibility and increases the risk of crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the software and, if necessary, replace the Cockpit Control Module, free of charge. The recall began January 22, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-20.
Reported 2020-12-10
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES19V664000
Risk: A missing or loose bolt may cause the brake pedal mounting area to deform over time, which can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake pedal mounting bracket hardware and replace the hardware or brake pedal assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUL-97.
Reported 2019-09-18
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Subaru Legacy?
Owners have filed 121 unverified complaints with NHTSA for this model year. The most frequently alleged problem area is Visibility and Wipers with 57 reports, followed by Unknown or Other at 26, Electrical System at 15, and Visibility alone at 9. One crash, one fire, and one injury are alleged but unverified.
121 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Subaru Legacy?
Six recall campaigns have been issued for the 2020 Legacy, a significant figure that includes a critical front passenger air bag sensor issue. Prospective owners must verify, via the VIN, that all necessary remedies have been performed by a Subaru dealer before acquisition.
- The 2020 Legacy's Safety Index dropped three points from the 2019 model's 95 to 92, driven by a defect record sub-score of 12.25 out of 20 tied to six active recall campaigns.
- A 2024 recall targeting the front passenger occupant classification sensor is the most recent campaign and directly involves air bag deployment function, making VIN verification essential for used buyers.
- Two distinct transmission control module recall campaigns cover this model year, both citing programming errors, which is a year-specific pattern not shared with all prior Legacy generations.
- Owner-reported complaints to NHTSA total 121, with 57 unverified allegations clustered under Visibility and Wipers, making that the single largest complaint category for this specific model year by a wide margin.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Subaru Legacy places
The 2020 Subaru Legacy qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Subaru Legacy safety questions
Was the 2020 Subaru Legacy crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Subaru Legacy, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 92 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 2020 Subaru Legacy crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 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 2020 Subaru Legacy have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 6 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Subaru Legacy. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Subaru Legacy?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 121 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 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 (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Acura RLX | 99/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Acura RLX Sport | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2020 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Infiniti Q50 | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Mazda Mazda3 | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Nissan Maxima | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14807), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Subaru Legacy 2020.
- 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 26 of 105 in the Sedan class for 2020.
- 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.