Thinking about buying a used Subaru Legacy (1998–2020) in New Zealand? We've documented 44 known faults for this model spanning engine, transmission, body & rust, and suspension. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
44
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$600–$2,400
Typical repair
8
Systems covered
Known Subaru Legacy faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
The sequential twin-turbo EJ206/EJ208 fitted to the Legacy B4 and GT-B is a Japanese-market-only engine and is far more failure-prone than the naturally aspirated Legacy engines of the same era. The primary turbo is the one that works hardest, and its oil feed cokes up over time — particularly on cars shut down hot without idling down, and on long oil-change intervals. The carbon starves the bearing, the turbo seizes or lets go, and it frequently takes the engine with it via debris and oil starvation. Note that the well-known Subaru head gasket problem of this era is a naturally aspirated issue and is not characteristic of these twin-turbo cars, so do not let a clean head gasket story reassure you about the turbos.
Symptoms to notice
Blue smoke from the exhaust, worst on start-up or when getting back on the throttle
Whistling, whining or grinding from the turbos that rises with revs
Noticeable loss of boost or a flat spot where the second turbo should hand over
Oil level dropping between services
What to check
Start the car from cold and watch the exhaust in a mirror or with a helper for a puff of blue smoke. Pull the dipstick and check both the level and whether the oil looks fresh or like old treacle — this engine is unforgiving of neglected oil changes and the dipstick tells you a lot about the previous owner. With the engine off and cool, look at the intercooler piping for oil misting at the joints. On the test drive, accelerate firmly through the rev range in a low gear and feel for the handover between the two turbos: it should be a smooth continuous pull, not a flat spot or a sudden surge, and there should be no whistling or grinding that rises with revs. After the drive, let it idle for a minute before shutting down and note whether the seller does the same habitually. Ask about oil change intervals specifically. If a workshop inspection is possible: have boost pressure logged against spec and the turbos checked for shaft play.
Where to look: Turbochargers on the exhaust side of the engine, low down at the rear of the bay; intercooler piping across the top of the engine
Ask the seller
“How often has the oil been changed, and with what oil?”
“Have either of the turbos been replaced or rebuilt?”
“Do you let it idle for a minute before switching off after a hard drive?”
02Electric power steering rack rattle and knock
MinorOccasionalSuspension $1,200–$2,700 to fix
BS/BN Legacy models with electric power steering can develop a rattle or clunk from the steering rack, typically felt and heard over small bumps and road irregularities. The fault is linked to worn inner tie rod end preload bushes within the rack assembly and general internal rack wear. Subaru released a service bulletin for some markets recommending rack inspection and replacement where worn. The noise can be confused with suspension noise but tracks directly with steering inputs.
Symptoms to notice
Rattling or clunking from the steering column area over bumps
Knock felt through the steering wheel on rough or chip-sealed roads
Noise correlates with steering inputs rather than purely with road texture
Increased play in the straight-ahead steering position
What to check
Road test on a rough or chip-sealed road while making small steering corrections and listen for rack knock. With the vehicle stationary and engine running, gently rock the steering wheel and listen for internal rack knock. With the car raised, have a helper rock the wheel while you feel the inner tie rod joints for play.
Where to look: Electric power steering rack, centred on the firewall behind the engine
Ask the seller
“Has any knocking or rattling been noticed from the steering on rough roads?”
“Has the steering rack or tie rods been inspected recently?”
“Has a Subaru dealer or independent workshop flagged any EPS faults?”
EngineCritical
EngineCritical
EngineCritical
EngineCritical
EngineCritical
TransmissionMajor
TransmissionMajor
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
TransmissionMajor
Body & RustMajor
EngineMajor
SuspensionMajor
Body & RustMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
SuspensionMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
SuspensionMajor
SuspensionMajor
ElectricalMajor
EngineMajor
Fluid LeaksMajor
SuspensionMajor
EngineMajor
SuspensionMajor
SuspensionMajor
BrakesMajor
ElectricalMinor
ElectricalMinor
Body & RustMinor
CoolingMinor
SuspensionMinor
42 more documented faults on the Subaru Legacy
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 44 documented faults for the Subaru Legacy, the recurring problem areas are engine, transmission, and body & rust. A Subaru Legacy with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used Subaru Legacy?
+
We've catalogued 44 known faults for the Subaru Legacy, covering engine, transmission, and body & rust. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Subaru Legacy?
+
Most single repairs on the Subaru Legacy fall between $600–$2,400 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 44 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Subaru Legacy?
+
Yes. A Subaru Legacy inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.