Subaru Legacy (export): common faults & what to check
Thinking about buying a used Subaru Legacy (export) (2003–2014) in New Zealand? We've documented 10 known faults for this model spanning transmission, engine, cooling, and fluid leaks. 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.
10
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$900–$1,900
Typical repair
5
Systems covered
Known Subaru Legacy (export) faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01Lineartronic TR580 CVT Failure
CriticalCommonTransmission $5,500–$11,000 to fix
BM Liberty models fitted with the Lineartronic CVT share the same TR580 transmission as the BM Outback and carry identical failure risks. A factory recall was issued in May 2010 for oil cooler hose leaks on CVT-equipped models. Beyond the recall item, the TR580 is documented for valve body solenoid degradation, torque converter shudder, and belt wear on examples with deferred CVT fluid changes. Subaru Australia and NZ extended the warranty on affected units following class-action proceedings.
Symptoms to notice
Jerking or shuddering at low speed or during light acceleration
Whining or rattling from transmission at operating temperature
P2763 or related CVT fault codes stored
Slipping sensation under load on hills
What to check
Check for May 2010 CVT oil cooler hose recall completion via Subaru NZ VIN check. Test drive with sustained light throttle and note shudder. Inspect CVT fluid condition; burnt smell or dark discolouration indicates neglect and elevated failure risk. If a workshop inspection is possible: Scan OBD-II for stored fault codes.
Where to look: Transmission tunnel behind the boxer engine
Ask the seller
“Was the 2010 CVT oil cooler hose recall carried out?”
“Has CVT fluid been serviced and when?”
“Has the transmission warning light ever illuminated?”
02Rear Wheel Bearing Wear
MajorCommonSuspension $350–$700 to fix
BP and BM Liberty models share the same AWD hub-bearing architecture as the Outback and present identical rear wheel bearing wear patterns. The sealed rear bearing assemblies are non-serviceable and require replacement once worn. Failure typically presents as a droning hum at highway speed and worsens progressively over months. Driving on a failed bearing can damage the rear axle shaft and hub flange if left long enough, significantly increasing repair cost.
Symptoms to notice
Persistent droning or roaring hum at speed above 60 km/h
Hum changes noticeably when changing lanes or cornering gently
Vibration through seat at motorway speeds
Play or roughness in wheel when lifted and checked by hand
What to check
Test drive at 80 km/h on a smooth road and listen for a wheel-speed-related drone. Weave gently and note if noise shifts between sides. Post-drive, have the vehicle lifted and manually rock each rear wheel to check for play. Inspect for grease contamination around the inner edge of the rear wheel rim as a sign of seal failure.
Where to look: Rear wheel hub assemblies
Ask the seller
“Have the rear bearings been replaced?”
“Any droning noise at highway speed?”
EngineCritical
EngineCritical
CoolingCritical
EngineCritical
TransmissionMajor
TransmissionMajor
Fluid LeaksMajor
SuspensionMajor
8 more documented faults on the Subaru Legacy (export)
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 10 documented faults for the Subaru Legacy (export), the recurring problem areas are transmission, engine, and cooling. A Subaru Legacy (export) 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 (export)?
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We've catalogued 10 known faults for the Subaru Legacy (export), covering transmission, engine, and cooling. 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 (export)?
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Most single repairs on the Subaru Legacy (export) fall between $900–$1,900 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 10 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 (export)?
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Yes. A Subaru Legacy (export) 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.