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2018 Subaru

Legacy AWD

Auto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.5 L

Subaru Legacy: best and worst years
2018 Subaru Legacy AWD (photo 1 of 3)

Photo may show a different model year; you're viewing the 2018.

PhotoAlexander-93CC BY-SA 4.0via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Transmission
Automatic (AV-S7)EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Engine & performance

HP
175
Power to weight
0.051 hp/lb
Axle ratio
3.90
Aspiration
Naturally aspiratedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Efficiency

Smog score
5/10
Real-world MPG
32.7 mpg, reported by 3 driversabout 3.7 mpg above the EPA combined estimate
SmartWay certified
No

Dimensions & capacity

GVWR class
Class 1C (4,001 to 5,000 lb)NHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 10/13/2026

Safety NHTSA record NHTSA, model year

Overall crash rating
★★★★★
Rollover rating
★★★★★
Stability control (ESC)
Standard
Forward-collision warning
Optional
Lane-departure warning
Optional
Recalls
3
Owner complaints
117 See on NHTSA
Reported injuries
1

Feature availability

Cameras & visibility

  • Backup camera
    Standard

Driver assist

  • Adaptive cruise control
    Optional
  • Automatic emergency brakingPart of EyeSight.
    Optional
  • Blind-spot monitor
    Optional
  • Lane-keeping assist
    Optional

Convenience

  • Push-button start
    Standard

Exterior

  • Adaptive headlights
    Optional

Recalls NHTSA record NHTSA, model year

21V587000 Jul 29, 2021 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINESubaru of America, Inc.

Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Consequence: 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.

Vehicles covered (all models): 175,968

Full notice
18V935000 Dec 31, 2018 VISIBILITYSubaru of America, Inc.

Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Legacy, Outback, and BRZ vehicles. In the affected vehicles, a software issue may cause the audio display system to not initialize, resulting in the camera display remaining blank. If this occurs, the rearview image will not display while backing up the vehicle. As a result, the vehicles fail to comply with requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."

Consequence: Failure to display the rearview image while backing up increases the risk of crash.

Remedy: Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will reprogram the audio system display software, free of charge. The recall began on February 5, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTZ-85.

Vehicles covered (all models): 71,190

Full notice
18V773000 Nov 1, 2018 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINESubaru of America, Inc.

Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles. Due to a software error, the low fuel warning light may not illuminate at the intended remaining fuel level and the miles-to-empty display may incorrectly indicate a positive number despite the tank being empty.

Consequence: The inaccurate fuel display may cause a driver to unexpectedly run out of fuel and the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the combination meter software, free of charge. The recall began February 20, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTW-82.

Vehicles covered (all models): 228,648

Full notice

Source: NHTSA

Reported problems NHTSA record NHTSA owner complaints, model year

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM25%
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER18%
  • VISIBILITY/WIPER15%
  • ENGINE6%
  • FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM5%
  • VISIBILITY5%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 163 total.

Subaru Legacy: best and worst years

Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year

226 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year

  • May 18, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHER01-167-08R

    This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.

  • May 13, 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEM16-156-25R

    This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability.

  • May 4, 2026POWER TRAINSubaruNet Announcement (R

    This announcement provides information on the remanufactured CVT transmission program.

  • May 1, 2026ENGINE18-230-26

    This bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be used when DTCs B1571(REFERENCE CODE INCOMPATIBILITY IMMOBILIZER CM TO ECM) and B1572(IMM CIRCUIT EXCEPT ANTENNA CIRCUIT) are detected by Keyless Access with Push Button Start(KACM).

  • Apr 30, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHER07-240-26R

    This Service Information Bulletin was developed to provide interim guidance for vehicles exhibiting DTC B2A20.

  • Apr 24, 2026POWER TRAIN03-97-26

    This bulletin announces the service manual correction regarding clutch master cylinder reservoir service procedures.

  • Apr 20, 2026WHEELS05-97-26

    This Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedures to be followed when addressing customer concerns of steering wheel/vehicle body vibration when driving at highway speeds when tire/wheel balance is suspected.

  • Mar 26, 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEM10-105-25R

    This bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak.

  • and 218 more

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic
3 yr / 36k mi
Powertrain
5 yr / 60k mi
Roadside assistance
3 yr / 36k mi
EV battery
8 yr / 100k mi

Source: www.cars.com as of 2026-06

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.