Used Car Checklists

2025 Subaru Legacy: What to check before buying

Owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA about this car. The 6 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.

Subaru Legacy2025
Owner complaints
6
Recalls
0
Crashes reported
0
1 injury
Reliability
Excellent
80/100 on Auto Reliability Index

Run the VIN before you go

A history report shows accidents, title brands, odometer readings, and open recalls for this 2025 Subaru Legacy. Ask the seller for the VIN; it is also on the dash at the base of the windshield.

Your inspection sheet

Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.

0/6 checked

1

Walk-around and cabin

Engine off, key in hand0/2

2

Cold start, engine bay, and underside

Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/2

3

Test drive

At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/2

These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.

Reported on other Legacy years with the same design

These years share the 2025's design and most of its parts, so their problems are the ones to look for on this car too.

2024 Legacy

16 owner complaints
  • Electrical 5
  • Wipers and visibility 3
  • Airbags 3

Worth adding to your 2025 checks

  • Inspect the windshield closely for chips and cracks, and ask whether the glass has already been replaced.
  • Seat a light adult in the front passenger seat and confirm the passenger airbag indicator shows on.
  • Start the car and confirm the passenger airbag warning light goes out.
Open the 2024 checklist

2023 Legacy

10 owner complaints
  • Airbags 2
  • Automatic emergency braking 2

Worth adding to your 2025 checks

  • Start the car cold and confirm the center display boots, with climate, EyeSight, and cruise controls all responding.
  • Drive several miles at varied speeds and watch for "Obstacle Detected" warnings when nothing is ahead.
  • Seat a small, light adult in the passenger seat, restart several times, and confirm the passenger air bag indicator stays consistent.
Open the 2023 checklist

2022 Legacy

32 owner complaints
  • Wipers and visibility 14
  • Acceleration and cruise control 2
  • Automatic emergency braking 2

Worth adding to your 2025 checks

  • Inspect the whole windshield, especially the lower edge near the heating grid, for cracks or chips.
  • Ask for glass replacement records and proof the EyeSight cameras were recalibrated afterward.
  • Check the sunroof glass for chips or cracks and ask whether it was ever replaced.
Open the 2022 checklist

Which Legacy is it?

EPA figures for each version of the 2025 Subaru Legacy. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.

VersionDriveEPA rating
2.4L 4-cylAWD26 mpg
2.5L 4-cylAWD30 mpg
  • The 2025 Subaru Legacy was sold in two versions. Confirm which one this is from the window sticker, the engine cover, or the VIN report before you compare prices.
  • Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A Legacy that averages well under the EPA 26 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.

Check the odometer against these mileages

Owners report these failures starting around the mileages below. A car inside one of these ranges deserves a closer look at that part, or records showing it was already fixed.

  • Engine stalling

    0–1,500 miles

0 mi25k50k

Where the 2025 fits in the Legacy's history

Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.

The 2025 is the sixth model year of the Legacy's seventh generation (2020 on).

Also looking at these instead of a Legacy?

Cars shoppers compare with the Subaru Legacy, with their own 2025 checklists.

2025 owner complaints, side by side