1995 Subaru Legacy: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 181 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is air bags (25% of complaints); the 1993 and 1994 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jun 2001
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 181 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 1995 subaru legacy. The contact noticed an abnormal noise coming from the front driver side of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the coil spring was fractured and gouged the tire down past the steel belt. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not call the contact back. The contact was unaware if the vehicle was repaired per NHTSA campaign number: 01v216000 (suspension). The approximate failure mileage was 190,000.”Owner report · Suspension · Dec 2017
“The brake and gas pedals on automatic transmission subaru legacy models are so close together that a man of average shoe size, wearing boots of any kind, is liable to inadvertently apply pressure to both pedals at the same time. The "fix" is simple: subaru of america should hang the manual transmission brake pedal, with its smaller pad footprint, on all automatic transmission legacy models. Problem solved. While driving my vehicle, and if wearing boots, I must maintain constant vigilance to avoid the potentially lethal consequence of applying pressure to both pedals at the same time. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Nov 2012
“We had a slow oil leak and our catalytic converter started going bad at the same time. The oil leaked down the exhaust to the catalytic converter which was over heating and caused a flash fire burning up my entire car. Thankfully no one was hurt. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 2011
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl* the contact owns a 1995 subaru legacy. The contact stated that the brake pedal froze and was resistant to engagement. The failure caused the contact to crash into the rear of another vehicle. The contact stated that the air bags did not deploy upon impact. The vehicle was towed to the contact place of residence and was not inspected for the failure or repaired. The failure and current mileage was 174,278.”Owner report · Air Bags · Feb 2011
“Vehicle is a 1995 subaru legacy l wagon with auto. Trans. Gas pedal and brake pedal are too close together, and at the same height. One's foot can inadvertently apply both pedals at once, causing acceleration and braking simultaneously. Also, clearance between pedals and lower dash panel just above, is minimal. This can cause foot (especially in a winter boot) to jam in the limited space, resulting in difficulty lifting foot from a pedal. In an otherwise praiseworthy car, these flaws are an accident waiting to happen. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jan 2011
“Car shakes and steering wheel vibrates when applying brakes. Gives sensation of inability to brake. Feeling of insecurity. Have taken to dealer on several occasions and the following have been done: resurfaced front and back rotors at 17,002 miles. Replaced front and rear pads and front rotors and resurfaced rear rotors at 29,154 replaced rear rotors and resurfaced front rotors at 42,325. Now at about 53,000, front rotors need replacing again! A quick internet search found one reported failure of ABS in 2005 legacy that potentially could have caused an accident. I am concerned and worried that this car could prove unsafe for my family if our brakes fail. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Feb 2009
“Seat belt webbing started disintegrating in last 6 months. I have short video clip showing the defect that I can forward. *tr”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jan 2008
“Tl*the contact owns a 1995 subaru legacy. The vehicle has cooper lifeliner touring sle, size 185/70r14 tires. While driving 5 mph, the steering wheel veered from left to right and the front end of the vehicle wobbled. The contact stated that the failure was not as extensive while driving 50 mph or greater. The dealer stated that the tires caused the failure. NHTSA campaign id number 06t016000 (tires: tread/belt) was referenced. As of october 29, 2007, the dealer had not repaired the vehicle. The failure mileage was 155,000 and current mileage was 160,000. Updated 01/11/08. *lj”Owner report · Tires · Sep 2007
“Leaking fuel filler neck, lines and tank on older subaru's. Owned 2 subarus a 1993 impreza and a 1995 legacy both gas tank seams get rusted out due to climatic conditions and leak same as filler necks and lines. Causes emission problems, triggers check engine light on obd2 cars. *jb”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Nov 2006
“Fax on behalf of consumer (me) pertaining to his difficulty in obtain a part for the defective gasoline tank filler neck of his 1995 subaru legacy wagon. *ts the vehicle will continue to leak fuel until the part is replaced. *nm”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Oct 2005
When filing, owners marked a crash in 33 of these complaints and injuries in 28 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FRONT COIL SPRINGS ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY, NEW HAMPSHIRE, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA, AND WISCONSIN, AND IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS WERE PRODUCED WITH POOR PAINT QUALITY WHICH, AFTER CONTINUED EXPOSURE TO CORROSIVE SALT, CAN RESULT IN BREAKAGE OF THE SPRING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL NOTIFIY CUSTOMERS TO BRING THEIR VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE A SPRING GUARD INSTALLED ON BOTH FRONT STRUTS TO PREVENT TIRE PUNCTURE AND REPLACE ANY BROKEN SPRINGS FREE OF CHARGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 18, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT CAN OCCUR AFTER UNDERCARRIAGE CONTACT OF THE TOW HOOKS WITH CURBS, DIPS, SPEEDBUMPS, POTHOLES, ETC.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE FRONT TOW HOOKS.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1995 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Legacy by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1995 Subaru Legacy reliable?
NHTSA has 181 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1995 Subaru Legacy. The most complained-about area is air bags (25% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1995 Subaru Legacy problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 166,116 miles or less.
Does the 1995 Subaru Legacy have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning suspension:front:springs:coil springs. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.