Used Subaru Legacy 7th Gen (2020-2025): Buyer's Guide

The 2020 Subaru Legacy generated 120 NHTSA complaint filings in its first model year. Fifty of them were windshields cracking with no impact source. The 2023 Legacy, built on the exact same Subaru Global Platform, generated 9. Same sedan. Same basic shape. Completely different ownership experience depending on which year you pick.

Subaru confirmed in April 2024 that the Legacy would end production after 2025. No 8th gen is coming. If you want a Legacy, the 7th gen is your only option. This guide covers what separates a frustrating first-year example from a solid one, which recalls matter and which are already fixed, and whether the turbocharged XT trims are worth the premium.

This Generation at a Glance

The seventh-generation Legacy debuted at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show and went on sale as a 2020 model. It rides on Subaru's Global Platform (SGP, chassis code BN), the same architecture that underpins the 6th gen Outback. The stiffer structure was a real step up from the BS-platform 6th gen Legacy. Symmetrical AWD remained standard across every trim.

Subaru refreshed the generation significantly for 2023. The changes matter for buyers because they divide the generation into two meaningfully different eras.

Year-by-year changes within the generation:

• 2020: Launch year. 11.6-inch portrait touchscreen on Premium and above. EyeSight standard. 2.4T Boxer debuts in the Legacy for the first time.
• 2021: Adaptive LED headlights standard. Mid-year production improved the Thermal Control Valve on 2.5L models.
• 2022: Sport adds blind-spot monitoring and moonroof. EyeSight 4.0 debuts on some trims.
• 2023: Full mid-cycle refresh. New front fascia. EyeSight 4.0 standard across lineup (wider camera field of view, electric brake booster, Automatic Emergency Steering). Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Sport trim switches from 2.5L to 2.4T turbo as standard equipment.
• 2024-2025: Continued 2023 refresh spec. EyeSight Assist Monitor expanded to more trims. The 2025 is the final model year.

All trims are AWD-only. There is no FWD Legacy option in this generation.

See the full Subaru Legacy market data for current pricing and inventory.

Powertrain and Trim Breakdown

2.5L FB25D: The Sensible Pick

Covers the Base (2.5i), Premium, Sport (2020-2022 only), and Limited trims. 182 hp, 176 lb-ft of torque, Lineartronic CVT.

What owners like: The FB25D is predictable and maintenance-friendly for a modern AWD sedan. Real-world highway fuel economy frequently exceeds the EPA estimate of 35 mpg. Insurance costs run lower than XT trims. The engine doesn't require the oil discipline that the turbocharged variant demands. Owners on Edmunds and KBB consistently cite the quiet cabin, smooth ride on the SGP platform, and the standard AWD as the reasons they bought over an Accord or Camry.

Known failure: Thermal Control Valve (TCV). The 2020 and early 2021 Legacy has a documented TCV defect where coolant vapor infiltrates the valve sensor. The plastic housing cracks, the sensor fails, and you simultaneously lose brake assist, EyeSight, lane keep assist, pre-collision braking, and pre-collision throttle management. Out-of-warranty repair quotes run $1,000-$1,600. Subaru issued TSB 09-80-21 in February 2022 to alert dealers. As of May 2024, Subaru extended the TCV warranty to 15 years or 150,000 miles from the vehicle's in-service date. This is free at any Subaru dealer regardless of current ownership. If you buy a 2020-early 2021 Legacy and cannot produce service records showing TCV replacement, go to a dealer and have it done under warranty. Mid-year 2021 production switched to a revised valve with a stainless steel internal shaft. Post-mid-2021 FB25D engines are not meaningfully affected.

Known failure: CVT drive chain recalls. NHTSA recall 21V955 covered 2020 Legacy turbo models. A separate, broader recall (22V485000) later covered 2020-2022 Legacy, Outback, and Ascent vehicles across both powertrains. The problem: a Transmission Control Unit software error allows the CVT drive chain to engage before fully clamping. Chain slip can cause the chain to break. Loss of drive. The fix is a free TCU reprogram at any Subaru dealer. Before buying any 2020-2022 Legacy, confirm both recalls are complete on the VIN. Takes 30 seconds at a Subaru service counter.

Known issue: Windshield stress cracking. The 2020 Legacy filed 50 windshield-related NHTSA complaints in its first year. The cause is residual stress built into the glass during manufacturing, amplified by the ceramic black-print perimeter and the silver metallic wiper deicer strip. Minor temperature changes or vibration cause spontaneous cracks with no chip or impact point. Subaru settled a class action lawsuit covering 2020-2022 Legacy and Outback vehicles. Settlement terms: Subaru extended windshield warranty coverage to 8 years or 100,000 miles for qualifying stress cracks. If you buy a used 2020-2022 Legacy and the windshield has a crack that started at the edge with no visible impact point, take it to a Subaru dealer. The replacement is covered.

Known issue: Inhibitor switch recall (23V755 / WRQ-23). Affects 2021-2023 Legacy specifically. An insufficient weld allows water into the inhibitor switch. When it fails: backup camera goes dark, reverse lights don't illuminate, gear selector indicator disappears from the instrument cluster, or the engine won't start. Subaru recalled 95,830 US vehicles and issued replacement switches at no cost. Check VIN completion status before buying any 2021-2023 example.

Known issue: 11.6-inch infotainment screen blackouts. The portrait touchscreen in 2020-2022 models generated more complaints than any other non-safety item in the generation. Failed OTA updates, software conflicts between CarPlay and Pandora, and general system instability caused the screen to go black, taking HVAC controls and navigation with it. The EyeSight system is linked to the infotainment stack; a crashed screen in some scenarios takes EyeSight functions offline. Subaru issued multiple software updates through the generation. The 2023 refresh with updated Starlink software is substantially more stable. When test-driving a 2020-2022, force-close all running apps and reboot the system. If it takes more than 90 seconds to come back up, or if it shows a black screen during the cycle, the firmware may need updating or the headunit may be failing.

Overall verdict on 2.5L: After the TCV warranty extension and CVT recall are confirmed complete, the post-2021 FB25D Legacy is a practical, underrated AWD sedan. Annual repair costs average around $563, slightly above the Honda Accord's $400 but explained almost entirely by the AWD system's additional maintenance requirements. For buyers who want reliability and AWD without turbo complexity, a 2022-2024 Premium or Limited is the guide's recommendation.

2.4L FA24DIT Turbo: More Power, More Discipline

Covers the Limited XT and Touring XT (2020-2022), and Sport, Limited XT, and Touring XT (2023+). 260 hp, 277 lb-ft, Lineartronic CVT.

What owners like: The performance gap over the 2.5L is immediate and noticeable. 0-60 in roughly six seconds, confident power at highway speeds, and enough torque to make the CVT feel purposeful rather than droning. Owner reviews from LegacyGT.com forums and long-term owner reports on r/subaru consistently note that the 2.4T feels like the right engine for the Legacy's sedan proportions. For buyers who want AWD, four-door practicality, and real performance at the used price point, the Legacy XT delivers in a way its wagon sibling the Outback doesn't because it's lighter.

CVT drive chain recalls apply here too. The 21V955 recall was initially written specifically for 2020 turbo Legacy models. The 22V485000 recall expanded to cover 2020-2022 turbo examples. Both are free TCU reprograms. Confirming completion is not optional when buying any 2020-2022 XT model.

Oil change discipline is not optional for the FA24DIT. The turbo Boxer uses gasoline direct injection under boost. Fuel can wash into the crankcase during cold starts, diluting the oil and reducing viscosity. Subaru specifies 0W-20 full-synthetic oil and a 6,000-mile change interval. Owner experience across BobIsTheOilGuy threads is consistent: 5,000-mile intervals better protect the FA24DIT in real-world cold-weather or short-trip driving. Pull the dipstick before buying any XT model. Thin oil with a fuel smell is a significant red flag. Oil that looks like iced coffee is a walk-away sign.

Rear strut leaks at low mileage. Multiple owner reviews documented leaking rear struts on 2020-2021 Legacy XT models with under 25,000 miles. Not universal, but specific enough to check. During a pre-purchase inspection, ask the technician to put the car on a lift and look for oil seepage on the rear strut bodies. Strut replacement on a Legacy runs $400-$800 per corner at a dealer.

Carbon buildup at high mileage. The FA24DIT uses direct injection without a secondary port injection system. Over time, carbon deposits build on the intake valves since no fuel washes them clean. Symptoms: rough idle, cold-start hesitation, occasional misfire. This becomes relevant around 80,000-100,000 miles. Walnut blasting to remove the carbon runs $300-$600. Not urgent on most used examples under 80k, but factor it in for higher-mileage purchases.

The 2023 Sport is the value unlock for turbo buyers. Before 2023, reaching the 2.4T engine meant paying for the Limited XT or Touring XT. The 2023 refresh moved the turbo into the Sport trim as standard equipment. A used 2023 Sport is now the most affordable entry point for Legacy buyers who want the 260 hp engine, and it comes with the improved EyeSight 4.0 and wireless CarPlay. Watch for 2023 Sport inventory; it's the guide's top pick for buyers who want the turbo.

Trim-Specific Notes

Base / 2.5i: Available 2020-2022, dropped after. Uses dual 7-inch screens instead of the 11.6-inch portrait display. Fewer EyeSight functions. Not a recommended used target unless the price is substantially below comparable Premium trims.

Premium: The most common trim in used Legacy inventory and the right answer for most 2.5L buyers. Standard 11.6-inch touchscreen on most years, full EyeSight, heated front seats, heated mirrors. Straightforward to live with.

Sport: In 2020-2022, Sport uses the 2.5L and adds sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch wheels, and a slightly more aggressive look. The handling difference versus Premium is modest. In 2023+, the Sport gains the 2.4T engine, making it a fundamentally different car. A used 2023 Sport with the turbo is worth the premium over a 2022 Sport. They are not equivalent vehicles.

Limited: 2.5L, leather seating, additional driver aids, navigation system. A comfortable long-distance choice for buyers who prioritize interior quality over performance.

Limited XT: The most common turbo trim on the used market. Full leather, navigation, power moonroof, turbo engine. The right used pick for buyers who want the 2.4T with comprehensive equipment.

Touring XT: Top trim. Adds Nappa leather, power-retractable mirrors with memory, and steering-responsive headlights. The used price premium over a Limited XT is typically $4,000-$7,000 for features most owners won't notice daily. Skip it unless you find one already deep into depreciation.

Which Model Year to Target

2020: The launch year showed all the first-generation pain. Six NHTSA recalls, 120 complaints with 50 specifically around windshields, and the TCV defect affecting every 2.5L built before mid-year production. Buying a 2020 requires confirming all six recalls are complete, TCV service history verified, and windshield settlement status checked. It's doable but requires effort. Price it accordingly.

2021: A real improvement. The inhibitor switch recall (WRQ-23) affects 2021-2023 models, but complaint volume dropped to 30. Mid-year build improvements on the TCV mean a later-build 2021 is a different car from an early-build one. Ask a dealer to pull the build date. Post-mid-2021 builds with all recalls complete are solid.

2022: Low recall count, stable complaint history. The windshield class action coverage still applies for qualifying cracks on 2022 examples. Good price-to-quality entry point for buyers who want to avoid first-year teething without paying 2023 refresh prices.

2023 is the guide's top pick. The EyeSight 4.0 is meaningfully better than earlier iterations. Wireless CarPlay addressed the most common infotainment frustration. The Sport trim getting the turbo opened up a new value tier. Complaint volume dropped to 9 for the year. The 2023 hits the generation's reliability peak while pricing remains accessible. This is where the guide recommends starting your search.

2024 and 2025: Excellent cars with minimal complaint histories. The used premium over 2023 is real because they're newer. The 2025 is largely available as near-new inventory at this point. If budget permits, the 2024-2025 range gives you the best all-in specification.

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

For all 7th gen Legacy (2020-2025):

• Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall database and Subaru's recall lookup before viewing the car. Any open recall — CVT chain (22V485000), inhibitor switch (23V755), ODS airbag sensor — must be remedied before or at delivery at no cost to you.
• Examine the windshield for stress cracks with no impact point. A crack that starts at the glass edge or runs without a visible chip source is likely residual-stress cracking. On 2020-2022 examples, this is covered under the class action settlement (8 years/100,000 miles). Ask the seller to show the settlement claim history or agree to pay for a warranty replacement if one appears post-sale.
• Start the car cold. Watch the instrument cluster for EyeSight, brake assist, or lane assist warning lights at startup. If any safety system goes offline within the first minute before the engine warms, suspect TCV or inhibitor switch failure.
• Test the 11.6-inch infotainment cold and warm. Force-close all apps. Navigate to Settings, then reboot the system. A healthy unit comes back in under 60 seconds with all functions restored. A unit that hangs, shows a black screen for more than 90 seconds, or requires multiple reboots has a software or hardware issue.

For 2020-2021 examples with 2.5L:

• Explicitly request TCV inspection or replacement records. If unavailable, the dealer can look up VIN history. If the TCV has not been replaced under the 15-year/150,000-mile warranty extension (TSB 09-80-21), do it after purchase. It's free.

For any XT (2.4T) trim:

• Pull the dipstick during inspection. The oil should be a clean amber or light brown. Thin oil with a gasoline smell means fuel dilution. Milky or gray oil means coolant intrusion. Either finding changes the calculus entirely.
• Bounce each rear corner firmly and release. Listen for a thud or clunk on compression or rebound. Have a technician put the car on a lift and inspect both rear strut bodies for oil seepage. Strut leaks at under 30,000 miles are documented on 2020-2021 XT models.
• Check oil change service records. The FA24DIT should be on 5,000-mile or shorter intervals. A car with documented 8,000-10,000-mile oil change gaps on the turbo is a risk.

Run every VIN through a recall check before making an offer.

Running Costs

CVT fluid interval: Subaru's official recommendation is 100,000 miles. Transmission specialists and forum consensus strongly advise 30,000-50,000 miles for the Lineartronic CVT. A CVT replacement runs $4,000-$11,500 out of warranty depending on parts sourcing. Change the fluid early and often. It's $200 at an independent shop.

Windshield recalibration: Any windshield replacement on a Legacy with EyeSight requires camera recalibration. After the settlement warranty expires, full replacement with calibration runs $700-$1,200.

Annual maintenance comparison: Legacy at $563/year is moderately above the Honda Accord ($400) and Toyota Camry ($388). The gap is explained largely by AWD drivetrain maintenance. In exchange, you get AWD standard where competitors charge $1,800-$3,000 extra at purchase or don't offer it at all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 7th gen Subaru Legacy reliable? It depends significantly on the model year. The 2020 Legacy had 6 NHTSA recalls and 120 complaints in its first year, making it one of the weaker entries in the generation. The 2023-2024 models dropped to 9 and 15 complaints respectively. Buy 2022 or later for a materially better reliability experience. Confirm all recalls are closed on any year.

What year Subaru Legacy should I avoid? The 2020 is the year to approach with caution. Six recalls, 50 windshield complaints, TCV defect on the 2.5L, and first-year infotainment instability across the board. A 2020 with every recall completed and documented TCV service history can still be a solid purchase, but it requires more verification than any other year in this generation.

Is the Legacy XT turbo worth buying used? For buyers who want AWD and real performance in a sedan, yes. The 2.4T pulls hard, the platform handles well for a family sedan, and used XT prices have depreciated meaningfully from original MSRP. It requires strict oil change discipline and the CVT recall must be confirmed complete. A 2022-2023 Limited XT or 2023 Sport is the guide's pick.

How many miles does a Subaru Legacy last? A maintained Legacy regularly reaches 200,000 miles. CVT longevity is the primary variable. Change CVT fluid at 30,000-50,000 mile intervals, not the 100,000-mile interval Subaru recommends. Keep oil changes tight on the turbo. Those two habits are most of the longevity equation.

Does the 7th gen Legacy have a head gasket problem? No. Head gasket failures were a documented issue with Subaru's EJ-series engines from 1996 through 2012. The FB25D in the 7th gen Legacy does not have a head gasket problem. If a mechanic raises this as a concern on a 2020-2025 Legacy, they are applying the wrong diagnosis to the wrong generation.

Bottom Line

The 2023 Legacy is the sweet spot of the final generation. EyeSight 4.0, updated infotainment, and complaint counts that dropped by more than 70% compared to 2020. If budget is the priority, a 2022 Premium or Limited with all recalls closed and TCV service documented gets you 90% of the car for less money. Skip the Touring XT unless you find one with someone else's depreciation already baked in.

This generation ends in 2025. There's no 8th gen. If you want a Legacy, now is when you buy one.

Run every VIN through a recall check. CarScout members can set price-drop alerts on specific Legacy trims and years at usecarscout.com — plans start at $5/week.

Data sourced from the NHTSA complaints database, EPA fuel economy data, and real owner experiences from LegacyGT.com (SubaruLegacy.net), r/subaru, SubaruOutback.org forums, Edmunds owner reviews, KBB consumer reviews, BobIsTheOilGuy, and CarComplaints.com. See the full Subaru Legacy market data for pricing and inventory.