2020 Subaru Legacy Problems: 3 Known Issues
2020 model year · 1,100+ owner reports · Updated November 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 1,100+ owner reports, the 2020 Subaru Legacy has 3 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are CVT Transmission Failure ($200-$8,000 repair) and Thermo Control Valve Failure Causing Check Engine Light, Poor Heater Performance, and Possible Overheating ($1,200-$2,200 repair). The most commonly reported issue is CVT Transmission Failure with 1,100 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $200 to $8,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 3 Known Issues
When Issues Typically Appear
NHTSA Recalls8 recalls
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH
Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Outback and Legacy vehicles. A capacitor in the sensors for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may crack and short circuit, which can prevent the front passenger air bag from deploying in a crash.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Outback, Legacy, Ascent, and Impreza vehicles. The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, resulting in the disconnection of the front end of the driveshaft.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Outback and Legacy vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Subaru Legacy problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 1,100+ owner reports, the 2020 Subaru Legacy has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: CVT Transmission Failure, Thermo Control Valve Failure Causing Check Engine Light, Poor Heater Performance, and Possible Overheating, Windshield Cracking Easily and Eyesight Camera Recalibration After Glass Replacement. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Subaru Legacy reliable?
The 2020 Subaru Legacy has 3 known issues documented across 1,100+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: CVT Transmission Failure and Thermo Control Valve Failure Causing Check Engine Light, Poor Heater Performance, and Possible Overheating. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Subaru Legacy problems?
Repair costs for known Subaru Legacy issues range from $200 to $8,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, CVT Transmission Failure, typically costs $200-$8,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2010-2020 Subaru Legacy CVT Transmission Failure?
The 2010+ Legacy uses the Lineartronic CVT (TR690 behind the 2010-2012 EJ253 2.5L, TR580 behind the 2013+ FB25 2.5L) which has widespread reports of premature failure, typically between 80,000-140,000 miles. Failures include chain stretch, torque converter shudder, valve body mal… Repairs typically run $200-$8,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2020-2022 Subaru Legacy Thermo Control Valve Failure Causing Check Engine Light, Poor Heater Performance, and Possible Overheating?
Multiple owners of 7th-generation Legacy models have reported failure of the electronically controlled thermo control valve used in the FB25 cooling system. When the valve sticks or its internal position sensor fails, the car may illuminate the check engine light, lose cabin heat… Repairs typically run $1,200-$2,200. Severity: high.
What is the 2020-2024 Subaru Legacy Windshield Cracking Easily and Eyesight Camera Recalibration After Glass Replacement?
Owners of 2020-2024 Legacy models frequently report windshields that crack from small stone impacts or develop long cracks quickly, often near the camera area. Because the windshield is integrated with the EyeSight driver-assistance system, replacement is more expensive than conv… Repairs typically run $900-$1,800. Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.