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Subaru · Known Issues

2020 Subaru Legacy Problems: 1 Known Issue

2020 model year · 1,100+ owner reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's analysis of 1,100+ owner reports, the 2020 Subaru Legacy has 1 documented issue, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is CVT Transmission Failure ($200-$8,000 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.

In This Article

  • Legacy Transmission1
  • Recalls14
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Transmission1
  • Recalls14
  • FAQ

All 1 Known Issue

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Community reported
1,100 owners

On the 2010-2020 Subaru Legacy, the 2010+ Legacy uses the Lineartronic CVT (TR690 for 2.5L, TR580 for 2.5i base) which has widespread reports of premature failure, typically between 80,000-140,000 miles. Failures include chain stretch, torque converter shudder, valve body malfunction, and complete transmission failure. The 2010-2014 models are most affected. Subaru extended CVT warranty coverage to 10 years/100,000 miles. Symptoms often start with subtle judder during light acceleration and progress to complete loss of drive.

This issue also affects: Subaru Ascent, Subaru Crosstrek, Subaru Forester

Common Symptoms

  • Shudder during light throttle acceleration
  • Delayed engagement when shifting from Park
  • Loud whining from transmission area
  • Loss of power under acceleration
  • Transmission overheating warning
  • Complete loss of forward or reverse gear

How to Fix

Perform CVT fluid exchange with Subaru Lineartronic CVT Fluid II. Apply latest TCM software calibration at dealer. For torque converter shudder, converter replacement ($1,500-2,500) is often sufficient. Full CVT replacement with Subaru remanufactured unit for complete failures. Check 10-year/100,000-mile warranty extension eligibility first.

Typical repair cost:$200 - $8,000

Research This Issue

Based on 1,100 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High Confidence1,100 owner reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026
NHTSA Recalls14 recalls

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.

Campaign #21V95500009/12/2021

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with "high" grade and "mid" grade multimedia navigation. The August 2020 over-the-air software update may have timed out without completing the installation, corrupting the data, and causing the rearview display to shutoff intermittently. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Campaign #20V76600010/12/2020

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

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.

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Other Subaru Models

Subaru Forester46Subaru Outback40Subaru WRX31Subaru Ascent25Subaru Solterra24Subaru Crosstrek23

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 1 documented issue. The documented issue is: CVT Transmission Failure. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Subaru Legacy reliable?

The 2020 Subaru Legacy has 1 known issue documented across 1,100+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: CVT Transmission Failure. 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 for 2.5L, TR580 for 2.5i base) which has widespread reports of premature failure, typically between 80,000-140,000 miles. Failures include chain stretch, torque converter shudder, valve body malfunction, and complete transmission… Repairs typically run $200-$8,000. Severity: high.

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.

Data sourced from 1,100+ owner reports, NHTSA recalls, TSBs, and automotive forums.

Campaign #21V58700029/07/2021

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020 Outback and Legacy vehicles. The brake pedal mounting bracket may have a missing or insufficiently tightened bolt.

Campaign #19V66400018/09/2019

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.

Campaign #22V48500008/07/2022

+ 9 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.