10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
51,625 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2008 Subaru Legacy drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2008 Subaru Legacy:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2008 Subaru Legacy Owner Comments

problem #4

Jun 082021

Legacy

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The CV axle on the passenger side caught on fire. It was the rubber boot on the inner side over the catalytic converter. There were no warnings other than the smell of smoke. Fortunately, I caught it early and put out the fire with a fire extinguisher. I had been driving 25 to 40 MPH on city streets for about 5 miles before the incident.

- Farmington, UT, USA

problem #3

May 312018

Legacy

  • 95,000 miles
All of my dash lights are on (stationary & in motion) cruise control lights blinks consistently (stationary & in motion), my car cruise control also feels like it goes on and off constantly (in motion), and my cruise controls on my steering do not work (stationary & in motion). Also my radio is consistently going on/off, changing stations, volume controls go in/out (stationary & in motion). Also my review mirror displays the wrong direction on the compass, and the auto dim and compass feature it's self goes on/off consistently (stationary & in motion). Under the hood will smoke after I've driven at highway speeds, or gone up steep hills.I read online where other people are having these issues with their Subaru Legacy's and outbacks as well. Note: These issues happen consistently without regard to the type of road on with the exception of under the hood smoking. That only happens as described above.

- Nitro, WV, USA

problem #2

Dec 222015

Legacy

  • 111,500 miles
The oil cooler disintegrated during a trip without any warning, no lights or anything. According to the mechanic who did the repairs, when it disintegrated, it destroyed the transmission. The car slowed down, but continued to crawl along at about 20 mph, so that we could reach help. This resulted in a $3800 repair, stranding us 1,000 miles from home and resulting in several weeks of missed work.

- Union Springs, NY, USA

problem #1

Oct 072011

Legacy 4-cyl

  • miles
This problem has been occurring for a long time now. I am finally reporting this after giving up on Subaru and its service network. Car exhibits surge and dip in acceleration at constant throttle, especially at lower speeds. Taking foot off throttle also causes surge when gently applying the brakes; this happens when the transmission downshifts to a lower gear. Also, the change from 2nd-3rd gear is very abrupt; the engine rpms rise by 200 in between shifts and then slams into 3rd gear. It happens every time. Dealer either says that it cannot be reproduced, or that it is normal. Another problem with the car is that it almost stalls when starting off from standstill and in intelligent mode. These problems are not acceptable from a car that is certified pre-owned. This might be my first and last Subaru.

- San Jose, CA, USA

Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...

Not what you are looking for?