CarComplaints.com Notes: A relatively dependable vehicle that handles well in bad weather, but increasing concerns about turbo failure in the GT probably means you should look elsewhere if you want a car with a little pep in its step.

1.6

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
107,711 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.

2005 Subaru Legacy brakes problems

brakes problem

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2005 Subaru Legacy Owner Comments

problem #18

Aug 252022

Legacy 4-cyl

  • miles

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

The rear brakes on the above referenced vehicle failed due to environmental corrosion. This is aligned with recall WQK47-2 which was open for the effected vehicle. The vehicle was transported to Suburban Subaru of Vernon CT for recall resolution. The dealership service department was not willing to complete the repair for different reasons. The vehicle was returned to me, with the rear brakes inoperable, but upon review of NHTSA.gov and Subaru's recall lookup, the recall was marked as Completed. The Service Writer communication with me and the provided Service Invoice from Suburban Subaru of Vernon CT clearly state that the recall was not completed. This is in direct conflict with the reporting to Subaru and NHTSA with regards to Recall Compliance. I reached out to Subaru Customer Advocacy for resolution of this documentation compliance but there was no direct path to re-open the recall and rectify the situation.

- Enfield, CT, USA

problem #17

Aug 032022

Legacy

  • miles
Car is a Subaru Legacy GT 2005 Brake lines were corroded and burst and almost caused major accident on highway. Subaru is not taking responsibility of the recall since the car is in Florida now. Originally it was in New Hampshire which was designated as a recall state I called their customer recall line and they refused to repair it. this was part of a 200,000 + recall. Car only has 20,000 miles. Subaru is putting everyone-€™s safety at risk by not taking care of their recalls.

- Coral Springs, FL, USA

problem #16

Jun 292021

Legacy

  • 160,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated while driving 30 mph and approaching a red light, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floor. The brake warning light was illuminated. The contact continued driving to the residence. The contact checked the brake fluid reservoir and noticed that the brake fluid was low. The brake fluid was topped off however, several days later the warning light reappeared. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the brake lines above the gas tank were leaking. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the vehicle was previously repaired in 2014 under NHTSA campaign number: 14V311000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but declined to offer a second free repair. The failure mileage was 160,000.

- Randolph, MA, USA

problem #15

Feb 122021

Legacy

  • 130,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2005 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while driving at low speeds, the brake pedal failed and depressed to the floorboard. The contact continued to drive with the parking brake applied. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called an independent mechanic and was informed about NHTSA campaign number: 14V311000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

problem #14

Jul 302020

Legacy

  • 249,000 miles
Previous recall issue with brakes was never fixed correctly, resulting in a large leak in the rear right side brake line that caused my brakes to almost completely go out. Previous issue, which was supposedly fixed in 2014, was only a stopgap measure that didn't prevent the brake line from completely corroding away.

- Grand Rapids, MI, USA

problem #13

Sep 112019

Legacy

  • 191,000 miles
I was driving my 2005 Subaru Legacy and was approaching a turn. While braking at maybe 30% brake force I felt a slight loss of brake pressure. I knew right away something was very wrong and tried to lightly feel for brake pressure to see if I would be able to emergency stop if necessary. I was able to downshift and knew the roads very well to decrease speed. Once stopped I was able to modulate the brake and look under the car. I observed brake fluid pouring from the underbody tray directly in front of the rear passenger wheel. These brake lines were treated by Subaru as a part of a previous recall approx. 2 years prior with a anti-corrosive rust solution. I'm lead to believe there was a second recall notice regarding the same issue, but whether it was completed by the dealership at that time I don't know for sure. I don't believe it was though. I took my Subaru to the dealership 6 days ago and they have ordered parts to fix the issue, and I'm lead to believe it'll be paid in-full by the dealership. This was a sudden and bad situation, stopping distance was greatly and quickly reduced. I'm certain there are other drivers would not have noticed the issue until much later.

- Greensburg, PA, USA

problem #12

Jul 112019

Legacy 4-cyl

  • miles

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

2005 Subaru Legacy. Consumer writes in regards to brake failure. The consumer stated the brakes failed while driving. The failure was due to corrosion.

- Utica, NY, USA

problem #11

Jan 282019

Legacy

  • 130,000 miles
Dealer (Suburban Subaru vernon, ct) performed brake like recall wqk-47R in September 2014 and "applied anti corrosion wax" in January 2019, the rear brake lines rusted through at the junction box next to the fuel tank which is a known failure location in the recall. This resulted in a fluid leak, I was able to notice the leak before the reservior fully emptied and the brakes would have failed completely. Dealer/Subaru refused to cover under the recall and tried to charge me for looking at the car.

- Manchester, CT, USA

problem #10

Dec 042018

Legacy

  • 121,824 miles
Hydraulic brake failure while driving. Upon brake application, pedal went to floor, had to use parking brake to stop vehicle. Inadequate, ineffective preventive recall done to brake lines as a rust proofing measure was done twice and lines still rusted through and perforated in rear near fuel tank. No evidence of wax sealant application present on areas of brake lines specified in recall. Dealership is refusing to perform recall repair procedure for brake line replacement. Manufacture customer relations representative contacted

- Hanover, MD, USA

problem #9

May 132005

Legacy

  • 56,000 miles
Takata recall, was talking to dealership, but lights still indicate airbag, cruz control, check engine light came on.was taken to dealership for repair and reset.but I don't think it was done. Other recalls on break line coating's not done, I lost break lines while driving, at three different times.Subaru issued a second recall, with explicit attention to the area where the line connects to the break for rust.the dealer was to to replace any break lines showing damage in this area.this recall was taken in and again was not replaced. They coated maybe on top of the rust. I had the remaining break line replace asa percausetion measure, all cost to me.seat belt not retracting, when released.,this was replaced twice.it still does it and the webbing I cought up in the door closesing. The rug hook drives side replace three times warning lights still on, for cruzcontrol, does not functioning. I used it maybe 3 time's since L bought the car new.went through the first set of tires, cubbing do to warped rodtors in not even 700 miles.still doesn't stay in alinement.eats tires,4sets by 67'00 miles.dash electric, cd, heat radio, security system defo all one computer panel, would wear battery dead over night. I had to plug it in to slow chargerthat shut down went battery was charged.untill a correct replacement, unit could be found.took awhile, very limited Legacy wagon. I have a brief case af picture S and work orders in plastic sleeves.when time for warranty was up, I had less then 20'000 miles on the car.Subaru corporate, paid some of the serious fuel issue it had. I have not had a collision what does vehicle. I T has been maintainedregularl a peice of rubber trim was coming of the day L brought it home, I photoed this, it's first picture in my book.the dealership tryed glueing it on.it never stayed on. I should have been replaced as metal clip's in trimrustnowonfender.

- Long Pond, PA, USA

problem #8

Jul 212018

Legacy

  • 199,475 miles

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

Wqk-47 brake line corrosion recall work was done to "rustproof" the line only 3 years ago. The line is currently rusted through in the back above the fuel tank after stopping at a light on 7/21/18. Search online shows the same issues reported by other drivers. Lines need to be replaced and recall of rustproofing does not hold.

- Madison, WI, USA

problem #7

Oct 152017

Legacy

  • 139,000 miles
Excessive rear brake line rust even after NHTSA recall #14V311 (Subaru recall id wqk-47). The cleaning and and wax spray didn't stop the brake lines from deteriorating more and will soon fail.

- Harrisonburg, VA, USA

problem #6

Dec 082016

Legacy

  • 129,500 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Subaru Legacy. While operating the vehicle, the brake sensor suddenly illuminated. Moments later, the bakes failed and the brake pedal extended to the floor. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the brake lines positioned above the fuel tank were corroded and caused the brake fluid to leak out. The contact was informed by the dealer that the vehicle was previously serviced per NHTSA campaign number: 04V274000 (service brakes). The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 129,500.

- Amhurst, MA, USA

problem #5

Jul 062016

Legacy

  • 58,000 miles
There was a recall issued for my car for brake lines that would rust if they were not protected. I went to a dealer to have the recall performed and 6 months later the brake like had already busted. The lines were never inspected!! the recall info is 13V-110 the car was moving and I was coming to a stop when the brakes gave out on me!

- Horseheads, NY, USA

problem #4

Dec 262014

Legacy

  • 169,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to be serviced under NHTSA campaign id number: 14V311000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The technician informed that prior to the recall repair the the rear suspension, the rear passenger spring, both rear lateral links, and the rear suspension subframe needed to be repaired due to corrosion and build up. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 169,000.

- Orrington , ME, USA

problem #3

Aug 032009

Legacy 4-cyl

  • miles
When having new tires placed on the car there was so much corrosion on the wheels and brake housing the service person had to break off the chunks of rust to get the tires off. This happens every time the tires are changed. They advise each time that this not known to happen on a newer car. At the time that this was found there was a recall for cars in other states for this problem but when I called Subaru about this I was told that the recall did not extend to our state. The mechanic I take my car to said it is just a matter of time until the wheels will fall off due to failure from the corrosion.

- Cle Elum, WA, USA

problem #2

May 012013

Legacy 4-cyl

  • 96,002 miles
My car door power door locks stopped working, rear wiper stopped working, rear brake lights and running lights stopped working, also radio stopped working. Upon investigation I found that the wiring harness on both sides of my rear lift gate had torn and shorted out. This is a dangerous shortcoming on this car, the wires are so short and placed under constant tension that they rip themselves apart.

- San Francisco, CA, USA

problem #1

Apr 042013

Legacy

  • 110,000 miles
The rear hatch of my Subaru Legacy wagon - the electrical wires supplying the rear brakes, hatch lock, and rear window wiper are being cut by the hatch opening and closing. Loss of rear brake lights, rear wiper function, and rear hatch locking mechanism all effected by the poor routing of these electrical wires through an accordion style boot. Very dangerous issue with regard to multiple safety concerns.

- Latrobe, PA, USA

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