AI-generated · grounded in NHTSA data
Reliability & 5-year cost of ownership — 2013 Subaru Legacy
Overall rating NHTSA-grounded
Average
Estimated 5-year repair + maintenance cost: $4,500–$7,500
The 2013 Subaru Legacy has an average reliability rating. While airbag inflator recalls and certain electrical issues raise concerns, they are addressed by recalls. The vehicle is largely reliable, but prospective owners should mind the scheduled maintenance tasks to mitigate potential problems.
Most-common failures
| Part | Typical mileage | Cost range | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag inflator | Not mileage dependent | $0–$0 | very common |
| Ignition switch | 50,000–70,000 miles | $100–$250 | common |
| Parking brake | 70,000–90,000 miles | $200–$400 | common |
| Windshield wiper motor | 60,000–80,000 miles | $150–$300 | occasional |
| Steering column | 60,000–80,000 miles | $400–$800 | occasional |
Scheduled maintenance to budget
Routine items every owner should plan for.
- Oil changes every 5,000 miles
- Brake pad inspection annually
- Coolant flush every 30,000 miles
- Transmission fluid change every 60,000 miles
- Replace serpentine belt every 80,000 miles
- Battery check annually
Warning signs to watch for
Symptoms that signal a major upcoming repair.
- Unresponsive airbag indicator
- Electronic parking brake failure
- Misaligned steering column
- Intermittent ignition failure
- Erratic windshield wiper operation
Generated by gpt-4o on 6/7/2026. Cost ranges are conservative estimates that account for typical regional variation.