Subaru Legacy

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 28 model years from 9,993 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

79%

Total Tests

9,993

Highest Pass Rate

2016 (87%)

Years Covered

About the Subaru Legacy

The Subaru Legacy was MOT tested 9,993 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 28 model years (1993 to 2021), with an average pass rate of 79%. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. Our records list petrol and diesel versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2016 model has the highest pass rate at 87% from 135 tests. The 2004 model has the lowest at 70%. With a 17 point gap, the year you choose makes a real difference. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Newer Subaru Legacys pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 5 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (1993) averages 121,750 miles, while the newest (2021) averages 93,450 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.

Compared to the Subaru brand average of 83%, the Legacy is 4 points lower, placing it among the less reliable Subaru models.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2000cc)

£1,631

Road Tax

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,236

Per month£186/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2021 details

How reliable is the Subaru Legacy?

vs average of all models-3% (82% avg)

vs Subaru brand average-4% (83% avg)

Best to worst year spread17 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

Subaru Legacy by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	89%	44	93,450 mi
2020	81%	81	90,552 mi
2019	83%	105	101,880 mi
2018	87%	100	88,848 mi
2017	79%	111	109,813 mi
2016	87%	135	108,084 mi
2015	80%	50	119,462 mi
2014	82%	39	88,141 mi
2013	79%	357	95,003 mi
2012	77%	484	96,544 mi
2011	79%	814	104,678 mi
2010	75%	806	107,868 mi
2009	75%	715	109,288 mi
2008	73%	687	117,973 mi
2007	79%	803	113,943 mi
2006	75%	1,166	117,220 mi
2005	74%	1,035	120,853 mi
2004	70%	909	126,843 mi
2003	75%	403	112,036 mi
2002	76%	205	107,114 mi
2001	78%	268	110,058 mi
2000	71%	190	102,120 mi
1999	78%	188	114,342 mi
1998	71%	114	113,061 mi
1997	69%	75	99,120 mi
1996	84%	38	95,520 mi
1994	84%	38	131,142 mi
1993	94%	33	121,750 mi

Questions about the Subaru Legacy

Is the Subaru Legacy reliable?

Across its 28 model years in our data (1993 to 2021), the Subaru Legacy averages a 79% MOT pass rate, from 9,993 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 3 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2016 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 87%.

Which year Subaru Legacy has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2016 Subaru Legacy has the highest MOT pass rate at 87%, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 70%, a 17 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.