What are the most common problems with the 2007 Subaru Legacy/Outback?

Air bags lead the complaint list with 58 complaints, followed by the engine and electrical system groups.

Does the 2007 Subaru Legacy/Outback have recalls?

Yes. The count for this year is 9. See the Recalls section on this page for the full list.

Are there fire reports for the 2007 Legacy/Outback?

Owners reported 6 fires across all complaints. 4 of them are in the engine group.

How reliable is the 2007 Subaru Legacy/Outback?

NHTSA has 162 complaints for this year. These are unverified owner reports, so read the problem groups above and check the recall section.

What is the gas mileage of the 2007 Legacy/Outback?

See the fuel economy section on this page.

2007 Subaru Legacy/Outback Problems, Recalls and MPG

NHTSA has 162 owner complaints on file for the 2007 Subaru Legacy/Outback^[1]. Air bags draw the biggest group, with 58 complaints^[2].

162owner complaints^[1]

9recalls^[3]

20–23MPG combined (EPA)^[4]

Problems
Recalls
Fuel economy
Safety
Engine and size
By year
Verdict
FAQ

Most reported problems

Owners filed complaints across several parts of the car. Here are the groups, biggest first.

Air Bags. 58 complaints^[2]. Owners describe crashes where the bags stayed closed, and warning lights that stayed lit while a part failed a check.
Engine. 27 complaints^[5]. In the stories we read, owners describe an oil line that cracked and dripped onto hot parts, which led to small fires under the hood. Others mention fuel spilling back out at the pump and a jerky ride.
Electrical System. 25 complaints^[6]. Owners describe a dash display for the climate and radio controls that blinks out on its own. Some also describe the car surging on hills or slick roads.
Speed Control. 17 complaints^[7]. Owners describe cruise control that let the car pick up speed downhill, a hesitation when pulling away, and a sudden loss of gas pedal response.
Suspension. 16 complaints^[8].
Brakes. 11 complaints^[9].
Power Train. 10 complaints^[10].
Steering. 7 complaints^[11].

Recalls

Newest first. Each recall covers only certain vehicles, so not every 2007 Legacy/Outback is necessarily included.

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module (20V001), January 2020. About 258,813 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: explosion, injury, death. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[12]
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module (20V003), January 2020. About 111,562 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: explosion, injury, death. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[13]
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module (20V002), January 2020. About 127,547 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: explosion, injury, death. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[14]
Electrical System › Ignition › Switch (19V297), April 2019. About 511 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury, an air bag that may not work as intended. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[15]
Electrical System (16V738), October 2016. About 100,127 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: fire. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[16]
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module (15V323), May 2015. About 432,016 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury, death, an air bag that may not work as intended. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[17]
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings (14V311), June 2014. About 461,338 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, reduced braking. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[18]
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings (13V110), March 2013. About 274,402 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, reduced braking. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[19]
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine (08V460), September 2008. About 16,715 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: fire.^[20]

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.

Version	City / highway / combined MPG	Annual fuel cost
Legacy AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[21]	19 / 26 / 22	$3,050
Legacy AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S4), Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[4]	20 / 28 / 23	$2,900
Legacy Wagon AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[22]	19 / 26 / 22	$3,050
Legacy Wagon AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S4), Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[23]	20 / 28 / 23	$2,900
Outback AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S4), Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[24]	20 / 26 / 22	$3,050
Outback AWD, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic (S5), Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[25]	17 / 23 / 20	$4,100
Outback Wagon AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[26]	20 / 26 / 22	$3,050
Outback Wagon AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S4), Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[27]	20 / 26 / 22	$3,050
Outback Wagon AWD, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic (S5), Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[28]	17 / 23 / 20	$4,100
Legacy AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 5-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[29]	18 / 25 / 21	$3,900
Legacy AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[30]	17 / 24 / 20	$4,100
Legacy AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S5), Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[31]	17 / 23 / 20	$4,100
Legacy Wagon AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 5-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[32]	18 / 25 / 21	$3,900
Legacy Wagon AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S5), Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[33]	17 / 23 / 20	$4,100
Outback Wagon AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 5-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[34]	18 / 24 / 21	$3,900
Outback Wagon AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S5), Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[35]	17 / 24 / 20	$4,100

Safety ratings

Version	Overall	Frontal	Side	Rollover	Rollover risk
4-DR W/SAB AWD^[36]	n/a	n/a	n/a	4	10.7%
4-DR WAGON W/SAB AWD^[37]	n/a	n/a	n/a	4	15.9%

NHTSA lists these versions as not rated: 4-DR WAGON W/SAB AWD^[38], 4-DR W/SAB AWD^[39].

Engine and size

These are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, so US models can differ slightly.

Version	Length	Width	Height	Wheelbase	Curb weight
LEGACY 4DR SEDAN 2.5 GT^[40]	187 in	69 in	56 in	105 in	3,428 lb
LEGACY 4DR SEDAN 2.5i^[41]	187 in	69 in	56 in	105 in	3,252 lb
LEGACY 4DR WAGON 2.5 GT^[42]	189 in	69 in	58 in	105 in	3,351 lb
LEGACY 4DR WAGON 2.5i^[43]	189 in	69 in	58 in	105 in	3,351 lb

How 2007 compares with other years

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Legacy/Outback model year. The 2007 is highlighted^[3].

Show the numbers

Model year	Complaints	Recalls
1995	184	2
1996	169	3
1997	218	5
1998	241	4
1999	205	3
2000	301	3
2001	248	7
2002	197	4
2003	153	14
2004	139	10
2005	457	9
2006	364	7
2007	162	9
2008	291	9
2009	171	13
2010	510	18
2011	819	16
2012	384	16
2013	363	12
2014	261	10
2015	670	5
2016	790	4
2017	1,038	4

NHTSA's counts for the Legacy/Outback show 162 complaints and 9 recalls for 2007^[3]. Among the 23 model years listed, 2 have fewer complaints than 2007 and 20 have more^[3]. The fewest complaints are for 2004 (139) and the most are for 2017 (1,038)^[3]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide. The chart above shows every year.

Should you buy a used 2007 Legacy/Outback?

These are unverified reports sent to NHTSA, and they are not scaled by how many cars were sold^[1]. Air bags are the largest group, and the crash stories there are worth reading before you buy^[2]. The engine group includes reports of small fires^[5]. Electrical and speed control complaints are smaller but show up too^[6]^[7]. Check the recall section on this page, since recalls exist for this year^[3].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2007 Subaru Legacy/Outback?: Air bags lead the complaint list with 58 complaints, followed by the engine and electrical system groups^[2]^[5]^[6].
Does the 2007 Subaru Legacy/Outback have recalls?: Yes. The count for this year is 9^[3]. See the Recalls section on this page for the full list.
Are there fire reports for the 2007 Legacy/Outback?: Owners reported 6 fires across all complaints^[1]. 4 of them are in the engine group^[5].
How reliable is the 2007 Subaru Legacy/Outback?: NHTSA has 162 complaints for this year^[1]. These are unverified owner reports, so read the problem groups above and check the recall section.
What is the gas mileage of the 2007 Legacy/Outback?: See the fuel economy section on this page.

Keep exploring

Other model years of the Subaru Legacy/Outback

2006 364 complaints, 7 recalls
2007 this page
2008 291 complaints, 9 recalls
2010 510 complaints, 18 recalls
2011 819 complaints, 16 recalls
2012 384 complaints, 16 recalls
2013 363 complaints, 12 recalls
2014 261 complaints, 10 recalls
2015 670 complaints, 5 recalls
2016 790 complaints, 4 recalls
2017 1,038 complaints, 4 recalls

Compare all model years of the Subaru Legacy/Outback

Other Subaru models from 2007

2007 Subaru Tribeca 30 complaints, 8 recalls

All Subaru models

Similar cars from 2007: compact cars

2007 BMW 3 Series 1,023 complaints, 7 recalls
2007 Lexus GS 106 complaints, 7 recalls
2007 Pontiac G6 1,232 complaints, 4 recalls
2007 Saab 9-3 155 complaints, 2 recalls
2007 Saturn Ion 876 complaints, 5 recalls

All compact cars we cover

Facts and sources

NHTSA has 162 owner complaints on file for the 2007 Subaru Legacy/Outback (10 mention a crash, 6 a fire, 9 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
58 complaints name the air bags component group (6 crashes, 0 fires, 9 injuries, median mileage at failure 96,500). NHTSA vehicle records
Owner complaints and recalls for every Subaru Legacy/Outback model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Legacy AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S4), Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 28 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
27 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 4 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 81,147). NHTSA vehicle records
25 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 94,250). NHTSA vehicle records
17 complaints name the speed control component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 100,000). NHTSA vehicle records
16 complaints name the suspension component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 75,573). NHTSA vehicle records
11 complaints name the brakes component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 176,000). NHTSA vehicle records
10 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 37,932). NHTSA vehicle records
7 complaints name the steering component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 87,500). NHTSA vehicle records
Recall 20V001, filed January 2, 2020: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
Recall 20V003, filed January 2, 2020: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
Recall 20V002, filed January 2, 2020: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
Recall 19V297, filed April 11, 2019: Electrical System › Ignition › Switch. NHTSA recall database
Recall 16V738, filed October 13, 2016: Electrical System. NHTSA recall database
Recall 15V323, filed May 28, 2015: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
Recall 14V311, filed June 10, 2014: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines / Piping, And Fittings. NHTSA recall database
Recall 13V110, filed March 27, 2013: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines / Piping, And Fittings. NHTSA recall database
Recall 08V460, filed September 11, 2008: Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine. NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Legacy AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 26 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Legacy Wagon AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 26 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Legacy Wagon AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S4), Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 28 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Outback AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S4), Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 26 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Outback AWD, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic (S5), Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 23 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Outback Wagon AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 26 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Outback Wagon AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S4), Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 26 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Outback Wagon AWD, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic (S5), Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 23 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Legacy AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 5-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 25 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Legacy AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 24 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Legacy AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S5), Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 23 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Legacy Wagon AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 5-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 25 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Legacy Wagon AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S5), Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 23 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Outback Wagon AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 5-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 24 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Outback Wagon AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S5), Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 24 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4-DR W/SAB AWD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 10.7%. NHTSA vehicle records
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4-DR WAGON W/SAB AWD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 15.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4-DR WAGON W/SAB AWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4-DR W/SAB AWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, LEGACY 4DR SEDAN 2.5 GT: length 187 in, width 69 in, height 56 in, wheelbase 105 in, curb weight 3,428 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, LEGACY 4DR SEDAN 2.5i: length 187 in, width 69 in, height 56 in, wheelbase 105 in, curb weight 3,252 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, LEGACY 4DR WAGON 2.5 GT: length 189 in, width 69 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 105 in, curb weight 3,351 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, LEGACY 4DR WAGON 2.5i: length 189 in, width 69 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 105 in, curb weight 3,351 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

2007 Subaru Legacy/Outback: problems, recalls and fuel economy