What are the most common problems with the 2008 Subaru Legacy/Outback?

The air bags group has the most complaints at 129. Brakes and the electrical system follow.

Does the 2008 Subaru Legacy/Outback have recalls?

Yes. The by-year fact shows the recall count. The Recalls section on this page lists each one.

How is the gas mileage on the 2008 Subaru Legacy/Outback?

See the fuel economy section on this page. It is built from EPA data.

Is the 2008 Subaru Legacy/Outback reliable?

NHTSA has 291 owner complaints for this model year. Read the problems section and the by-year comparison to judge for yourself.

Is 2008 the best year for the Subaru Legacy/Outback?

The by-year comparison section shows how 2008 compares with other years.

2008 Subaru Legacy/Outback Problems, Recalls and MPG

NHTSA has 291 owner complaints on file for the 2008 Subaru Legacy/Outback^[1]. The air bags group is the biggest, with 129 complaints^[2].

291owner complaints^[1]

9recalls^[3]

20–22MPG combined (EPA)^[4]

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

Most reported problems

Here are the complaint groups in the NHTSA file, biggest first.

Air Bags. 129 complaints^[2]. In the stories we read, owners describe a warning light that stays on or comes and goes, and dealer visits that did not settle it. Some link it to a part in the overhead console. One owner describes an air bag that stayed shut in a hard impact.
Brakes. 43 complaints^[5]. Owners describe uneven pad wear, repair bills for work they felt was covered, and a car that kept moving forward while the pedal was pressed.
Electrical System. 43 complaints^[6]. Owners describe wires in the rear hatch that crack or break from opening and closing, climate and radio controls that go blank, and lights that cut out.
Engine. 24 complaints^[7]. Owners describe stalling while driving, surging at steady throttle, and overheating tied to a head gasket repair.
Exterior Lighting. 18 complaints^[8].
Power Train. 18 complaints^[9].
Suspension. 12 complaints^[10].
Speed Control. 11 complaints^[11].

Recalls

Newest first. Each recall covers only certain vehicles, so not every 2008 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 turbo, Manual 5-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[21]	19 / 24 / 21	$3,900
Legacy AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[4]	20 / 27 / 22	$3,050
Legacy AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[22]	17 / 24 / 20	$4,100
Legacy AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S4), Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[23]	20 / 27 / 22	$3,050
Legacy AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S5), Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[24]	18 / 24 / 20	$4,100
Outback Wagon AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 5-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[25]	18 / 24 / 20	$4,100
Outback Wagon AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[26]	19 / 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, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S5), Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[28]	18 / 24 / 20	$4,100
Outback Wagon AWD, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic (S5), Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[29]	17 / 24 / 20	$4,100
Legacy AWD, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic (S5), Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[30]	17 / 24 / 20	$4,100

Safety ratings

Version	Overall	Frontal	Side	Rollover	Rollover risk
4 DR AWD^[31]	n/a	n/a	n/a	4	10.7%
4 DR AWD^[32]	n/a	n/a	n/a	4	15.9%

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 2.5i/TOURING 4DR WAGON AWD^[33]	189 in	69 in	58 in	105 in	3,252 lb
LEGACY 2.5i/TOURING/LIMITED 4DR SEDAN AWD^[34]	185 in	68 in	56 in	105 in	3,247 lb
LEGACY GT 4DR SEDAN AWD^[35]	185 in	68 in	56 in	105 in	3,362 lb
LEGACY GT 4DR WAGON AWD^[36]	188 in	68 in	58 in	105 in	3,428 lb
LEGACY GT SPEC.B 4DR SEDAN AWD^[37]	185 in	68 in	57 in	105 in	3,514 lb

How 2008 compares with other years

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Legacy/Outback model year. The 2008 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 291 complaints and 9 recalls for 2008^[3]. Among the 23 model years listed, 12 have fewer complaints than 2008 and 10 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 2008 Legacy/Outback?

The complaint file for this model is led by air bags^[2], with brakes^[5] and the electrical system^[6] next. Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales^[1]. Recalls exist for this model year, and the Recalls section lists them^[3]. Check that any open recall work has been done before you buy. Read the by-year section to see how this year sits next to its neighbors.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Subaru Legacy/Outback?: The air bags group has the most complaints at 129^[2]. Brakes^[5] and the electrical system^[6] follow.
Does the 2008 Subaru Legacy/Outback have recalls?: Yes. The by-year fact shows the recall count^[3]. The Recalls section on this page lists each one.
How is the gas mileage on the 2008 Subaru Legacy/Outback?: See the fuel economy section on this page. It is built from EPA data.
Is the 2008 Subaru Legacy/Outback reliable?: NHTSA has 291 owner complaints for this model year^[1]. Read the problems section and the by-year comparison to judge for yourself.
Is 2008 the best year for the Subaru Legacy/Outback?: The by-year comparison section shows how 2008 compares with other years^[3].

Keep exploring

Other model years of the Subaru Legacy/Outback

2006 364 complaints, 7 recalls
2008 this page
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 2008

2008 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport 213 complaints, 14 recalls
2008 Subaru Tribeca 30 complaints, 9 recalls

All Subaru models

Similar cars from 2008: compact cars

2008 Lexus GS 45 complaints, 4 recalls
2008 Mazda 3 303 complaints, 2 recalls
2008 Pontiac G6 1,080 complaints, 4 recalls
2008 Saab 9-3 184 complaints, 2 recalls
2008 BMW 3 Series 676 complaints, 7 recalls
2008 Ford Focus 250 complaints, 1 recall

All compact cars we cover

Facts and sources

NHTSA has 291 owner complaints on file for the 2008 Subaru Legacy/Outback (15 mention a crash, 4 a fire, 7 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
129 complaints name the air bags component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 79,817). 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, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 27 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
43 complaints name the brakes component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 138,573). NHTSA vehicle records
43 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 86,700). NHTSA vehicle records
24 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 86,707). NHTSA vehicle records
18 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 55,000). NHTSA vehicle records
18 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 57,523). NHTSA vehicle records
12 complaints name the suspension component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 31,500). NHTSA vehicle records
11 complaints name the speed control component group (5 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 23,903). 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 turbo, Manual 5-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 24 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, Automatic (S4), Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 27 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Legacy AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S5), Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 24 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 / 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: 19 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, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S5), Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 24 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,100. 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 / 24 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Legacy AWD, 3.0L 6-cyl, 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 AWD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 10.7%. NHTSA vehicle records
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR AWD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 15.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, LEGACY 2.5i/TOURING 4DR WAGON AWD: length 189 in, width 69 in, height 58 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 2.5i/TOURING/LIMITED 4DR SEDAN AWD: length 185 in, width 68 in, height 56 in, wheelbase 105 in, curb weight 3,247 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, LEGACY GT 4DR SEDAN AWD: length 185 in, width 68 in, height 56 in, wheelbase 105 in, curb weight 3,362 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, LEGACY GT 4DR WAGON AWD: length 188 in, width 68 in, height 58 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 GT SPEC.B 4DR SEDAN AWD: length 185 in, width 68 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 105 in, curb weight 3,514 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.

2008 Subaru Legacy/Outback: problems, recalls and fuel economy