Subaru Legacy: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 2,852 Subaru Legacy cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 1990 and 2019.
In a sample of 400 cars, 53.5% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, about as often as average (51.5% across all models).
The most common defect is number plate light not working (properly) / missing (15.8% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 10 recalls for this model; 14.4% of registered cars still have an open recall.
2.3% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific Subaru Legacy
Free: APK expiry, insurance, open recall and odometer verdict. The full report adds every APK inspection with its defects.
Most common APK defects
| Defect | Cars |
|---|---|
| Number plate light not working (properly) / missing | 15.8% |
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 14.8% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 12% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 8.3% |
| Wheel bearing wear/damage audible or noticeable | 7% |
| Position light not working (properly) | 5.3% |
| Rear light not working (properly) | 3.5% |
| Tyre damaged | 3.5% |
| Exhaust not gas-tight / exhaust gases discharged unsafely | 3.3% |
| Tyre pressure monitoring warning indicates a fault | 2.3% |
Share of 400 sampled cars (first registered 2012–2021) with this defect at an APK inspection since 2024. RDW Open Data: Geconstateerde Gebreken.
Common advisories
| Tyre(s) with tread depth of 1.6 to 2.5 mm | 7% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 5.3% |
| Steering or kingpin ball joint wear up to 1.0 mm | 2% |
| Shock absorber leaking | 0.3% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 2,852 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 14.4% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 2.3% |
| Used as a taxi | 0% |
| First registered | 1990 to 2019 |
All Subaru Legacy passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-11-21 | brakes | serious | 2,050 |
| 2019-07-03 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | serious | 1,845 |
| 2019-05-14 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | serious | 1,192 |
| 2019-04-29 | brakes | – | 1,069 |
| 2018-03-07 | electrical system | – | 254 |
| 2018-03-05 | windows and wipers | – | 799 |
| 2018-03-05 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 1,606 |
| 2017-07-05 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 1,023 |
| 2017-04-26 | electrical system | – | 874 |
| 2014-09-02 | brakes | – | 4,500 |
Recalls registered with the RDW for this model; not every recall applies to every car. Check a plate to see if one is open.
Questions
How often does the Subaru Legacy fail the APK?
In a sample of 400 cars first registered 2012–2021, 53.5% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the Subaru Legacy?
The most common APK defects are: number plate light not working (properly) / missing (15.8%), tyre pressure incorrect (14.8%), wipers give insufficient visibility (12%).
Does the Subaru Legacy have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 10 recalls. 14.4% of registered cars still have an open recall. Check a specific car by licence plate on factline.dev/vehicle.
Other Subaru models
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.