2005 Subaru Legacy power train problems
13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2005 Subaru Legacy — 7% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The turbocharger simply went at about 132000 miles. From what I read online regarding the failed legacy turbo,the turbo could have been saved if the union ( banjo) bolt with filter was changed. Subaru does not notify the consumer regarding this potential problem; that is irresponsible. It cost me…”
filed Nov 30, 2014
“Boots crack and you must replace entire drive shaft. Left front drive shaft was just replaced @85,000 miles as the boot cracked on the other side as well. Think this is a design flaw as drive shaft sits over the top of the catalytic converter with no shield to block the heat. *tr”
filed Nov 22, 2014
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
This announcement provides information on the remanufactured CVT transmission program.
SubaruNet Announcement (R · Other · issued May 4, 2026This bulletin announces the service manual correction regarding clutch master cylinder reservoir service procedures.
03-97-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 24, 2026
Power Train problems in other Legacy years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 Legacy | 2 | 6% |
| 2020 Legacy | 7 | 6% |
| 2019 Legacy | 1 | 1% |
| 2018 Legacy | 1 | 1% |
| 2017 Legacy | 4 | 3% |
| 2016 Legacy | 13 | 9% |
| 2015 Legacy | 15 | 9% |
| 2014 Legacy | 6 | 11% |
| 2013 Legacy | 12 | 18% |
| 2012 Legacy | 34 | 38% |
| 2011 Legacy | 47 | 28% |
| 2010 Legacy | 50 | 33% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2005 Subaru Legacy
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.