2013 Subaru Legacy power train problems
12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2013 Subaru Legacy — 18% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Faulty transmission, erratic gear shifting and now it seems the transmission is no longer working, mileage on vehicle is not even 130,000.”
filed Oct 18, 2022
“The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, there was an abnormal noise coming from the transmission. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician informed the contact that the failure was the transmission. The…”
filed Jan 13, 2022
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability.
16-156-25R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 13, 2026This 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% |
| 2012 Legacy | 34 | 38% |
| 2011 Legacy | 47 | 28% |
| 2010 Legacy | 50 | 33% |
| 2009 Legacy | 2 | 3% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2013 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.