2018 Subaru Legacy
Vehicle Specs & Maintenance Data
The 2018 Subaru Legacy maintenance specs on this page cover the key fluids, torque values, and wear items you need for routine service. Use these numbers as a quick reference when performing oil changes, tire rotations, brake jobs, and other scheduled maintenance on your Subaru Legacy.
For oil changes, the 2018 Subaru Legacy takes 0W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil with a capacity of 4.4 quarts. Brake fluid type is DOT 3, the recommended coolant is Super Long Life Coolant (Blue), and transmission fluid is Subaru ATF. Always use the manufacturer-recommended fluids to maintain warranty coverage and engine longevity.
When mounting wheels on the Subaru Legacy, torque the lug nuts to 89 ft-lbs using a calibrated torque wrench. Over- or under-torquing can lead to warped brake rotors or loose wheels. Re-torque after 50 to 100 miles on newly installed wheels.
Owners of the 2018 Subaru Legacy have reported 5 common issues including "Excessive Oil Consumption (FB25 Engine)", "CVT (Lineartronic) Shudder and Hesitation" and "Windshield Cracking Without Impact". Scroll down to the Diagnostics tab for detailed descriptions, solutions, and estimated repair costs.
There are 3 NHTSA safety recalls on file for the 2018 Subaru Legacy. Check the Recalls tab below for full details.
Specifications on this page are compiled from multiple publicly available sources including manufacturer documentation, NHTSA data, and automotive databases. Always cross-reference with your owner's manual or official factory documentation before purchasing parts or performing any service.
The 2018 Subaru Legacy uses 0W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil (4.4 qt capacity), requires lug nuts torqued to 89 ft-lbs, takes DOT 3 brake fluid.
Manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule for the 2018 Subaru Legacy. Always verify intervals against your owner's manual.
Enter a diagnostic trouble code to see causes, symptoms, and fixes for the 2018 Subaru Legacy.
Common problems reported by 2018 Subaru Legacy owners, with recommended fixes and estimated repair costs.
Excessive Oil Consumption (FB25 Engine)
The 2.5L FB25 engine is prone to excessive oil consumption, with some owners using a quart or more every 1,000-2,000 miles. Subaru faced a class-action lawsuit over this issue. The root cause is piston ring design that allows oil to pass into the combustion chamber, and the issue tends to worsen with mileage.
Subaru extended the powertrain warranty to 8 years/100,000 miles for oil consumption issues on certain FB-series engines. The dealer will perform an oil consumption test, and if the vehicle consumes more than one quart per 1,200 miles, Subaru will authorize piston ring replacement or short block replacement at no cost under the warranty extension.
Est. Cost: $0 (warranty extension) / $3,000 - $5,000 if not coveredCVT (Lineartronic) Shudder and Hesitation
The Lineartronic CVT can develop a shuddering sensation during light acceleration, delayed response from a stop, and a general lack of refinement. The transmission may exhibit a hunting behavior where the engine RPM rises and falls as the CVT searches for the correct ratio. Fluid degradation contributes to the issue over time.
Perform a CVT fluid replacement using genuine Subaru CVT fluid at 60,000-mile intervals. A valve body replacement or TCM software update may address shuddering issues. Subaru extended the CVT warranty to 10 years/100,000 miles on certain model years. If complete failure occurs, a new or remanufactured CVT is required.
Est. Cost: $300 - $5,000Windshield Cracking Without Impact
Subaru Legacy and Outback windshields are prone to spontaneous cracking without any visible impact point. Cracks often originate from the edge of the windshield near the base or A-pillar area and spread rapidly. Owners suspect that the windshield mounting or body flex contributes to stress cracking. EyeSight-equipped vehicles require a Subaru dealer to recalibrate the cameras after replacement.
Replace the windshield and have EyeSight cameras recalibrated at a Subaru dealer. Use an OEM or equivalent windshield to ensure proper EyeSight function. Some owners have had success getting Subaru corporate to cover replacement through goodwill claims. Glass insurance coverage that includes calibration costs is recommended.
Est. Cost: $500 - $1,200 (including EyeSight recalibration)Battery Drain and Electrical Issues
The Legacy can experience parasitic battery drain, causing a dead battery after sitting for several days. The issue is often attributed to the infotainment system not fully shutting down, the trunk latch actuator remaining powered, or the security system. Bluetooth and Starlink connected services may also prevent proper sleep mode.
Have the dealer check for applicable software updates for the infotainment system and BCM. Perform a parasitic draw test to identify the offending circuit. TSB 11-192-17R addresses certain battery drain issues with an updated head unit software. A trickle charger or battery maintainer is recommended if the vehicle sits for extended periods.
Est. Cost: $0 - $300Rear Suspension Clunk Over Bumps
A clunking or knocking noise from the rear suspension over bumps and uneven road surfaces is commonly reported. The noise is typically caused by worn rear stabilizer bar end links or rear lateral link bushings. The symmetrical AWD system's rear differential mount can also contribute to rear-end noise.
Inspect and replace worn rear stabilizer bar end links, which are the most common source of rear clunking. Check the rear lateral link bushings and trailing arm bushings for cracking or play. Inspect the rear subframe mounting bushings and differential mount. Replace worn components and torque all fasteners to specification.
Est. Cost: $200 - $6003 NHTSA safety recalls for the 2018 Subaru Legacy. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Legacy, Outback, and BRZ vehicles. In the affected vehicles, a software issue may cause the audio display system to not initialize, resulting in the camera display remaining blank. If this occurs, the rearview image will not display while backing up the vehicle. As a result, the vehicles fail to comply with requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Failure to display the rearview image while backing up increases the risk of crash.
Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will reprogram the audio system display software, free of charge. The recall began on February 5, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTZ-85.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles. Due to a software error, the low fuel warning light may not illuminate at the intended remaining fuel level and the miles-to-empty display may incorrectly indicate a positive number despite the tank being empty.
The inaccurate fuel display may cause a driver to unexpectedly run out of fuel and the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the combination meter software, free of charge. The recall began February 20, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTW-82.
