Subaru Legacy vs Toyota Corolla
For 2005–2022 models, the Toyota Corolla has 14.6 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 18.1 for the Subaru Legacy. Below: what each one’s owners report most, when it shows up, and what it costs to fix.
Both rates cover the same model years (2005–2022), counting each complaint once and dividing by US sales, so the more popular vehicle isn’t penalized for being popular. Years too new to judge are left out. How this is calculated.
Subaru Legacy
18.1 complaints per 10,000 sold
1.2× the Toyota Corolla’s rate
- Complaints
- 1,716
- Sold
- 945,560
- Recall campaigns
- 49
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 2
Most complaints: 2010–2011 and 2019–2020. Fewest: 2006–2009. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 60,000 mi
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 19,410 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 55,000 mi
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 74,000 mi
-
Water leaks and seals
Typically around 15,000 mi
Toyota Corolla
14.6 complaints per 10,000 sold
19% fewer than the Subaru Legacy
- Complaints
- 8,110
- Sold
- 5,545,909
- Recall campaigns
- 34
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 2
Most complaints: 2005 and 2009–2011. Fewest: 2015, 2017–2018 and 2022. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 69,000 mi
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 28,394 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 54,650 mi
-
Master cylinder and booster
Typically around 20,000 mi
-
Electric power steering motor and module
Typically around 1,700 mi · repair $750–$2,230
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Subaru Legacy or the Toyota Corolla?
For 2005–2022 models, the Toyota Corolla has 14.6 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Subaru Legacy has 18.1, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Subaru Legacy?
The most-reported problem on the Subaru Legacy is airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically around 60,000 miles.
What is the most common problem on the Toyota Corolla?
The most-reported problem on the Toyota Corolla is airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically around 69,000 miles.
Which Subaru Legacy and Toyota Corolla years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Subaru Legacy: 2010–2011 and 2019–2020; Toyota Corolla: 2005 and 2009–2011.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, recalls and investigations; US sales from public industry figures; repair costs from book labor hours and parts pricing at national rates. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. Problem lists cover each vehicle’s full history. This is not a recommendation to buy or avoid either vehicle.