2018 Subaru Legacy maintenance schedule

The 2018 Legacy is part of the BN/BS generation (2015-2019), sold as a sedan. Below: its service intervals with the source behind each one, the fluids it takes, and the NHTSA recalls issued for it.

Service schedule

What the 2018 Legacy needs, and when

5 of these 9 items come from Subaru's own published schedule. Manufacturer rows link to Subaru's own schedule, Independent rows to a service shop or parts retailer's published guide.

ServiceIntervalSource
Engine oil and filter6,000 mi / 6 monthsManufacturer
Engine air filter30,000 mi / 30 monthsIndependent
Cabin air filter15,000 mi / 15 monthsIndependent
Brake fluid30,000 mi / 30 monthsManufacturer
Engine coolant137,500 mi / 11 yearsManufacturer
Transmission fluidInspect, replace as neededManufacturer
Spark plugs60,000 mi / 5 yearsManufacturer
Serpentine belt

Inspect drive belt

Inspect, replace as neededIndependent
12V battery

Inspect for parasitic drain.

Inspect, replace as neededIndependent

Intervals are for normal driving; towing, short trips, extreme heat or dust shorten them. Services we could not find an interval for are left off rather than guessed.

Fluids and engines

What goes in it

Powertrains in this generation

  • CVT, AWD

Confirm the exact spec against the owner's manual or the label under the hood; capacities vary by engine and drivetrain.

Safety recalls

3 NHTSA recalls for the 2018 Subaru Legacy

From NHTSA's recall database, matched by model and year. Recall repairs are free at Subaru dealers, and a given car may already be fixed or fall outside a campaign, so check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before you buy.

Fuel system, gasoline

NHTSA 21V587000

July 2021

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.

Remedy: 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

NHTSA 18V935000

December 2018

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."

Remedy: 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

NHTSA 18V773000

November 2018

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.

Remedy: 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.

Running costs

What maintenance typically costs

A typical year of maintenance
$521

Typical US independent-shop estimates for this generation; they vary by region and condition.

Other Legacy model years

BW/BT (2020-2026)

BN/BS (2015-2019)

BM/BR (2014-2014)

Shopping new? The Subaru Legacy guide covers the current model, with what it costs to keep for 1 to 15 years.

Sources

Researched 2026-09-21. Modeling, not mechanic advice - always confirm against your car's owner's manual and service records.

Running a Legacy for income?

Carlyle scores the exact listing on cost per remaining mile and projected Turo income, so you know what a 2018 Legacy earns before you buy it.

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