ModerateAffects 2010-2019

    Legacy Rear Wheel Bearing Failure

    Rear bearings howl above 40 mph, often by 80k miles.

    Reviewed by SubaruReview Editorial Team · Last reviewed 2026-05-15 · Editorial standards

    Repair cost
    $350–$700
    DIY difficulty
    3 / 5
    Severity
    Moderate
    Plan a repair soon — drivable but worsening
    Affected
    2010-2019
    Rear wheel hub, Bearing

    This is one of several documented Legacy problems we track, and it fits inside the broader Reliability & Common Problems guide. If you're weighing repair against replacement, cross-check the Subaru repair-cost database and any open NHTSA recalls on your VIN before booking a shop.

    What goes wrong

    Rear bearings howl above 40 mph, often by 80k miles.

    Symptoms to watch for

    • Humming that changes with speed
    • Wobble in rear
    • ABS light

    Root cause

    Sealed bearing wear; water intrusion in rust-belt cars.

    Buy time with these

    • Inspect at every brake job

    Permanent fix

    1. Hub assembly replacement (part 28473AG00B).

    FAQ

    What causes legacy rear wheel bearing failure?

    Sealed bearing wear; water intrusion in rust-belt cars.

    How much does it cost to fix?

    National average $350–$700.

    Is this a DIY repair?

    Difficulty 3/5. Hub assembly replacement (part 28473AG00B).

    What are the symptoms?

    Humming that changes with speed; Wobble in rear; ABS light

    Sources

    • NHTSA
    • Subaru Owner Forums
    People also ask

    How much does it cost to fix Legacy Rear Wheel Bearing Failure?

    Owners typically pay $350–$700 at an independent Subaru shop, parts and labor included. Our Subaru Wheel Bearing Replacement Cost guide breaks the job down by parts, labor hours, and where the money actually goes.

    Can I fix this as a DIY repair?

    We rate it 3/5 on our DIY scale. Confident wrenchers can tackle it in a weekend using the permanent-fix steps above. Cross-reference the reliability & common problems hub for related jobs worth bundling while you're in there.

    Ready to buy or refresh your current build?

    Dig into the Problems Database to plan your next maintenance sprint, or browse every model hub for buyer's guides, generation breakdowns, and known-issue lists.