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Subaru Legacy

EPA MPG: 30 mpg

RECALL ALERT:
There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability

Overall Reliability

The 2021 Legacy is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.

The 2021 Subaru Legacy has been recalled 3 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2021 Subaru Legacy owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

What Owners Say

Display screen freezes up

""Used alcohol wipe on screen to clean it and I think that is what killed it, had to replace it""

Anonymous, MD (2021 Subaru Legacy Unsure Unsure)
Display screen goes blank

"You would be driving down the road and it would just go blank. The radio would stop and in about 5 minutes it would come back."

Anonymous, KY (2021 Subaru Legacy XT 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
In-dash navigation system (GPS)

"This is part of the problem with the speakers in the integrated Info-Entertainment system."

Anonymous A., NJ (2021 Subaru Legacy Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Other in-car electronics problem

"Low wiper fluid wont turn off even when full, dealer wants to charge $400 to replace cencer."

Anonymous A., NV (2021 Subaru Legacy Touring 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Speakers

"When listening to music at a low volume (6) the GPS makes an announcement at the highest volume (30?) which startles the driver while driving. This has happened twice and not sure any of the software have permanently fixed the problem. This is our second Subaru Legacy in which the Info-Entertainment system is buggy. In the past it was the backup camera staying on after putting it in drive and driving for a mile."

Anonymous A., NJ (2021 Subaru Legacy Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Loose exterior trim or moldings

""Loose exterior trim around driver side, rear window problem was resolved last year""

Anonymous, IL (2021 Subaru Legacy Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
Loose interior trim or moldings

"Power seat buttons on driver seat fell off"

Anonymous A., DE (2021 Subaru Legacy Touring 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

What Owners Say

Torque converter

"Trans failed need new trans"

Anonymous, IL (2021 Subaru Legacy Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

What Owners Say

Premature brake wear

"The automatic braking system began to be over-reactive because the eyesight system lost calibration. This caused excessive brake pad wear, from frequent automatic braking, and for the eyesight system to be recalibrated. All of this came after a dealership-installed windshield replacement."

Anonymous, CA (2021 Subaru Legacy Base 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

What Owners Say

Head gasket

"Oil was leakong. had to replace a gasket. don't know if it was an engine or transmition problem."

Anonymous, NJ (2021 Subaru Legacy Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

What Owners Say

Other body problem

"Auto accidents required body work. (There were no personal injuries and the auto could be driven after the accidents)"

Anonymous, MI (2021 Subaru Legacy XT 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

What Owners Say

Heated or cooled seats

"The drivers seat cooling fan had to be replaced."

Anonymous, OH (2021 Subaru Legacy XT 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

"Tire sensors needed replacement"

Anonymous A., NY (2021 Subaru Legacy Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

What Owners Say

12V battery

""Battery was bad, dealer charged me over $600 to replace it saying there were parts and installation involved.""

Anonymous A., DE (2021 Subaru Legacy Touring 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

What Owners Say

Oil leaks

""Oil pan gasket was replaced at 54500 miles - oil leak was found at 54000 mile service. 3 days without the car and no courtesy car was available at Tucson, AZ Subaru dealership.""

Anonymous, AZ (2021 Subaru Legacy XT 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

Suspension/Steering

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

Noises/Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

2021 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Subaru vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

Reliability History
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Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Suspension/Steering
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
AIR BAGS
Mar 22, 2024
An air bag that does not deploy during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Summary:
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Outback and Legacy vehicles. A capacitor in the sensors for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may crack and short circuit, which can prevent the front passenger air bag from deploying in a crash.
What should you do:
Dealers will replace the ODS sensors on the front passenger seat, free of charge. Owner notifications were mailed February 3, 2025. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRA-24.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 24V227000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 118723
POWER TRAIN
Nov 09, 2023
An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
Summary:
Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.
What should you do:
Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 23V755000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 95830
POWER TRAIN
Jul 08, 2022
An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Summary:
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Outback and Legacy vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.
What should you do:
Dealers will reprogram the TCU, inspect TCU data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide. If evidence of chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 24, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRK-22. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 21V-955.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 22V485000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 182
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