2011 Subaru Legacy Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 11%of 167 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the electrical system of the 2011 Subaru Legacy, 11% of the 167 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Was warned by other drivers that my tail lights were out several times. Clock and saved radio stations went out and now brought the car in for yearly inspection and major oil leak from gasket. 16,000 miles on this car. Never have I had so many problems.”
NHTSA complaint #11399636, filed 2021-03, 16,000 miles“Radio controls on left side of steering wheel stop functioning intermittently. Has happened on 2 occasions in the 2 1/2 months I have owned the vehicle. The symptoms are similar to those reported with the steering column electrical roll connection recall (Subaru recall wvr-28), however, that recall was for 2010 my vehicles and I have a 2011 my vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10411966, filed 2011-07, 2,911 miles“The engine turning off unexpectedly when I am driving. Especially when I go to slow down. This has been an issue since I bought the vehicle. From day one.”
NHTSA complaint #11269096, filed 2019-10, 120,000 miles“The front headlights have gone out 4 times in the 4 years since we bought the car new. Unusual. The fuse to the seat warmers has gone out, replaced and went out again. Dealer says replace heater module for $440.+. Sound like electrical issue to us. Also lost audio on steering wheel. Dealer confirmed need to replace audio switch $300.+ again, sounds like a problem with the electrical system. So far the only safety issue has been the front headlights, but I worry about something more serious as other posters have mentioned.”
NHTSA complaint #10863427, filed 2016-05, 83,000 miles“I have a 2011 Subaru Legacy le 3.6r, and the headlights keep burning out. I work an hour away from my home and had to drive most of the way without headlamps because the 2nd one blew on the way home. With only high beams and daytime runner lamps, it was very dangerous and scary. I've only had the car for 2 years and have had to replace the headlamps twice already. In researching the problem, it appears that the headlamps draw too much power from the wiring/electronic board that eventually overheats the headlamps causing them to burn out. …”
NHTSA complaint #10655144, filed 2014-11, 50,000 milesRelated recalls
- 19V297000Apr 11, 2019Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy…Covers: Subaru Legacy 2005–2014, Outback 2005–2014, WRX 2008–2014 +3 more
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Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 | 29% |
| 2023 | 1 | 10% |
| 2022 | 3 | 9% |
| 2021 | 5 | 16% |
| 2020 | 15 | 12% |
| 2019 | 35 | 28% |
| 2018 | 40 | 34% |
| 2017 | 30 | 25% |
| 2016 | 51 | 35% |
| 2015 | 37 | 23% |
| 2014 | 11 | 21% |
| 2013 | 6 | 9% |
| 2012 | 4 | 4% |
| 2011 | 19 | 11% |
| 2010 | 12 | 8% |
| 2009 | 4 | 6% |
| 2008 | 9 | 14% |
| 2007 | 5 | 15% |
| 2006 | 17 | 20% |
| 2005 | 25 | 14% |
| 2004 | 1 | 2% |
| 2003 | 2 | 3% |
| 2002 | 2 | 4% |
| 2001 | 1 | 1% |
| 2000 | 6 | 6% |
| 1999 | 2 | 2% |
| 1998 | 9 | 8% |
| 1997 | 17 | 12% |
| 1996 | 21 | 17% |
| 1995 | 20 | 11% |
| 1994 | 1 | 2% |
| 1993 | 3 | 4% |
| 1992 | 3 | 5% |
| 1991 | 3 | 4% |
| 1990 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2011 Subaru Legacy
47 complaintsAir bags
25 complaintsEngine
22 complaintsSuspension
19 complaintsBrakes
18 complaintsExterior lighting
18 complaintsOther or unknown
18 complaintsSteering
16 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 Subaru Legacy
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology