2011 Subaru Legacy Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 4%of 167 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 2,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2011 Subaru Legacy, 4% of the 167 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 2,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I started vehicle in driveway as usual. Put vehicle in reverse, slowly letting foot off brake, engine began to sputter and sounded like it was about to stall. Braked and put in park to let engine warm for a few more minutes. I proceeded to drive without incident.”
NHTSA complaint #10372910, filed 2010-12, 2,000 miles“On two separate occasions, I put the vehicle into drive and removed my foot from the brake, before accelerating; the car rolled forward in a shuttering manor and then lunged forward several feet (4-6 ft). The rpms seemed to drop (500-700 RPM) and then spike (1,200-1,500 RPM) with no acceleration at time of the incident. I immediately applied the brake and stopped for several seconds. I then took my foot off the brake again and the vehicle seemed to run fine. The engine was not cold at the time on occurrence; it had been driven approx. 30 minutes before the incident.”
NHTSA complaint #10456791, filed 2012-04, 6,000 miles“Feeling unsteady on highway speeds 60+, whistle noise in heater vent not fixed by dealer, volume buttons on steering wheel not working brought in 4 times to dealer to fix, whistle noise in window was told is the mirrors outside however when roll window up and down several times...it hits the top hard, but shuts fully and noise stops sound like window will break, hard start 3x dealer asked where I buy my gas, hood of car vibrates on highway, heat comes out strong on windshield on foot setting, dealer said normal and showed map however its the same as setting it to foot and windshield setting…”
NHTSA complaint #10448112, filed 2012-02, 100 miles“6 speed manual transmission. Vehicle stalls, and rough idles intermittently while at stop light or other traffic control. Vehicle also stalled while on highway twice disabling power steering, and power braking. Brought back to dealer and they were unable to replicate issue. Issue occurred again, brought back to dealer 2nd time same results. 3rd time issue was replicated while I was in vehicle with tech. Technician stated that they will address it. Left over weekend. …”
NHTSA complaint #10453229, filed 2012-03, 13,000 miles“Drumming noise that appears to be coming from the rear-end of the vehicle, can be heard and vibrations felt inside the vehicle, when the engine is on and the vehicle is at rest or moving. Subaru of america factory and dealership service technicians are not certain that the issue is the fuel pump, but soa factory has instructed the dealership to replace it.”
NHTSA complaint #10375587, filed 2011-01Related service bulletins
- 10243369Sep 11, 2023This bulletin announces the availability of a countermeasure torque converter assembly to address a customer concern of very low engine RPM when coming to a stop.
- 10209924Mar 7, 2022This bulletin announces design change to the water pump assembly.
- 10205910Dec 2, 2021This bulletin announces design change to the water pump assembly.
- 10202828Oct 15, 2021This bulletin provides a new flow chart and additional diagnostic tools to assist technicians with troubleshooting DTC P0841- SECONDARY OIL PRESSURE SENSOR PERFORMANCE.
- 10198749Jun 7, 2021This bulletin is to advise of SOAâs revised catalytic converter recycling program shipping procedure.
- 10186364Jan 12, 2021This bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing.
- 10179422Aug 31, 2020This bulletin announces availability of new master cylinder application shaft seals.
- 10179416Aug 26, 2020This service information bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing used on the models listed.
- 10179379Aug 4, 2020This bulletin announces a revised replacement procedure for installation of the front crankshaft oil seal. Includes all 2011MY+ vehicles with FA or FB Engines.
- 10173027Mar 3, 2020The purpose of this bulletin is to provide a description of current changes to Service Manuals available via the Subaru Technical Information System (STIS) web site.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 17% |
| 2021 | 1 | 3% |
| 2016 | 1 | 1% |
| 2015 | 1 | 1% |
| 2013 | 2 | 3% |
| 2011 | 6 | 4% |
| 2010 | 4 | 3% |
| 2009 | 1 | 2% |
| 2007 | 2 | 6% |
| 2006 | 4 | 5% |
| 2005 | 29 | 16% |
| 2004 | 2 | 4% |
| 2003 | 9 | 15% |
| 2002 | 9 | 17% |
| 2001 | 11 | 14% |
| 2000 | 16 | 17% |
| 1999 | 11 | 12% |
| 1998 | 30 | 26% |
| 1997 | 31 | 22% |
| 1996 | 22 | 18% |
| 1995 | 17 | 9% |
| 1994 | 4 | 7% |
| 1993 | 17 | 22% |
| 1992 | 4 | 7% |
| 1991 | 6 | 8% |
| 1990 | 2 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2011 Subaru Legacy
47 complaintsAir bags
25 complaintsEngine
22 complaintsElectrical system
19 complaintsSuspension
19 complaintsBrakes
18 complaintsExterior lighting
18 complaintsOther or unknown
18 complaintsSteering
16 complaintsFuel system
7 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