2011 Subaru Legacy Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 22about this part
- Share
- 13%of 167 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 114,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 22 complaints about the engine of the 2011 Subaru Legacy, 13% of the 167 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 114,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
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“My car hesitates and turns off sometimes when slowing down at a stop or red light, rpms fluctuate as I brake or accelerate, my brake light is on solid and I get a at oil temp light flashing and then I can't use my paddleshifters at all, car sounds highly rev'd but doesn't go as fast! Please help as this is a safety hazard, I drive on california freeways everyday and this is a danger to my family when commuting.”
NHTSA complaint #11128791, filed 2018-09, 148,450 miles“Engine idle RPM is unstable. (+ / - 500 RPM) engine stalled many times (6 or 7) without reason and in dangerous situation as turning in the intersection or crossing rail roads, when stopping or slowing down. I went twice in Subaru service. At first they replaced the torque converter and proceeded with some adjustments in the engine. Second time they re-programmed the computer. As of today I am getting same issue without help from Subaru service. They advised to file a claim and eventually sue the company.”
NHTSA complaint #10945061, filed 2017-01, 65,000 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“I was coming to a red light slowing down from 15 MPH while applying the brakes, the car acts like something is grabbing & it shuts down the motor. The car was not cold it was warmed up & drove about 28 miles before doing this. The skid light came on. It was a dry road. This car has done it several times. I have searched this on the internet & have seen others saying the same thing has happened with their Subaru. Its scary to think this might happen to me on one of our slick roads going off a hill. I have not had it checked out yet do to the holiday season. …”
NHTSA complaint #10671506, filed 2015-01, 114,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11027982Jan 12, 2026This Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedure for the STARLINK® Remote Engine Start (RES).
- 11027083Dec 8, 2025This Service Information Bulletin provides the Service Manual Correction to the diagnostic procedure for DTC B2A16 (Immobilizer Key Collation Diagnosis).
- 11022305Aug 11, 2025Subaru Service Technical Support Newsletter special edition.
- 11017452Apr 22, 2025This Bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be followed when diagnosing engine oil leakage on FA and FB type engines.
- 11016224Mar 24, 2025The purpose of this bulletin is to advise of SOA’s revised Catalytic Converter Recycling Program shipping procedure.
- 11008282Sep 27, 2024This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
- 11008281Sep 26, 2024This Service Information Bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be followed when diagnosing engine oil leakage on FA and FB type engines.
- 11008267Sep 17, 2024This bulletin announces availability of the NEW genuine Subaru engine oil filter.
- 11006934Aug 5, 2024The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.
- 11005608Jul 11, 2024This thermo control valve video contains information on the replacement of thermo control valve.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 50% |
| 2024 | 1 | 6% |
| 2022 | 1 | 3% |
| 2021 | 2 | 6% |
| 2020 | 4 | 3% |
| 2019 | 6 | 5% |
| 2018 | 10 | 9% |
| 2017 | 5 | 4% |
| 2016 | 7 | 5% |
| 2015 | 23 | 14% |
| 2014 | 5 | 9% |
| 2013 | 18 | 27% |
| 2012 | 23 | 26% |
| 2011 | 22 | 13% |
| 2010 | 31 | 21% |
| 2009 | 7 | 11% |
| 2008 | 4 | 6% |
| 2007 | 7 | 21% |
| 2006 | 16 | 18% |
| 2005 | 4 | 2% |
| 2004 | 5 | 10% |
| 2003 | 4 | 7% |
| 2002 | 4 | 7% |
| 2001 | 3 | 4% |
| 2000 | 1 | 1% |
| 1999 | 2 | 2% |
| 1997 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2011 Subaru Legacy
47 complaintsAir bags
25 complaintsElectrical system
19 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