2021 Subaru Legacy Problems
Compared with other Subaru Legacy years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
26/100 0.6× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.6× that of a typical Subaru Legacy year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 16 of its 31 complaints were filed by the end of 2023.
- Most reported part: Other or unknown (7 complaints, median 5,300 mi).
- 3 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 31filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 5,150miles, 4 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall
- EPA fuel economy
- 30 mpgcombined, 2.5L 4-cyl AWD · 27 city / 35 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2021 Subaru Legacy (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 31 consumer complaints for the 2021 Subaru Legacy. The part named most often is other or unknown, with 7 complaints (23% of the total), followed by air bags (6) and visibility (6). 4 of the complaints include a mileage, and 75% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 5,150 miles. Of all complaints, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 460 technical service bulletins for this model year. Other or unknown complaints overlap with 32 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Air bags complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the front passenger and 20 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Compared with the other 14 Subaru Legacy model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 26 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Other or unknown7 23%
- Air bags6 19%
- Electrical system5 16%
- Brakes2 6.5%
- Engine2 6.5%
- Engine cooling1 3.2%
Also reported: Equipment (1), Seat belts (1), Seats (1), Body and structure (1), Suspension (1), Vehicle speed control (1).
Example complaints
Other or unknown: “On january 7, 2020 at approximately 8am, I was driving my car which had been warmed up and driving for approximately 15-20 minutes when my windshield spontaneously cracked on the drivers side about 8 inches off center. There was no vehicle in front of me at the time and no visible or audible debris that could have struck the windshield. The crack was about 8 inches long and ran vertically up the windshield. …”
NHTSA complaint #11386917, filed 2021-01, 5,300 milesAir bags: “ODS sensor recall still not fixed/remedy available, used heat for first time since i purchased the car, minor cracks in the windshield, car radio/monitors randomly go black, reverse camera won’t work, restarts on there own after a while”
NHTSA complaint #11623360, filed 2024-11Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “I was driving down the road and I heard a sound, and then saw a 5 inch horizontal crack, starting at the left side of the windshield and then it turned 1 inch up.... It was just above the inspection sticker. I did not hear anything hit but heard a sound. Both surfaces, inside and outside of the glass are smooth. I cannot feel any crack but can see it. I had my defroster on and it was sporadically raining and sleeting. I will be getting it repaired. Through Subaru's goodwill program vehicle was repaired.”
NHTSA complaint #11455908, filed 2022-03Electrical system: “There seems to be an issue with the infotainment system. The system will randomly turn off which also turns off the safety features. I would like to associate this while CarPlay is in use, but I have witnessed it happen without CarPlay. Subaru has already replaced the head unit under warranty, but the problem continues. For the cost of the car, this should not be an issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11432643, filed 2021-09Mileage when problems were reported
75% of the 4 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 5,000 and 5,300 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2021 Subaru Legacy. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legacy · sedan AWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 · 10.1% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2021 model year: forward collision warning standard, lane departure warning standard, automatic emergency braking standard.
Neighbouring years: 2020: same overall rating; 2022: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2021 Subaru Legacy version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legacy AWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | CVT | 24 | 32 | 27 | $2,500 |
| Legacy AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | CVT | 27 | 35 | 30 | $2,250 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 24V227000Mar 22, 2024Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification › Front passengerCovers: Subaru Legacy 2020–2022, Outback 2020–2022
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…
- 23V755000Nov 9, 2023Power train › Automatic transmission › Park/neutral start interlock switchCovers: Subaru Legacy 2021–2023, Outback 2021–2023, Crosstrek 2021 +1 more
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.
- 22V485000Jul 8, 2022Power train › Driveline › Chain/beltCovers: Subaru Legacy 2020–2021, Outback 2020–2021
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.
Recall details for the 2021 Subaru Legacy → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 460 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037943Oct 5, 2026Other or unknown, Electrical system. This announcement provides information on a new software update for the Midtronics Dss and DCA machines.
- 11037942Sep 28, 2026Electrical system, Transmission and drivetrain. This announcement provides information on an enhancement of the TechShare CVT diagnostic assitance application.
- 11037940Sep 18, 2026Other or unknown. This bulletin provides paint code information for 2027 model year vehicles.
- 11037938Sep 18, 2026Electrical system. "This Bulletin announces additional troubleshooting steps for the following DTCs: DTC C1956: RH Actuator Circuit DTC C1957: LH Actuator Circuit"
- 11037930Sep 15, 2026Other or unknown. This announcement provides an update to all 2027 model year Subaru warranty coverages for wear items and adjustments.
- 11037929Sep 14, 2026Other or unknown, Electrical system. This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.
- 11037928Sep 14, 2026Electrical system, Other or unknown. In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the New Car Limited Warranty coverage for the CP1 & Gen 3.1 Head Unit used in the listed models and model years…
- 11037927Sep 14, 2026Electrical system. This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.
- 11036823Aug 31, 2026Electrical system. This bulletin announces reprogramming file availability and provides a software update installation procedure to optimize the new Gen 4 Denso CP1 Audio and Navigation head units utilized in the…
- 11036822Aug 31, 2026Body and structure. This bulletin provides a procedure to address customer concerns of surface rust accumulating in the top center retaining nut area of the front strut mounts. This is an revised version of the…
Other model years of the Subaru Legacy
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 6 | 1,500 | 0 | 5 | 30 | — | Too new |
| 2024 | 17 | — | 0 | 5 | 30 | — | Too new |
| 2023 | 10 | 1,025 | 2 | 5 | 30 | — | Too new |
| 2022 | 34 | 8,000 | 2 | 5 | 30 | 38 · Typical | Rising |
| 2021 | 31 | 5,150 | 3 | 5 | 30 | 26 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2020 | 121 | 5,900 | 6 | 5 | 30 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2019 | 123 | 6,125 | 3 | 5 | 29 | 71 · More | Stable |
| 2018 | 117 | 20,450 | 3 | 5 | 29 | 65 · More | Stable |
| 2017 | 119 | 31,000 | 2 | 5 | 29 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2016 | 147 | 35,000 | 3 | 5 | 29 | 69 · More | Falling |
| 2015 | 160 | 16,070 | 3 | 5 | 29 | 87 · More | Falling |
| 2014 | 53 | 30,284 | 10 | 5 | 24 | 34 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2013 | 66 | 30,000 | 12 | 5 | 24 | 44 · Typical | Falling |
| 2012 | 90 | 87,500 | 16 | — | 22 | 28 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2011 | 167 | 77,000 | 16 | 4 | 22 | 75 · More | Falling |
| 2010 | 150 | 70,000 | 18 | — | 22 | 79 · More | Falling |
| 2009 | 65 | 72,486 | 13 | — | 21 | 38 · Typical | Falling |
| 2008 | 65 | 78,256 | 9 | — | 21 | 20 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 33 | 65,392 | 9 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 87 | 98,000 | 7 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 184 | 74,000 | 9 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 49 | 85,000 | 10 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 60 | 79,800 | 14 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 54 | 66,750 | 4 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 77 | 62,540 | 7 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 94 | 94,815 | 3 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 94 | 101,000 | 3 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 114 | 108,048 | 4 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 139 | 92,000 | 5 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 123 | 90,000 | 3 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 182 | 166,116 | 2 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 60 | 125,000 | 0 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1993 | 77 | 114,385 | 1 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 55 | 124,900 | 2 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 78 | 149,630 | 3 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 81 | 72,000 | 4 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Subaru Legacy model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2021 Subaru Legacy have?
NHTSA recorded 31 consumer complaints for the 2021 Subaru Legacy as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2021 Subaru Legacy is reported most often?
Other or unknown is named most often, in 7 complaints (23% of the total), followed by air bags with 6.
Has the 2021 Subaru Legacy been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2021 Subaru Legacy do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2021 Subaru Legacy 5 out of 5 stars overall. Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Subaru Legacy get?
The EPA rates the 2021 Subaru Legacy (Legacy AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl) at 30 mpg combined, 27 city and 35 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,250 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2021 Subaru Legacy reported?
Among the 4 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 5,150 miles and the middle half falls between 5,000 and 5,300 miles; 75% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.