RoadVitals

2021 Subaru Legacy Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
31
Latest Jun 4, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
11
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2021 Subaru Legacy, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Airbags617.6%
  • Electrical617.6%
  • Visibility617.6%
  • Driver assistance514.7%
  • Engine38.8%
  • Brakes25.9%
  • Powertrain (other)25.9%
  • Suspension12.9%
  • Seat belts12.9%
  • Body & structure12.9%
  • Interior & seats12.9%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Legacy. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V227000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID 11643453 · filed Feb 18, 2025

A Recall was issued Mar 22, 2024 for a dangerous safety issue. AN AIR BAG That Does NOT Deploy During A Crash CAN Increase THE Risk OF Injury. Remedy Dealers Will Replace THE ODS Sensors ON THE Front Passenger Seat, Free OF Charge. Interim Letters Informing Owners OF THE Safety Risk Were Mailed MAY 17, 2024. Owners Will Receive A Second Letter Once THE Remedy IS Available. Owners MAY Contact Subaru Customer Service AT 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's Number FOR This Recall IS Wra-24. NHTSA issued their Recall for this problem. NHTSA Recall Number24V227000 Recall Status Recall Incomplete, remedy not yet available Now 8 months later Subaru drivers are still forced to drive around with this dangerous defect. This is totally unacceptable, irresponsible and local Subaru dealers have received no part for this repair and have not idea when they will ever get them. NHTSA needs to step in and get answers from Subaru and issue notices to owners with this problem of the danger involved if there is a crash and their passenger is killed because of this delay

NHTSA ID 11627940 · filed Nov 29, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds during colder weather, the heater failed to operate as intended. Additionally, the Eyesight system was inoperable. The check engine and other unknown warning lights were displayed. In addition, the contact stated that the engine failed to warm up as intended after being started, and the engine temperature was 107°F, which was below the normal engine temperature of 200°F. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the Thermal Control Valve needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 09-119-24; however, the vehicle was not repaired because the vehicle had a Salvaged Title. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ID 11695854 · filed Oct 27, 2025

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 ID 11623360 · filed Nov 3, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Three times within a 1 year period, the windshield cracked without an object hitting it. First time in July, 2021, second time in September, 2021, and third time in June, 2022. After the first time, I had the windshield replaced at my own expense. The second time, Subaru completed the replacement at no cost. The third time, Subaru completed the replacement but refused to pay for it, claiming that an object likely hit the windshield. However, the crack occurred overnight while the car was in my driveway. I believe the windshield is obviously defective and I should be remunerated for at least the last replacement and any future such replacements.

NHTSA ID 11474196 · filed Jul 15, 2022

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 ID 11455908 · filed Mar 9, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 ID 11623360 · filed Nov 3, 2024

After shifting my car into reverse, I slowly started removing my foot from the brake pedal. At this time, the car started rapidly accelerating backwards so I put pressure back on the brake pedal to stop the car. When doing so, the ABS light came on my dashboard, I heard a griding sound like the car was still trying to accelerate, and there was a loud constant beep. I was able to shift the car into neutral and then into park to stop the car and then turned the car off. I contacted the dealership about the issue, but have not yet been able to further investigate or bring it into the dealership.

NHTSA ID 11588661 · filed May 14, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Vehicle: 2021 Subaru Legacy Base 2.5i Mileage:~65,000 miles My engine suddenly began making loud internal knocking/tapping noises with no warning lights, no overheating, and no prior symptoms. The vehicle immediately became unsafe to operate. I had it towed to a Subaru dealership, where technicians confirmed the noise was coming from inside the engine and recommended a full engine replacement. The failure happened without any warning indicators, misfires, overheating, or oil pressure warnings. All diagnostics (including compression and leakdown) were clean, and the vehicle has been properly maintained. Subaru of America acknowledged the internal failure but only offered $1,000 goodwill toward a multi‑thousand‑dollar engine replacement. This appears to be a premature internal engine failure on the FB25 engine, which may indicate a defect. A sudden internal engine failure at highway speeds could lead to loss of power, stalling, or inability to accelerate, creating a safety hazard for the driver and surrounding traffic. I am filing this complaint because this type of unexpected internal engine failure at relatively low mileage may represent a pattern and should be tracked for potential investigation.

NHTSA ID 11742064 · filed Jun 4, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds during colder weather, the heater failed to operate as intended. Additionally, the Eyesight system was inoperable. The check engine and other unknown warning lights were displayed. In addition, the contact stated that the engine failed to warm up as intended after being started, and the engine temperature was 107°F, which was below the normal engine temperature of 200°F. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the Thermal Control Valve needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 09-119-24; however, the vehicle was not repaired because the vehicle had a Salvaged Title. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ID 11695854 · filed Oct 27, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

After shifting my car into reverse, I slowly started removing my foot from the brake pedal. At this time, the car started rapidly accelerating backwards so I put pressure back on the brake pedal to stop the car. When doing so, the ABS light came on my dashboard, I heard a griding sound like the car was still trying to accelerate, and there was a loud constant beep. I was able to shift the car into neutral and then into park to stop the car and then turned the car off. I contacted the dealership about the issue, but have not yet been able to further investigate or bring it into the dealership.

NHTSA ID 11588661 · filed May 14, 2024

2021 SUBARU LEGACY TOURING. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO ISSUES WITH THE REAR AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM (RAB). See attached document for complaint

NHTSA ID 11512323 · filed Mar 17, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Car intermittently will studder and not go into first gear or go into second gear dangerously having car bog down and almost stall and then it violently downshifts having car RMP Hague go very high then slip and have no power to wheels and then a few seconds later go into second gear violently taking off again. Have tried taking issue to dealer but won’t even look unless check engine light comes on. Which it sometimes will for this issue and will shut back off before my short drive to dealership. Very frustrated especially being my first new car paying monthly to have this problem

NHTSA ID 11700919 · filed Nov 21, 2025

CVT Transmission Failure. Failure occurred at approximately 66,706 miles on 5/16/25. The Check Engine and AT Temp lights appeared in the instrument cluster. The driving conditions when this happened were a safety concern. First, the vehicle would crawl, shutter, and almost stall with high RPMs when attempting to climb a hill. Second, on a level surface at any given time the vehicle would not respond then lunge forward unexpectedly. The vehicle was inspected by a Subaru Dealership and the diagnosis was "Internal failure of transmission". The transmission needs to be replaced. The same driving conditions and error codes were experienced by an AAMCO Transmission repair facility. The diagnosis was codes P0843 and P0867 present prompting the transmission to be replaced. This repair was completed on 6/4/25. The failed transmission is no longer available.

NHTSA ID 11674975 · filed Jul 21, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID 11701212 · filed Nov 24, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The buckle stopped working without cause. Car is only a couple years old and my child attempted to buckle themselves only to find out it didn't lock after trying to buckle in. I took car to subaru dealership and was told that they had no idea why it stopped working and it was not repairable. They attempted to fix it but couldn't figure it out. Thus I could not use this seat in my car due to the danger of not being able to have a passenger buckled. This is scary as there was no reason that the belt no longer buckled and concerns me that the other buckles may be defective, especially if we were to get into a car accident knowing that there's a chance that the buckle may not work.

NHTSA ID 11507827 · filed Feb 17, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The trunk does not stay open leading to sudden closing on body and head for anyone trying to use the trunk. Leading to a concussion and multiple injuries. Dealership said to place a complaint as there has not yet been a recall for this issue. There is no warning prior to this issue occurring.

NHTSA ID 11457623 · filed Mar 21, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

A Recall was issued Mar 22, 2024 for a dangerous safety issue. AN AIR BAG That Does NOT Deploy During A Crash CAN Increase THE Risk OF Injury. Remedy Dealers Will Replace THE ODS Sensors ON THE Front Passenger Seat, Free OF Charge. Interim Letters Informing Owners OF THE Safety Risk Were Mailed MAY 17, 2024. Owners Will Receive A Second Letter Once THE Remedy IS Available. Owners MAY Contact Subaru Customer Service AT 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's Number FOR This Recall IS Wra-24. NHTSA issued their Recall for this problem. NHTSA Recall Number24V227000 Recall Status Recall Incomplete, remedy not yet available Now 8 months later Subaru drivers are still forced to drive around with this dangerous defect. This is totally unacceptable, irresponsible and local Subaru dealers have received no part for this repair and have not idea when they will ever get them. NHTSA needs to step in and get answers from Subaru and issue notices to owners with this problem of the danger involved if there is a crash and their passenger is killed because of this delay

NHTSA ID 11627940 · filed Nov 29, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .