2011 Subaru Legacy Electrical System Problems
NHTSA lists 33 electrical system complaints for the 2011 Subaru Legacy, 20% of its 167 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 50,000. Two related recalls exist: an ignition switch recall (19V297000) and a fused-harness recall (12V602000).
- Electrical System complaints
- 33
- 20% of 167
- Crashes reported
- 0
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 50,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical electrical symptoms owners report
- Low-beam headlight bulbs burn out repeatedly, with owners replacing them multiple times and describing the housing as difficult to access.
- Dashboard warning lights (check engine, ABS, brake, all-wheel drive, cruise control) illuminate together or flash intermittently.
- Steering-wheel-mounted radio controls stop responding intermittently.
- A cloudy, horseshoe-shaped image appears on the low-beam headlight lens when the lights are on.
- In one case, a battery warning light and heavy power steering preceded a fire and smoke in the passenger compartment.
- Headlight illumination distance is reported as too short to see the road ahead safely.
When 2011 Subaru Legacy electrical complaints were filed
First complaint Dec 13, 2010, latest Oct 19, 2025.
Electrical System recalls for the 2011 Subaru Legacy
- NHTSA 19V297000Apr 11, 2019Electrical System511 vehicles
Electrical system:ignition:switch
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy vehicles, 2005-2014 Outback vehicles and 2006-2008 Tribeca vehicles equipped with a mechanical key ignition switch installed as a replacement part. The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switch. If this occurs, the weight on the key ring and certain road conditions could cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.
Risk: The engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash. If a crash occurs under this condition, the air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition switch, replacing the ignition switch, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 10, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUF-91.
- NHTSA 12V602000Dec 26, 2012Electrical System633,842 vehicles
Exterior lighting
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010 and 2011 Legacy and Outback vehicles, certain model year 2006 through 2012 Tribeca vehicles sold before January 2012, and certain model year 2009 through 2012 Forester vehicles sold before January 2012. Up to 78,650 of these vehicles may have been equipped with accessory puddle lights that, when illuminated, brighten the area under the doors of the vehicle. A short circuit can develop when either the puddle light or connector are exposed to an electrolytic moisture source (such as road spray that has road salt in it) and it penetrates the circuit board of the puddle light or the pins of the puddle light connector(s).
Risk: Over time, migration of the moisture into the circuit board and/or into the connector cavity, may result in a short circuit of the puddle light system. This may generate heat which may melt the plastic resulting in smoke or fire.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional fused-harness, free of charge. The recall began February 19, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.
Electrical System complaints by Legacy model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are electrical problems in the 2011 Subaru Legacy?
- NHTSA has recorded 33 electrical system complaints for the 2011 Legacy, which is 20% of the 167 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for electrical issues on the 2011 Subaru Legacy?
- Yes. NHTSA lists two related recalls: 19V297000 covering the ignition switch, and 12V602000, which added a fused wiring harness for 2010-2011 Legacy and Outback vehicles.
- At what mileage do electrical problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure for electrical system complaints on the 2011 Legacy is 50,000 miles.
- Are the electrical problems dangerous?
- NHTSA data shows one fire linked to the electrical system among these complaints, with no reported crashes or injuries.
- What specific electrical parts fail most often?
- Sample complaints most frequently describe recurring headlight bulb failures, warning-light malfunctions, and intermittent steering-wheel control issues.