2021 Subaru Legacy Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Best The 2021 Subaru Legacy ranks 18th of 21 model years with a complaint index of 15 and earns a Best verdict. It has 31 complaints, 3 recalls, and no reported crashes, fires, or deaths.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 15/100
- #18 of 21 Legacy years
- Verdict
- Best
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 31
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Airbags
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 28.5
- 25.5 city / 33.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
Top 2021 Subaru Legacy problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Other8 (26%)
- Airbags6 (19%)
- Visibility & Wipers6 (19%)
- Electrical System5 (16%)
- Engine4 (13%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras4 (13%)
- Brakes2 (6%)
- Structure & Body2 (6%)
- Transmission & Powertrain2 (6%)
- Seat Belts1 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Windshields crack spontaneously near the defrost line or edge, sometimes multiple times on the same car, and can interfere with the Eyesight camera system.
- The infotainment head unit randomly shuts off, disabling safety features, and the problem returns even after dealer replacement.
- The 12-volt battery has died with very low mileage on the odometer, sometimes leaving the driver stranded and requiring a jump start.
- The rearview camera freezes during reverse maneuvers with no warning light, requiring a manual reset.
- The automatic emergency braking system misidentifies steam or road conditions as obstacles and triggers unexpected stops in traffic.
- The seat belt buckle stops locking without explanation and cannot be repaired by the dealer.
2021 Subaru Legacy recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 24V227000Mar 22, 2024Airbags118,723 vehicles
Air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passenger
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 crash.
Risk: 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. Owner notifications were mailed February 3, 2025. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRA-24.
- NHTSA 23V755000Nov 9, 2023Transmission & Powertrain95,830 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission:park/neutral start interlock switch
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.
Risk: An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.
- NHTSA 22V485000Jul 8, 2022Transmission & Powertrain182 vehicles
Power train:driveline:chain/belt
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.
Risk: An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the TCU, inspect TCU data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide. If evidence of chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 24, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRK-22. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 21V-955.
2021 Subaru Legacy fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 25.5 MPG
- Highway
- 33.5 MPG
- Combined
- 28.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,275
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2021 compared with other Legacy years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Subaru Legacy reliable?
- Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 Legacy has a complaint index of 15, the second-lowest among 21 model years, and carries a Best verdict relative to other Legacy years.
- What problems does the 2021 Subaru Legacy have?
- Owners most often reported airbag sensor issues, windshield cracking, and electrical glitches like infotainment shutdowns and camera freezes. NHTSA lists 31 complaints total for the year.
- Does the 2021 Subaru Legacy have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 3 recalls covering an airbag occupant detection sensor, a transmission inhibitor switch that can let water in, and a transmission control unit programming error affecting clutch engagement. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2021 Legacy compare to other Legacy years?
- With a complaint index of 15, the 2021 model ranks 18th worst out of 21 years, well below high-complaint years like 2015 (index 100) and 2010 (index 95).
- What is the top complaint category for the 2021 Legacy?
- Airbags is the top problem area, accounting for 19% of complaints, tied with Visibility & Wipers issues, which also make up 19%.