2021 Subaru Legacy Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
BestComplaint Index
13/100
#14 most-complained of 16 Legacy years
The 2021 Subaru Legacy ranks 14th out of 16 model years for reported problems, with a Complaint Index of 13 and 31 complaints logged with NHTSA. It carries a "Best" verdict among Legacy years, with 3 recalls and no crashes, fires, or deaths reported.
- Complaints
- 31
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 28.5
- 25.5 city / 33.5 hwy
Top 2021 Subaru Legacy problems
NHTSA owner 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%)
What owners report
- Windshields crack spontaneously, sometimes starting at the ceramic defrost line or without any impact, in some cases within the first year of ownership.
- The infotainment system randomly shuts off, occasionally disabling safety features, even after the head unit was replaced under warranty.
- Some vehicles experienced a dead battery with very low mileage on the odometer, leaving owners stranded despite no prior warning lights.
- The rearview camera has frozen while backing out of a driveway, requiring a manual reset to restore the image.
- The automatic emergency braking system has triggered unnecessarily, mistaking steam or road conditions for obstacles and stopping the car in traffic.
- A seat belt buckle stopped locking without explanation, and the dealership could not identify or repair the cause.
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 owner complaints and recalls, the 2021 Legacy has a Complaint Index of 13 and ranks 14th worst out of 16 model years, earning a "Best" verdict relative to other Legacy years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 Subaru Legacy?
- NHTSA data shows the top problem areas are Airbags and Visibility & Wipers, each accounting for 19% of complaints, followed by Electrical System issues at 16%.
- Does the 2021 Subaru Legacy have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2021 Legacy, covering airbag occupant detection sensors, a transmission inhibitor switch that can let water in, and a transmission control unit programming error.
- How does the 2021 Legacy compare to other Legacy years?
- The 2021 Legacy's Complaint Index of 13 is far lower than years like 2015 (100) or 2010 (93), which NHTSA data flags as Avoid years, placing 2021 among the better Legacy model years.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Subaru Legacy?
- EPA rates the 2021 Legacy at 28.5 mpg combined (25.5 city / 33.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,275.