2011 Subaru Legacy electrical problems

Filed Oct 19, 2025 · Electrical, Transmission · NY

The week after purchase: The car shuts off when braking and needs to be put into park to be started again. Also the check engine light came on and I wonder if it has electrical issues.

Filed Mar 7, 2021 · Electrical, Engine · 16,000 miles · NY

Was warned by other drivers that my tail lights were out several times. Clock and saved radio stations went out and now brought the car in for yearly inspection and major oil leak from gasket. 16,000 miles on this car. Never have I had so many problems.

Filed Nov 1, 2019 · Brakes, Electrical · 88,313 miles · NY

Brake light flashes when it rains and the undercarriage gets wet. Light remains on and continuously flashes when the car is wet. The parking brake is off. The parking brake cannot be turned on when it is raining either.

Filed Oct 17, 2019 · Electrical, Engine · 120,000 miles · IN

The engine turning off unexpectedly when I am driving. Especially when I go to slow down. This has been an issue since I bought the vehicle. From day one.

Filed Jan 31, 2019 · Brakes, Electrical · 119,000 miles · OH

Recall #wtv81 10-12 leg&out epb actr assy replace status: remedy not yet available. This recall has been out since september and still have no idea when it will be fixed.

Filed Aug 14, 2017 · Electrical · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 subaru legacy. While at a stop, the vehicle stalled but did not shut down. The failure recurred several times. The dealer was not contacted and the failure was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was not provided.

Filed Jan 18, 2017 · Electrical, Steering · 62,000 miles · OH

Steering wheel remote radio volume control intermittent to non-operational. Problem began while parked and running after adjusting steering wheel to full length position (closer to driver).

Filed Aug 27, 2016 · Electrical, Lights · 82,600 miles · PA

Frequent replacement of low beam bulbs. Not easy to replace and subaru service best equipped to do procedure. Labor costs at various dealers for this service widely vary and can increase without reason. Subaru of america recently sent out letter saying warranty on bulbs has been extended (not that there is issue with electrical system). Soa will replace or refund, however, this does not solve the issue of continued (perceived) deficiency in the lighting system overall and refund requirements are very stringent per the letter they sent. I consider this issue as a safety defect. We have both an outback and legacy that are both affected by this. Have owned legacy since new and replaced both bulbs four times since taking ownership. Have tried other brand bulbs to no better result (hence my belief it is electrical system). Per one of the service advisors I've spoken to in the past, the system is designed such that when one bulb burns out, more current flows to the one bulb still working and will burn it out prematurely (furthering my belief that it is a safety issue). They said this in recommending replacement of both bulbs at once. Would like to see recall or greater effort on soa's part.

Filed May 5, 2016 · Electrical · 83,000 miles · CA

The front headlights have gone out 4 times in the 4 years since we bought the car new. Unusual. The fuse to the seat warmers has gone out, replaced and went out again. Dealer says replace heater module for $440.+. Sound like electrical issue to us. Also lost audio on steering wheel. Dealer confirmed need to replace audio switch $300.+ again, sounds like a problem with the electrical system. So far the only safety issue has been the front headlights, but I worry about something more serious as other posters have mentioned.

Filed Jan 31, 2016 · Electrical, Engine · 140,000 miles · CA · fire

01/07/2016 shortly after taking the freeway exit wife noticed the battery light turned on and power steering got heavy. All other warning light on the dash started to flicker as the passenger compartment quickly filled with smoke. She then pulled over and had just enough time to get both kids out before the entire car was engulfed in flames. Fire originated from under the hood of her 2011 subaru legacy 3.6r limited. The vehicle was a total loss.