2011 Subaru Legacy suspension problems

Filed Jul 7, 2026 · Suspension · NY

The subframe rotted through broke as I was driving on Thruway. My mechanic confirmed it needs to be replaced and is very common in heavy winter states.

Filed Jul 17, 2025 · Body, Suspension · MI

While turning the wheel to back out of a parking spot, we heard a loud clunking sound. From that point on, while braking there were loud clunking sounds and the car pulled to the right. We brought it to our mechanic and was informed the front sub frame/ engine cradle, was completey rusted out due to corrosion from the inside. There was a mounting bolt protruding through a hole in the subframe and the suspension components were loose and damaged. They provided a photo showing the large hole and mounting bolt protruding. We were told it was unsafe to drive. We have to replace the sub frame, control arms and sway bar links. The sub frame supports these components, the engine and other parts!

Filed Aug 8, 2023 · Suspension · IL

This 2011 Subaru Legacy would pull severely to the right when braking, nearly jerking the steering wheel out of the drivers hand. The car was taken to a private auto repair shop where it was found the motor cradle (part #50527AJ00B) was completed rusted out so the A-arm to the wheel was unstable. In trying to locate a new part, online and from local dealers, it was found the part was on backorder. We were number 142 in line to receive the part. There is obviously a severe and dangerous problem with this issue as a car would veer into the other lane or offroad when braking. Subaru corporate office was contacted and I was told I would have to take the vehicle to the Subaru dealer. This would require a tow so I decided to have the private auto repair shop fix it as it was also undriveable. This complaint is to bring attention to this as a safety issue. My grandchildren were transported in this vehicle and were at risk of serious injury or death because of this problem. I feel Subaru should notify other owners of this problem on this make and model to avoid risk of serious injury or death. I have a video of the car and tire that shows what was happening before I took it to the auto repair shop. I was unable to upload the video file but would like to get it sent for your review. I can be emailed at [email protected]. My phone number is (309) 696-8849. Daniel Brune

Filed Apr 7, 2023 · Steering, Suspension · IL

Front sub-frame rusted through. Local mechanic said unsafe to drive. Insurance will not cover claim because this is "prior issue" not accident related. Subaru dealership confirmed safety risk and will repair for >$3000.

Filed Feb 1, 2023 · Suspension · PA

While braking at lower speed the driver's side lower control arm broke out causing the car to pull very hard to the left. Both lower control arms and the subframe had to be replaced.

Filed Sep 23, 2022 · Suspension · IL

The front subframe failed due to corrosion from the inside according to the service department. The vehicle is unsafe to drive with this condition. It only has 38,180 miles on it. It has not been driven in a reckless fashion. I have never heard of this failure in a low mileage auto.

Filed May 25, 2022 · Suspension · SC

The vehicle was diagnosed at a Subaru Dealership as having a rusted sub-frame with mounting bolt holes loose and suspension components moving freely. The vehicle is deemed unsafe to drive. (On April 8, 2022, my car suddenly made a loud clunking noise and drove very rocky). The car had not given any previous warning signals of this problem.

Filed Jan 9, 2018 · Suspension · 18,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 subaru legacy. The contact stated that the suspension was unstable and the vehicle veered left or right while driving over 50 MPH. The vehicle was taken to a dealer (the motor company, w 1680 us-41, marinette, wi 54143, (715) 735-7474) who provided an alignment, but the condition continued to progress. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided no solution. The approximate failure mileage was 18,000.

Filed Oct 25, 2016 · Steering, Suspension · 16,000 miles · VA

When driving over even the slightest rough road, not potholes or large bumps, but surfaces that seem to be just rough or slightly rippled maybe, it varies from different surfaces, the struts shake and cause a loud vibrating noise as if they are loose. I have experienced this in other cars and the problem was a broken strut mount. When replaced it was fixed . I can't get the subaru mechanics to experience this while they drive the car. I have been told the struts mounts have been checked and are tight. However I believe they may still be cracked or broken in some way. Simply putting a wrench on them and finding them tight will not reveal a broken strut mount this problem has been ongoing for about 4 years of the 6 years we have owned the car. Lately it has begun to sort of drift and steering is very sensitive at high speed. Current mileage is 54,000 at 6 years.

Filed Oct 23, 2014 · Steering, Suspension · 40,000 miles · ME

Vehicle sways side to side from one side of road to other side of road at highway speeds around 60 MPH. When vehicle is driven about 45 had not effect on steering. When driven on the highway the steering pulls extremely, unable to control the steering wheel while griping the steering wheel hard. The car is being pulled side to side at highway speed 60 MPH can not get the speed up pass 60 MPH and happens in slight windy conditions. Dealer is unable to locate the problem since all the tires are brand new, alignment is fully perfect. Suspensions are perfect.