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2021 Subaru Legacy problems

The most common problem on the 2021 Subaru Legacy is airbags. It has fewer complaints than a typical Legacy model year.

Fewer complaintsAmong the best years of this model
Year score
87/100
Owner complaints
32
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
474
Worst area
Airbags
Fuel economy
27-30mpg

The worst 2021 Subaru Legacy problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Airbags
    6
  • Visibility
    6
  • Electrical
    5
  • Driver assistance
    4
  • Brakes
    3
  • Engine
    3
  • Transmission
    2
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Body
    1
  • Seat belts
    1
  • Seats
    1
  • Suspension
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2021 Subaru Legacy

Windshield crack 7Check engine light 5

Recalls 3

Air bags: sensor: occupant classification: front passengerReported March 22, 2024 · 118,723 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.

Recall number 24V227000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switchReported November 9, 2023 · 95,830 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.

Recall number 23V755000 · Recall details

Power train: driveline: chain/beltReported July 8, 2022 · 182 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.

Recall number 22V485000 · Recall details

See all 3 recalls for the 2021 Subaru Legacy

Technical service bulletins for the 2021 Subaru Legacy 474

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 474 bulletins for the 2021 Subaru Legacy

2021 Subaru Legacy fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.5L 4‑cylAWD273530
2.4L 4‑cylAWD243227

What 2021 Subaru Legacy owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Nov 4, 2026 · Brakes · TX · crash

Vehicle was being slowly accelerated in preparation to park. The car was moving slowly up a rocky driveway. Upon application of brake, vehicle accelerated and lunged into structure. Vehicle did come to a stop but not before collision. No airbags deployed either. Vehicle radio was on at the time. Damage to structure and to vehicle.

Filed Jun 4, 2026 · Engine · CT

Vehicle: 2021 Subaru Legacy Base 2.5i Mileage:~65,000 miles My engine suddenly began making loud internal knocking/tapping noises with no warning lights, no overheating, and no prior symptoms. The vehicle immediately became unsafe to operate. I had it towed to a Subaru dealership, where technicians confirmed the noise was coming from inside the engine and recommended a full engine replacement. The failure happened without any warning indicators, misfires, overheating, or oil pressure warnings. All diagnostics (including compression and leakdown) were clean, and the vehicle has been properly maintained. Subaru of America acknowledged the internal failure but only offered $1,000 goodwill toward a multi‑thousand‑dollar engine replacement. This appears to be a premature internal engine failure on the FB25 engine, which may indicate a defect. A sudden internal engine failure at highway speeds could lead to loss of power, stalling, or inability to accelerate, creating a safety hazard for the driver and surrounding traffic. I am filing this complaint because this type of unexpected internal engine failure at relatively low mileage may represent a pattern and should be tracked for potential investigation.

Filed Nov 24, 2025 · Suspension · NE

See attached document for complaint.

Filed Nov 21, 2025 · Transmission · PA

Car intermittently will studder and not go into first gear or go into second gear dangerously having car bog down and almost stall and then it violently downshifts having car RMP Hague go very high then slip and have no power to wheels and then a few seconds later go into second gear violently taking off again. Have tried taking issue to dealer but won’t even look unless check engine light comes on. Which it sometimes will for this issue and will shut back off before my short drive to dealership. Very frustrated especially being my first new car paying monthly to have this problem

Filed Oct 27, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · 60,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds during colder weather, the heater failed to operate as intended. Additionally, the Eyesight system was inoperable. The check engine and other unknown warning lights were displayed. In addition, the contact stated that the engine failed to warm up as intended after being started, and the engine temperature was 107°F, which was below the normal engine temperature of 200°F. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the Thermal Control Valve needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 09-119-24; however, the vehicle was not repaired because the vehicle had a Salvaged Title. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Filed Jul 21, 2025 · Transmission · PA

CVT Transmission Failure. Failure occurred at approximately 66,706 miles on 5/16/25. The Check Engine and AT Temp lights appeared in the instrument cluster. The driving conditions when this happened were a safety concern. First, the vehicle would crawl, shutter, and almost stall with high RPMs when attempting to climb a hill. Second, on a level surface at any given time the vehicle would not respond then lunge forward unexpectedly. The vehicle was inspected by a Subaru Dealership and the diagnosis was "Internal failure of transmission". The transmission needs to be replaced. The same driving conditions and error codes were experienced by an AAMCO Transmission repair facility. The diagnosis was codes P0843 and P0867 present prompting the transmission to be replaced. This repair was completed on 6/4/25. The failed transmission is no longer available.

Filed Jul 7, 2025 · Engine · CA

Subaru has released a service bulletin regarding concerns with the Thermo Control Valve in specific vehicles. Unfortunately, individuals with vehicles bearing a rebuilt title, including myself, are required to cover expenses exceeding $2,000 out of their own pockets. Despite evidence indicating that the issue with the engine area is unrelated to the vehicle's rebuilt title, Subaru has chosen not to initiate a recall. This unequal treatment of titled vehicle owners is unjust, especially considering that these vehicles have passed all necessary local inspections and regulations to be deemed roadworthy. All vehicles falling within the designated mileage and age parameters should qualify for assistance. It is my belief that a recall must be issued, as this is a mechanical flaw present since the vehicle's initial manufacturing. In the accompanying service bulletin, Subaru acknowledges fault by stating that they have developed a more reliable and durable component. A P26A3 check engine light code.

Filed Feb 18, 2025 · Airbags · VA

The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Legacy. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V227000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Dec 28, 2024 · TX

Team, I am writing to report a recurring and distressing issue with my Subaru Legacy 2021 which I believe raises significant safety concerns. Since purchasing the vehicle, I have experienced consistent problems with the battery. Despite replacing the battery five times, the vehicle has repeatedly stopped functioning, including a recent incident where it stalled in the middle of the road. This required me to call law enforcement and a towing service, adding considerable mental and financial stress. These unexpected breakdowns are not only inconvenient but also pose serious safety risks to myself and others on the road. I am concerned that this issue may not be isolated and could affect other Subaru owners as well. I kindly request your assistance in investigating this matter to ensure that appropriate actions are taken to address this potential defect. Please let me know if you need additional information, such as detailed records of the incidents, repair history, or communication with Subaru regarding the issue. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I appreciate your efforts in ensuring road safety and protecting vehicle owners. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Nov 29, 2024 · Airbags, Seats · CA

A Recall was issued Mar 22, 2024 for a dangerous safety issue. 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. Interim Letters Informing Owners OF THE Safety Risk Were Mailed MAY 17, 2024. Owners Will Receive A Second Letter Once THE Remedy IS Available. Owners MAY Contact Subaru Customer Service AT 1‑844‑373‑6614. Subaru's Number FOR This Recall IS Wra-24. the federal safety agency issued their Recall for this problem. the federal safety agency Recall Number24V227000 Recall Status Recall Incomplete, remedy not yet available Now 8 months later Subaru drivers are still forced to drive around with this dangerous defect. This is totally unacceptable, irresponsible and local Subaru dealers have received no part for this repair and have not idea when they will ever get them. the federal safety agency needs to step in and get answers from Subaru and issue notices to owners with this problem of the danger involved if there is a crash and their passenger is killed because of this delay

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2021 Subaru Legacy before you buy

Compare the 2021 Subaru Legacy

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Other model years

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Questions about the 2021 Subaru Legacy

Is the 2021 Subaru Legacy reliable?

Owners have filed 32 complaints about the 2021 Subaru Legacy, fewer than a typical Legacy model year.

What is the 2021 Subaru Legacy year score?

The 2021 Subaru Legacy scores 87 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Subaru Legacy: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2021 Subaru Legacy?

Airbags, with 6 complaints. Next is visibility (6).

How many recalls does the 2021 Subaru Legacy have?

3 recalls, covering air bags and power train.

Was there a recall on the 2021 Subaru Legacy airbags?

Yes, 1 recall: 24V227000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Subaru Legacy have bad airbags?

The Subaru Legacy model years with the most airbags complaints are 1995 (45 complaints), 2009 (31 complaints) and 2010 (28 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2021 Subaru Legacy get?

Official estimates for the 2021 Subaru Legacy range from 27 to 30 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.5L 4-cyl, AWD) gets 27 city and 35 highway.

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