Last updated: 2026-07-25
2021 Subaru Legacy Reliability Report
The 2021 Subaru Legacy scores 75/100 ("Good"). With 3 recalls and 31 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
3
Complaints
31
Complaint Rate
13.6per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$563
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,000–$2,200
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (5)
- AIR BAGS (4)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2021 is year 2 of the Seventh generation (BW/BT).
- Redesigned for the 2020 model year.
- 7th generation Legacy (US).
What this means for buyers
Year 2 is typically a safer pick than the first model year — early issues are more likely to be identified, but the platform is still new.
If you're comparing prices, check 2020 (redesign year) vs 2021+ pricing and recalls.
2020: Seventh generation (BW/BT) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2021: This Model Year
2021 is year 2 of the Seventh generation (BW/BT).
Should You Buy the 2021 Subaru Legacy?
At 75/100, the 2021 Subaru Legacy lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2021 is year 2 of the Seventh generation (BW/BT).
Owners log 31 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.
Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to unknown or other (5). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
Compared to the 2022 Subaru Legacy, which scored 2 points higher. See also the 2020 Subaru Legacy for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- +Low major repair risk (12%)
- +Below-average complaint rate for Sedan
Cons
- −Moderate recall count
- −UNKNOWN OR OTHER issues reported (5 complaints)
- −VISIBILITY/WIPER issues reported (5 complaints)
Compare 2021 Subaru Legacy With
2021 Honda Accord
Reliability: 78/100
2021 Toyota Camry
Reliability: 82/100
2021 Nissan Altima
Reliability: 79/100
2021 Hyundai Sonata
Reliability: 64/100
2021 KIA K5
Reliability: 71/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 3 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (5)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (5)
Recall Overview
3
recalls on record
A moderate 3 recalls are on file for the 2021 Subaru Legacy. Each one points to a specific safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA — check the list below before buying.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
13.6
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 16.7
Safety Incidents
0
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2021 Subaru Legacy Recall Details
3 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Subaru Legacy. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
AIR BAGS
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.
Consequence
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.
POWER TRAIN
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.
Consequence
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.
POWER TRAIN
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.
Consequence
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.
Buying a used 2021 Subaru Legacy? Check its history first
Every 2021 Subaru Legacy has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2021 Subaru Legacy NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 10.1%
Safety Technologies
Subaru LegacyRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$563
vs $526 avg for midsize cars
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.3
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
12%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
27–30 MPG
Running cost: $2,550–$2,750/yr
Fuel + repair
24–27 city / 32–35 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2021 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legacy AWD 2.5L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S8) | 27 | 35 | 30 | $2,000 |
| Legacy AWD 2.4L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S8) | 24 | 32 | 27 | $2,200 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2021 Subaru Legacy.
Inspect windshield for cracks and verify Eyesight system recalibration
Test infotainment system for random shutdowns
Check for unresolved airbag recall repairs
Verify battery health and check for any history of replacements
Test CVT transmission for shuddering or shifting issues
2021 Subaru Legacy Common Problems by Component
31 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
5 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Subaru Legacy report several issues, with battery failures and electrical system malfunctions being the most prominent. Complaints frequently mention repeated battery replacements and vehicle stalling, sometimes while driving, posing potential safety risks. Additionally, multiple owners describe dashboard warning lights activating, which disable key features like power steering, EyeSight, and lane assist, often following a computer system update. Spontaneous windshield cracking is also noted, with cracks appearing without visible impact, suggesting a potential defect. These issues occur at varying timelines, with some electrical problems persisting intermittently over several months.
VISIBILITY/WIPER
5 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Subaru Legacy frequently report windshield cracking issues, often occurring without any apparent impact. Complaints describe cracks forming spontaneously, sometimes while the vehicle is stationary or when using the defrost function. These incidents are reported within the first year of ownership, with some vehicles having as few as 6,000 miles. The cracks can interfere with the Subaru Eyesight Driver Assistance system, potentially affecting its functionality. Buyers of used models may want to verify if the windshield has been replaced and if the Eyesight system has been recalibrated following any replacement.
AIR BAGS
4 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Subaru Legacy report issues related to an airbag recall, specifically concerning the availability of parts needed for the repair. Complaints frequently mention that despite receiving recall notifications, the necessary parts to address the airbag issue are not available, leading to delays in completing the repair. These reports indicate that the issue has persisted for several months, with some owners expressing frustration about the extended wait times. No specific mileage is noted in relation to these complaints, and there are no reported incidents of crashes or injuries due to this issue. Potential buyers should be aware of the ongoing recall and the current unavailability of the remedy.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
4 complaintsOwners report several electrical issues with the 2021 Subaru Legacy, primarily involving the infotainment system and battery. Complaints frequently mention the infotainment system randomly turning off, which can disable safety features, with some owners noting this occurs both with and without CarPlay. Subaru has replaced head units under warranty, but problems persist. Additionally, battery failure is reported, with one owner experiencing a complete battery drain at just 690 miles, resulting in being stranded without warning. The ODS sensor recall is also noted as unresolved, with concerns about passenger airbag functionality in the event of a collision. These issues may affect vehicle safety and reliability, particularly for those considering purchasing a used model.
ENGINE (2 complaints)
ENGINE
2 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Subaru Legacy report issues with the engine, specifically noting sudden internal knocking or tapping noises without any warning lights or prior symptoms, often around 65,000 miles. One complaint details a complete engine failure requiring replacement, despite regular maintenance and no diagnostic warnings such as misfires or overheating. Another complaint highlights concerns with the Thermo Control Valve, leading to a check engine light and significant repair costs, particularly for vehicles with a rebuilt title. Safety implications include potential loss of power or stalling at highway speeds, posing a hazard. These issues suggest potential mechanical flaws that may affect vehicle reliability and safety.
POWER TRAIN (2 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
2 complaintsOwners report that the 2021 Subaru Legacy experiences issues with the power train, specifically involving the CVT transmission. Complaints frequently mention symptoms such as the vehicle stuttering, failing to shift into first or second gear, and violent downshifts that cause high RPMs without power to the wheels. These issues occur intermittently and can lead to the car unexpectedly lunging forward. One owner reports transmission failure at approximately 66,706 miles, with diagnostic codes P0843 and P0867 indicating internal failure, necessitating a transmission replacement. Safety implications include the vehicle almost stalling, particularly concerning when climbing hills or driving on level surfaces, which could pose a risk in certain driving conditions.
SUSPENSION (1 complaints)
SUSPENSION
1 complaintSee attached document for complaint.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (1 complaints)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaintThe 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.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (1 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaintAfter shifting my car into reverse, I slowly started removing my foot from the brake pedal. At this time, the car started rapidly accelerating backwards so I put pressure back on the brake pedal to stop the car. When doing so, the ABS light came on my dashboard, I heard a griding sound like the car was still trying to accelerate, and there was a loud constant beep. I was able to shift the car into neutral and then into park to stop the car and then turned the car off. I contacted the dealership about the issue, but have not yet been able to further investigate or bring it into the dealership.
SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint2021 SUBARU LEGACY TOURING. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO ISSUES WITH THE REAR AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM (RAB). See attached document for complaint
When Do 2021 Subaru Legacy Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Subaru Legacy Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Subaru Legacy Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Subaru Legacy year is 2024 with a reliability score of 81/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2025 (80/100) and 2023 (77/100).
Subaru Legacy Years to Avoid
The worst Subaru Legacy year is 2020 with a score of 67/100, primarily due to visibility wiper (52) issues. Also avoid 2019 (69/100).
Subaru Legacy Reliability Score Trend
Subaru Legacy reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 79/100 compared to 70/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 70/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 69/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 67/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 75/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 77/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 77/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 81/100 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 80/100 | Excellent |
Subaru Legacy Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2021 Subaru Legacy reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Subaru Legacy?
How many recalls does the 2021 Subaru Legacy have?
Is the 2021 Subaru Legacy expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2021 Subaru Legacy without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Subaru Legacy.
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