Last updated: 2026-10-10
2021 Subaru Legacy Reliability Report
The 2021 Subaru Legacy has good reliability, but windshields that crack with no impact are the top owner complaint.
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
Good reliability with far fewer complaints than 2020, though spontaneous windshield cracks and delayed air bag recall repairs lead the owner reports.
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?
Yes, with a few things to check. This year has good reliability, sits above average among 2021 sedans, and lands in the middle of the eight Legacy years we score. It earned 5 of 5 stars in federal crash testing. Independent repair-cost data puts yearly repairs a little above the class figure.
The top complaint is a windshield that cracks with no impact, sometimes overnight while parked. Owners report repeat cracks, even on replacement glass, and uneven warranty help. A crack can also interfere with EyeSight. Some owners say the battery died with little warning, leaving the car unable to start or shift out of park. Others describe an infotainment screen that goes black and a backup camera that quits. The air bag complaints are about recall repairs delayed by missing parts, not air bags that failed. One engine report describes sudden knocking near 65,000 miles.
Look up the exact car by VIN in federal recall records and confirm every repair is done. Ask for windshield replacement history. The 2022 rates about the same, while the 2020 rates worse.
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
- −VISIBILITY/WIPER: Windshield cracks without any impact, sometimes overnight while parked and... (5 complaints)
- −UNKNOWN OR OTHER: Windshields that crack on their own show up here too (5 complaints)
Compare 2021 Subaru Legacy With
2021 Toyota Camry
Reliability: 82/100
2021 Honda Accord
Reliability: 78/100
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
Visibility/wiper problems lead owner complaints about the 2021 Subaru Legacy, and 3 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.
- 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 the whole windshield, especially the lower center near the defrost line, for cracks or signs of a recent replacement.
Run the defroster on high and confirm EyeSight shows no warnings or disabled messages.
Have the battery load-tested and ask for records of battery replacements, jump starts, or tows.
Use the infotainment screen and backup camera throughout the test drive and reject the car if either goes black or reboots.
Check the VIN in federal recall records and get proof that any open air bag recall was completed.
Pull away from a stop on a hill and watch for CVT shudder, lunging, RPM flare, or near-stalling.
Listen at idle and under acceleration for knocking or tapping from inside the engine.
Scan for stored codes and ask whether the check engine or AT temp lights have ever come on.
2021 Subaru Legacy Common Problems by Component
31 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
5 complaintsWindshields that crack on their own show up here too. They appear overnight or while driving, with no sign of impact, and then spread. Other reports describe electrical faults. One is a battery that keeps failing after repeated replacements and led to a stall in the road. Another is a group of dashboard warnings that shuts off EyeSight, lane assist, the electric parking brake, stability control, and power steering all at once. A dealer software update did not keep that fault from coming back. The info screen can also freeze while driving.
VISIBILITY/WIPER
5 complaintsThe windshield cracks without any impact, sometimes overnight while parked and sometimes while the defroster runs. Some cracks start at the bottom edge near the defrost line and keep spreading up the glass. Several owners report repeat cracks within a year, including on replacement windshields. Warranty help is inconsistent: some dealers deny the claim, others cover it as goodwill, and some approvals stall while the crack grows. A crack can also interfere with the EyeSight driver-assistance system, which owners count as a safety concern.
AIR BAGS
4 complaintsNone of these reports describes an air bag that failed. Every complaint is about a recall repair that dealers could not do because the parts were not available. Owners describe waiting many months after the recall notice and worry about how the passenger air bag would perform in a crash while the fix is pending. No complaint describes a crash or a deployment problem. A shopper should look up the car's current recall status in federal recall records instead of relying on these reports.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
4 complaintsThe battery can die with little warning, even on a nearly new car with very low mileage. A dead battery leaves the car unable to start or shift out of park. The dealer blamed short trips and a key fob kept too close to the car. Infotainment faults are the other pattern. The screen goes black at random, the backup camera stops working, and the unit reboots itself. When it shuts off, the safety features can drop out too, and a warranty head-unit replacement did not fix it. Some reports here repeat the pending air bag recall.
ENGINE (2 complaints)
ENGINE
2 complaintsLoud knocking or tapping can start suddenly inside the engine with no warning lights, misfires, or overheating. In the report that gives a mileage, it began near 65,000 miles, and the dealer recommended a full engine replacement. The car could not be driven safely and had to be towed. A separate complaint involves a service bulletin on the thermo control valve. The owner of a rebuilt-title car was told to pay more than $2,000 for that repair. With only two reports, there is no broad pattern yet.
POWER TRAIN (2 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
2 complaintsThe CVT can shudder, bog down, and nearly stall, then downshift hard or lunge forward with a spike in RPM. Power to the wheels can cut out for a few seconds before the car suddenly takes off again, which is a loss-of-control risk on hills and in traffic. The check engine and AT temp lights may come on, sometimes only now and then. In one case, a dealer found internal transmission failure at about 66,706 miles and called for replacement. Some dealers will not look at the car unless a warning light is on.
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
Best & Worst Subaru Legacy Years
Best Subaru Legacy Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreSubaru Legacy Years to Avoid
Subaru Legacy Reliability Score Trend
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?
Does the 2021 Subaru Legacy have windshield problems?
What recalls does the 2021 Subaru Legacy have?
Is the 2021 Subaru Legacy better than the 2020 or 2022?
Don’t buy a 2021 Subaru Legacy without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2021 Subaru Legacy
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2021 Subaru Legacy does best on how many systems draw complaints (81/100) and worst on complaint severity (67/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Subaru Legacy.
No spam. Only data updates for this model.
Browse More Subaru Models
Subaru Ascent
Score: 76/100
Subaru Crosstrek
Score: 94/100
Subaru Forester
Score: 77/100
Subaru Impreza
Score: 81/100
Subaru Outback
Score: 82/100
Subaru Solterra
Score: 74/100
Browse More 2021 Vehicles
2021 Lexus ES
Score: 88/100
2021 Kia Sedona
Score: 88/100
2021 Honda HR-V
Score: 86/100
2021 Lexus RX
Score: 86/100
2021 Nissan Frontier
Score: 84/100
2021 Mitsubishi Outlander
Score: 84/100
See incorrect data? Report an issue