2021 Subaru Legacy: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2021 Subaru Legacy? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 30 complaints, with Uncategorized Issues as the top reported area.
2021 Subaru Legacy Fuel Economy
β EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2021 Subaru Legacy trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.
2021 Subaru Legacy Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
10.1% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
10.1% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2021 Subaru Legacy has 30 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Uncategorized Issues. NHTSA reliability signal: Good Record.
- Make
- Subaru
- Model
- Legacy
- Model year
- 2021
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 30
- Crash-related complaints
- 0
- Safety recall campaigns
- 3
- Top reported component
- Uncategorized Issues
- Reliability signal
- Good Record
- EPA MPG combined
- 30
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 27 / 35
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 5/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2021 Subaru Legacy Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Uncategorized Issues
Airbag Malfunctions
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Uncategorized Issues, Airbag Malfunctions, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2021 Subaru Legacy?
The 2021 Subaru Legacy looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2021 Subaru Legacy
Inspection Focus
- Inspect for any uncategorized issues reported by previous owners.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for airbag and electrical system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect for any uncategorized issues reported by previous owners.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for airbag and electrical system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2021 Subaru Legacy, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 30 NHTSA complaints for the 2021 Subaru Legacy, issues appear concentrated in uncategorized problems, airbag malfunctions, and electrical faults. No crash-related complaints were reported, but the low sample size limits confidence.
- Uncategorized Issues account for the largest share of complaints at 7.
- Airbag Malfunctions are the second most reported component with 6 complaints.
- Electrical Faults and Visibility/Wiper issues each have 5 complaints.
- Uncategorized Issues (7 complaints) may include miscellaneous problems not easily classified.
- Airbag Malfunctions (6 complaints) could indicate sensor or deployment issues.
- Electrical Faults (5 complaints) might involve wiring, battery, or infotainment glitches.
All 2021 Subaru Legacy Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Subaru Legacy. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncategorized Issues | 7 | β | β | β | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 6 | β | β | β | |
| Electrical Faults | 5 | β | β | β | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 5 | β | β | β | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Engine Problems | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Back Over Prevention | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Brake System | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Equipment | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Structural Problems | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Visibility | 1 | β | β | β |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Subaru Legacy. Type a keyword (e.g. βtransmissionβ, βstallingβ, βbrakesβ) to filter.
See attached document for complaint.
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 β¦
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 aβ¦
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 stβ¦
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 evidβ¦
The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Legacy. The contact received notification of NHTSA 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 repβ¦
Dear NHTSA 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 timβ¦
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 β¦
Subaru has failed to remedy recall on airbags.
ODS sensor recall still not fixed/remedy available, used heat for first time since i purchased the car, minor cracks in the windshield, car radio/monitors randomly go black, reverse camera wonβt work, restarts on there own after a while
Without any reason a random issue came up. Special feature components lit up on dashboard. Everything but βcheck engine lit up and the car features were disabled. Disabled items were eye sight, lane assist, ABD, electrical parking brake, hill assist, vehicle dynamics control. Witβ¦
recall not fixed yet, what happens if a car hits me & the passenger airbags donβt work? unsafe, doesnβt seem like itβs being fixed in a timely manner
The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Legacy. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V227000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonβ¦
After 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 gridinβ¦
2021 SUBARU LEGACY TOURING. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO ISSUES WITH THE REAR AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM (RAB). See attached document for complaint
The buckle stopped working without cause. Car is only a couple years old and my child attempted to buckle themselves only to find out it didn't lock after trying to buckle in. I took car to subaru dealership and was told that they had no idea why it stopped working and it was notβ¦
Three times within a 1 year period, the windshield cracked without an object hitting it. First time in July, 2021, second time in September, 2021, and third time in June, 2022. After the first time, I had the windshield replaced at my own expense. The second time, Subaru completeβ¦
spontaneous windshield crack. parked the car at night and there was nothing wrong with the windshield. Next day i go to drive and there is a seven inch crack starting mid way up the screen on the passenger side. There is no sign of an impact and the crack is very wide. I can get β¦
The car's AEB system keeps mistaking steam from the street (such as sewer covers or construction sites) for a physical object and will activate. It has stopped my car in the middle of the street two days ago (5/31/22) and I was almost rear-ended by the car behind me. The warninβ¦
The trunk does not stay open leading to sudden closing on body and head for anyone trying to use the trunk. Leading to a concussion and multiple injuries. Dealership said to place a complaint as there has not yet been a recall for this issue. There is no warning prior to this issβ¦
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2021 Subaru Legacy.
2021 Subaru Legacy Recalls
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 Subaru Legacy. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2021 Subaru Legacy Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2021 Subaru Legacy reliable?βΎ
Good Record. NHTSA currently shows 30 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2021 Subaru Legacy looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Subaru Legacy?βΎ
#1: Uncategorized Issues (7 complaints). #2: Airbag Malfunctions (6 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (5 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Subaru Legacy?βΎ
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2021 Subaru Legacy?βΎ
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2021 Subaru Legacy, NHTSA complaints include 0 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 30 total complaints. 1 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2021 Subaru Legacy have any recalls?βΎ
Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2021 Subaru Legacy. A major recall area is POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM). 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2021 Subaru Legacy?βΎ
The 2021 Subaru Legacy looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Uncategorized Issues during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Subaru Legacy reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2021 Subaru Legacy based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.