NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breakdown from exposure to high humidity, temperature changes, and heat over time.
What the fix does
This page covers 13 recalls, 166 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2011 Subaru Legacy.
20–25 mpg combined
9.4–11.8 L/100km
Midsize Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 4 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The dominant complaint pattern for the 2011 Subaru Legacy centers on the powertrain and structural components. Owners frequently describe vehicles stalling or shutting off unexpectedly while driving, sometimes requiring the transmission to be shifted into park before the engine will restart, a pattern that recurs across multiple reports. The second major theme involves subframe corrosion: owners describe discovering severe rust on the front subframe, particularly on the driver's side, often after hearing clunking sounds during braking or turning. Mechanics in these accounts consistently identify the corroded subframe as the source, noting that the damage affects suspension mounting points. Airbags and exterior lighting each drew a meaningful share of complaints as well, though powertrain stalling and subframe deterioration account for the clearest recurring patterns. Several subframe complaints specifically describe the corrosion as originating from inside the structural member, making it difficult to detect visually before it becomes advanced.
166
Total Complaints
7
Crash-Related
2
Fire-Related
3
With Injuries
By System
The 2011 Subaru Legacy has 13 recalls, the most serious being a Takata airbag defect in which the front passenger airbag inflator can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, posing a risk of serious injury or death.
Several filings cover this same inflator rupture hazard across different affected populations and geographic zones, but they all describe the same danger. The ignition switch is also a concern on vehicles where a replacement switch was installed: a broken internal spring can cause the engine to shut off unexpectedly while driving, and if a crash follows, the airbags may not deploy. The windshield wiper motor can overheat and fail, leaving the driver without wipers in rain or snow. On vehicles with a manual transmission, the electronic parking brake may not fully engage when parked, and the vehicle can roll away if the transmission is not left in gear. There is also a moonroof concern on certain vehicles: the glass panel is not adequately bonded and can loosen or detach while driving, becoming a hazard for other vehicles on the road.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breakdown from exposure to high humidity, temperature changes, and heat over time.
What the fix does
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breakdown caused by long-term exposure to humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breakdown caused by prolonged exposure to high humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator with a different design at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The ball spring inside the ignition switch may break, weakening it. Key ring weight or road conditions could then shift the switch from run to accessory position, shutting off the engine.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the ignition switch and replace it if needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode during deployment in a crash. This can happen because the propellant inside degrades over time when exposed to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode during deployment due to propellant breaking down after long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator can explode during deployment due to propellant degradation from long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The electronic parking brake may fail to engage properly, which could allow the vehicle to roll away if the transmission is not in the correct gear when parked.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the electronic parking brake actuator assembly at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode during deployment in a crash. This can happen because the inflator's propellant degrades over time when exposed to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger air bag inflator may rupture during a crash due to propellant breakdown from long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Contaminated components in the windshield wiper motor bottom cover may interfere with each other. If snow or ice buildup prevents the wiper arms from stopping in the parked position, the motor can overheat and the cover may melt.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor bottom cover assembly at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may rupture during a crash because the explosive propellant degrades after prolonged exposure to heat and humidity in certain regions.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The adhesive bonding the moonroof glass to its retainer was inadequately applied, which may cause the glass to loosen or detach.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the moonroof glass adhesion and either apply additional adhesive or replace the glass at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.