This page covers 3 recalls, 30 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2021 Subaru Legacy.
27–30 mpg combined
7.8–8.7 L/100km
Large 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 2 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Complaints about the 2021 Subaru Legacy are spread across a handful of systems, with visibility and wipers drawing the most reports, followed by airbags and the powertrain. On the visibility side, owners describe wiper performance issues and obstruction concerns, often tied to the Eyesight driver assistance cameras losing function, particularly in cold or wet conditions. Powertrain complaints center on the CVT, where owners report shuddering, hesitation when climbing grades, high RPM surges, and abrupt re-engagement after what feels like a near-stall. Warning lights, including the check engine and transmission temperature indicators, commonly appear alongside these transmission episodes. A smaller cluster of reports mentions battery-related issues causing warning lights and accessory malfunctions.
30
Total Complaints
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2021 Subaru Legacy has 3 recalls, the most serious involving the continuously variable transmission's drive chain, which can slip and break without warning, causing a sudden loss of drive power.
A faulty software calibration in the transmission control unit can allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is fully clamped, and if the chain slips or snaps, the vehicle loses all propulsion. On the safety equipment side, a capacitor inside the front passenger seat's occupant detection sensor can crack and short circuit, leaving the front passenger airbag disabled during a crash when it would otherwise be needed. The third recall involves the inhibitor switch, a component that controls both the reverse lights and the rearview camera feed. Water can enter the switch through a failed weld, causing the switch to stop working and leaving the driver with no reverse lights and a blank camera screen when backing up.
At a glance
What can fail
A capacitor inside the front passenger seat's occupant detection sensor may crack and short circuit, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the occupant detection sensors on the front passenger seat at no cost to you.
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Driver Assistance
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 →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A weak weld on the inhibitor switch allows water to enter and damage the switch, causing it to fail.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error in the transmission control unit may cause the clutch to engage before the drive chain is fully secured, risking chain slippage.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the transmission control software, check for chain damage, and inspect the chain guide. If damage is found, the transmission will be replaced.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
