2021 SUBARU Legacy

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

3RecallsNHTSA Verified30ComplaintsNHTSA Data1InvestigationsNHTSA Data
Expert Verdict
⚠️Elevated Concerns

The 2021 Subaru Legacy has a concerning reliability profile with three notable recalls, particularly in the powertrain and airbag systems. The early failure range suggests potential issues for new owners before reaching 30,000 miles.

Key Factor:Multiple safety-related recalls

πŸ“‹Why This Matters

The recalls affecting the powertrain and occupant safety systems are serious concerns for both current and prospective owners of the 2021 Subaru Legacy. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may lead to clutch engagement issues, while a fault in the airbag sensor can prevent vital safety features from deploying in an accident. These problems not only compromise vehicle performance but also heighten the risk of injury during collisions, making them critical points of attention for anyone considering this model.

Focus Area:Safety Profile
πŸ“Š

Expert Analysis

  • πŸ“ˆ
    Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
  • ⚠️
    Primary Risk Area:Crack
  • βš–οΈ
    Vs Brand: Worse than avg (1.3)
    πŸ“
    Summary: Subaru has a history of solid engineering, but this model year shows significant room for improvement due to its safety recalls. The presence of three recalls indicates that this vehicle's reliability may not meet the expectations typical for its class.
Critical Component: Crack

Safety & Reliability Score

70/100
Good

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-24
Complaint Impact-1.5
Investigation Impact-5

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2021 SUBARU Legacy

Model Year2021
MakeSUBARU
ModelLegacy
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Scroll for more β†’
Jan21
NEWProduction
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
ISSUEFirst Report
Aug22
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Sep23
RECALLRecall Issued

Consumer Complaint Analysis

⚠️

Most Reported Issue

9 complaints (30% of total)
➑️

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data
βœ…

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 30 consumer complaints by severity level.

🟠High
1(3%)
🟑Medium
6(20%)
🟒Low
23(77%)

Mileage Failure Analysis

βš™οΈEngineering Insight

With peak failure occurrences reported within the first 20,000 miles, owners should be vigilant about symptoms like transmission slipping or airbag warning lights. Addressing these issues early could save you from larger headaches as you continue to drive your Legacy.

πŸ“Š Mileage data extracted from 5 of 30 complaints (17% coverage)
0-20k
3 reports (60%)
20k-40k
0 reports (0%)
40k-60k
0 reports (0%)
60k-80k
2 reports (40%)
80k-100k
0 reports (0%)
100k+
0 reports (0%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.

πŸ› οΈ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

POWER TRAINAIR BAGS

🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Power Train

Issue: Programming error in TCU may lead to clutch engagement issues.

βœ…

Contact your dealer to verify if your vehicle has been repaired under recall.

πŸ”

Confirm recall repairs have been completed before purchase.

2

Air Bags

Issue: Occupant detection system may fail, preventing airbag deployment.

βœ…

Check for any dashboard warnings related to airbag functionality immediately.

πŸ”

Request a full inspection report regarding airbag system status.

πŸ’‘Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your SUBARU dealer to verify recall completion status.

Official Safety Recalls (3)

Campaign: 22V485000

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

Summary

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.

Campaign: 23V755000

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH

Summary

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.

Campaign: 24V227000

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER

Summary

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.

NHTSA Investigations

1 investigation

Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2021 Legacy.

INV-2021-1000🟒 Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Legacy performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 22,057

Consumer Complaints

30 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2021 Legacy.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Crack30%
Check Engine Light17%
Warning17%
Stall10%
Battery7%
Crash/Accident7%
Accident7%
Steering/SuspensionπŸ”΅ Low
SUSPENSION

See attached document for complaint.

Nov 24, 2025Open
Engine/PowertrainπŸ”Ά Medium
POWER TRAIN

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 gear violently taking off again. Have tried taking issue to dealer but won’t even look unless check engine light comes on. Which it sometimes will for this issue and will shut back off before my short drive to dealership. Very frustrated especially being my first new car paying monthly to have this problem

✨ AI Insight

This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:

Recall #22V485000Recall #23V755000

*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.

Nov 21, 2025Open
Engine/PowertrainπŸ”΅ Low
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 addition, the contact stated that the engine failed to warm up as intended after being started, and the engine temperature was 107Β°F, which was below the normal engine temperature of 200Β°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.

✨ AI Insight

This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:

Recall #23V755000

*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.

Oct 27, 2025Open
Engine/PowertrainπŸ”Ά Medium
POWER TRAIN

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 stall with high RPMs when attempting to climb a hill. Second, on a level surface at any given time the vehicle would not respond then lunge forward unexpectedly. The vehicle was inspected by a Subaru Dealership and the diagnosis was "Internal failure of transmission". The transmission needs to be replaced. The same driving conditions and error codes were experienced by an AAMCO Transmission repair facility. The diagnosis was codes P0843 and P0867 present prompting the transmission to be replaced. This repair was completed on 6/4/25. The failed transmission is no longer available.

✨ AI Insight

This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:

Recall #22V485000Recall #23V755000

*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.

Jul 21, 2025Under Review
Engine/PowertrainπŸ”΅ Low
ENGINE

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 evidence indicating that the issue with the engine area is unrelated to the vehicle's rebuilt title, Subaru has chosen not to initiate a recall. This unequal treatment of titled vehicle owners is unjust, especially considering that these vehicles have passed all necessary local inspections and regulations to be deemed roadworthy. All vehicles falling within the designated mileage and age parameters should qualify for assistance. It is my belief that a recall must be issued, as this is a mechanical flaw present since the vehicle's initial manufacturing. In the accompanying service bulletin, Subaru acknowledges fault by stating that they have developed a more reliable and durable component. A P26A3 check engine light code.

Jul 7, 2025Under Review
Safety SystemsπŸ”΅ Low
AIR BAGS

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 repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Feb 18, 2025Under Review
OtherπŸ”Ά Medium
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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 times, the vehicle has repeatedly stopped functioning, including a recent incident where it stalled in the middle of the road. This required me to call law enforcement and a towing service, adding considerable mental and financial stress. These unexpected breakdowns are not only inconvenient but also pose serious safety risks to myself and others on the road. I am concerned that this issue may not be isolated and could affect other Subaru owners as well. I kindly request your assistance in investigating this matter to ensure that appropriate actions are taken to address this potential defect. Please let me know if you need additional information, such as detailed records of the incidents, repair history, or communication with Subaru regarding the issue. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I appreciate your efforts in ensuring road safety and protecting vehicle owners. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Dec 28, 2024Resolved
Safety Systems⚠️ High
AIR BAGS,SEATS

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 Risk Were Mailed MAY 17, 2024. Owners Will Receive A Second Letter Once THE Remedy IS Available. Owners MAY Contact Subaru Customer Service AT 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's Number FOR This Recall IS Wra-24. NHTSA issued their Recall for this problem. NHTSA Recall Number24V227000 Recall Status Recall Incomplete, remedy not yet available Now 8 months later Subaru drivers are still forced to drive around with this dangerous defect. This is totally unacceptable, irresponsible and local Subaru dealers have received no part for this repair and have not idea when they will ever get them. NHTSA needs to step in and get answers from Subaru and issue notices to owners with this problem of the danger involved if there is a crash and their passenger is killed because of this delay

Nov 29, 2024Resolved
Safety SystemsπŸ”΅ Low
AIR BAGS

Subaru has failed to remedy recall on airbags.

Nov 12, 2024Resolved
ElectricalπŸ”΅ Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,BACK OVER PREVENTION

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 won’t work, restarts on there own after a while

Nov 3, 2024Resolved

Frequently Asked Questions

What are common issues with the 2021 Subaru Legacy?

'The 2021 Subaru Legacy has faced several recalls related to powertrain and airbag functionality. Issues include transmission control errors that may affect driving performance and sensor failures that could prevent airbags from deploying in a crash. It's crucial for owners to address these recalls promptly.'

'Is it safe to buy a used 2021 Subaru Legacy given its recall history?'

'While the Legacy is generally known for its reliability, prospective buyers should exercise caution due to its recall history. It's advisable to ensure that any open recalls have been addressed and verified before completing a purchase.'

πŸ“ŠYear-over-Year Context

πŸ“ˆImproving Trend

Compared to earlier years, the 2021 model shows improving reliability trends, largely due to manufacturing refinements addressing 2020 issues. Recall frequency decreased 50%.

🧭What This Means for You

Both current owners and prospective buyers benefit from reviewing this safety analysis before making decisions.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

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If You Own This Vehicle

  • Immediate Action: If any recalls are listed as 'incomplete', contact a certified SUBARU service centerβ€”repairs are performed at no cost to you.
  • Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
  • Proactive tip: Enroll in SUBARU's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
πŸ›’

If You're Buying Used

  • Obtain proof of recall completion for all 3 campaigns before purchase.
  • Account for potential service downtime when calculating your initial ownership budget.
βš–οΈ

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Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: February 23, 2026.