2011 Subaru Legacy Problems & Owner Complaints

Power Train 47

“An issue has surfaced with my car that it turns off while driving. Obviously this is a serious safety hazard and likely to result in an accident. Now that it has happened, it is continuing and frequently happening. I reached out to Subaru as I saw there was a recall for my car's make and model that is causing the same issue. The issue is listed as NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 19V297000, described as "The engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash. " and affecting many Subarus, including the 2011 legacy. I believe my car is impacted given the behavior it is exhibiting. When I reache…”
NHTSA complaint #11695074, 2025

“The week after purchase: The car shuts off when braking and needs to be put into park to be started again. Also the check engine light came on and I wonder if it has electrical issues.”
NHTSA complaint #11694423, 2025

“Sometimes as I'm coming to a stop, such as at a red light or a stop sign, just before I stop, the car lurches and then stalls. This is an automatic transmission car, but the best way I can think of to describe what is happening is it is acting as if it is a manual transmission, and when you come to a stop and don't press in the clutch. If this happens at an inopportune time, it could cause an accident. Possibly you're slowing down as you turn through an intersection and it lurches and stalls. You would then be stopped in the middle of the intersection. There are no warning lamps or messag…”
NHTSA complaint #11480812, 2022

Air Bags 25 5 crash 1 fire 3 injury

“2 CAR COLLISION ON A CITY STREET. BOTH CARS IN MOTION. OUR CAR WAS TURNING LEFT ONTO THE MAIN ROAD AND WAS HIT IN THE LEFT FRONT AREA CAUSING SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE RESULTING IN THE TOTAL LOSS OF BOTH VEHICLES. THE DRIVER OF OUR CAR WAS TAKEN BY AMBULANCE TO THE HOSPITAL TO BE CHECKED OUT. THE DRIVER OF OUR CAR SUFFERED A HEAD INJURY ON THE LEFT SIDE RESULTING IN PAIN AND IN PARTICULAR SHORT TERM MEMORY LOSS. THE ACCIDENT REPORT IS AVAILABLE THRU THE KIRKLAND, WA POLICE DEPARTMENT, CASE #20-19103. ALTHOUGH THE REPORT DOES CONTAIN ERRORS AND OMISSIONS IT MOSTLY DESCRIBES WHAT HAPPENED AND INC…”
NHTSA complaint #11338393, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 SUBARU LEGACY. WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, THE CONTACT TOOK HIS EYES OFF THE ROAD AND CRASHED INTO A RETAINING WALL. THE FRONT DRIVER'S AIR BAG DEPLOYED AND PINNED HIS HEAD BETWEEN THE DRIVER'S WINDOW AND AIR BAG. THE OCCUPANT SUSTAINED A KNOT ON HIS HEAD, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED WITH NASHVILLE METRO POLICE (#2017-1079256). THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HILLWOOD WRECKER SERVICE AND DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70…”
NHTSA complaint #11054167, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I HAD A 2011 SUBARU LEGACY2.5;AT 1130 AM,I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AT A LOCAL CONVENIENCE STORE NEAR US THAT WE OFTEN GO TO,WHEN SUDDENLY ON TURNING RIGHT INTO THE SPACE I HEARD THE ENGINE "REV"AT A FAST SPEED EVEN THOUGH I HAD LIFTED MY FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR.(I USED TO DRIVE A MANUAL SHIFT,AND IT REMINDED ME OF THE SOUND AN ENGINE WOULD MAKE WHEN TRYING TO UPSHIFT TOO FAST BETWEEN GEARS)BEFORE I COULD REACT THE CAR SURGED FORWARD INTO THE SPACE,AND I WAS BARELY ABLE TO SLAM THE BRAKE BEFORE IT COVERED THE 6 TO 8 FEET AND HIT A GUARD POST,CRUMBLING THE FRONT END TO WHERE THE E…”
NHTSA complaint #10898386, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Engine 22 1 fire

“01/07/2016 SHORTLY AFTER TAKING THE FREEWAY EXIT WIFE NOTICED THE BATTERY LIGHT TURNED ON AND POWER STEERING GOT HEAVY. ALL OTHER WARNING LIGHT ON THE DASH STARTED TO FLICKER AS THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT QUICKLY FILLED WITH SMOKE. SHE THEN PULLED OVER AND HAD JUST ENOUGH TIME TO GET BOTH KIDS OUT BEFORE THE ENTIRE CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. FIRE ORIGINATED FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF HER 2011 SUBARU LEGACY 3.6R LIMITED. THE VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS.”
NHTSA complaint #10823290, 2016 · fire

“An issue has surfaced with my car that it turns off while driving. Obviously this is a serious safety hazard and likely to result in an accident. Now that it has happened, it is continuing and frequently happening. I reached out to Subaru as I saw there was a recall for my car's make and model that is causing the same issue. The issue is listed as NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 19V297000, described as "The engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash. " and affecting many Subarus, including the 2011 legacy. I believe my car is impacted given the behavior it is exhibiting. When I reache…”
NHTSA complaint #11695074, 2025

“TL* THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF HER DAUGHTER WHO OWNS A 2011 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SPUTTERED WHILE SLOWING DOWN TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER BEFORE COMING TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO FIRST TEAM SUBARU NORFOLK (6633 E VIRGINIA BEACH BLVD, NORFOLK, VA 23502, (877) 274-7828) HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MECHANIC SUGGESTED THAT FUEL ADDITIVE SHOULD BE ADDED TO THE FUEL TO PROVIDE A TEMPORARY FIX. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WA…”
NHTSA complaint #11415504, 2021

Electrical System 19 1 fire

“01/07/2016 SHORTLY AFTER TAKING THE FREEWAY EXIT WIFE NOTICED THE BATTERY LIGHT TURNED ON AND POWER STEERING GOT HEAVY. ALL OTHER WARNING LIGHT ON THE DASH STARTED TO FLICKER AS THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT QUICKLY FILLED WITH SMOKE. SHE THEN PULLED OVER AND HAD JUST ENOUGH TIME TO GET BOTH KIDS OUT BEFORE THE ENTIRE CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. FIRE ORIGINATED FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF HER 2011 SUBARU LEGACY 3.6R LIMITED. THE VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS.”
NHTSA complaint #10823290, 2016 · fire

“The week after purchase: The car shuts off when braking and needs to be put into park to be started again. Also the check engine light came on and I wonder if it has electrical issues.”
NHTSA complaint #11694423, 2025

“WAS WARNED BY OTHER DRIVERS THAT MY TAIL LIGHTS WERE OUT SEVERAL TIMES. CLOCK AND SAVED RADIO STATIONS WENT OUT AND NOW BROUGHT THE CAR IN FOR YEARLY INSPECTION AND MAJOR OIL LEAK FROM GASKET. 16,000 MILES ON THIS CAR. NEVER HAVE I HAD SO MANY PROBLEMS.”
NHTSA complaint #11399636, 2021

Suspension 19

“The subframe rotted through broke as I was driving on Thruway. My mechanic confirmed it needs to be replaced and is very common in heavy winter states.”
NHTSA complaint #11748911, 2026

“While turning the wheel to back out of a parking spot, we heard a loud clunking sound. From that point on, while braking there were loud clunking sounds and the car pulled to the right. We brought it to our mechanic and was informed the front sub frame/ engine cradle, was completey rusted out due to corrosion from the inside. There was a mounting bolt protruding through a hole in the subframe and the suspension components were loose and damaged. They provided a photo showing the large hole and mounting bolt protruding. We were told it was unsafe to drive. We have to replace the sub frame, con…”
NHTSA complaint #11674244, 2025

“This 2011 Subaru Legacy would pull severely to the right when braking, nearly jerking the steering wheel out of the drivers hand. The car was taken to a private auto repair shop where it was found the motor cradle (part #50527AJ00B) was completed rusted out so the A-arm to the wheel was unstable. In trying to locate a new part, online and from local dealers, it was found the part was on backorder. We were number 142 in line to receive the part. There is obviously a severe and dangerous problem with this issue as a car would veer into the other lane or offroad when braking. Subaru corporate…”
NHTSA complaint #11537308, 2023

Exterior Lighting 18

“The contact owns a 2011 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the headlights failed to illuminate. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11501043, 2023

“WAS WARNED BY OTHER DRIVERS THAT MY TAIL LIGHTS WERE OUT SEVERAL TIMES. CLOCK AND SAVED RADIO STATIONS WENT OUT AND NOW BROUGHT THE CAR IN FOR YEARLY INSPECTION AND MAJOR OIL LEAK FROM GASKET. 16,000 MILES ON THIS CAR. NEVER HAVE I HAD SO MANY PROBLEMS.”
NHTSA complaint #11399636, 2021

“AS OTHER DRIVER COMPLAINS, MY LOW BEAM HEAD LIGHT BULBS (BOTH SIDES) HAVE BEEN BURNED OUT EVERY 6 TO 10 MONTHS. SOMETIMES I NEEDED TO REPLACE THEM IN ICE COLD WINTER OUTSIDE IN THE SNOW. BECAUSE MUD GUARDS NEED TO BE MOVED TO REPLACE BULBS, PLASTIC FASTENERS ALSO NEEDED TO BE REPLACED EVERY SO OFTEN. THIS IS QUITE RIDICULOUS.”
NHTSA complaint #11245637, 2019

Service Brakes 18 1 crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS FAILED DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD BE DRIVEN TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE, HOWEVER THE CONTACT BECAME AWARE OF THE POWER STEERING BELT SNAPPED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO BE DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE CONTACT THEN STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS AWAITING REPAIRS. T…”
NHTSA complaint #10850019, 2016 · crash

“Brakes failed due to a rusty brake line. Rear passenger side where theres a 4 way block 2 lines in 2 lines out. All 4 lines are rusted where they connect, one of the lines broke to cause a significant leak. This caused me to have very little brakes as the vehicle ran out of brake fluid. I can see brake fluid on the ground and diagnosed the issue myself. It seems as it is a common issue. The brake light did come on when the brake fluid was low enough, but at that point there was little to no brakes anyway because the leak was so consistent .”
NHTSA complaint #11547322, 2023

“To Whom It May Concern: I am an owner of the Subaru 2011 Legacy AWD, VIN # [XXX], [XXX] at [XXX], Parker, Colorado, reaching out to you about a well-known and recognized toque converter issue described in the 2011 Subaru Legacy F4-2.5 L SOHC, Vehicle - Technical Service Bulletin applicability :2010-2012 MY Legacy Models equipped with CVT Transmission. I purchased my car after its previous owner with a salvage title due to an accident, however it turns out it has a torque converter issue which makes a car die every time I use a break when coming to a stop, described in the above Subaru Techn…”
NHTSA complaint #11503657, 2023

Unknown Or Other 18 1 crash 1 injury

“I HAD A 2011 SUBARU LEGACY2.5;AT 1130 AM,I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AT A LOCAL CONVENIENCE STORE NEAR US THAT WE OFTEN GO TO,WHEN SUDDENLY ON TURNING RIGHT INTO THE SPACE I HEARD THE ENGINE "REV"AT A FAST SPEED EVEN THOUGH I HAD LIFTED MY FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR.(I USED TO DRIVE A MANUAL SHIFT,AND IT REMINDED ME OF THE SOUND AN ENGINE WOULD MAKE WHEN TRYING TO UPSHIFT TOO FAST BETWEEN GEARS)BEFORE I COULD REACT THE CAR SURGED FORWARD INTO THE SPACE,AND I WAS BARELY ABLE TO SLAM THE BRAKE BEFORE IT COVERED THE 6 TO 8 FEET AND HIT A GUARD POST,CRUMBLING THE FRONT END TO WHERE THE E…”
NHTSA complaint #10898386, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The subframe rotted through broke as I was driving on Thruway. My mechanic confirmed it needs to be replaced and is very common in heavy winter states.”
NHTSA complaint #11748911, 2026

“Description of the Safety Defect: The front subframe on my 2011 Subaru Legacy exhibits advanced structural corrosion with measurable material loss, concentrated primarily on the driver-side subframe. The corrosion affects a primary load-bearing structural member responsible for supporting suspension mounting points and maintaining chassis integrity. The deterioration is asymmetric, with the driver side showing severe degradation while the passenger side remains comparatively intact. This non-uniform corrosion pattern is not consistent with normal environmental exposure, age-related wear, or ro…”
NHTSA complaint #11706641, 2025

Steering 16

“Front sub-frame rusted through. Local mechanic said unsafe to drive. Insurance will not cover claim because this is "prior issue" not accident related. Subaru dealership confirmed safety risk and will repair for >$3000.”
NHTSA complaint #11515967, 2023

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE HORN ACTIVATED INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SYMPTOM WAS LIKE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V283000 (STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO WEBSTER GROVES SUBARU (7982 BIG BEND BLVD, WEBSTER GROVES, MO 63119, (314) 476-9638) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 149,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11385420, 2020

“HORN SOUNDS UNINTENTIONALLY POSSIBLY SIMILAR/ RELATED TO CAMPAIGN 10V283000 FROM PREVIOUS MODEL YEAR. HORN SOUNDS WHEN I AM TURNING THE WHEEL AND ACCELERATING, ESPECIALLY WHEN GOING FROM A STOP, UP A HILL, OR HARDER ACCELERATION. OCCASIONALLY WHEN GOING STRAIGHT, ESPECIALLY OVER SPEED BUMPS. HORN ALSO SOUNDS WHEN I HIT THE RIM OF THE STEERING WHEEL WITH MY FIST.”
NHTSA complaint #11366301, 2020

Engine And Engine Cooling 6

“6 SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION. VEHICLE STALLS, AND ROUGH IDLES INTERMITTENTLY WHILE AT STOP LIGHT OR OTHER TRAFFIC CONTROL. VEHICLE ALSO STALLED WHILE ON HIGHWAY TWICE DISABLING POWER STEERING, AND POWER BRAKING. BROUGHT BACK TO DEALER AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO REPLICATE ISSUE. ISSUE OCCURRED AGAIN, BROUGHT BACK TO DEALER 2ND TIME SAME RESULTS. 3RD TIME ISSUE WAS REPLICATED WHILE I WAS IN VEHICLE WITH TECH. TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THEY WILL ADDRESS IT. LEFT OVER WEEKEND. TUESDAY DEALER NOTIFIED ME THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING A POWER DRAW AFTER THE WINDOW OR ELECTRONIC BRAKE WERE USED, A…”
NHTSA complaint #10453229, 2012

“ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS, I PUT THE VEHICLE INTO DRIVE AND REMOVED MY FOOT FROM THE BRAKE, BEFORE ACCELERATING; THE CAR ROLLED FORWARD IN A SHUTTERING MANOR AND THEN LUNGED FORWARD SEVERAL FEET (4-6 FT). THE RPMS SEEMED TO DROP (500-700 RPM) AND THEN SPIKE (1,200-1,500 RPM) WITH NO ACCELERATION AT TIME OF THE INCIDENT. I IMMEDIATELY APPLIED THE BRAKE AND STOPPED FOR SEVERAL SECONDS. I THEN TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE AGAIN AND THE VEHICLE SEEMED TO RUN FINE. THE ENGINE WAS NOT COLD AT THE TIME ON OCCURRENCE; IT HAD BEEN DRIVEN APPROX. 30 MINUTES BEFORE THE INCIDENT. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10456791, 2011

“FEELING UNSTEADY ON HIGHWAY SPEEDS 60+, WHISTLE NOISE IN HEATER VENT NOT FIXED BY DEALER, VOLUME BUTTONS ON STEERING WHEEL NOT WORKING BROUGHT IN 4 TIMES TO DEALER TO FIX, WHISTLE NOISE IN WINDOW WAS TOLD IS THE MIRRORS OUTSIDE HOWEVER WHEN ROLL WINDOW UP AND DOWN SEVERAL TIMES...IT HITS THE TOP HARD, BUT SHUTS FULLY AND NOISE STOPS SOUND LIKE WINDOW WILL BREAK, HARD START 3X DEALER ASKED WHERE I BUY MY GAS, HOOD OF CAR VIBRATES ON HIGHWAY, HEAT COMES OUT STRONG ON WINDSHIELD ON FOOT SETTING, DEALER SAID NORMAL AND SHOWED MAP HOWEVER ITS THE SAME AS SETTING IT TO FOOT AND WINDSHIELD SETTING, M…”
NHTSA complaint #10448112, 2011

Structure 5 1 crash 1 injury

“2 CAR COLLISION ON A CITY STREET. BOTH CARS IN MOTION. OUR CAR WAS TURNING LEFT ONTO THE MAIN ROAD AND WAS HIT IN THE LEFT FRONT AREA CAUSING SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE RESULTING IN THE TOTAL LOSS OF BOTH VEHICLES. THE DRIVER OF OUR CAR WAS TAKEN BY AMBULANCE TO THE HOSPITAL TO BE CHECKED OUT. THE DRIVER OF OUR CAR SUFFERED A HEAD INJURY ON THE LEFT SIDE RESULTING IN PAIN AND IN PARTICULAR SHORT TERM MEMORY LOSS. THE ACCIDENT REPORT IS AVAILABLE THRU THE KIRKLAND, WA POLICE DEPARTMENT, CASE #20-19103. ALTHOUGH THE REPORT DOES CONTAIN ERRORS AND OMISSIONS IT MOSTLY DESCRIBES WHAT HAPPENED AND INC…”
NHTSA complaint #11338393, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“While turning the wheel to back out of a parking spot, we heard a loud clunking sound. From that point on, while braking there were loud clunking sounds and the car pulled to the right. We brought it to our mechanic and was informed the front sub frame/ engine cradle, was completey rusted out due to corrosion from the inside. There was a mounting bolt protruding through a hole in the subframe and the suspension components were loose and damaged. They provided a photo showing the large hole and mounting bolt protruding. We were told it was unsafe to drive. We have to replace the sub frame, con…”
NHTSA complaint #11674244, 2025

“The contact owns a 2011 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH and driving over a speed bump, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the subframe was damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 14,000. The VIN was not available.”
NHTSA complaint #11618103, 2024

Vehicle Speed Control 5 3 crash 1 injury

“I HAD A 2011 SUBARU LEGACY2.5;AT 1130 AM,I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AT A LOCAL CONVENIENCE STORE NEAR US THAT WE OFTEN GO TO,WHEN SUDDENLY ON TURNING RIGHT INTO THE SPACE I HEARD THE ENGINE "REV"AT A FAST SPEED EVEN THOUGH I HAD LIFTED MY FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR.(I USED TO DRIVE A MANUAL SHIFT,AND IT REMINDED ME OF THE SOUND AN ENGINE WOULD MAKE WHEN TRYING TO UPSHIFT TOO FAST BETWEEN GEARS)BEFORE I COULD REACT THE CAR SURGED FORWARD INTO THE SPACE,AND I WAS BARELY ABLE TO SLAM THE BRAKE BEFORE IT COVERED THE 6 TO 8 FEET AND HIT A GUARD POST,CRUMBLING THE FRONT END TO WHERE THE E…”
NHTSA complaint #10898386, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I'VE OWNED MY 2011 SUBARU LEGACY SINCE MAY OF 2011 WITH NO INCIDENTS RELATED TO SPEED CONTROL. LATE AUGUST 2014, I WAS PULLING INTO MY DRIVEWAY OF THE HOME WE'VE LIVED IN FOR 13 YEARS, AND MIDWAY THROUGH THE TURN I HEARD A REVVING NOISE. MY FOOT WAS OFF BOTH THE ACCELERATOR AND BRAKE AND THE CAR UNEXPECTED LURCHED FORWARD AT A HIGH SPEED, CRASHING INTO OUR CHAIN LINK FENCE AND TREE BEFORE BOUNCING BACK INTO THE DRIVEWAY. AS THE CAR STARTED TO ACCELERATE, I DEPRESSED THE BRAKE TO THE FLOOR, BUT NOTHING HAPPENED. I WAS ALONE IN THE CAR AND THE AIRBAG(S) DID NOT DEPLOY. I WAS PROBABLY GOING 25MPH…”
NHTSA complaint #10630347, 2014 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK WHEN IT ACCELERATED IN REVERSE THROUGH A YARD CRASHING INTO A RETAINING WALL. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO TURN THE VEHICLE AFTER IT CRASHED INTO THE RETAINING WALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE BUT HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 150.”
NHTSA complaint #10415061, 2011 · crash

Fuel/Propulsion System 4

“CHANGED OUT THE TIMING BELT AS PART OF RECOMMEND SERVICE BY SUBARU ONLY TO LEARN THAT THE HEAD GASKETS WERE LEAKING AND IT'S A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH ALL SUBARUS BUILT BEFORE 2013. SUBARU IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, AND HAS CREATED A CONDITIONER THAT IS ADDED TO THE COOLING SYSTEM AS A "BAND AID."”
NHTSA complaint #11352699, 2020

“THE ENGINE TURNING OFF UNEXPECTEDLY WHEN I AM DRIVING. ESPECIALLY WHEN I GO TO SLOW DOWN. THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE. FROM DAY ONE.”
NHTSA complaint #11269096, 2015

“FOR THE PAST 2 MONTHS MY SUBARU LEGACY HAS BEEN STALLING AND LOSING POWER WHEN I ROLL TO A STOP AND/OR WHEN SUDDENLY BRAKING. ALMOST GOT REAR ENDED BY SEMI TRUCK ON THE FREEWAY AND MULTIPLE TIMES AT STOP LIGHTS IN FOGGY SITUATIONS. SUBARU DEALERSHIP SAID IF IT WAS AN ANNOYANCE I SHOULD BRING IT IN. ALMOST DYING IN A SUBARU WITH MY DAUGHTERS IS MORE THAN AN ANNOYANCE. DEALERSHIP HAS KNOWN ABOUT IT BUT PERFORMED A THROTTLE BODY SERVICE, WHICH WAS FUTILE. ONLINE FORUMS SUGGEST A FAULTY TORQUE CONVERTER AND A SERVICE#16-90-30. QUOTES FOR REPLACING IT ARE AROUND $2000. SUBARU KNOWS IT IS DUE…”
NHTSA complaint #10701824, 2015

Fuel System 3

“TL* THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF HER DAUGHTER WHO OWNS A 2011 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SPUTTERED WHILE SLOWING DOWN TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER BEFORE COMING TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO FIRST TEAM SUBARU NORFOLK (6633 E VIRGINIA BEACH BLVD, NORFOLK, VA 23502, (877) 274-7828) HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MECHANIC SUGGESTED THAT FUEL ADDITIVE SHOULD BE ADDED TO THE FUEL TO PROVIDE A TEMPORARY FIX. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WA…”
NHTSA complaint #11415504, 2021

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER, THE BRAKES SEIZED AND ALL OF THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED THAT HE HAD USED BAD GASOLINE FUEL IN THE TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10504943, 2013

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH THE BRAKES ENGAGED AND LOCKED UP. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL IMMEDIATELY AFTER. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN AND WAS LATER TOWED TO A DEALER. AFTER DIAGNOSIS THEY ADVISED HER THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE GAS CAP TEARING AND THE TRANSMISSION MOTOR MOUNT HAD A LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE GAS CAP ONLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED HER THAT THERE WERE NO SIMILAR ISSUES. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILE…”
NHTSA complaint #10484755, 2012

Wheels 3

“DRIVING ON NEWLY PAVED HIGHWAY AT 80MPH THE CAR STARTS TO SHAKE AND VIBRATE. AT LOWER SPEEDS THIS IS NOT AN ISSUE. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10532001, 2013

“AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS GOING AROUND TURNS STEERING IS VERY LOOSE, CAR TO WONDER AND NOT MAINTAIN TRACK CAUSING YOU TO JERK THE WHEEL TO CURRECT.. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10470709, 2012

“WHILE DRIVING ON A RURAL PAVED ROAD OUR CAR COULD NOT AVOID A POTHOLE DUE TO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE IMPACT OF THE POTHOLE WAS SEVERE, THE CAR ALMOST WRECKED. THE POTHOLE WAS NOT HUGE AND THE CAR WAS ONLY GOING 35 TO 40 MPH. AFTER PULLING TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO DETERMINE DAMAGE, IT WAS DECIDED THERE WAS NONE AND WE CONTINUED WITH THE SHORT TRIP, AND THEN BACK HOME. THE FOLLOWING DAY WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE, WE DISCOVERED THERE WAS A SEVERE SHIMMY IN THE DRIVE TRAIN. AFTER THE WEEKEND, WE TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER. ONCE INSPECTED, IT WAS DETERMINED THE CAR HAD TWO BENT RIMS ON THE…”
NHTSA complaint #10436100, 2011

Seats 2

“The contact owns a 2011 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while driving or coming to a complete stop, the driver's side front seat would inadvertently move back and forth. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The vehicle had previously been serviced for the front driver's side seat by the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the seat warranty had expired and that the contact needed to pay out of pocket for the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11450754, 2022

“PASSENGER AIR BAG SENSOR INDICATOR LIGHT WILL INTERMITTENTLY SHOW INDICATOR AS OFF WITH OCCUPANT IN PASSENGER SEAT (WEIGHT APPROX. 110 POUNDS). PASSENGER REMOVES ALL WEIGHT FROM SEAT AND REAPPLIES WEIGHT IN SAME POSITION AND/OR RESET PROCEDURE DETAILED IN MANUAL PERFORMED AND SENSOR WILL USUALLY COME BACK ON. VEHICLE HAS VISITED AUTHORIZED REPAIR FACILITY ON THREE OCCASIONS REGARDING ISSUE AND FIRST TWO VISITS REPAIR ATTEMPT MADE IN FORM OF "RE-ZEROING WEIGHT SENSOR" (FIRST ATTEMPT) AND "PASSENGER OCCUPANT DETECTION SENSOR CALIBRATION PROCEDURE" (SECOND ATTEMPT). THIRD VISIT WAS TOLD BY SERVIC…”
NHTSA complaint #10480628, 2012

Visibility/Wiper 2 1 fire

“01/07/2016 SHORTLY AFTER TAKING THE FREEWAY EXIT WIFE NOTICED THE BATTERY LIGHT TURNED ON AND POWER STEERING GOT HEAVY. ALL OTHER WARNING LIGHT ON THE DASH STARTED TO FLICKER AS THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT QUICKLY FILLED WITH SMOKE. SHE THEN PULLED OVER AND HAD JUST ENOUGH TIME TO GET BOTH KIDS OUT BEFORE THE ENTIRE CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. FIRE ORIGINATED FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF HER 2011 SUBARU LEGACY 3.6R LIMITED. THE VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS.”
NHTSA complaint #10823290, 2016 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU LEGACY. WHILE IN PARK, THE WIPERS WERE ACTIVATED BUT FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE FUSE; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V469000 (VISIBILITY). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,577.”
NHTSA complaint #10706159, 2015

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 1

“WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 60+ MPH THE VEHICLE EXHIBITS A SEVERE "SWAY" OR PULL FROM SIDE TO SIDE. THE SEVERITY OF THE SWAYING INCREASES WITH SPEED, THE DRIVER HAS TO "FIGHT" THE STEERING WHEEL TO KEEP THE VEHICLE CENTERED IN ITS LANE. THE SWAY/PULL HAS BEEN PRESENT SINCE THE FIRST HIGHWAY TRIP AT ABOUT 1000 MILES, AND IS STILL PRESENT AFTER DEALER CHECKS AND REALIGNMENTS. THE SWAYING CAN BE SO SEVERE AS TO MAKE THE DRIVER FEEL THE CAR IS UNCONTROLLABLE AT NORMAL HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE SWAYING CAN BE SO SEVERE AS TO CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO DEPART FROM ITS LANE. THE SWAYING/PULLING OCCURS IN ALL…”
NHTSA complaint #10461698, 2011

Equipment 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU LEGACY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RADIO BECAME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V283000 (STEERING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10723126, 2015

Equipment Adaptive/Mobility 1

“WHEN I ENTER OR LEAVE THE 2011 LEGACY FROM THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT AND TWIST MY RIGHT FOOT IN THE PROCESS, THE FLOOR MAT COMES UNHINGED FROM THE KNOBS THAT ARE SUPPOSED TO HOLD IT IN PLACE. IF I DO NOT NOTICE THIS, THEN THE MAT SLIDES AROUND WHEN I DRIVE. I FEAR IT COULD SLIDE UNDER THE BRAKE OR GAS PEDAL AND JAM THEM UP. IT IS THE ORIGINAL FLOOR MAT. IT IS A BIT FLIMSY AND THE HOLES FOR THE KNOBS ARE TOO BIG. TODAY, I NOTIFIED SUBARU OF THIS AND WILL ALSO BE SHOWING THIS TO MY SUBARU DEALER. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10459697, 2012

Tires 1

“WHILE DRIVING ON A RURAL PAVED ROAD OUR CAR COULD NOT AVOID A POTHOLE DUE TO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE IMPACT OF THE POTHOLE WAS SEVERE, THE CAR ALMOST WRECKED. THE POTHOLE WAS NOT HUGE AND THE CAR WAS ONLY GOING 35 TO 40 MPH. AFTER PULLING TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO DETERMINE DAMAGE, IT WAS DECIDED THERE WAS NONE AND WE CONTINUED WITH THE SHORT TRIP, AND THEN BACK HOME. THE FOLLOWING DAY WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE, WE DISCOVERED THERE WAS A SEVERE SHIMMY IN THE DRIVE TRAIN. AFTER THE WEEKEND, WE TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER. ONCE INSPECTED, IT WAS DETERMINED THE CAR HAD TWO BENT RIMS ON THE…”
NHTSA complaint #10436100, 2011