2021 Subaru Legacy: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2021 Subaru Legacy: 3 recalls, 31 owner complaints and up to 30 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Transmission & drivetrain, Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #22V485000 · 2022 · 182 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: An improperly secured drive chain May slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #23V755000 · 2023 · 95,830 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: An inoperative inhibitor switch May prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024.
Airbags Vehicle recall #24V227000 · 2024 · 118,723 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the ods sensors on the front passenger seat, free of charge. Owner notifications were mailed February 3, 2025.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Other / unknown (7): the most common themes are warning light on (2), electrical failure (2).
- Airbags (6): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Electrical (5): the most common themes are warning light on (2).
- Visibility/Wiper (5): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2021 Subaru Legacy has 31 owner complaints, ranking #33 of 36 Legacy model years for complaints (well below the 88 average). Complaints peaked in 2024 (8 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 2 years old, at a median of 5,150 miles. Neighboring years: 2020 (121 complaints, 6 recalls), 2022 (34 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 27 | 35 | 30 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AV-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 24 | 32 | 27 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2021 Subaru Legacy.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2021 Subaru Legacy have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2021 Subaru Legacy. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2021 Subaru Legacy problems?
Owners have filed 31 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are other / unknown (7), airbags (6), electrical (5).
What gas mileage does the 2021 Subaru Legacy get?
EPA ratings run up to 30 mpg combined (2.5 L, Automatic (AV-S8)), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2021 Subaru Legacy repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.