2021 Subaru Legacy
3 recalls · 30 complaints · Safety Score C
Recall History
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 & Remedy
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.
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 & Remedy
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.
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 & Remedy
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.
Recent Complaints
| Date | Component | Description | Crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11/24/2025 | Suspension | See attached document for complaint. | No | No |
| 11/21/2025 | Power Train | Car intermittently will studder and not go into first gear or go into second gear dangerously having car bog down and al... | No | No |
| 10/27/2025 | 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, th... | No | No |
| 07/21/2025 | Power Train | CVT Transmission Failure. Failure occurred at approximately 66,706 miles on 5/16/25. The Check Engine and AT Temp ligh... | No | No |
| 07/07/2025 | Engine | Subaru has released a service bulletin regarding concerns with the Thermo Control Valve in specific vehicles. Unfortunat... | No | No |
| 02/18/2025 | Air Bags | The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Legacy. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V227000 (AIR BAGS);... | No | No |
| 12/28/2024 | Unknown or Other | Dear NHTSA Team, I am writing to report a recurring and distressing issue with my Subaru Legacy 2021 which I believe ra... | No | No |
| 11/29/2024 | 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 Increa... | No | No |
| 11/12/2024 | Air Bags | Subaru has failed to remedy recall on airbags. | No | No |
| 11/03/2024 | 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 ... | No | No |
Most Complained-About Components
Frequently Asked Questions
The 2021 Subaru Legacy has 3 recall campaigns on record with NHTSA. Total complaints filed: 30.
The 2021 Subaru Legacy has a Safety Score of 59/100 (Grade C). This score factors in recall severity (40%), complaint frequency (30%), crash and fire reports (20%), and trend direction (10%).
The 2021 Subaru Legacy received a Safety Score of C. This vehicle has an average safety record. No crash reports are on file.
Contact your nearest Subaru dealership to schedule a free recall repair. You can also check your specific vehicle by VIN at NHTSA.gov. Manufacturers are required by law to fix recall-related defects at no cost.
Safety Score is calculated from recall severity (40%), complaint frequency (30%), crash/fire reports (20%), and safety trend (10%).