The Lemon Index

All cars · Subaru Legacy · 2021

2021 Subaru Legacy. Advanced data.

The raw numbers: engines, recall campaign numbers, failure mileage and manufacturer communications.

Lemon Index102100 = average car
Complaints24NHTSA, first 3 years
Sold22,766U.S. model year
Per 100K sold105complaints
Year rank#8 of 13#1 = fewest complaints

Engines and drivetrains 2

EngineTransmissionDriveCity / hwy / combinedFuelFuel cost/yr
2.4L 4-cyl turboAuto (AV-S8)AWD24 / 32 / 27Regular$2,300
2.5L 4-cylAuto (AV-S8)AWD27 / 35 / 30Regular$2,100

EPA test versions for this model year. Fuel cost is the EPA's current estimate, not the price in that year.

Complaints by system

SystemShare of complaints
Wipers & visibility21%
Airbags21%
Automatic emergency braking17%
Electrical17%
Backup camera8%

One complaint can name more than one system, so shares can add to more than 100%.

Severity, all complaints

TotalCrashesFiresInjuriesDeathsTows
3100100

As reported by owners to NHTSA. Not verified.

Recall campaigns 3

  • 24V227000 Mar 2024 Air Bags / Sensor / Occupant Classification / Front Passenger

    Defect. 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.

    Risk. 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.

  • 23V755000 Nov 2023 Power Train / Automatic Transmission / Park/Neutral Start Interlock Switch

    Defect. 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.

    Risk. 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.

  • 22V485000 Jul 2022 Power Train / Automatic Transmission / Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm)

    Defect. 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.

    Risk. 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

Manufacturer communications 460

Subaru filed 460 service communications for this car with NHTSA.

  • If you encounter a customer complaint of a white residue build up on the rear door partition…

Crash ratings by version

VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
Subaru Legacy 4 DR AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Safety equipment

Electronic stabilityForward collision warningLane departure warning
StandardStandardStandard

Nearby model years

YearLemon IndexComplaintsSoldTop system
20181416240,109Wipers & visibility
20191866935,063Wipers & visibility
202040410727,240Wipers & visibility
20211022422,766Wipers & visibility
20221052922,605Wipers & visibility
2023–1025,510Automatic emergency braking

Sources: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communications; EPA fuel economy data; YouTube video titles. Complaints are owner reports, not proof of a defect.

Updated

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