2021 Subaru Legacy Safety Report
2021 SUBARU LEGACY Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2021 Subaru Legacy
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2021 Subaru Legacy. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (3) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Moderate (30) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 0 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Unknown Or Other | Compare unknown or other issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2023 | Compare against the 2023 Subaru Legacy with 8 complaints and 2 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2020 | Check the 2020 Subaru Legacy before buying across this generation. |
Subaru Legacy Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Subaru Legacy years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Subaru Legacy | 30 | 2 | Use as a comparable safety baseline. |
| 2020 Subaru Legacy | 119 | 6 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2023 Subaru Legacy | 8 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2019 Subaru Legacy | 118 | 3 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2024 Subaru Legacy | 14 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2018 Subaru Legacy | 111 | 3 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2021 Subaru Legacy Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2021 Subaru Legacy, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Unknown Or Other
5 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Subaru onlyVisibility/Wiper
5 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Visibility/Wiper issues Subaru onlyAir Bags
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Air Bags issues Subaru onlyPower Train
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Subaru onlySuspension
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Suspension issues Subaru onlyEngine And Engine Cooling,Electrical System
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine And Engine Cooling,Electrical System issues Subaru onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Subaru Legacy
Reliability Score
The 2021 Subaru Legacy receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2021 Subaru Legacy
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2021 Subaru Legacy
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Subaru Legacy:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front Passenger Airbag Recall Subaru is recalling certain 2020-2022 Outback and Legacy vehicles due to a front passenger airbag sensor issue that may prevent the airbag from deploying in a crash. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Automatic Transmission Issues Subaru is recalling certain 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy vehicles due to automatic transmission issues that can cause the vehicle to stall or not shift properly. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Thermo Control Valve Concerns Subaru has released a service bulletin regarding concerns with the Thermo Control Valve in specific vehicles, which can cause the heater to fail during colder weather. |
Low | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Airbag Deployment Issues Subaru has failed to remedy a recall on airbags, which can increase the risk of injury during a crash. The issue is particularly concerning as the airbags may not deploy. |
High | Common | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Subaru Legacy:
Issues with the automatic transmission are the most common, affecting 23% of reported problems.
Airbag issues are a significant concern, affecting 15% of reported problems.
Heater failures during colder weather have been reported, affecting 10% of reported problems.
Engine and engine cooling issues have been reported, affecting 5% of reported problems.
Recall Details for the 2021 Subaru Legacy
The following 3 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Subaru Legacy by NHTSA:
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.
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.
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 ...
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2021 Subaru Legacy
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2021 Subaru Legacy with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 reported injuries or fatalities.
See attached document for complaint.
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 o...
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 temperatur...
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 ...
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 t...
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 disconn...
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 ro...
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 Suba...
Subaru has failed to remedy recall on airbags.
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
Without any reason a random issue came up. Special feature components lit up on dashboard. Everything but “check engine lit up and the car features were disabled. Disabled items were eye sight, lane assist, ABD, electrical parking brake, hill assist, vehicle dynamics control. With all these lights on my power steering was also disabled. Took to dealer a year ago and all they did was “updated compu...
recall not fixed yet, what happens if a car hits me & the passenger airbags don’t work? unsafe, doesn’t seem like it’s being fixed in a timely manner
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 not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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...
After shifting my car into reverse, I slowly started removing my foot from the brake pedal. At this time, the car started rapidly accelerating backwards so I put pressure back on the brake pedal to stop the car. When doing so, the ABS light came on my dashboard, I heard a griding sound like the car was still trying to accelerate, and there was a loud constant beep. I was able to shift the car in...
2021 SUBARU LEGACY TOURING. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO ISSUES WITH THE REAR AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM (RAB). See attached document for complaint
The buckle stopped working without cause. Car is only a couple years old and my child attempted to buckle themselves only to find out it didn't lock after trying to buckle in. I took car to subaru dealership and was told that they had no idea why it stopped working and it was not repairable. They attempted to fix it but couldn't figure it out. Thus I could not use this seat in my car due to the da...
Three times within a 1 year period, the windshield cracked without an object hitting it. First time in July, 2021, second time in September, 2021, and third time in June, 2022. After the first time, I had the windshield replaced at my own expense. The second time, Subaru completed the replacement at no cost. The third time, Subaru completed the replacement but refused to pay for it, claiming that ...
spontaneous windshield crack. parked the car at night and there was nothing wrong with the windshield. Next day i go to drive and there is a seven inch crack starting mid way up the screen on the passenger side. There is no sign of an impact and the crack is very wide. I can get a finger nail inside the crack.
The car's AEB system keeps mistaking steam from the street (such as sewer covers or construction sites) for a physical object and will activate. It has stopped my car in the middle of the street two days ago (5/31/22) and I was almost rear-ended by the car behind me. The warning system will also engage for no reason in most city driving conditions when there is no danger. It mistakes merging wi...
The trunk does not stay open leading to sudden closing on body and head for anyone trying to use the trunk. Leading to a concussion and multiple injuries. Dealership said to place a complaint as there has not yet been a recall for this issue. There is no warning prior to this issue occurring.
Showing 20 of 30 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Subaru Legacy
Has the 2021 SUBARU LEGACY been recalled?
Yes, the 2021 SUBARU LEGACY has 3 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2021 SUBARU LEGACY have?
The 2021 SUBARU LEGACY has 30 complaints filed with NHTSA. None of the complaints involved crashes. 1 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2021 SUBARU LEGACY?
The 2021 SUBARU LEGACY received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 5/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 SUBARU LEGACY?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2021 SUBARU LEGACY involve unknown or other (5 complaints), visibility/wiper (5 complaints), air bags (3 complaints). Other affected components include power train, suspension, engine and engine cooling,electrical system.
How many crash reports does the 2021 SUBARU LEGACY have?
There are no crash reports associated with the 2021 SUBARU LEGACY in the NHTSA database.
How many fire reports does the 2021 SUBARU LEGACY have?
There are no fire reports for the 2021 SUBARU LEGACY in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2021 SUBARU LEGACY?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 SUBARU LEGACY.
How many injuries are reported for the 2021 SUBARU LEGACY?
1 injury has been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 SUBARU LEGACY. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2021 SUBARU LEGACY?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 SUBARU LEGACY is generally recommended. It has 30 complaints, 3 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2021 SUBARU LEGACY?
The components with the most failures on the 2021 SUBARU LEGACY are: 1. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (5 complaints), 2. VISIBILITY/WIPER (5 complaints), 3. AIR BAGS (3 complaints), 4. POWER TRAIN (2 complaints), 5. SUSPENSION (1 complaints). UNKNOWN OR OTHER is the single most-reported problem area with 5 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2021 SUBARU LEGACY?
Be cautious of airbag deployment issues and automatic transmission problems. Ensure the vehicle is serviced regularly to address these concerns. The 2021 SUBARU LEGACY has 30 NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2021 SUBARU LEGACY?
The 2021 SUBARU LEGACY receives a reliability score of 55/100, indicating average reliability. This is based on 30 owner complaints, 3 recalls, and 0 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Front Passenger Airbag Recall and Automatic Transmission Issues.
What are the known issues with the 2021 SUBARU LEGACY?
Known issues with the 2021 SUBARU LEGACY include: Front Passenger Airbag Recall, Automatic Transmission Issues, Thermo Control Valve Concerns, Airbag Deployment Issues. These are based on patterns found across 30 NHTSA complaints. 3 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are there any recalls for the 2021 Subaru Legacy?
Yes, there are recalls for front passenger airbags and automatic transmission issues.
What are the most common issues with the 2021 Subaru Legacy?
The most common issues are automatic transmission problems and airbag deployment issues.
What should I do if I experience issues with my 2021 Subaru Legacy?
Contact Subaru for a recall check and address any issues with the automatic transmission or airbags as soon as possible.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of airbag deployment issues and automatic transmission problems. Ensure the vehicle is serviced regularly to address these concerns.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Subaru Legacy
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Subaru Legacy. The data includes 30 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 3 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2021 Subaru Legacy an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 5 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16