How many problems does the 2011 SUBARU Legacy have?

The 2011 SUBARU Legacy currently has 166 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 2011 SUBARU Legacy?

The most common problems reported for the 2011 SUBARU Legacy are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 2011 SUBARU Legacy problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2011 SUBARU Legacy comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.

2011 SUBARU Legacy Problems

POWER TRAIN

37 complaints

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 messages before this happens.

Aug 23, 2022

It's a 6mt. Randomly reverse stopped working. Seems like it wants to go in reverse. But when any bit of gas pedal pressed it grinds and pops out of reverse. I have no reverse. 1st thru 6th gear works shifting wise. Shifter has some play though.

Feb 19, 2022

FIRST THE VEHICLE STARTED WITH A SCREECHING NOISE AND THE RPM'S WOULD SPIKE. APPARENTLY IF THE CVT TRANSMISSION SLIPPING. I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN VARIATIONS OCCASIONS TO THE DEALER. REACHED OUT SUBARU USA. SENT VIDEO OF THE OCCURRENCE AND THEY INDICATED THEY COULD NOT CLASSIFY THE OCCURRENCE AND FOUND IT INCONCLUSIVE. I NOTICE IT WOULD OCCUR IN TEMPERATURES LOWER THEN 45 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT. MONTHS LATER THE VEHICLE STARTED FLASHING VARIOUS WARNING LIGHTS SUCH AS CHECK ENGINE, CRUISE CONTROL, VEHICLE DYNAMICS CONTROL. TOOK THE CAR TO LOCAL DEALER AND WAS DIAGNOSED AS A OXYGEN SENSOR. BUT WHAT STARTED OCCURRING AFTER THE REPAIR WAS STARTLING AND DANGEROUS. THE VEHICLE NOW STARTED STALLING OUT WHEN I PRESSED ON THE BRAKES TO STOP. ON LONG DRIVES THIS WOULD NOT OCCUR. IT OFTEN HAPPENS WHEN DRIVING LOCALLY AND STOPPING AT INTERSECTIONS. WHAT I LEARNED TO AND IMPLEMENTED WAS AS THE STALLING WAS STARTING TO OCCUR YOU WOULD GET A JITTERING FROM THE VEHICLE I WOULD SHIFT THE CAR TO NEUTRAL AND THE CAR WOULD NOT STALL. THIS IS NEITHER THE NORM OR SAFE, BUT SAFER THEN STALLING IN AN INTERSECTION WITH VEHICLES COMING AT YOU. THIS ISSUE STILL CONTINUES TO OCCUR. I HAVE NOT BOTHERED WITH THE DEALER NOR SUBARU BECAUSE MY LAST ISSUE WITH THE TRANSMISSION WAS NEVER RESOLVED, I'M ABLE TO COUNTER THE STALLING BUT MY WIFE WHO HAS TO GO OUT WITH MY 1YR OLD SON AND 10 YR DAUGHTER IS SCARED TO USE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE IF IT WAS TO STALL IN AN INTERSECTION AS SHE IS TRYING TO CROSS IN THE VEHICLE A MAJOR ACCIDENT CAN OCCUR. PLEASE HELP AND INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE THAT I AM SURE IT IS HAPPENING TO OTHER SUBARU OWNERS. THANK YOU

Apr 25, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO PROPERLY DOWNSHIFT CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL. DURING THE FAILURE, THE POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES ALSO BECOME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER TRAIN TORQUE CONVERTER WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER SUBARU CITY OF MILWAUKEE LOCATED AT 4640 S 27TH ST, MILWAUKEE, WI 53221 AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.*DT CONSUMER STATED HIS DAUGHTER [XXX] IS THE OWNER OF THE VEHICLE.*JB

Mar 09, 2021

2011 SUBARU OUTBACK WITH CVT STALLS WHEN COMING TO A ABRUPT STOP. SUBARU HAS A TSB AND KNOWS THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE TORQUE CONVERTER. CAR IS OUT OF THE WARRANTY PERIOD THEREFORE CUSTOMER MUST PAY FOR THE FIX. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE CORRECT VIA A RECALL.

Mar 06, 2021

+ 32 more complaints for this component

AIR BAGS

20 complaints

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT WAS FLASHING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BURLINGTON SUBARU (351 SHELBURNE RD, BURLINGTON, VT 05401, (802)448-3880) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED TO COVER A PORTION OF THE COST FOR THE REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.

Feb 12, 2021

I HAVE OWNED MY LEGACY SINCE '14 AND MY BROTHER OWNED IT BEFORE THAT. HE RARELY HAD PASSENGERS RIDE WITH HIM AND SINCE I'VE OWNED IT THE FEW PASSENGERS I'VE HAD HAVE ALWAYS BEEN HEAVIER THAN ME. (I USUALLY DID ALL THE DRIVING). ABOUT A YEAR AND A HALF AGO, I TOOK A ROAD TRIP WITH A FRIEND AND HE DID MOST OF THE DRIVING. WE STARTED NOTICING THAT WHEN I WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT THE AIRBAG LIGHT FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE WOULD SAY OFF. I TRIED ADJUSTING MY SEAT AND CHANGING POSITIONS AND OCCASIONALLY I COULD GET IT TO TURN BACK ON. WE SWITCHED SEATS AND IT IMMEDIATELY WORKED FOR HIM. I AM 5' 9" AND WAS ABOUT 150 # AT THE TIME. HE IS 5'8" AND ABOUT 165. I TOOK IT IN TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND THEY CONFIRMED SOMETHING WAS INDEED WRONG AND TOLD ME THAT I MUST HAVE SPILLED LIQUID ON THE SEAT THAT HAD RUINED THE SENSORS. THIS DIDN'T MAKE ANY SENSE TO ME BECAUSE WHILE I COULD NOT ACTIVATE THE SENSORS, THE DEALERSHIP EMPLOYEE BEING HEAVIER THAN ME ACTIVATED IT IMMEDIATELY WHEN SITTING IN THE SEAT. MY BROTHER AND I ARE VERY PARTICULAR WITH OUR VEHICLES AND NO SUCH THING EVER OCCURRED. THEY TOLD ME IT WOULD COST A FEW THOUSAND DOLLARS TO FIX. I COULD NOT AFFORD THAT EXPENSE AND FIGURED THAT I WOULD JUST TRY TO LIVE WITH IT. FAST FORWARD TO RECENTLY WHEN I TOOK ANOTHER TRIP WITH A FRIEND AND THIS TIME I COULD NOT GET THE AIRBAG TO TURN ON NO MATTER WHERE OR HOW I SAT. I AM NOW DOWN TO ABOUT 135 # AND APPARENTLY THE SEAT DOESN'T RECOGNIZE THAT WEIGHT AS AN ADULT. I HAVE BEEN RESEARCHING WHAT TO DO FOR THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE, AS A FIRE FIGHTER, I HAVE SEEN WHAT HAPPENS WHEN AN AIRBAG DOES NOT DEPLOY IN A WRECK. I HAVE FOUND MANY FORUMS ONLINE WITH DOZ OF PEOPLE STATING THAT THEY HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AND HAVE BEEN HAVING IT SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NEW. THIS IS AN OBVIOUS MANUFACTURING ISSUE THAT HOPEFULLY HAS NOT COST ANY LIVES AND SOA NEEDS TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR DISHONESTY.

Nov 01, 2020

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER FAILED TO PROVIDE THE PART WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME CONCERNING NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V009000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN AS TO WHEN DON MILLER SUBARU EAST (5401 HIGH CROSSING BLVD, MADISON, WI 53718, (608) 258-3600) MAY BE ABLE TO SCHEDULE A RECALL REPAIR APPOINTMENT AS THEY INDICATED THAT THE PART MAY NOT BECOME AVAILABLE FOR OVER FOUR MONTHS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED TO ADDRESS PART AVAILABILITY. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Apr 05, 2019

TAKATA RECALL!! SUBARU DEALER-GANLEY SUBARU NORTH OLMSTED OHIO,TOLD ME IS NO RECALL ON THIS VIN NUMBER......PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF IS TRUE OR WHAT.THANKS

Mar 09, 2019

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V009000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. GLENWOOD SPRINGS SUBARU (175 STORM KING RD, GLENWOOD SPRINGS, CO 81601, (970) 945-7447) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL TWELVE WEEKS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Mar 07, 2019

+ 15 more complaints for this component

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

14 complaints

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.

Jan 10, 2023

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.

Aug 22, 2019

I PURCHASED A USED 2011 SUBARU IN 2014. THE HEADLIGHTS SEEM TO BLOW EVERY 3 MONTHS AT MOST. I REPLACED THE PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT IN NOVEMBER. THE DRIVER SIDE THEN BLEW IN DECEMBER AND NOW, IT IS FEBRUARY AND MY PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT IS BLOWN AGAIN! THIS IS JUST INSANE AND VERY ANNOYING FOR A COMMUTER THAT DRIVES OVER AN HOUR ONE WAY TO WORK AND THEN OVER AN HOUR AGAIN HOME FROM WORK IN THE DARK ON BACK ROADS WITHOUT LIGHTS.

Feb 20, 2018

THE HEADLIGHT BULBS KEEP BURNING OUT. THIS IS THE LOW BEAM. I'VE HAD THEM REPLACED 13 TIMES DURING OUR OWNERSHIP. THIS HAS BECOME EXORBITANTLY EXPENSIVE, WHAT CAN I DO?

Dec 13, 2016

WITHIN THE PAST 2 YEARS I HAVE REPLACED MY HEADLIGHTS 3-4 TIMES. MY RIGHT HEADLIGHT IS NOW OUT AFTER REPLACING IT LESS THAN 1YEAR AGO. I DO NOT KEEP MY LIGHTS ON AUTOMATIC AS THAT IS WHAT SUBARU TOLD ME AS TO WHY I KEEP HAVING TO REPLACE THE LIGHTS. IT IS NOT ONLY UNSAFE AND COSTLY, BUT EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO ACCESS THE HEADLIGHT ON MY OWN TO CHANGE THE BULB WITHOUT PAYING FOR LABOR.

May 18, 2016

+ 9 more complaints for this component

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

8 complaints

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 routine vehicle operation, and indicates a localized failure of corrosion protection or material integrity. The extent of corrosion compromises the subframe’s ability to safely support suspension loads and maintain alignment geometry. This presents a progressive structural safety risk, as continued operation may lead to sudden loss of suspension mounting integrity, steering instability, or loss of vehicle control without prior warning. Safety Risk Description: The front subframe is a critical safety component designed to: Support engine and transmission loads Secure lower control arms and suspension geometry Maintain steering stability and predictable handling Absorb and distribute crash forces Structural degradation of this component increases the risk of: Suspension separation or displacement under normal driving loads Alignment instability during braking or cornering Reduced crash energy management capability Failure of this component could result in loss of directional control, increasing the risk of a crash. Subaru of America has acknowledged prior subframe corrosion issues on other Subaru models through recalls, service campaigns, or goodwill repairs. However, Subaru has declined assistance for this vehicle based solely on time and mileage, without addressing whether the observed structural deterioration constitutes a safety defect.

Dec 22, 2025

THIS CAR STALLS OUT AND JUST STOPS WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING DUE TO A FAILING TORQUE CONVERTER WHICH SUBARU KNEW ABOUT AND DID NOT DO A RECALL ON. THEY DID A SERVICE BULLETIN WITH AN EXTENDED WARRANTY BUT WHEN I BROUGHT MY CAR WHILE IT STILL WAS UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY PERIOD TO THE DEALER NO ONE ADVISED ME OF THIS SO NOW IT IS OUT OF THE EXTENDED WARRANTY PERIOD AND THEY WILL NOT HELP ME. MY SON ALMOST GOT KILLED WHEN THIS HAPPENED THIS NEEDS TO ADDRESSED BY SUBARU BECAUSE WE CANNOT DRIVE THIS CAR AS IT IS UNSAFE.

Jan 07, 2024

TORQUE CONVERTER NOT FUNCTIONING CORRECTLY AND SUBARU IS AWARE OF THIS ISSUE...IS CAUSING SUDDEN ACCELERATION...COST OF REPAIR IS $2000

Jul 31, 2020

MY CAR HAS BEEN STALLING OUT WHILE IN REVERSE AND WHEN COMING TO A STOP IT WILL SHUDDER AND ACT LIKE IT'S ABOUT TO TURN OFF. MY DEALERSHIP IS TELLING ME THAT IT IS THE TORQUE CONVERTER AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.

Apr 18, 2019

BAD VIBRATION OVER 60 MPH. HAD TIRES REPLACED AND ALIGNMENT DONE AND IT STILL SHAKES .

Feb 05, 2017

+ 3 more complaints for this component

SERVICE BRAKES

8 complaints

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 .

Sep 29, 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 Technical Service Bulletin. The Subaru of North America has a customer satisfaction program which allows me and similarly situated Subaru Legacy 2010-2012 owners to have this issue without Subaru qualifying it as a safety recall issue. Should this been qualified as a safety recall, my salvage title would be eligible for a free repair from the Subaru of North America, however since this is a frequently reported issue Subaru manufacturer is responsible for creating in the 2010-2012 Subaru Legacy F4-2.5 L vehicles, it allowed the Subaru of North America to use it as a basis for their refusal to repair my vehicle for free provided that the torque converter issue is their responsibility. I'd appreciate you reaching out to me with a possible options which may exist for me as an owner of the vehicle. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Jan 25, 2023

WHY DOES MY BREAK LIGHT KEEP FLASHING??

Mar 15, 2021

ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE. THIS RECALL HAS BEEN OUT SINCE SEPTEMBER AND STILL HAVE NO REMEDY TO BE FIXED. THIS IS EXTREMELY INEXCUSABLE BECAUSE THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE A MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND KNOWING IT CAN DISENGAGE ONE IT'S OWN.

Apr 06, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT INDICATOR WAS FLASHING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND SCHEDULED A DIAGNOSTIC APPOINTMENT. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL OR WARRANTY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.

Feb 20, 2019

+ 3 more complaints for this component

ENGINE

6 complaints

WHEN COMING TO STOP SIGN OR SUDDEN STOPS THE CAR WILL STALL. YOU HAVE TO BE QUICK AND RESTART CAR OR YOUR GOING TO GET HIT, YOU LOSE ALL CONTROL. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE WE BOUGHT THE CAR IN APRIL OF 2019

Mar 05, 2020

ALL POWER CUTS OFF PERIODICALLY WHILE DRIVING. WHICH CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.

Dec 17, 2019

MY 2011 SUBARU LEGACY IS EXPERIENCING SHUDDERING AND STALLS WHEN COMING TO A STOP RESULTING IN THE ENGINE SHUTTING OFF. I CAN DESCRIBE THIS CONDITION SIMILAR TO COMING TO A STOP IN A MANUAL TRANSMISSION EQUIPPED VEHICLE WITHOUT DEPRESSING THE CLUTCH. IT IS SEEM SIMILAR TO LIKE THE VEHICLE IS STALLING OR CAUSE IT TO STALL.

Oct 21, 2019

WHEN DRIVING AT A HIGH SPEED ON THE HIGHWAY AND THEN COMING TO AN ABRUPT STOP THE CAR STALLED. THE CAR IS AN AUTOMATIC. APPARENTLY SUBARU DISTRIBUTED A BULLETIN NOTING THAT THIS WAS COMMON IN LEGACY AND OUTBACK MODELS MADE BEFORE 2013 (SEE ATTACHED) AND IS DUE TO A TORQUE CONVERTER PROBLEM. THIS SEEMS DANGEROUS AS IT CAN HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH OTHER CARS MOVING AT HIGH SPEEDS. APPARENTLY THIS IS OVER $1500 TO FIX, BUT I BELIEVE SUBARU SHOULD COVER SOME IF NOT ALL OF THE COST. THE CAR IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY AND HAS 147K MILES.

May 16, 2019

ENGINE IDLE RPM IS UNSTABLE. (+ / - 500 RPM) ENGINE STALLED MANY TIMES (6 OR 7) WITHOUT REASON AND IN DANGEROUS SITUATION AS TURNING IN THE INTERSECTION OR CROSSING RAIL ROADS, WHEN STOPPING OR SLOWING DOWN. I WENT TWICE IN SUBARU SERVICE. AT FIRST THEY REPLACED THE "TORQUE CONVERTER" AND PROCEEDED WITH SOME ADJUSTMENTS IN THE ENGINE. SECOND TIME THEY "RE-PROGRAMMED" THE COMPUTER. AS OF TODAY I AM GETTING SAME ISSUE WITHOUT HELP FROM SUBARU SERVICE. THEY ADVISED TO FILE A CLAIM AND EVENTUALLY SUE THE COMPANY.

Jan 13, 2017

+ 1 more complaint for this component

STEERING,SUSPENSION

6 complaints

WHEN DRIVING OVER EVEN THE SLIGHTEST ROUGH ROAD, NOT POTHOLES OR LARGE BUMPS, BUT SURFACES THAT SEEM TO BE JUST ROUGH OR SLIGHTLY RIPPLED MAYBE, IT VARIES FROM DIFFERENT SURFACES, THE STRUTS SHAKE AND CAUSE A LOUD VIBRATING NOISE AS IF THEY ARE LOOSE. I HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS IN OTHER CARS AND THE PROBLEM WAS A BROKEN STRUT MOUNT. WHEN REPLACED IT WAS FIXED . I CAN'T GET THE SUBARU MECHANICS TO EXPERIENCE THIS WHILE THEY DRIVE THE CAR. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THE STRUTS MOUNTS HAVE BEEN CHECKED AND ARE TIGHT. HOWEVER I BELIEVE THEY MAY STILL BE CRACKED OR BROKEN IN SOME WAY. SIMPLY PUTTING A WRENCH ON THEM AND FINDING THEM TIGHT WILL NOT REVEAL A BROKEN STRUT MOUNT THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN ONGOING FOR ABOUT 4 YEARS OF THE 6 YEARS WE HAVE OWNED THE CAR. LATELY IT HAS BEGUN TO SORT OF DRIFT AND STEERING IS VERY SENSITIVE AT HIGH SPEED. CURRENT MILEAGE IS 54,000 AT 6 YEARS. *TR

Oct 25, 2016

VEHICLE SWAYS SIDE TO SIDE FROM ONE SIDE OF ROAD TO OTHER SIDE OF ROAD AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AROUND 60 MPH. WHEN VEHICLE IS DRIVEN ABOUT 45 HAD NOT EFFECT ON STEERING. WHEN DRIVEN ON THE HIGHWAY THE STEERING PULLS EXTREMELY, UNABLE TO CONTROL THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE GRIPING THE STEERING WHEEL HARD. THE CAR IS BEING PULLED SIDE TO SIDE AT HIGHWAY SPEED 60 MPH CAN NOT GET THE SPEED UP PASS 60 MPH AND HAPPENS IN SLIGHT WINDY CONDITIONS. DEALER IS UNABLE TO LOCATE THE PROBLEM SINCE ALL THE TIRES ARE BRAND NEW, ALIGNMENT IS FULLY PERFECT. SUSPENSIONS ARE PERFECT. *TR

Oct 23, 2014

2011 SUBARU LEGACY. CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE HAS A FLAW OF WANDERING WHEN DRIVEN ON HIGHWAYS AT SPEEDS ABOVE 60 MPH *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 45 MPH OR LESS, THE STEERING WAS FINE, ALTHOUGH IT WAS CONSIDERABLY STIFFER. IN THE LOWER SPEED RANGE, THE DEAD-BAND ON THE STEERING WHEEL WAS NEAR ZERO. HOWEVER, AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THE DEAD-BAND APPROACHED 1 INCH. THE DEAD-BAND SEEMED TO BE WHAT CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO WANDER CONTINUOUSLY FROM ONE SIDE OF THE LANE TO THE OTHER. THE WANDERING ONLY OCCURRED ON A STRAIGHT WELL USED HIGHWAY. ON CURVES, THERE WAS NO WANDERING BECAUSE THE STEERING WHEEL WAS AT THE EDGE OF THE DEAD-BAND. THE CONSUMER RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TWICE. THE FIRST TIME. THE WHEELS WERE ALIGNED, WHICH DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. ON THE SECOND VISIT, THE SHOP COULD NOT REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM BECAUSE THERE WAS NO STRAIGHT WORN HIGHWAYS CLOSE BY. THE DEALER PERFORMED A FOUR WHEEL ALIGNMENT ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE THE WANDERING PROBLEM. UPDATED 12/19/12

Oct 31, 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD BECOME EXTREMELY HARD TO CONTROL WHEN DRIVING IN HEAVY WINDS OR WHEN A HEAVY VEHICLE WOULD PASS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE DEALER DISCOVERED THAT THE RIGHT REAR FOUND TO BE SLIGHTLY OUT OF ALIGNMENT. THE DEALER PERFORMED AN ALIGNMENT AND THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REPAIR PARTIALLY CORRECTED THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT ALL OF THE 2011 SUBARU LEGACY VEHICLES RODE THE SAME IN HEAVY WINDS DUE TO THE VEHICLE DESIGN. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS MOVED ONE INCH IN EITHER DIRECTION, THE ENGINE RPMS WOULD INCREASE EXCESSIVELY AND THE VEHICLE WOULD ROLL FORWARD INDEPENDENTLY. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE SOFTWARE IN THE PCM WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE BUT COULD NOT BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN, BUT THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 15,000.

Mar 06, 2012

SEVERE STEERING WHEEL/FRONT END SHIMMY ABOUT 60+ MPH WITH NORMAL DRIVING. PRETTY MUCH A CONSTANT OSCILLATION AT ROAD SPEED. ROAD FORCE BALANCING OF NO HELP, NOR DO NEW TIRES HAVE ANY EFFECT. FOR GOODNESS SAKE, NHTSA, PLEASE START A FORMAL INVESTIGATION OF THIS SIGNIFICANT AND PREVALENT PROBLEM...PLEASE. *TR

Oct 07, 2010

+ 1 more complaint for this component

SUSPENSION

5 complaints

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 office was contacted and I was told I would have to take the vehicle to the Subaru dealer. This would require a tow so I decided to have the private auto repair shop fix it as it was also undriveable. This complaint is to bring attention to this as a safety issue. My grandchildren were transported in this vehicle and were at risk of serious injury or death because of this problem. I feel Subaru should notify other owners of this problem on this make and model to avoid risk of serious injury or death. I have a video of the car and tire that shows what was happening before I took it to the auto repair shop. I was unable to upload the video file but would like to get it sent for your review. I can be emailed at [email protected]. My phone number is (309) 696-8849. Daniel Brune

Aug 08, 2023

While braking at lower speed the driver's side lower control arm broke out causing the car to pull very hard to the left. Both lower control arms and the subframe had to be replaced.

Feb 01, 2023

The front subframe failed due to corrosion from the inside according to the service department. The vehicle is unsafe to drive with this condition. It only has 38,180 miles on it. It has not been driven in a reckless fashion. I have never heard of this failure in a low mileage auto.

Sep 23, 2022

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUSPENSION WAS UNSTABLE AND THE VEHICLE VEERED LEFT OR RIGHT WHILE DRIVING OVER 50 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER (THE MOTOR COMPANY, W 1680 US-41, MARINETTE, WI 54143, (715) 735-7474) WHO PROVIDED AN ALIGNMENT, BUT THE CONDITION CONTINUED TO PROGRESS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED NO SOLUTION. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000.

Jan 09, 2018

WHEN TRAVELING AT 60 + MPH THE VEHICLE FEELS UNSTABLE AND TENDS TO "FLOAT" IN THE LANE. TIRE PRESSURE IN ACCORDING TO THE BOOK. THE CAR TRACKS NORMALLY AT SLOWER SPEEDS. THE CAR IS 5 MO OLD AND GAS 8K MILES

Jan 20, 2012

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 complaints

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU LEGACY. WHILE AT A STOP, THE VEHICLE STALLED BUT DID NOT SHUT DOWN. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT PROVIDED.

Aug 14, 2017

THE FRONT HEADLIGHTS HAVE GONE OUT 4 TIMES IN THE 4 YEARS SINCE WE BOUGHT THE CAR NEW. UNUSUAL. THE FUSE TO THE SEAT WARMERS HAS GONE OUT, REPLACED AND WENT OUT AGAIN. DEALER SAYS REPLACE HEATER MODULE FOR $440.+. SOUND LIKE ELECTRICAL ISSUE TO US. ALSO LOST AUDIO ON STEERING WHEEL. DEALER CONFIRMED NEED TO REPLACE AUDIO SWITCH $300.+ AGAIN, SOUNDS LIKE A PROBLEM WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. SO FAR THE ONLY SAFETY ISSUE HAS BEEN THE FRONT HEADLIGHTS, BUT I WORRY ABOUT SOMETHING MORE SERIOUS AS OTHER POSTERS HAVE MENTIONED.

May 05, 2016

RADIO CONTROLS ON LEFT SIDE OF STEERING WHEEL STOP FUNCTIONING INTERMITTENTLY. HAS HAPPENED ON 2 OCCASIONS IN THE 2 1/2 MONTHS I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE. THE SYMPTOMS ARE SIMILAR TO THOSE REPORTED WITH THE STEERING COLUMN ELECTRICAL ROLL CONNECTION RECALL (SUBARU RECALL WVR-28), HOWEVER, THAT RECALL WAS FOR 2010 MY VEHICLES AND I HAVE A 2011 MY VEHICLE. *TT

Jul 12, 2011

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH IN SNOWY CONDITIONS, SHE NOTICED THE CHECK ENGINE AND ABS LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT SHE NEEDED TO REPLACE BATTERY, THE STARTER, THE CABLE AND THE ECM. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Dec 13, 2010

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

4 complaints

WHILE IN MOTION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND WHEN ATTEMPTING TO UTILIZE THE COAST FUNCTION ON THE CRUISE CONTROL TO TEMPORARILY DISENGAGE ACCELERATION AND/OR SPEED CONTROL, THE SYSTEM FAILS TO STOP PROPULSION AND CONTINUES TO ACCELERATE AND/OR MAINTAIN EXISTING SPEED THEREBY CAUSING A SAFETY HAZARD.

Dec 02, 2016

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 WHEN I HIT THE TREE. THE METAL FENCE POST WAS FLATTENED AND THE TREE HAD A SIGNIFICANT CHUNK OF BARK REMOVED. THERE WERE NO SKID MARKS OR OTHER ON OUR DRIVEWAY OF CONCRETE. I HAD AN OIL CHANGE AT THE DEALER THE TUESDAY BEFORE THE INCIDENT (8 DAYS PRIOR). I'M NOT RULING OUT THAT SOMETHING COULD HAVE BEEN MISTAKENLY TWEAKED OR TAMPERED WITH DURING THIS VISIT. TO TEST THE SPEED CONTROL ISSUE, I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALER TO SEE IF ANY TROUBLESHOOTING/ DIAGNOSTICS TEST CAN BE RAN. APPARENTLY IT'S HIGHLY UNLIKELY THE SCENARIO THAT CAUSED IT (IF NOT DRIVER ERROR, WHICH I'M AWARE OF AS A POSSIBILITY) CAN BE RECREATED AND/OR SOLVED. I BELIEVE I'VE RULED OUT DRIVER ERROR BECAUSE IF I HAD MISTAKENLY PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR AND NOT THE BRAKE, I WOULD HAVE SWITCHED OVER TO THE BRAKE IN TIME TO STOP THE IMPACT FROM BEING SO DRASTIC AT SUCH A HIGH SPEED. *TR

Sep 03, 2014

Crash: 1

NEW CAR, WOULD LOSE POWER WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC ,UP HILLS AND TRYING TO CHANGE LANES. IN THE SHOP 8 TIMES SINCE NEW. SERVICE STATED THEY COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM. THEY DID REPLACE AIR COMPRESSOR,SO THERE WAS SOME PROBLEM. TALKED TO SUBARU CUSTOMER SERVICE, THEY HAD IT TOSSED AROUND FOR 3 MONTHS,THEN DECIDED THEY WOULD MARK IT AS A COMPLAINT. THEY OFFERED NO HELP WITH ANY TYPE OF SOLUTION,HAVE HEARD THIS ABOUT SUBARU FROM OTHER OWNERS. RECEIVED LETTER FROM SUBARU WITH A1500.00 CASH LOYALTY REWARD IF I BOUGHT ANOTHER ONE. NOT POSSIBLE AS THEY WERE NEVER LOYAL TO ME. RALPH NADER SHOULD LOOK AT THIS AS I FEEL IT WAS UNSAFE AT ANY SPEED. TRADED IT IN ON A NEW CAMRY. SUBARU COST ME A LOT OF MONEY JUST TO GET RID OF A CAR THAT I FEEL IS IN THE SAME LEAGUE AS THE CORVAIR. *JS

Sep 24, 2013

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.

Jul 25, 2011

Crash: 1

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

3 complaints

FREQUENT REPLACEMENT OF LOW BEAM BULBS. NOT EASY TO REPLACE AND SUBARU SERVICE BEST EQUIPPED TO DO PROCEDURE. LABOR COSTS AT VARIOUS DEALERS FOR THIS SERVICE WIDELY VARY AND CAN INCREASE WITHOUT REASON. SUBARU OF AMERICA RECENTLY SENT OUT LETTER SAYING WARRANTY ON BULBS HAS BEEN EXTENDED (NOT THAT THERE IS ISSUE WITH ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). SOA WILL REPLACE OR REFUND, HOWEVER, THIS DOES NOT SOLVE THE ISSUE OF CONTINUED (PERCEIVED) DEFICIENCY IN THE LIGHTING SYSTEM OVERALL AND REFUND REQUIREMENTS ARE VERY STRINGENT PER THE LETTER THEY SENT. I CONSIDER THIS ISSUE AS A SAFETY DEFECT. WE HAVE BOTH AN OUTBACK AND LEGACY THAT ARE BOTH AFFECTED BY THIS. HAVE OWNED LEGACY SINCE NEW AND REPLACED BOTH BULBS FOUR TIMES SINCE TAKING OWNERSHIP. HAVE TRIED OTHER BRAND BULBS TO NO BETTER RESULT (HENCE MY BELIEF IT IS ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). PER ONE OF THE SERVICE ADVISORS I'VE SPOKEN TO IN THE PAST, THE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED SUCH THAT WHEN ONE BULB BURNS OUT, MORE CURRENT FLOWS TO THE ONE BULB STILL WORKING AND WILL BURN IT OUT PREMATURELY (FURTHERING MY BELIEF THAT IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE). THEY SAID THIS IN RECOMMENDING REPLACEMENT OF BOTH BULBS AT ONCE. WOULD LIKE TO SEE RECALL OR GREATER EFFORT ON SOA'S PART.

Aug 27, 2016

I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE BOTH LOW BEAM BULBS SIX TIMES IN A YEAR. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 93,000 MILES ON IT. THERE DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE A TRIGGERING EVENT AND THE BULBS GO OUT, SEEMINGLY, AT RANDOM - WHICH CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS IF IT'S DARK OUTSIDE.

Sep 23, 2015

I HAVE A 2011 SUBARU LEGACY LE 3.6R, AND THE HEADLIGHTS KEEP BURNING OUT. I WORK AN HOUR AWAY FROM MY HOME AND HAD TO DRIVE MOST OF THE WAY WITHOUT HEADLAMPS BECAUSE THE 2ND ONE BLEW ON THE WAY HOME. WITH ONLY HIGH BEAMS AND DAYTIME RUNNER LAMPS, IT WAS VERY DANGEROUS AND SCARY. I'VE ONLY HAD THE CAR FOR 2 YEARS AND HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS TWICE ALREADY. IN RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM, IT APPEARS THAT THE HEADLAMPS DRAW TOO MUCH POWER FROM THE WIRING/ELECTRONIC BOARD THAT EVENTUALLY OVERHEATS THE HEADLAMPS CAUSING THEM TO BURN OUT. IT ALSO APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL CAR. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM AND I WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE SUBARU INVESTIGATING IT AND HANDING THEIR CUSTOMERS A SOLUTION! *TR

Nov 14, 2014

POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

2 complaints

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 reached out to Subaru, they dismissed it saying it did not apply to my car and they were not willing to investigate. I believe this poses a grave risk to many people given that it will cause an accident and the severity of the defect.

Oct 22, 2025

WHEN CAR IS COMING UP TO A STOP SIGN IT STALLS AND DIES ON ME AND I HAVE TO PUT IT IN PARK AND START IT BACK UP. I HAD A TIME WHERE IT IDLED LIKE IT WAS GOING TO DIE AND DIDN'T BUT IT DOES THIS 4 TO 8 TIMES A DAY. NOT SURE WHAT IS GOING ON BUT I ALMOST GOT HIT BY A SEMI TRUCK DUE TO IT STALLING. PLEASE HELP THIS NEEDS TO BE FIXED IT IS NOT SAFE ESPECIALLY WHEN I HAVE SMALL CHILDREN IN MY CAR . I NEED ANSWERS.

Jan 08, 2019

STRUCTURE

2 complaints

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.

Oct 04, 2024

DRIVING THROUGH THE SALTY STATE OF UT. MY REAR WINDOWS ON MY SUBARU LEGACY HAVE SALT BUILDING UP ON THE INSIDE OF THE DOOR. GOING TO THE CAR WASH DOESN'T HELP, IT JUST GROWS RIGHT BACK. I'M WORRIED THAT THE SALT COULD BE CAUSING INTERNAL DAMAGE TO DOOR, WHICH COULD LEAD TO FAILURE. *TR

Feb 11, 2011

STEERING,SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 complaints

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.

Apr 07, 2023

AT HIGHWAY CRUISING SPEEDS OF 60-75MPH THERE IS A VIBRATION/SHAKE THAT IS FELT THROUGH THE STEERING WHEEL. WHEN TRAVELING LONG DISTANCES THIS VIBRATION CAUSES DISCOMFORT TO HANDS/ARMS. DECREASED TIRE PRESSURE, ROAD FORCE BALANCE, AND STEERING WHEEL REPLACEMENT (SOA TSB) DID NOT FIX. NEXT STEP IS TO REPLACE TIRES. THESE ARE "BANDAIDS" TO THE PROBLEM. PLEASE FORCE A REAL SOLUTION.

Feb 05, 2011

STEERING

2 complaints

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.

Dec 29, 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.

Oct 25, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES

2 complaints

BRAKE LIGHT FLASHES WHEN IT RAINS AND THE UNDERCARRIAGE GETS WET. LIGHT REMAINS ON AND CONTINUOUSLY FLASHES WHEN THE CAR IS WET. THE PARKING BRAKE IS OFF. THE PARKING BRAKE CANNOT BE TURNED ON WHEN IT IS RAINING EITHER.

Nov 01, 2019

RECALL #WTV81 10-12 LEG&OUT EPB ACTR ASSY REPLACE STATUS: REMEDY NOT YET AVAILABLE. THIS RECALL HAS BEEN OUT SINCE SEPTEMBER AND STILL HAVE NO IDEA WHEN IT WILL BE FIXED.

Jan 31, 2019

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

2 complaints

THE CAR IS JUST SHY OF 8 YEARS OLD. THE TRANSMISSION FAILED CAUSING THE CAR TO SUDDENLY STOP, SHUT OFF AND LOSE POWER STEERING WHILE TRAVELING DOWN THE ROAD. CURRENTLY THE ENGINE IS LEAKING EXHAUST FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT THAT CAN BE SMELLED IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. IT IS ALSO LEAKING HOT OIL FROM THE CYLINDER HEAD ONTO THE LOWER EXHAUST AND LEAKING HOT COOLANT FROM THE RADIATOR. THE EXHAUST AND FLUID LEAKS OCCUR WHEN STATIONARY OR IN MOTION.

Aug 15, 2019

CAR CONTINUES TO STALL WHEN REDUCING SPEED. OCCURS MOSTLY AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS AND STOP SIGNS; HOWEVER, HAS OCCURRED WHEN SLOWING FOR TRAFFIC. CAR HAS COMPLETED ALL SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE AND OIL CHANGES AS REQUIRED. INITIALLY TOLD TO SERVICE AIR FLOW SENSOR AND HAVE INSPECTED FOR VACUUM LEAK. VEHICLE SERVICE DID NOT RESOLVE STALLING. SERVICE BULLETIN 16-90-13 SHOWS SUBARU KNOWS THE TORQUE CONVERTER TO BE FAULTY ON THESE VEHICLES, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL UNDER THESE EXACT CONDITIONS. THIS IS CREATING A SAFETY CONCERN ON THESE VEHICLES FOR THE POTENTIAL TO BE REAR ENDED DUE TO STALLING WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SLOW VEHICLE. SAFETY RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED AND TORQUE CONVERTER SHOULD BE REPLACED BY SUBARU DUE TO FAULTY DESIGN. *TR

Apr 21, 2015

POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE

2 complaints

VERY ROUTINELY WHEN COMING TO A STOP FROM THE CAR MOVING WHEN YOU DECREASE YOUR SPEED WHEN STOPPING FOR A LIGHT, TRAFFIC, OR ANYTHING THAT WOULD REQUIRE A QUICK STOP, THE CAR WILL STALL OUT AS YOUR SPEED IS LESS THAN 10-20 MPH AND YOU LOOSE CONTROL OF THE STEERING, BRAKES. ECT. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY SUBARU IMMEDIATELY. THIS CAN OCCUR ON ANY STREET, HIGHWAY AND WILL DO THIS WHILE TURNING AS WELL. THIS HAPPENS DAILY IN MY COMMUTE AND IS A DANGER TO MYSELF AND OTHERS. IT OCCURS WHEN COMING TO A STOP FROM A MOVING POSITION.

Feb 05, 2019

I WAS COMING TO A RED LIGHT SLOWING DOWN FROM 15 MPH WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE CAR ACTS LIKE SOMETHING IS GRABBING & IT SHUTS DOWN THE MOTOR. THE CAR WAS NOT COLD IT WAS WARMED UP & DROVE ABOUT 28 MILES BEFORE DOING THIS. THE SKID LIGHT CAME ON. IT WAS A DRY ROAD. THIS CAR HAS DONE IT SEVERAL TIMES. I HAVE SEARCHED THIS ON THE INTERNET & HAVE SEEN OTHERS SAYING THE SAME THING HAS HAPPENED WITH THEIR SUBARU. ITS SCARY TO THINK THIS MIGHT HAPPEN TO ME ON ONE OF OUR SLICK ROADS GOING OFF A HILL. I HAVE NOT HAD IT CHECKED OUT YET DO TO THE HOLIDAY SEASON. IT DOES NOT HAPPEN EVERY TIME I DRIVE IT. I HAVE NOTICED WHILE APPLYING THE BREAKS WHEN IT STARTS FEELING LIKE THE ROTORS ARE GRABBING IF YOU EASE OFF JUST A LITTLE AND THEN APPLY AGAIN THE CAR WILL NOT SHUT OFF IT WILL STAY RUNNING. I HAVE SHUT OFF THE SKID PROTECTION AND DROVE IT & STILL IT WILL DO THIS AND THE SKID LIGHT WILL SHOW UP. ON THE INTERNET IT SAYS IT COULD BE THE ICV VALVE. BUT IM NOT SURE THAT HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE SKID PROTECTION. I BOUGHT THE CAR THIS SUMMER & I HAD THE DEALER SHIP TO PUT NEW BREAKS AND ROTORS ON IT BEFORE I BOUGHT IT. HAD NO TROUBLE AT ALL WITH THIS UNTIL LAST MONTH. I JUST HAD THE OIL AND FILTER CHANGED THIS WEEK. THERE ARE NO SERVICE LIGHTS STAYING LIT. & IT STILL DOES THIS. I WILL BE GETTING THIS CHECKED OUT. A GUY MENTIONED THAT IT COULD BE THE TRANSMISSION. THIS CAR IS AN AUTOMATIC & DOES HAVE THE MANUAL TRANSMISSION SHIFTERS ON THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CAR WAS IN THE AUTOMATIC MODE WHEN THIS HAPPENED IT IS NOT DROVE IN THE MANUAL SIDE. IM THINKING I SHOULD TRY DRIVING IN THE MANUAL SIDE TO SEE IF IT WILL DO THIS. I'VE HAD NO COMPLAINTS WITH ANY OF MY OTHER SUBARUS WEVE OWNED. I HAVE NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH THEM. HOWEVER I HAVE NEVER OWNED ONE WITH THE SKID PROTECTION OR IN THE 2000 MODEL UNTIL THIS ONE. *TR

Jan 09, 2015

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2 complaints

DRUMMING NOISE THAT APPEARS TO BE COMING FROM THE REAR-END OF THE VEHICLE, CAN BE HEARD AND VIBRATIONS FELT INSIDE THE VEHICLE, WHEN THE ENGINE IS ON AND THE VEHICLE IS AT REST OR MOVING. SUBARU OF AMERICA FACTORY AND DEALERSHIP SERVICE TECHNICIANS ARE NOT CERTAIN THAT THE ISSUE IS THE FUEL PUMP, BUT SOA FACTORY HAS INSTRUCTED THE DEALERSHIP TO REPLACE IT. *TR

Jan 11, 2011

I STARTED VEHICLE IN DRIVEWAY AS USUAL. PUT VEHICLE IN REVERSE, SLOWLY LETTING FOOT OFF BRAKE, ENGINE BEGAN TO SPUTTER AND SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS ABOUT TO STALL. BRAKED AND PUT IN PARK TO LET ENGINE WARM FOR A FEW MORE MINUTES. I PROCEEDED TO DRIVE WITHOUT INCIDENT.

Dec 24, 2010

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

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.

Oct 19, 2025

SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

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, control arms and sway bar links. The sub frame supports these components, the engine and other parts!

Jul 17, 2025

SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

The vehicle was diagnosed at a Subaru Dealership as having a rusted sub-frame with mounting bolt holes loose and suspension components moving freely. The vehicle is deemed unsafe to drive. (On April 8, 2022, my car suddenly made a loud clunking noise and drove very rocky). The car had not given any previous warning signals of this problem.

May 25, 2022

SEATS

1 complaint

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.

Feb 07, 2022

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ENGINE

1 complaint

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 WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

May 07, 2021

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE

1 complaint

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.

Mar 07, 2021

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

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."

Sep 02, 2020

AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

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 INCLUDES SEVERAL PHOTOS. THE REASON FOR THIS COMPLAINT IS WE ARE WONDERING WHY THE AIRBAGS (SIDE ONES IN PARTICULAR) DID NOT DEPLOY? WE FEEL IT'S VERY LIKELY THE HEAD INJURY WOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED HAD THE AIRBAG(S) DEPLOYED.

Jul 09, 2020

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

1 complaint

MY SUBARU HAS A STALLING PROBLEM. IT WILL STALL AT HARD STOPS OR WHEN I ROLL TO A STOP. IT CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS WHEN GOING UP A HILL WHERE YOU NEED TO SLOW DOWN OR IF SOMEONE STOPS HARD IN FRONT OF ME. IT SHUDDERS LIKE IT WANTS TO STALL MANY TIMES THROUGHOUT THE DAY. SUBARU NEED TO LOOK INTO THIS CAUSE MANY PEOPLE HAVE THIS PROBLEM AND IT IS VERY UNSAFE. *TR

Jun 17, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

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.

Oct 17, 2019

SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE

1 complaint

MY CAR HESITATES AND TURNS OFF SOMETIMES WHEN SLOWING DOWN AT A STOP OR RED LIGHT, RPMS FLUCTUATE AS I BRAKE OR ACCELERATE, MY BRAKE LIGHT IS ON SOLID AND I GET A AT OIL TEMP LIGHT FLASHING AND THEN I CAN'T USE MY PADDLESHIFTERS AT ALL, CAR SOUNDS HIGHLY REV'D BUT DOESN'T GO AS FAST! PLEASE HELP AS THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD, I DRIVE ON CALIFORNIA FREEWAYS EVERYDAY AND THIS IS A DANGER TO MY FAMILY WHEN COMMUTING.

Sep 11, 2018

STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

1ST TIME -02/02/2017 LEAKING INTO PASSENGER AREA ABOVE REAR VIEW MIRROR; FLOODED DRIVER'S FOOT AREA. DEALER DRAINED THE MOON ROOF. 2ND TIME - 05/05/2017LEAKING INTO REAR SEAT FOOT AREA FROM BELOW THE CARPETING ON RHS. VERY LARGE PUDDLE; AFTER 2 DAYS STILL VERY LARGE PUDDLE. UNDER THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT THERE IS A METAL RECTANGULAR BOX CONTAINING ???? THIS IS THE AREA THAT IS AFFECTED BY THE EXCESSIVE WETNESS PROBLEM. IF THIS A COMPUTER COMPONENTS BOX OR A HEATING ELEMENT BOX, PEOPLE SITTING IN EITHER THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OR THE IMMEDIATE REAR SEAT COULD BE AT RISK FOR ELECTRICALLY CAUSED INJURY.

May 15, 2017

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

STEERING WHEEL REMOTE RADIO VOLUME CONTROL INTERMITTENT TO NON-OPERATIONAL. PROBLEM BEGAN WHILE PARKED AND RUNNING AFTER ADJUSTING STEERING WHEEL TO FULL LENGTH POSITION (CLOSER TO DRIVER).

Jan 18, 2017

AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

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 ENGINE IS BENT AND THE CAR A TOTAL LOSS. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.(FORTUNATE,AS WHEN I RETURNED HOME I FOUND THE LETTER FROM SUBARU THAT MY CAR WAS PART OF THE TAKATA RECALL)INTERESTINGLY,THE ENGINE STILL STARTED AND THE CAR WAS DRIVE-ABLE ,DESPITE THE RADIATOR BEING CRACKED IN HALF(WE WERE ABLE TO PARK IT AFTER HAVING IT TOWED). I LOOKED UP THE SYMPTOMS I EXPERIENCED AND FEEL THAT THERE MAY HAVE BEEN ISSUES WITH THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL MECHANISM OR THE APP(WHICH SENSES THE POSITION OF THE ACCELERATOR ,AS I AM SURE YOU KNOW)MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT NEVER WENT ON.THE CAR HAD ACTED AS IF IT HAD IDLING ISSUES A COUPLE OF TIMES BUT NOT WITH REGULARITY, AND IT HAD NEVER STALLED OR DISPLAYED ANY OTHER WARNING OF THIS. I HAD JUST DRIVEN THE CAR ABOUT 7 MILES BEFORE THIS HAPPENED. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER SUBARU;I HAVE HAD OTHER CARS WITH TROUBLES IN THE PAST BUT THIS IS BY FAR THE MOST DANGEROUS.I AM JUST THANKING THE LORD THAT THE AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY AND WE WEREN'T CRUSHED(MY 17 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT).AND,THE CAR ONLY HAD 24,350 MILES ON IT! PRACTICALLY NEW CONDITION!SAD,BECAUSE I REALLY LIKED THIS CAR.

Aug 24, 2016

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

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. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,000. UPDATED 05/17/16*LJ *TR

Mar 16, 2016

Crash: 1

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,VISIBILITY/WIPER

1 complaint

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.

Jan 31, 2016

Fire: 1

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE

1 complaint

WHENEVER THE BRAKE IS PRESSED HARD TO A COMPLETE STOP, THE CAR STALLS AND ALL ELECTRICAL SHUT OFF. IT DOESNT SEEM TO HAPPEN WHEN YOU BRAKE VERY SLOW BEFORE COMING TO A FULL STOP. BUT IF YOU BRAKE SLOWLY AND THEN PRESSED THE PEDAL FULL, THE PROBLEM WILL OCCUR. THIS CAN CAUSE PANIC AND ALSO DELAY ON CARS RUNNING BEHIND THE CAR. IT APPEARS THIS IS SIMILAR PROBLEM REPORTED UNDER 10395739. I ALSO FOUND A NUMBER OF SIMILARLY REPORTED PROBLEMS ONLINE WITH SUBARU CARS.

Sep 10, 2015

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

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.

Jun 03, 2015

VISIBILITY/WIPER

1 complaint

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.

Apr 16, 2015

SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

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 TO FAULTY DESIGN OF TORQUE CONVERTER...THIS SHOULD BE RECALLED. I USED TO LOVE SUBARUS AND THIS CAR, I AM NOW FORCED TO TAKE A LOSS FINANCIALLY AND BUY A SAFER CAR. COMPLETELY UNSAFE. *TR

Mar 25, 2015

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

1 complaint

VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. UPON LIGHT ACCELERATION, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON (AND STAYED ON), PARKING BRAKE LIGHT BEGAN TO BLINK, CRUISE CONTROL INDICATOR BEGAN TO BLINK, AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. DRIVER DID NOT DETECT ANY SLIPPAGE. AUTHORIZED SUBARU DEALER FOUND NO PROBLEM WITH OIL CONTROL VALVE (OCV) DESPITE COMPUTER CODE INDICATING POTENTIAL PROBLEM WITH THAT PART. DEALER, HOWEVER, INDICATED OIL FLUSH, RATHER THAN SIMPLY AN OIL CHANGE, WAS NECESSARY DESPITE LESS THAN 5,000 MILES SINCE PREVIOUS OIL CHANGE. DEALER ASSERTED THAT OIL LEVEL WAS NOT LOW, HOWEVER. CAUSE OF WHAT TRIGGERED THE INDICATORS TO BE SET OFF REMAINS UNCLEAR. *TR

Nov 20, 2014

POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEM WITH MY 2011 SUBARU LEGACY FOR OVER EIGHT MONTHS, MY CAR WOULD JUST STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET WITHOUT ANY WARNING, I TOOK THE CAR TO THE SERVICE CENTER, AFTER SEVERAL TRIES THEY DECIDED TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION WITH A REMANUFACTURING ONE MY CAR STILL HAVING TROUBLE, WHENEVER I START THE VEHICLE AND MOVE FROM PARK TO REVERSE, ITS A HARD SHIFT AND THE CAR SHAKES LIKE ITS GOING TO STALL, ALSO FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE, I HAVE TAKING MY CAR BACK AND THEY TOLD ME THAT'S NORMAL, THERE IS NOTHING NORMAL ABOUT THAT, WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR BRAND NEW THAT PROBLEM NEVER EXISTED, MY CAR HAVE 32, 800 MILES NOW, EVERYTIME I TAKE MY CAR I LOOSE A DAY FROM WORK, PLEASE HELP! *TR

Oct 15, 2014

STEERING,WHEELS

1 complaint

DRIVING ON NEWLY PAVED HIGHWAY AT 80MPH THE CAR STARTS TO SHAKE AND VIBRATE. AT LOWER SPEEDS THIS IS NOT AN ISSUE. *TR

Jul 26, 2013

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

1 complaint

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

Mar 29, 2013

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

THE GAS CAP SEAL IS NOT WORKING AS IT SHOULD. IT ONLY LAST TWO YEARS WITH 40K MILES. THE VEHICLE TRIP ON TROUBLE CODE: P0456 EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS SYSTEM - SMALL LEAK DETECTED. IT HAPPEN 4 OUT OF 5 TIMES I FILL UP MY GAS TANK. EACH FILL UP, I VERIFY THAT THE GAS CAP IS TIGHT - CLICK A COUPLE TIMES. THE GAS CAP IS CHEAP. I CAN REPLACE IT MYSELF BUT DOES NOT LIKE SUBARU TO BECOME COVER UP LIKE TOYOTA. *TR

Dec 26, 2012

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

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 MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 23,500.

Nov 15, 2012

AIR BAGS,SEATS

1 complaint

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 SERVICE MANAGER THAT PART IS PERFORMING WITHIN SUBARU SPECIFICATIONS. CALLED SOA CUSTOMER SERVICE TODAY AND SPOKE TO SUPERVISOR WHO SAID PART WAS PERFORMING WITHIN SPECIFICATIONS (AND FEDERAL SAFETY SPECS) DUE TO AUTHORIZED FACILITY LAST STATING AS SUCH DESPITE STILL HAVING ISSUES. SUPERVISOR EXPLAINED SENSITIVITY AND NUANCES OF SYSTEM BUT WAS NOT TO MY SATISFACTION AS LIGHT WILL BE OFF AND THEN COME ON AFTER RESUMING SAME POSITION AFTER REMOVING AND REAPPLYING WEIGHT. TOLD SUPERVISOR THAT WAS UNSATISFACTORY THAT I WOULD SUBMIT COMPLAINT TO NHTSA AND POSSIBLY WRITE CONGRESS-PERSON FOR INVESTIGATION/HELP. WAS THEN TOLD ISSUE WOULD BE ESCALATED TO SENIOR REPRESENTATIVE WHO WOULD CONTACT ME NEXT DAY. *TR

Oct 15, 2012

STEERING,SUSPENSION,WHEELS

1 complaint

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

Aug 15, 2012

STEERING,SUSPENSION,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 complaint

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 ROAD CONDITIONS. PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE HAVE COMMENTED ON THE SWAYING, STATING THEY FELT "UNSAFE". TIRE PRESSURES HAVE BEEN CHECKED AND ADJUSTED TO MANUFACTURERS SPECIFICATIONS BEFORE EACH HIGHWAY TRIP. WHEN TESTED WITH A CHASE VEHICLE THE 2ND VEHICLE DID NOT EXHIBIT THESE SYMPTOMS RULING OUT ROAD/WIND CONDITIONS. *TR

Jun 13, 2012

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

1 complaint

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

May 25, 2012

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

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

Apr 29, 2012

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

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, AND THE FACTORY ADVISED THAT THE COMPUTER WOULD NEED TO BE "RE-FLASHED" BUT CURRENTLY, THERE IS NO RE-FLASH PROGRAM DEVELOPED, AND THERE IS NO TIME LINE AS TO WHEN IT WOULD BE. CONTACTED SUBARU AMERICA CUST. SERV. DISTRICT MANAGER TEST DROVE AND WAS UNABLE TO REPLICATE. SO AS FAR AS THE DEALER AND SUBARU ARE CONCERNED, THERE IS NO ISSUE. VEHICLE STILL STALLS INTERMITTENTLY. FILED COMPLAINT WITH CT DVM LEMON LAW, AND NOW WITH NHTSA. *TR

Mar 27, 2012

STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 complaint

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, MILEAGE: ON FULL SAYS 430, I CLOCKED IT AND WHEN IT SHOWED 380 WE HAD ONLY DROVE 17 MILES INACCURATE. CUP HOLDER BROKE AFTER PUTTING WATER BOTTLE IN IT WAS REPLACED BY DEALER, TRANSMISSION SHIFTING DOWN BY BUCKING DEALER STATED MEMORIZES DRIVING. INSIDE SCRATCHES EASY CHEAP. HAVE CASE W SUBARU OF AMERICA BUT GETTING NOWHERE. *TR

Feb 15, 2012

TIRES,WHEELS

1 complaint

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 SAME SIDE AS THE POTHOLE. I WAS TOLD THIS WAS THE NATURE OF LOW PROFILE TIRES. I REQUESTED A MEETING WITH A REPRESENTATIVE OF SUBARU. TWO WEEKS LATER, I HAD THAT MEETING. IN THE MEAN TIME, I TOOK THE CAR TO TWO DIFFERENT REPUTABLE TIRE SHOPS. BOTH OF WHICH HAVE TOLD ME THIS WILL ALWAYS BE AN ISSUE WITH LOW PROFILE TIRES AND PARTICULARLY THIS LEGACY AND THESE RIMS. EACH OF THE TWO SHOPS HAVE HAD NUMEROUS CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE HAD SIMILAR ISSUE, RELATED TO HAVING LOW PROFILE TIRES. AS IT HAS BEEN EXPLAINED TO ME, THERE IS NOT ENOUGH RUBBER BETWEEN THE RIM AND THE ROAD TO PREVENT THESE TYPES OF ISSUES FROM HAPPENING. THE TIRE ACTUALLY COLLAPSES AND SQUISHES DOWN COMPLETELY THIS ALLOWS THE RIM TO HIT THE ROAD. MY CONCERN IS THAT HAD MY WIFE BEEN DRIVING ON AND INTERSTATE HIGHWAY AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A SERIOUS OR FATAL ISSUE. AFTER MEETING WITH THE SUBARU REPRESENTATIVE, I ASKED WHY SUBARU DID NOT HAVE SOME SORT OF CUSTOMER NOTICE ABOUT THESE LOW PROFILE TIRES AND THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THEM IN THE OWNERS MANUAL. IF THERE WERE CONSUMER AWARENESS OF THESE TIRES, I WOULD NOT HAVE BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE. MY CONCERN IS THAT THERE IS NO CONSUMER AWARENESS ON THIS MATTER AND ONE ONLY HAS TO WONDER HOW MANY ACCIDENTS HAVE BEEN OR WILL BE CAUSED BY THESE TIRES. *TR

Nov 16, 2011

STEERING,SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

DASH TROUBLE LIGHTS FLASHING CONSTANTLY ON AND OFF CHECK ENGINE, BRAKE FAILURE, ALL WHEEL DRIVE FAILURE, CRUISE CONTROL FAILURE, TEMPERATURE LIGHT, OIL WARNING LIGHT, ENGINE NOT ENGAGING WHEN GAS PEDAL DEPRESSED. CAR WOBBLES SIDE TO SIDE AT SPEEDS GREATER THAN 60 MPH, STEERING WHEEL EXCESSIVE VIBRATION. CURRENTLY IN REPAIR FOR OVER ONE WEEK. APPEARS DEALERSHIP CAN NOT CORRECT. WHEN ORIGINALLY REPORTED TO SERVICE ADVISOR HE STATED TO BRING IN THE CAR IN ONE WEEK. TOOK CAR IN IMMEDIATELY PER OWNERS MANUAL AND HE THEN STATED HE COULD NOT RELEASE CAR BACK TO ME BECAUSE IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THIS IS A NEW VEHICLE WITH 1500 MILES. *KB

Jul 18, 2011

2011 SUBARU Legacy Problems & Complaints

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