2021 Subaru Legacy VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability
The 2021 Subaru Legacy has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 31 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Subaru Legacy. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (5), Visibility Wiper (5), Air Bags (4).
Legacy reliability snapshot
Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.
Used-car research
Research the Subaru Legacy before checking the VIN
Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.
Most-reported 2021 Subaru Legacy issues
Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.
- Unknown Or Other5
- Visibility Wiper5
- Air Bags4
- Electrical System4
- Engine2
- Power Train2
Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2021 Subaru Legacy
Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.
- Inspect windshield for cracks and verify Eyesight system recalibration
- Test infotainment system for random shutdowns
- Check for unresolved airbag recall repairs
- Verify battery health and check for any history of replacements
- Test CVT transmission for shuddering or shifting issues
2021 Legacy recalls (3)
Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2021 Legacy. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
- AIR BAGSNHTSA 24V227000Mar 22, 2024
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.
- POWER TRAINNHTSA 23V755000Nov 9, 2023
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.
- POWER TRAINNHTSA 22V485000Jul 8, 2022
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 is WRK-22. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 21V-955.
2021 Subaru Legacy on the road
22,766 2021 Subaru Legacy units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.
How the 2021 Subaru Legacy stacks up against rivals
The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.
Reliability verdict for the 2021 Subaru Legacy
The 2021 Subaru Legacy scores a solid 75 out of 100, indicating above-average reliability. With three recalls, the level is limited, suggesting Subaru has addressed specific issues without widespread systemic problems. Complaints total 31, with concerns distributed across several areas, including visibility, airbags, and the electrical system. However, no single issue dominates, implying no severe, recurring defect.
Being the second year of its generation, the Legacy benefits from early production refinements. The spread of complaints suggests that while some minor issues persist, they are not concentrated enough to significantly undermine reliability. Overall, the 2021 Subaru Legacy presents a reasonable risk level for buyers seeking a dependable midsize sedan.
What you get in a 2021 Subaru Legacy report
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2021 Subaru Legacy — Frequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Subaru Legacy reliable?
The 2021 Subaru Legacy scores a solid 75 out of 100, indicating above-average reliability. With three recalls, the level is limited, suggesting Subaru has addressed specific issues without widespread systemic problems. Complaints total 31, with concerns distributed across several areas, including visibility, airbags, and the electrical system. However, no single issue dominates, implying no severe, recurring defect.
How many recalls does the 2021 Subaru Legacy have?
3 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2021 Subaru Legacy. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
What are the most common 2021 Subaru Legacy problems?
The most-reported 2021 Subaru Legacy problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (5), Visibility Wiper (5), Air Bags (4).
Should I run a VIN check on a 2021 Subaru Legacy?
Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2021 Subaru Legacy, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.