CarRecallDB

2021 Subaru Legacy recalls and problems

3 recalls and 31 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2021 Subaru Legacy.

3
recalls
31
owner complaints
0
complaints mentioning a crash
0
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2021 Subaru Legacy recalls

Air bags: sensor, occupant classification, front passenger

NHTSA campaign 24V227000 · reported March 22, 2024 · Subaru of America, Inc. · 118,723 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
An air bag that does not deploy during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
The fix
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 train: automatic transmission, park/neutral start interlock switch

NHTSA campaign 23V755000 · reported November 9, 2023 · Subaru of America, Inc. · 95,830 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The 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.
The fix
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 train: driveline, chain/belt · Power train: automatic transmission, control module (tcm/PCM/tecm)

NHTSA campaign 22V485000 · reported July 8, 2022 · Subaru of America, Inc. · 182 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Jun 4, 2026 · Engine

Vehicle: 2021 Subaru Legacy Base 2.5i Mileage:~65,000 miles My engine suddenly began making loud internal knocking/tapping noises with no warning lights, no overheating, and no prior symptoms. The vehicle immediately became unsafe to operate. I had it towed to a Subaru dealership, where technicians confirmed the noise…

Nov 24, 2025 · Suspension

See attached document for complaint.

Nov 21, 2025 · Power train

Car intermittently will studder and not go into first gear or go into second gear dangerously having car bog down and 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…

Oct 27, 2025 · Electrical system · 60,000 miles

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…

Jul 21, 2025 · Power train

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…

Legacy model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2018 311771
2019 312321
2020 612111
2021 33100
2022 23441
2023 21020
2024 01711

Across all years, the 2005 Legacy has the most complaints (184). All Subaru Legacy years →

Questions

Does the 2021 Subaru Legacy have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2021 Subaru Legacy, the most recent reported on March 22, 2024 (Air bags: sensor, occupant classification, front passenger). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Subaru Legacy?
Owners have filed 31 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is unknown or other (7 complaints), followed by air bags (6).
How many 2021 Subaru Legacy complaints mention a crash or fire?
0 of 31 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 1 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received June 4, 2026.