2011 Subaru Legacy problems: recalls, complaints and whether this is a year to avoid
The 2011 Subaru Legacy has 167 owner complaints on record with NHTSA, which ranks it 1 of 2 Subaru Legacy model years by complaint volume. That is the highest of any year in the run — the 2010 car has 150. 16 recall entries cover this year.
Which recalls cover the 2011?
Parking Brake
The electronic parking brake (EPB) may not engage as intended, allowing the vehicle to rollaway if the transmission is not in the proper gear when parked.
Free remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPB actuator assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 19, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614.
Air Bags
Regional recall — covers vehicles sold or ever registered in 10 states and territories.
Free remedy: Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614.
Air Bags
Regional recall — covers vehicles sold or ever registered in 9 states and territories.
Free remedy: Subaru is notifying owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614.
Take the campaign number to any franchised Subaru dealer. Recall repairs are free with no mileage or ownership limit, and they follow the car rather than the owner, so a used 2011 with an unrepaired campaign is a free repair you can claim. How recalls work.
Recall text is abridged from the NHTSA record. Search the campaign number at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the full notice and affected VIN ranges.
What do owners report on the Subaru Legacy?
Across every Subaru Legacy year, not the 2011 alone — NHTSA does not split component totals by model year.
- Power Train — 91 reports
- Air Bags — 49 reports
- Steering — 28 reports
- Exterior Lighting — 24 reports
Which other Subaru Legacy years should you compare?
← 2010 Subaru Legacy · All Subaru Legacy years
If you are deciding between years, the Subaru Legacy page carries the full run with the component breakdown. Before money changes hands, run the VIN for open recalls and read the inspection checklist — ten minutes in the seller’s driveway finds most of what matters.
Check a 2011 before you commit
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