repaired · 2026 Q3
Occupant classification: front passenger
Risk. An air bag that does not deploy during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
2021 Subaru LegacyProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 32 owner complaints about the 2021 Subaru Legacy, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 24V-227 the manufacturer reports only 71% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 4, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Cutlass, CC0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2021 Subaru Legacy has problems
32 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
6Air bags
5Visibility/wiper
5Electrical system
3Service brakes1 crash/fire/injury
2Forward collision avoidance
2Power train
2Back over prevention
2Engine
1Seats
77 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 6 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 5 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 5 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 3 | 1 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 2 | 0 |
| Power train | 2 | 0 |
| Back over prevention | 2 | 0 |
| Engine | 2 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 0 |
| 7 other systems | 7 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2021 Subaru Legacy recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2025 Q4
Automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch
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.
repaired · 2024 Q2
Automatic transmission: control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Risk. An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Subaru.
Best & worst years
2021 vs. every other Legacy year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Legacy median. How we score
'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2021 Subaru Legacy safety ratings
2021 Subaru Legacy 4 DR AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
- Rollover: 5 stars (10.1% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Standard
- Lane departure warning: Standard
In owners' words
What Legacy owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
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…
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
Own a 2021 Legacy?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.