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Subaru · Known Issues

2011 Subaru Legacy Problems: 4 Known Issues

2011 model year · 2,690+ owner reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's analysis of 2,690+ owner reports, the 2011 Subaru Legacy has 4 documented known issues, with 3 rated critical. The most serious are CVT Transmission Failure ($200-$8,000 repair), FB25 Engine Oil Consumption ($0-$4,500 repair) and Recall 16V694000: Windshield Wiper Motor Can Overheat and Melt Its Bottom Cover (Fire Risk). The most commonly reported issue is CVT Transmission Failure with 1,100 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $100 to $8,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Legacy Transmission1
  • Legacy Engine1
  • Legacy Safety/Recalls1
  • Legacy Suspension1
  • Recalls14
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Transmission1
  • Engine1
  • Safety/Recalls1
  • Suspension1
  • Recalls14
  • FAQ

All 4 Known Issues

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Community reported
1,100 owners

On the 2010-2020 Subaru Legacy, the 2010+ Legacy uses the Lineartronic CVT (TR690 for 2.5L, TR580 for 2.5i base) which has widespread reports of premature failure, typically between 80,000-140,000 miles. Failures include chain stretch, torque converter shudder, valve body malfunction, and complete transmission failure. The 2010-2014 models are most affected. Subaru extended CVT warranty coverage to 10 years/100,000 miles. Symptoms often start with subtle judder during light acceleration and progress to complete loss of drive.

Common Symptoms

  • Shudder during light throttle acceleration
  • Delayed engagement when shifting from Park
  • Loud whining from transmission area
  • Loss of power under acceleration
  • Transmission overheating warning
  • Complete loss of forward or reverse gear

How to Fix

Perform CVT fluid exchange with Subaru Lineartronic CVT Fluid II. Apply latest TCM software calibration at dealer. For torque converter shudder, converter replacement ($1,500-2,500) is often sufficient. Full CVT replacement with Subaru remanufactured unit for complete failures. Check 10-year/100,000-mile warranty extension eligibility first.

Typical repair cost:$200 - $8,000

Research This Issue

Based on 1,100 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High Confidence1,100 owner reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026
Community reported
870 owners

On the 2010-2016 Subaru Legacy FB25, the 2010-2016 Legacy 2.5i uses the FB25 engine which is affected by the same oil consumption issue as other FB25-equipped Subarus. Defective piston rings allow excessive oil to bypass into the combustion chamber. The Legacy's higher average speeds mean oil consumption can be even more noticeable during highway driving. Subaru's oil consumption warranty extension and the Oakes v. Subaru settlement cover affected vehicles.

Common Symptoms

  • Oil level drops 1+ quart between oil changes
  • Low oil warning light
  • Blue smoke from exhaust, particularly on cold start
  • Oil fouling spark plugs causing misfires
  • Catalytic converter premature failure (P0420 code)

How to Fix

Have dealer perform official oil consumption test (OCT). If consumption exceeds 1 qt per 3,000 miles, piston ring replacement or short block replacement is warranted. Check coverage under Subaru powertrain warranty extension (8 years/100,000 miles) or Oakes v. Subaru settlement. Use 0W-20 full synthetic oil and monitor levels weekly.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $4,500

Research This Issue

Based on 870 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High Confidence870 owner reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026

On the 2010-2014 Subaru Legacy, subaru recalled 2010-2014 Legacy sedans built between November 26, 2008 and June 7, 2013 because of a defect inside the windshield wiper motor. Contamination inside the wiper motor's bottom cover can let components within the cover interfere with each other. If something blocks the wiper arms from returning to the parked position - a buildup of snow or ice on the windshield is the example NHTSA gives - the motor can keep straining, overheat, and melt the bottom cover. Two consequences follow: the wipers can fail outright, which takes away the driver's visibility in exactly the weather where the wipers matter most, and the melting cover creates a fire risk. Legacy owners in snow-belt states should treat this as the scenario to watch for, since the failure mode is triggered by wipers being obstructed rather than by mileage or age. Importantly, this campaign supersedes the earlier recall 11V-469: a Legacy that already had the earlier repair performed is still affected and needs the bottom cover replaced again. The campaign covers 592,647 vehicles in total across all models included in it.

Common Symptoms

  • Windshield wipers stop working or fail during use
  • Wiper arms unable to return to the parked position when snow or ice has built up on the windshield
  • Melted or deformed plastic at the wiper motor bottom cover

How to Fix

The repair is free at any Subaru dealer. Dealers replace the windshield wiper motor bottom cover assembly at no charge to the owner. Owner notification began in October 2016; Subaru's internal number for the campaign is WTK-71. If your Legacy had work done under the older recall 11V-469, it still needs this new repair - the prior fix does not count. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm whether your specific car is still open on this campaign, or call Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. There is no time limit or mileage cap on a safety recall repair.

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Research This Issue

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026
Community reported
720 owners

On the 2010-2019 Subaru Legacy, 2010-2019 Legacys develop annoying clunking or rattling from the front suspension, particularly over small bumps, rough roads, and during low-speed turns. The primary causes are worn front stabilizer bar end links and deteriorated strut top mounts. The stabilizer end link ball joints dry out and develop play, while the strut mount bearings wear causing a popping sound during turning. Cold weather exacerbates both issues. This is one of the most common complaints on Legacy forums.

Common Symptoms

  • Clunking noise from front end over small bumps
  • Rattling on rough road surfaces
  • Popping or creaking during low-speed turns
  • Noise worse in cold weather
  • Vague or loose feeling in steering

How to Fix

Replace front stabilizer bar end links (Subaru 20470AJ000 or Moog K750613). If popping during turns, also replace strut top mounts (Subaru 20320FJ000). End links are a straightforward 30-minute per side DIY job. Strut mount replacement requires spring compressor and is best left to a shop. TSB 18-148-17 addresses front suspension noise on some models.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Genuine Subaru 20420AJ000 Front Stabilizer Link

    front stabilizer link after play or noise is confirmed on the 2010-2014 branch Fitment/availability: 2010-2014 Legacy front stabilizer link; quantity two if both sides independently require replacement, confirm VIN Fitment/availability: …

    SubaruPartsDeal
  • Genuine Subaru 20420AL011 Left Front Stabilizer Link

    left front stabilizer link after that side is confirmed failed Fitment/availability: 2015-2019 Legacy left front; side-specific, confirm VIN Fitment/availability: ships in 1 business day with Add to Cart live when reviewed

    SubaruPartsDeal
  • Genuine Subaru 20420AL001 Right Front Stabilizer Link

    right front stabilizer link after that side is confirmed failed Fitment/availability: 2015-2019 Legacy right front; side-specific, confirm VIN Fitment/availability: ships in 1 business day with Add to Cart live when reviewed

    SubaruPartsDeal
  • Genuine Subaru 20320AJ00C Front Strut Mount

    front mount after mount bearing, rubber or attachment failure is confirmed Fitment/availability: current catalog supersession for the 2010-2014 Legacy front strut-mount branch; confirm VIN and supersession Fitment/availability: ships in …

    SubaruPartsDeal
  • Genuine Subaru 20320AL00A Front Strut Mount

    later-generation front mount after diagnosis confirms it as the noise source Fitment/availability: 2015-2019 Legacy front strut-mount branch; confirm VIN Fitment/availability: ships in 1-3 business days with Add to Cart live when reviewed

    SubaruPartsDeal

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$100 - $600

Research This Issue

Based on 720 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High Confidence720 owner reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026
NHTSA Recalls14 recalls

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Campaign #21V58700029/07/2021

VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Legacy, Outback, and BRZ vehicles. In the affected vehicles, a software issue may cause the audio display system to not initialize, resulting in the camera display remaining blank. If this occurs, the rearview image will not display while backing up the vehicle. As a result, the vehicles fail to comply with requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."

Campaign #18V93500031/12/2018

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

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.

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Subaru Forester46Subaru Outback40Subaru WRX31Subaru Ascent25Subaru Solterra24Subaru Crosstrek23

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Subaru Legacy problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 2,690+ owner reports, the 2011 Subaru Legacy has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: CVT Transmission Failure, FB25 Engine Oil Consumption, Recall 16V694000: Windshield Wiper Motor Can Overheat and Melt Its Bottom Cover (Fire Risk). Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Subaru Legacy reliable?

The 2011 Subaru Legacy has 4 known issues documented across 2,690+ owner reports. 3 issues are rated critical: CVT Transmission Failure and FB25 Engine Oil Consumption and Recall 16V694000: Windshield Wiper Motor Can Overheat and Melt Its Bottom Cover (Fire Risk). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Subaru Legacy problems?

Repair costs for known Subaru Legacy issues range from $0 to $8,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, CVT Transmission Failure, typically costs $200-$8,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2010-2020 Subaru Legacy CVT Transmission Failure?

The 2010+ Legacy uses the Lineartronic CVT (TR690 for 2.5L, TR580 for 2.5i base) which has widespread reports of premature failure, typically between 80,000-140,000 miles. Failures include chain stretch, torque converter shudder, valve body malfunction, and complete transmission… Repairs typically run $200-$8,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2010-2016 Subaru Legacy FB25 Engine Oil Consumption?

The 2010-2016 Legacy 2.5i uses the FB25 engine which is affected by the same oil consumption issue as other FB25-equipped Subarus. Defective piston rings allow excessive oil to bypass into the combustion chamber. The Legacy's higher average speeds mean oil consumption can be even… Repairs typically run $0-$4,500. Severity: high.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data sourced from 2,690+ owner reports, NHTSA recalls, TSBs, and automotive forums.

Campaign #22V48500008/07/2022

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.

Campaign #21V95500009/12/2021

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with "high" grade and "mid" grade multimedia navigation. The August 2020 over-the-air software update may have timed out without completing the installation, corrupting the data, and causing the rearview display to shutoff intermittently. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Campaign #20V76600010/12/2020

+ 9 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

What is the 2010-2014 Subaru Legacy Recall 16V694000: Windshield Wiper Motor Can Overheat and Melt Its Bottom Cover (Fire Risk)?

Subaru recalled 2010-2014 Legacy sedans built between November 26, 2008 and June 7, 2013 because of a defect inside the windshield wiper motor. Contamination inside the wiper motor's bottom cover can let components within the cover interfere with each other. If something blocks t… Severity: high.

What is the 2010-2019 Subaru Legacy Front Suspension Clunk - Stabilizer Bar End Link and Strut Mount?

2010-2019 Legacys develop annoying clunking or rattling from the front suspension, particularly over small bumps, rough roads, and during low-speed turns. The primary causes are worn front stabilizer bar end links and deteriorated strut top mounts. The stabilizer end link ball jo… Repairs typically run $100-$600. Severity: low.