2021 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026
2021 · All trims · All engines
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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2021 Subaru Legacy has 6 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is Thermo Control Valve Failure Causing Check Engine Light, Poor Heater Performance, and Possible Overheating ($1,200-$2,200 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $250 to $2,200. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Outback, Legacy, Ascent, and Impreza vehicles. The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, resulting in the disconnection of the front end of the driveshaft.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH
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.
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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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2021 Subaru Legacy has 6 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Thermo Control Valve Failure Causing Check Engine Light, Poor Heater Performance, and Possible Overheating, Battery Drain and No-Start from DCM/Telematics Module Staying Awake, Low-Speed Brake Pedal Pulsation or Vibration from Front Brake Rotor Deposits/Warping. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 2021 Subaru Legacy has 6 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Thermo Control Valve Failure Causing Check Engine Light, Poor Heater Performance, and Possible Overheating. 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.
Repair costs for known Subaru Legacy issues range from $0 to $2,200, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Thermo Control Valve Failure Causing Check Engine Light, Poor Heater Performance, and Possible Overheating, typically costs $1,200-$2,200 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
Multiple owners of 7th-generation Legacy models have reported failure of the electronically controlled thermo control valve used in the FB25 cooling system. When the valve sticks or its internal position sensor fails, the car may illuminate the check engine light, lose cabin heat… Repairs typically run $1,200-$2,200. 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.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
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.
Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.
A well-documented issue on late-model Subaru vehicles including the Legacy involves parasitic battery drain tied to the Data Communication Module (DCM), telematics hardware, or related control modules not going to sleep properly. Owners report dead batteries after the vehicle sit… Repairs typically run $250-$1,200. Severity: medium.
Owners of current-generation Legacy models have reported brake pulsation, steering wheel shake, or vibration during moderate braking, sometimes at relatively low mileage. The condition is commonly attributed to front rotor thickness variation or uneven pad deposits rather than a… Repairs typically run $350-$900. Severity: medium.
Owners of 2021-2024 Legacy models frequently report windshields that crack from small stone impacts or develop long cracks quickly, often near the camera area. Because the windshield is integrated with the EyeSight driver-assistance system, replacement is more expensive than conv… Repairs typically run $900-$1,800. Severity: medium.
2021-2023 Legacy sedans are among the vehicles Subaru recalled under campaign WRQ-23. The defect is a weld on the park/neutral start interlock switch — the inhibitor switch — that was not made adequately, allowing water to enter the switch body and cause the switch to fail. A Leg… Severity: medium.
The large center touchscreen used in the current Legacy has generated many owner complaints for lagging, freezing, random reboots, black screens, and unstable Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connections. In some cases climate and vehicle settings become difficult to access because man… Repairs typically run $0-$1,800. Severity: medium.
