Is the 2011 Subaru LEGACY reliable?

The 2011 Subaru LEGACY has 234 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.7x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: avoid. Most common issue: TRANSMISSION problems.

What are common problems with the 2011 Subaru LEGACY?

Top problems: TRANSMISSION (47 complaints, avg repair $500); ENGINE (28 complaints, avg repair $500); AIR BAGS (25 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2011 Subaru LEGACY?

Yes, there are 16 recall(s): PARKING BRAKE, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH, VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION. Contact any Subaru dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2011 Subaru LEGACY?

The 2011 Subaru LEGACY gets 22 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2182. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2011 Subaru LEGACY?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2011 Subaru LEGACY is approximately $1,366/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2011 Subaru LEGACY

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Avoid This Year

Quick Summary

The 2011 Subaru LEGACY has 234 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.7x the segment average of 140. The most common issue is transmission problems (20% of all complaints), specifically: engine speed surges occasionally ( 4 episodes in 6 months) when moving very slowly (parking) and wheel is being turned. hard braking stops car and engine speed returns to normal. *ln. There are 16 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 3 fire reports filed.

3 fire reports 7 crash reports 4 injuries

234

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.7x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

TRANSMISSION

47 complaints

20%

• ENGINE SPEED SURGES OCCASIONALLY ( 4 EPISODES IN 6 MONTHS) WHEN MOVING VERY SLOWLY (PARKING) AND WHEEL IS BEING TURNED. HARD BRAKING STOPS CAR AND ENGINE SPEED RETURNS TO NORMAL. *LN
• 2011 SUBARU LEGACY 2.5I CVT PREMIUM MODEL : AT HIGHWAY CRUISING SPEEDS OF 60+ MPH, THE VEHICLE FEELS "WOBBLY". THE CAR FEELS AS THOUGH IT IS GETTING SWAYED FROM SIDE TO SIDE, EVEN ON GOOD ROAD IN GOOD CONDITIONS. I THINK IT HAS TO DO WITH THE AWD SYSTEM. I SLOW DOWN AT TIMES WHEN I SENSE THIS A
• VEHICLE HAS VIBRATION IN STEERING WHEEL AND CLUTCH AND BRAKE PEDAL AT ALL SPEEDS. *TR

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“ENGINE SPEED SURGES OCCASIONALLY ( 4 EPISODES IN 6 MONTHS) WHEN MOVING VERY SLOWLY (PARKING) AND WHEEL IS BEING TURNED. HARD BRAKING STOPS CAR AND ENGINE SPEED RETURNS TO NORMAL. *LN”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2011 Subaru LEGACY

Based on 176 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 68K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 60K mi · 17 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

LIGHTING

In line with typicalmedian 44K mi · 14 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

STEERING

In line with typicalmedian 16K mi · 13 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SUSPENSION

In line with typicalmedian 2K mi · 9 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SPEED CONTROL

In line with typicalmedian 24K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

OTHER

Later than typicalmedian 33K mi · 10 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (16)

PARKING BRAKE13/09/2018

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with a manual transmission. 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.

Risk: A vehicle rollaway can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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. Subaru's number for this recall is WTV-81.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2011 Subaru LEGACY

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,182

Per month

$182

Per mile

18.2¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,667/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,600/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2011 Subaru LEGACY

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,366

Full coverage / month

$114

Liability only / year

$611

vs US avg

-18%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.85x

= Full coverage estimate$1366

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Subaru LEGACY Service Intervals

Oil change

6K mi / 6 mo

Tire rotation

6K mi

Brake fluid

30 months

Transmission fluid

30K mi

Engine coolant

138K mi

Spark plugs

60K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

Boxer engines have specific oil consumption patterns — check oil monthly. CVT service every 30K is critical; skipping shortens life dramatically. AWD requires matched tire wear.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Subaru New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

3 yr / 36K mi

These are the terms for a new Subaru. If you're buying a used 2011 LEGACY, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Subaru dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 234 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
TRANSMISSION: ENGINE SPEED SURGES OCCASIONALLY ( 4 EPISODES IN 6 MONTHS) WHEN MOVING VERY SLOWLY (PARKING) AND WHEEL IS BEING TURNED. HARD BRAKING STOPS CAR AND ENGINE SPEED RETURNS TO NORMAL. *LN
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: I STARTED VEHICLE IN DRIVEWAY AS USUAL. PUT VEHICLE IN REVERSE, SLOWLY LETTING FOOT OFF BRAKE, ENGINE BEGAN TO SPUTTER AND SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS ABOUT TO STALL. BRAKED AND PUT IN PARK TO LET ENGINE WARM FOR A FEW MORE MINUTES. I PROCEEDED TO DRIVE WITHOUT INCIDENT.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
AIR BAGS: FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR DOES NOT DETECT WHEN A 150 POUND 5 FOOT 1 ADULT IS SITTING IN FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. AIRBAG LIGHT SAYS OFF. MOVING AROUND IN THE SEAT MAKES NO DIFFERENCE. *TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH IN SNOWY CONDITIONS, SHE NOTICED THE CHECK ENGINE AND ABS LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT SHE NEEDED TO REPLACE BATTE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 16 recalls have been completed — free at any Subaru dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)