Which year to buy
Bar height: serious owner complaints to NHTSA for that year per car on the road, against this model's usual year.
2011GOOD BUYSerious complaints 1.5× usual, mostly power train and air bags Extended coverage
134 serious complaints of 167, the most about power train (47) and air bags (25); per car on the road, 1.5× this model's usual year. 16 recalls.
What owners report
“This has happened numerous times, it is not a one-time event. While driving and then applying the brakes to try to stop the car, the engine shudders and then stalls out completely - the engine stops.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the power train, Nov 2016
“The contact owns a 2011 subaru legacy. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v358000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the air bags, Aug 2016
Fixes and extended coverage
- Extended coverage This change is in response to an identified condition which in some cases, can cause the EPB system to not operate as designed. Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the New Car Limited Warranty coverage for the Electric Parking Brake (EPB) assembly used in the above listed models and model… (06-71-19, Sep 2019)
- Extended coverage Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling all 2010-2014 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with a manual transmission (M/T), to replace the electronic parking brake (EPB) actuator assembly. However, they will be covered under an extended warranty. (WTV-81, Oct 2018)
- Extended coverage Subaru owner letter. As the warrantor of Subaru vehicles in the United States, Subaru of America is implementing an EPB Warranty Extension program which extends warranty coverage for the EPB on the models listed above that were sold or leased in the United States. (Warranty, Sep 2019)
- Extended coverage As part of Subaruâs dedication to customer satisfaction, SOA is announcing an Electric Parking Brake (EPB) Warranty Extension program, which extends the New Car Basic Limited Warranty coverage of the EPB actuator assembly for 2010-2014 Legacy/Outback vehicles with CVT or 5AT Transmission that… (Retailer, Sep 2019)
- Extended coverage As part of Subaru's dedication to customer satisfaction, SOA is announcing a Low-Beam Halogen Headlamp Bulb Warranty Enhancement program. This extends warranty coverage for 2010 - 2012 Legacy (for the 2012 model year, the affected models are vehicles that were manufactured through August 8, 2011)… (ONEILL, Jul 2016)
- Extended coverage Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the original warranty on the low-beam ONLY halogen headlamp bulbs to 10 years / unlimited miles from the vehicle's original warranty start date. (711016, Aug 2016)
From the manufacturer's bulletins filed with NHTSA. A dealer can look up whether a car has had the work done or is still covered.
167 owner complaints · 16 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 20–25 mpg · NHTSA: 4 of 5 stars · 2011 trims and features
Verdicts computed from NHTSA owner complaints, defect investigations and recalls. Cars on the road from New York State registrations. (How we judge.) Data checked 2026-10-06.
Trims and features
What changed for 2011
- Starting prices: +$300 to +$1,400 (3 trims; hover for each)
- Trim dropped: 2.5GT Premium
- Engine: 2.5-liter DOHC intercooled turbocharged aluminum-alloy 16-valve horizontally opposed SUBARU BOXER engine with Active Valve Control System → 2.5-liter DOHC intercooled turbocharged horizontally opposed SUBARU BOXER engine with Active Valve Control System (2.5GT Limited)
2011 Legacy trims
| 2.5GT Limited | 2.5i | 2.5i Limited | 2.5i Premium | 3.6R | 3.6R Limited | 3.6R Premium | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||||||
| Starting MSRP | $31,395 | — | $25,295 | — | $24,995 | $28,295 | $25,995 |
| Powertrain | |||||||
| Engine | 2.5-liter DOHC intercooled turbocharged horizontally opposed SUBARU BOXER engine with Active Valve Control System | 2.5-liter SOHC aluminum-alloy 16-valve horizontally opposed SUBARU BOXER engine with i-Active Valve Lift System | 2.5-liter SOHC aluminum-alloy 16-valve horizontally opposed SUBARU BOXER engine with i-Active Valve Lift System | 2.5-liter SOHC aluminum-alloy 16-valve horizontally opposed SUBARU BOXER engine with i-Active Valve Lift System | 3.6-liter DOHC aluminum-alloy 24-valve horizontally opposed SUBARU BOXER engine with Dual Active Valve Control System | 3.6-liter DOHC aluminum-alloy 24-valve horizontally opposed SUBARU BOXER engine with Dual Active Valve Control System | 3.6-liter DOHC aluminum-alloy 24-valve horizontally opposed SUBARU BOXER engine with Dual Active Valve Control System |
| Horsepower | 265 hp | 170 hp | 170 hp | 170 hp | 256 hp | 256 hp | 256 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 170 lb-ft | 170 lb-ft | 170 lb-ft | 247 lb-ft | 247 lb-ft | 247 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Fully synchronized 6-Speed Manual Transmission | Lineartronic CVT: Lineartronic CVT with 6-speed manual mode and paddle shifters 6-Speed Manual: Fully synchronized 6-Speed Manual Transmission | Lineartronic CVT with 6-speed manual mode and paddle shifters | Lineartronic CVT: Lineartronic CVT with 6-speed manual mode and paddle shifters 6-Speed Manual: Fully synchronized 6-Speed Manual Transmission | 5-speed automatic transmission with manual mode, paddle shifters and downshift rev-matching control | 5-speed automatic transmission with manual mode, paddle shifters and downshift rev-matching control | 5-speed automatic transmission with manual mode, paddle shifters and downshift rev-matching control |
| Gears | 6 | Lineartronic CVT: — 6-Speed Manual: 6 | — | Lineartronic CVT: — 6-Speed Manual: 6 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Drivetrain | Awd | Lineartronic CVT / 6-Speed Manual | Awd | Lineartronic CVT / 6-Speed Manual | Awd | Awd | Awd |
| Size and capability | |||||||
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Trunk | 14.7 cu ft | 14.7 cu ft | 14.7 cu ft | 14.7 cu ft | 14.7 cu ft | 14.7 cu ft | 14.7 cu ft |
| Length | 186.4 in | 186.4 in | 186.4 in | 186.4 in | 186.4 in | 186.4 in | 186.4 in |
| Curb weight | 3,477 lb | Lineartronic CVT: 3,379 lb 6-Speed Manual: 3,270 lb | 3,451 lb | Lineartronic CVT: 3,384 lb 6-Speed Manual: 3,275 lb | 3,481 lb | 3,557 lb | 3,518 lb |
| Tech | |||||||
| Touchscreen | Optional | — | Optional | — | — | Optional | — |
| Apple CarPlay | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Android Auto | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Audio | Harman Kardon | — | Harman Kardon | Optional | — | Harman Kardon | Optional |
| Speakers | 9 | 4 | 9 | 4 + option | 4 | 9 | 4 + option |
| Comfort | |||||||
| Seats | Leather | Cloth + option | Leather + option | Cloth + option | Cloth + option | Leather + option | Cloth + option |
| Heated seats | Front | — | Front | Optional | — | Front | Front |
| Climate zones | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Remote start | — | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Exterior | |||||||
| Sunroof | Tilt/Slide Moonroof | — | Tilt/Slide Moonroof | Optional | — | Optional | Optional |
| Wheels | 18 in | 16 in | 17 in | 16 in | 17 in | 17 in | 17 in |
Packages and options (30)
| 2.5GT Limited | 2.5i | 2.5i Limited | 2.5i Premium | 3.6R | 3.6R Limited | 3.6R Premium | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All-Weather Package | Standard | — | Standard | Optional | — | Standard | Standard |
| Navigation Package | Optional | — | Optional | — | — | Optional | — |
| Power Tilt/Sliding-Glass Moonroof | Standard | — | Standard | Optional | — | Optional | Optional |
| Body Side Moldings | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Fog Lights | Standard | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Puddle Lights | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Side Window Deflectors | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Splash Guards | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Trunk Spoiler | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| All-Weather Floor Mats | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Auto-Dimming Mirror with Compass and HomeLink | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Remote Engine Starter | — | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Short-throw Shifter | Optional | Optional | — | Optional | — | — | — |
| Trunk Tray | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| BlueConnect | — | Optional | — | Optional | Optional | — | Optional |
| Harman Kardon Audio Package | Standard | — | Standard | Optional | — | Standard | Optional |
| SIRIUS Satellite Radio | — | Optional | — | Optional | Optional | — | Optional |
| XM Satellite Radio | Standard | Optional | Standard | Optional | Optional | Standard | Optional |
| Azurite Blue Pearl | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Caramel Bronze Pearl | — | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Crystal Black Silica | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Graphite Gray Metallic | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Ruby Red Pearl | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Satin White Pearl | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Sky Blue Metallic | — | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Steel Silver Metallic | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Off-Black Cloth | — | Optional | — | Optional | Optional | — | Optional |
| Off-Black Leather | — | — | Optional | — | — | Optional | — |
| Warm Ivory Cloth | — | Optional | — | Optional | Optional | — | Optional |
| Warm Ivory Leather | — | — | Optional | — | — | Optional | — |
Trim data from OpenSpec (ODbL 1.0), built from Oem brochure, Nhtsa vin decode. Still partial for this year: powertrain, chassis, dimensions, exterior, interior, infotainment, safety, options, option rules, vin decode. "Optional" means a package or option adds it; hover for which.
Year by year
| Year | Engines | Drive | Fuel economy | Crash rating | Recalls | Owner complaints | Most-reported problem | CarPlay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2.4L 4-cyl turbo, 260 hp 2.5L 4-cyl, 182 hp | AWD | 26–30 mpg | 5 of 5 | 0 | 6 | Engine (3) | Yes |
| 2024 | 2.4L 4-cyl turbo, 260 hp 2.5L 4-cyl, 182 hp | AWD | 26–30 mpg | 5 of 5 | 0 | 17 | Forward collision avoidance (5) | Yes |
| 2023 | 2.4L 4-cyl turbo, 260 hp 2.5L 4-cyl, 182 hp | AWD | 26–30 mpg | 5 of 5 | 2 | 10 | Unknown or other (3) | Yes |
| 2022 | 2.4L 4-cyl turbo, 260 hp 2.5L 4-cyl, 182 hp | AWD | 27–30 mpg | 5 of 5 | 2 | 33 | Visibility/wiper (16) | Yes |
| 2021 | 2.4L 4-cyl turbo, 260 hp 2.5L 4-cyl, 182 hp | AWD | 27–30 mpg | 5 of 5 | 3 | 31 | Unknown or other (7) | Yes |
| 2020 | 2.4L 4-cyl turbo, 560 hp 2.5L 4-cyl, 182 hp | AWD | 27–30 mpg | 5 of 5 | 6 | 121 | Visibility/wiper (57) | Yes |
| 2019 | 2.5L 4-cyl, 175 hp 3.6L 6-cyl, 256 hp | AWD | 23–29 mpg | 5 of 5 | 3 | 123 | Visibility/wiper (49) | Yes |
| 2018 | 2.5L 4-cyl, 175 hp 3.6L 6-cyl, 256 hp | AWD | 23–29 mpg | 5 of 5 | 3 | 117 | Electrical system (40) | Yes |
| 2017 | 2.5L 4-cyl, 175 hp 3.6L 6-cyl, 256 hp | AWD | 23–29 mpg | 5 of 5 | 2 | 119 | Visibility/wiper (33) | No |
| 2016 | 2.5L 4-cyl 3.6L 6-cyl | AWD | 23–29 mpg | 5 of 5 | 3 | 147 | Electrical system (51) | No |
| 2015 | 2.5L 4-cyl 3.6L 6-cyl | AWD | 23–29 mpg | 5 of 5 | 3 | 159 | Electrical system (37) | No |
| 2014 | 2.5L 4-cyl 3.6L 6-cyl manual available | AWD | 20–27 mpg | 5 of 5 | 10 | 53 | Air bags (14) | No |
| 2013 | 2.5L 4-cyl 3.6L 6-cyl manual available | AWD | 20–27 mpg | 5 of 5 | 12 | 66 | Engine (18) | No |
| 2012 | 2.5L 4-cyl 2.5L 4-cyl turbo 3.6L 6-cyl manual available | AWD | 20–25 mpg | Not rated | 16 | 90 | Power train (34) | No |
| 2011 | 2.5L 4-cyl 2.5L 4-cyl turbo 3.6L 6-cyl manual available | AWD | 20–25 mpg | 4 of 5 | 16 | 167 | Power train (47) | No |
| 2010 | 2.5L 4-cyl 2.5L 4-cyl turbo 3.6L 6-cyl manual available | AWD | 20–26 mpg | Not rated | 18 | 150 | Power train (50) | No |
Owner complaints are unverified reports to NHTSA, counted as filed: older years have had longer to collect them and sales aren't adjusted for, so see Which year to buy for a fair comparison. Most-reported problem: the component named in the most complaints that year. Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Apple.
Which years have…
Apple lists CarPlay for: Legacy 2018–2025 (Apple).
Every NHTSA-rated version: crash ratings, safety tech, recalls, complaints
| Year | Version | Stars | Forward collision warning | Lane departure warning | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Subaru Legacy 4 DR AWD | 5 | Standard & Optional | Standard | 0 | 6 |
| 2024 | Subaru Legacy 4 DR AWD | 5 | Standard & Optional | Standard | 0 | 17 |
| 2023 | Subaru Legacy 4 DR AWD | 5 | Standard & Optional | Standard | 2 | 10 |
| 2022 | Subaru Legacy 4 DR AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 2 | 33 |
| 2021 | Subaru Legacy 4 DR AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 3 | 31 |
| 2020 | Subaru Legacy 4 DR AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 6 | 121 |
| 2019 | Subaru Legacy 4 DR AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 3 | 123 |
| 2018 | Subaru Legacy 4 DR AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 3 | 117 |
| 2017 | Subaru Legacy 4 DR AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 2 | 119 |
| 2016 | Subaru Legacy 4 DR AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 3 | 147 |
| 2015 | Subaru Legacy 4 DR AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 3 | 159 |
| 2014 | Subaru Legacy 4 DR AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 10 | 53 |
| 2013 | Subaru Legacy 4 DR AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 12 | 66 |
| 2012 | Subaru Legacy 4 DR AWD | Not Rated | No | No | 16 | 90 |
| 2011 | Subaru Legacy 4 DR AWD | 4 | No | No | 16 | 167 |
| 2010 | Subaru Legacy 4-DR. w/SAB | Not Rated | No | No | 18 | 150 |
Source: NHTSA.
Every EPA-rated version: engines and combined mpg
| Year | EPA model | Engines | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Legacy AWD | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo |
26–30 |
| 2024 | Legacy AWD | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo |
26–30 |
| 2023 | Legacy AWD | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo |
26–30 |
| 2022 | Legacy AWD | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo |
27–30 |
| 2021 | Legacy AWD | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo |
27–30 |
| 2020 | Legacy AWD | Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo |
27–30 |
| 2019 | Legacy AWD | Auto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (AV-S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
23–29 |
| 2018 | Legacy AWD | Auto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (AV-S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
23–29 |
| 2017 | Legacy AWD | Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (AV-S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
23–29 |
| 2016 | Legacy AWD | Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (AV-S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
23–29 |
| 2015 | Legacy AWD | Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (AV-S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
23–29 |
| 2014 | Legacy AWD | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
20–27 |
| 2013 | Legacy AWD | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
20–27 |
| 2012 | Legacy AWD | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
20–25 |
| 2011 | Legacy AWD | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
20–25 |
| 2010 | Legacy AWD | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.5 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 3.6 L |
20–26 |
Source: fueleconomy.gov.