Model Year Matters

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2011 Subaru Legacy

Sedan · 2010–2025

2010–2014 Subaru Legacy
2010–2014 pictured. Photo: OSX, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

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 Subaru’s 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

Every Legacy year's verdict →

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

2010201120122013201420152016201720182019202020212022202320242025

What changed for 2011

2011 Legacy trims

2.5GT Limited2.5i2.5i Limited2.5i Premium3.6R3.6R Limited3.6R Premium
Price
Starting MSRP$31,395—$25,295—$24,995$28,295$25,995
Powertrain
Engine2.5-liter DOHC intercooled turbocharged horizontally opposed SUBARU BOXER engine with Active Valve Control System2.5-liter SOHC aluminum-alloy 16-valve horizontally opposed SUBARU BOXER engine with i-Active Valve Lift System2.5-liter SOHC aluminum-alloy 16-valve horizontally opposed SUBARU BOXER engine with i-Active Valve Lift System2.5-liter SOHC aluminum-alloy 16-valve horizontally opposed SUBARU BOXER engine with i-Active Valve Lift System3.6-liter DOHC aluminum-alloy 24-valve horizontally opposed SUBARU BOXER engine with Dual Active Valve Control System3.6-liter DOHC aluminum-alloy 24-valve horizontally opposed SUBARU BOXER engine with Dual Active Valve Control System3.6-liter DOHC aluminum-alloy 24-valve horizontally opposed SUBARU BOXER engine with Dual Active Valve Control System
Horsepower265 hp170 hp170 hp170 hp256 hp256 hp256 hp
Torque258 lb-ft170 lb-ft170 lb-ft170 lb-ft247 lb-ft247 lb-ft247 lb-ft
TransmissionFully synchronized 6-Speed Manual TransmissionLineartronic 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 shiftersLineartronic 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 control5-speed automatic transmission with manual mode, paddle shifters and downshift rev-matching control5-speed automatic transmission with manual mode, paddle shifters and downshift rev-matching control
Gears6Lineartronic CVT: —
6-Speed Manual: 6
—Lineartronic CVT: —
6-Speed Manual: 6
555
DrivetrainAwdLineartronic CVT / 6-Speed ManualAwdLineartronic CVT / 6-Speed ManualAwdAwdAwd
Size and capability
Seats5555555
Trunk14.7 cu ft14.7 cu ft14.7 cu ft14.7 cu ft14.7 cu ft14.7 cu ft14.7 cu ft
Length186.4 in186.4 in186.4 in186.4 in186.4 in186.4 in186.4 in
Curb weight3,477 lbLineartronic CVT: 3,379 lb
6-Speed Manual: 3,270 lb
3,451 lbLineartronic CVT: 3,384 lb
6-Speed Manual: 3,275 lb
3,481 lb3,557 lb3,518 lb
Tech
TouchscreenOptional—Optional——Optional—
Apple CarPlayOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
Android AutoOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
AudioHarman Kardon—Harman KardonOptional—Harman KardonOptional
Speakers9494 + option494 + option
Comfort
SeatsLeatherCloth + optionLeather + optionCloth + optionCloth + optionLeather + optionCloth + option
Heated seatsFront—FrontOptional—FrontFront
Climate zones2121121
Remote start—OptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
Exterior
SunroofTilt/Slide Moonroof—Tilt/Slide MoonroofOptional—OptionalOptional
Wheels18 in16 in17 in16 in17 in17 in17 in
Packages and options (30)
2.5GT Limited2.5i2.5i Limited2.5i Premium3.6R3.6R Limited3.6R Premium
All-Weather Package Standard—StandardOptional—StandardStandard
Navigation Package Optional—Optional——Optional—
Power Tilt/Sliding-Glass Moonroof Standard—StandardOptional—OptionalOptional
Body Side Moldings OptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
Fog Lights StandardOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
Puddle Lights OptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
Side Window Deflectors OptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
Splash Guards OptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
Trunk Spoiler OptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
All-Weather Floor Mats OptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
Auto-Dimming Mirror with Compass and HomeLink OptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
Remote Engine Starter —OptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
Short-throw Shifter OptionalOptional—Optional———
Trunk Tray OptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
BlueConnect —Optional—OptionalOptional—Optional
Harman Kardon Audio Package Standard—StandardOptional—StandardOptional
SIRIUS Satellite Radio —Optional—OptionalOptional—Optional
XM Satellite Radio StandardOptionalStandardOptionalOptionalStandardOptional
Azurite Blue Pearl OptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
Caramel Bronze Pearl —OptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
Crystal Black Silica OptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
Graphite Gray Metallic OptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
Ruby Red Pearl OptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
Satin White Pearl OptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
Sky Blue Metallic —OptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
Steel Silver Metallic OptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptionalOptional
Off-Black Cloth —Optional—OptionalOptional—Optional
Off-Black Leather ——Optional——Optional—
Warm Ivory Cloth —Optional—OptionalOptional—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

YearEnginesDriveFuel economyCrash ratingRecalls Owner complaintsMost-reported problemCarPlay
2025 2.4L 4-cyl turbo, 260 hp
2.5L 4-cyl, 182 hp
AWD26–30 mpg 5 of 5 0 6 Engine (3) Yes
2024 2.4L 4-cyl turbo, 260 hp
2.5L 4-cyl, 182 hp
AWD26–30 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
AWD26–30 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
AWD27–30 mpg 5 of 5 2 33 Visibility/wiper (16) Yes
2021 2.4L 4-cyl turbo, 260 hp
2.5L 4-cyl, 182 hp
AWD27–30 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
AWD27–30 mpg 5 of 5 6 121 Visibility/wiper (57) Yes
2019 2.5L 4-cyl, 175 hp
3.6L 6-cyl, 256 hp
AWD23–29 mpg 5 of 5 3 123 Visibility/wiper (49) Yes
2018 2.5L 4-cyl, 175 hp
3.6L 6-cyl, 256 hp
AWD23–29 mpg 5 of 5 3 117 Electrical system (40) Yes
2017 2.5L 4-cyl, 175 hp
3.6L 6-cyl, 256 hp
AWD23–29 mpg 5 of 5 2 119 Visibility/wiper (33) No
2016 2.5L 4-cyl
3.6L 6-cyl
AWD23–29 mpg 5 of 5 3 147 Electrical system (51) No
2015 2.5L 4-cyl
3.6L 6-cyl
AWD23–29 mpg 5 of 5 3 159 Electrical system (37) No
2014 2.5L 4-cyl
3.6L 6-cyl
manual available
AWD20–27 mpg 5 of 5 10 53 Air bags (14) No
2013 2.5L 4-cyl
3.6L 6-cyl
manual available
AWD20–27 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
AWD20–25 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
AWD20–25 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
AWD20–26 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…

Wireless Apple CarPlayWireless Android AutoApple CarPlay (wired or wireless)AWD or 4WDAdaptive cruise with stop and goLane centeringBlind-spot monitoringHeated front seatsHeated second-row seatsVentilated (cooled) seatsHeated steering wheelLeather seatsRemote startSunroof or moonroof

Apple lists CarPlay for: Legacy 2018–2025 (Apple).

Every NHTSA-rated version: crash ratings, safety tech, recalls, complaints
YearVersionStarsForward collision warning Lane departure warningRecallsComplaints
2025 Subaru Legacy 4 DR AWD5 Standard & OptionalStandard 06
2024 Subaru Legacy 4 DR AWD5 Standard & OptionalStandard 017
2023 Subaru Legacy 4 DR AWD5 Standard & OptionalStandard 210
2022 Subaru Legacy 4 DR AWD5 StandardStandard 233
2021 Subaru Legacy 4 DR AWD5 StandardStandard 331
2020 Subaru Legacy 4 DR AWD5 StandardStandard 6121
2019 Subaru Legacy 4 DR AWD5 StandardStandard 3123
2018 Subaru Legacy 4 DR AWD5 OptionalOptional 3117
2017 Subaru Legacy 4 DR AWD5 OptionalOptional 2119
2016 Subaru Legacy 4 DR AWD5 OptionalOptional 3147
2015 Subaru Legacy 4 DR AWD5 OptionalOptional 3159
2014 Subaru Legacy 4 DR AWD5 OptionalOptional 1053
2013 Subaru Legacy 4 DR AWD5 OptionalOptional 1266
2012 Subaru Legacy 4 DR AWDNot Rated NoNo 1690
2011 Subaru Legacy 4 DR AWD4 NoNo 16167
2010 Subaru Legacy 4-DR. w/SABNot Rated NoNo 18150

Source: NHTSA.

Every EPA-rated version: engines and combined mpg
YearEPA modelEnginesCombined
2025Legacy AWDAuto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L
Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo
26–30
2024Legacy AWDAuto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L
Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo
26–30
2023Legacy AWDAuto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L
Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo
26–30
2022Legacy AWDAuto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L
Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo
27–30
2021Legacy AWDAuto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L
Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo
27–30
2020Legacy AWDAuto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L
Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo
27–30
2019Legacy AWDAuto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.5 L
Auto (AV-S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L
23–29
2018Legacy AWDAuto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.5 L
Auto (AV-S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L
23–29
2017Legacy AWDAuto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L
Auto (AV-S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L
23–29
2016Legacy AWDAuto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L
Auto (AV-S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L
23–29
2015Legacy AWDAuto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L
Auto (AV-S6), 6 cyl, 3.6 L
23–29
2014Legacy AWDAuto (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
2013Legacy AWDAuto (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
2012Legacy AWDAuto (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
2011Legacy AWDAuto (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
2010Legacy AWDAuto (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.

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