2011 Subaru Legacy
Common Problems
Ranked from 57 federal NHTSA complaints and 1 recalls. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
7 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Engine stall at idle due to torque converter failure
11complaintsSafety riskEngineThe torque converter can fail, causing the engine to stall at idle, which can be dangerous, especially at high speeds or when coming to a stop.
$1,500–$3,000est. torque converter replacement · 6–10 hrs laborGet local quotes - 2
Subframe corrosion leading to structural issues
11complaintsSafety riskSuspensionThe front subframe can corrode, leading to structural damage and safety issues, such as the car pulling to one side or breaking noises.
$150–$1,200est. suspension diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 3
Torque converter slippage causing transmission issues
11complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe torque converter can slip, causing transmission issues such as random stalling or downshifting problems, which can be inconvenient and potentially dangerous.
$1,500–$3,000est. torque converter replacement · 6–10 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 10V326000
- 4
Torque Converter Stall
11complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe torque converter malfunctions, causing the vehicle to stall when braking or coming to a stop.
$1,500–$3,000est. torque converter replacement · 6–10 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 10V326000
- 5
Headlight failure
6complaintsMedium severityOtherHeadlights frequently burn out, requiring multiple replacements.
$100–$900est. lighting assembly repair · 0.5–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 6
Steering wheel vibration at high speeds
5complaintsHigh severitySteeringVibration felt through the steering wheel at speeds above 60 mph, causing discomfort and a loss of control.
- 7
Brake failure
3complaintsSafety riskOtherBrakes suddenly fail to function, causing loss of vehicle control.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.