2021 Subaru Legacy problems

ENGINE

Vehicle: 2021 Subaru Legacy Base 2.5i Mileage:~65,000 miles My engine suddenly began making loud internal knocking/tapping noises with no warning lights, no overheating, and no prior symptoms. The vehicle immediately became unsafe to operate. I had it towed to a Subaru dealership, where technicians confirmed the noise was coming from inside the engine and recommended a full engine replacement. The failure happened without any warning indicators, misfires, overheating, or oil pressure warnings. All diagnostics (including compression and leakdown) were clean, and the vehicle has been properly maintained. Subaru of America acknowledged the internal failure but only offered $1,000 goodwill toward a multi‑thousand‑dollar engine replacement. This appears to be a premature internal engine failure on the FB25 engine, which may indicate a defect. A sudden internal engine failure at highway speeds could lead to loss of power, stalling, or inability to accelerate, creating a safety hazard for the driver and surrounding traffic. I am filing this complaint because this type of unexpected internal engine failure at relatively low mileage may represent a pattern and should be tracked for potential investigation.

NHTSA complaint #11742064 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA complaint #11701212 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Car intermittently will studder and not go into first gear or go into second gear dangerously having car bog down and almost stall and then it violently downshifts having car RMP Hague go very high then slip and have no power to wheels and then a few seconds later go into second gear violently taking off again. Have tried taking issue to dealer but won’t even look unless check engine light comes on. Which it sometimes will for this issue and will shut back off before my short drive to dealership. Very frustrated especially being my first new car paying monthly to have this problem

NHTSA complaint #11700919 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds during colder weather, the heater failed to operate as intended. Additionally, the Eyesight system was inoperable. The check engine and other unknown warning lights were displayed. In addition, the contact stated that the engine failed to warm up as intended after being started, and the engine temperature was 107°F, which was below the normal engine temperature of 200°F. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the Thermal Control Valve needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 09-119-24; however, the vehicle was not repaired because the vehicle had a Salvaged Title. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA complaint #11695854 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds during colder weather, the heater failed to operate as intended. Additionally, the Eyesight system was inoperable. The check engine and other unknown warning lights were displayed. In addition, the contact stated that the engine failed to warm up as intended after being started, and the engine temperature was 107°F, which was below the normal engine temperature of 200°F. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the Thermal Control Valve needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 09-119-24; however, the vehicle was not repaired because the vehicle had a Salvaged Title. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA complaint #11695854 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

CVT Transmission Failure. Failure occurred at approximately 66,706 miles on 5/16/25. The Check Engine and AT Temp lights appeared in the instrument cluster. The driving conditions when this happened were a safety concern. First, the vehicle would crawl, shutter, and almost stall with high RPMs when attempting to climb a hill. Second, on a level surface at any given time the vehicle would not respond then lunge forward unexpectedly. The vehicle was inspected by a Subaru Dealership and the diagnosis was "Internal failure of transmission". The transmission needs to be replaced. The same driving conditions and error codes were experienced by an AAMCO Transmission repair facility. The diagnosis was codes P0843 and P0867 present prompting the transmission to be replaced. This repair was completed on 6/4/25. The failed transmission is no longer available.

NHTSA complaint #11674975 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Subaru has released a service bulletin regarding concerns with the Thermo Control Valve in specific vehicles. Unfortunately, individuals with vehicles bearing a rebuilt title, including myself, are required to cover expenses exceeding $2,000 out of their own pockets. Despite evidence indicating that the issue with the engine area is unrelated to the vehicle's rebuilt title, Subaru has chosen not to initiate a recall. This unequal treatment of titled vehicle owners is unjust, especially considering that these vehicles have passed all necessary local inspections and regulations to be deemed roadworthy. All vehicles falling within the designated mileage and age parameters should qualify for assistance. It is my belief that a recall must be issued, as this is a mechanical flaw present since the vehicle's initial manufacturing. In the accompanying service bulletin, Subaru acknowledges fault by stating that they have developed a more reliable and durable component. A P26A3 check engine light code.

NHTSA complaint #11671806 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Legacy. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V227000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint #11643453 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Dear NHTSA Team, I am writing to report a recurring and distressing issue with my Subaru Legacy 2021 which I believe raises significant safety concerns. Since purchasing the vehicle, I have experienced consistent problems with the battery. Despite replacing the battery five times, the vehicle has repeatedly stopped functioning, including a recent incident where it stalled in the middle of the road. This required me to call law enforcement and a towing service, adding considerable mental and financial stress. These unexpected breakdowns are not only inconvenient but also pose serious safety risks to myself and others on the road. I am concerned that this issue may not be isolated and could affect other Subaru owners as well. I kindly request your assistance in investigating this matter to ensure that appropriate actions are taken to address this potential defect. Please let me know if you need additional information, such as detailed records of the incidents, repair history, or communication with Subaru regarding the issue. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I appreciate your efforts in ensuring road safety and protecting vehicle owners. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11632889 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SEATS

A Recall was issued Mar 22, 2024 for a dangerous safety issue. AN AIR BAG That Does NOT Deploy During A Crash CAN Increase THE Risk OF Injury. Remedy Dealers Will Replace THE ODS Sensors ON THE Front Passenger Seat, Free OF Charge. Interim Letters Informing Owners OF THE Safety Risk Were Mailed MAY 17, 2024. Owners Will Receive A Second Letter Once THE Remedy IS Available. Owners MAY Contact Subaru Customer Service AT 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's Number FOR This Recall IS Wra-24. NHTSA issued their Recall for this problem. NHTSA Recall Number24V227000 Recall Status Recall Incomplete, remedy not yet available Now 8 months later Subaru drivers are still forced to drive around with this dangerous defect. This is totally unacceptable, irresponsible and local Subaru dealers have received no part for this repair and have not idea when they will ever get them. NHTSA needs to step in and get answers from Subaru and issue notices to owners with this problem of the danger involved if there is a crash and their passenger is killed because of this delay

NHTSA complaint #11627940 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

AIR BAGS

A Recall was issued Mar 22, 2024 for a dangerous safety issue. AN AIR BAG That Does NOT Deploy During A Crash CAN Increase THE Risk OF Injury. Remedy Dealers Will Replace THE ODS Sensors ON THE Front Passenger Seat, Free OF Charge. Interim Letters Informing Owners OF THE Safety Risk Were Mailed MAY 17, 2024. Owners Will Receive A Second Letter Once THE Remedy IS Available. Owners MAY Contact Subaru Customer Service AT 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's Number FOR This Recall IS Wra-24. NHTSA issued their Recall for this problem. NHTSA Recall Number24V227000 Recall Status Recall Incomplete, remedy not yet available Now 8 months later Subaru drivers are still forced to drive around with this dangerous defect. This is totally unacceptable, irresponsible and local Subaru dealers have received no part for this repair and have not idea when they will ever get them. NHTSA needs to step in and get answers from Subaru and issue notices to owners with this problem of the danger involved if there is a crash and their passenger is killed because of this delay

NHTSA complaint #11627940 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

AIR BAGS

Subaru has failed to remedy recall on airbags.

NHTSA complaint #11624870 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

AIR BAGS

ODS sensor recall still not fixed/remedy available, used heat for first time since i purchased the car, minor cracks in the windshield, car radio/monitors randomly go black, reverse camera won’t work, restarts on there own after a while

NHTSA complaint #11623360 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

ODS sensor recall still not fixed/remedy available, used heat for first time since i purchased the car, minor cracks in the windshield, car radio/monitors randomly go black, reverse camera won’t work, restarts on there own after a while

NHTSA complaint #11623360 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

ODS sensor recall still not fixed/remedy available, used heat for first time since i purchased the car, minor cracks in the windshield, car radio/monitors randomly go black, reverse camera won’t work, restarts on there own after a while

NHTSA complaint #11623360 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Without any reason a random issue came up. Special feature components lit up on dashboard. Everything but “check engine lit up and the car features were disabled. Disabled items were eye sight, lane assist, ABD, electrical parking brake, hill assist, vehicle dynamics control. With all these lights on my power steering was also disabled. Took to dealer a year ago and all they did was “updated computer system. 3 months later the t started happening again but only intermittently but for past 3 days it’s been constant

NHTSA complaint #11605046 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

AIR BAGS

recall not fixed yet, what happens if a car hits me & the passenger airbags don’t work? unsafe, doesn’t seem like it’s being fixed in a timely manner

NHTSA complaint #11594923 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

recall not fixed yet, what happens if a car hits me & the passenger airbags don’t work? unsafe, doesn’t seem like it’s being fixed in a timely manner

NHTSA complaint #11594923 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Legacy. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V227000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11593648 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

After shifting my car into reverse, I slowly started removing my foot from the brake pedal. At this time, the car started rapidly accelerating backwards so I put pressure back on the brake pedal to stop the car. When doing so, the ABS light came on my dashboard, I heard a griding sound like the car was still trying to accelerate, and there was a loud constant beep. I was able to shift the car into neutral and then into park to stop the car and then turned the car off. I contacted the dealership about the issue, but have not yet been able to further investigate or bring it into the dealership.

NHTSA complaint #11588661 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

After shifting my car into reverse, I slowly started removing my foot from the brake pedal. At this time, the car started rapidly accelerating backwards so I put pressure back on the brake pedal to stop the car. When doing so, the ABS light came on my dashboard, I heard a griding sound like the car was still trying to accelerate, and there was a loud constant beep. I was able to shift the car into neutral and then into park to stop the car and then turned the car off. I contacted the dealership about the issue, but have not yet been able to further investigate or bring it into the dealership.

NHTSA complaint #11588661 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

After shifting my car into reverse, I slowly started removing my foot from the brake pedal. At this time, the car started rapidly accelerating backwards so I put pressure back on the brake pedal to stop the car. When doing so, the ABS light came on my dashboard, I heard a griding sound like the car was still trying to accelerate, and there was a loud constant beep. I was able to shift the car into neutral and then into park to stop the car and then turned the car off. I contacted the dealership about the issue, but have not yet been able to further investigate or bring it into the dealership.

NHTSA complaint #11588661 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

2021 SUBARU LEGACY TOURING. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO ISSUES WITH THE REAR AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM (RAB). See attached document for complaint

NHTSA complaint #11512323 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

2021 SUBARU LEGACY TOURING. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO ISSUES WITH THE REAR AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM (RAB). See attached document for complaint

NHTSA complaint #11512323 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SEAT BELTS

The buckle stopped working without cause. Car is only a couple years old and my child attempted to buckle themselves only to find out it didn't lock after trying to buckle in. I took car to subaru dealership and was told that they had no idea why it stopped working and it was not repairable. They attempted to fix it but couldn't figure it out. Thus I could not use this seat in my car due to the danger of not being able to have a passenger buckled. This is scary as there was no reason that the belt no longer buckled and concerns me that the other buckles may be defective, especially if we were to get into a car accident knowing that there's a chance that the buckle may not work.

NHTSA complaint #11507827 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.