general problems of the 2011 Subaru Legacy

15 problems related to equipment have been reported for the 2011 Subaru Legacy. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2011 Subaru Legacy based on all problems reported for the 2011 Legacy.

1 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 12/17/2025

Description of the safety defect: the front subframe on my 2011 Subaru Legacy exhibits advanced structural corrosion with measurable material loss, concentrated primarily on the driver-side subframe. The corrosion affects a primary load-bearing structural member responsible for supporting suspension mounting points and maintaining chassis integrity. The deterioration is asymmetric, with the driver side showing severe degradation while the passenger side remains comparatively intact. This non-uniform corrosion pattern is not consistent with normal environmental exposure, age-related wear, or routine vehicle operation, and indicates a localized failure of corrosion protection or material integrity. The extent of corrosion compromises the subframe’s ability to safely support suspension loads and maintain alignment geometry. This presents a progressive structural safety risk, as continued operation may lead to sudden loss of suspension mounting integrity, steering instability, or loss of vehicle control without prior warning. Safety risk description: the front subframe is a critical safety component designed support engine and transmission loads secure lower control arms and suspension geometry maintain steering stability and predictable handling absorb and distribute crash forces structural degradation of this component increases the risk suspension separation or displacement under normal driving loads alignment instability during braking or cornering reduced crash energy management capability failure of this component could result in loss of directional control, increasing the risk of a crash. Subaru of America has acknowledged prior subframe corrosion issues on other Subaru models through recalls, service campaigns, or goodwill repairs. However, Subaru has declined assistance for this vehicle based solely on time and mileage, without addressing whether the observed structural deterioration constitutes a safety defect.

2 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 10/22/2025

An issue has surfaced with my car that it turns off while driving. Obviously this is a serious safety hazard and likely to result in an accident. Now that it has happened, it is continuing and frequently happening. I reached out to Subaru as I saw there was a recall for my car's make and model that is causing the same issue. The issue is listed as NHTSA campaign 19v297000, described as "the engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash. " and affecting many Subarus, including the 2011 Legacy. I believe my car is impacted given the behavior it is exhibiting. When I reached out to Subaru, they dismissed it saying it did not apply to my car and they were not willing to investigate. I believe this poses a grave risk to many people given that it will cause an accident and the severity of the defect.

3 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 12/01/2023

This car stalls out and just stops when you are driving due to a failing torque converter which Subaru knew about and did not do a recall on. They did a service bulletin with an extended warranty but when I brought my car while it still was under the extended warranty period to the dealer no one advised me of this so now it is out of the extended warranty period and they will not help me. My son almost got killed when this happened this needs to addressed by Subaru because we cannot drive this car as it is unsafe.

4 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 03/15/2023

Front sub-frame rusted through. Local mechanic said unsafe to drive. Insurance will not cover claim because this is "prior issue" not accident related. Subaru dealership confirmed safety risk and will repair for >$3000.

5 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 04/08/2022

The vehicle was diagnosed at a Subaru dealership as having a rusted sub-frame with mounting bolt holes loose and suspension components moving freely. The vehicle is deemed unsafe to drive. (on April 8, 2022, my car suddenly made a loud clunking noise and drove very rocky). The car had not given any previous warning signals of this problem.

6 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 04/30/2020

Torque converter not functioning correctly and Subaru is aware of this issue. . . Is causing sudden acceleration. . . Cost of repair is $2000.

7 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 05/10/2019

My Subaru has a stalling problem. It will stall at hard stops or when I roll to a stop. It can be very dangerous when going up a hill where you need to slow down or if someone stops hard in front of me. It shudders like it wants to stall many times throughout the day. Subaru need to look into this cause many people have this problem and it is very unsafe.

8 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 04/17/2019

My car has been stalling out while in reverse and when coming to a stop it will shudder and act like it's about to turn off. My dealership is telling me that it is the torque converter and needs to be replaced.

9 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 01/01/2019

When car is coming up to a stop sign it stalls and dies on me and I have to put it in park and start it back up. I had a time where it idled like it was going to die and didn't but it does this 4 to 8 times a day. Not sure what is going on but I almost got hit by a semi truck due to it stalling. Please help this needs to be fixed it is not safe especially when I have small children in my car . I need answers.

10 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 05/05/2017

1st time -02/02/2017 leaking into passenger area above rear view mirror; flooded driver's foot area. Dealer drained the moon roof. 2nd time - 05/05/2017leaking into rear seat foot area from below the carpeting on rhs. Very large puddle; after 2 days still very large puddle. Under the front passenger seat there is a metal rectangular box containing ???? this is the area that is affected by the excessive wetness problem. If this a computer components box or a heating element box, people sitting in either the front passenger seat or the immediate rear seat could be at risk for electrically caused injury.

11 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 11/20/2015

Whenever the brake is pressed hard to a complete stop, the car stalls and all electrical shut off. It also happens when you brake very slow before coming to a full stop. But if you brake slowly and then pressed the pedal full, the problem will occur. This can cause panic and also delay on cars running behind the car. It appears this is similar problem . I also found a number of similarly reported problems online with Subaru cars. I still dont know whats wrong, just got the car a week ago. Worst mistake I ever made, this car is for son and no way is he safe driving this car.

12 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 11/19/2014

Vehicle was stopped at a red light. Upon light acceleration, check engine light came on (and stayed on), parking brake light began to blink, cruise control indicator began to blink, and traction control light light came on and stayed on. Driver did not detect any slippage. Authorized Subaru dealer found no problem with oil control valve (ocv) despite computer code indicating potential problem with that part. Dealer, however, indicated oil flush, rather than simply an oil change, was necessary despite less than 5,000 miles since previous oil change. Dealer asserted that oil level was not low, however. Cause of what triggered the indicators to be set off remains unclear.

13 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 10/23/2014

I have a 2011 Subaru Legacy le 3. 6r, and the headlights keep burning out. I work an hour away from my home and had to drive most of the way without headlamps because the 2nd one blew on the way home. With only high beams and daytime runner lamps, it was very dangerous and scary. I've only had the car for 2 years and have had to replace the headlamps twice already. In researching the problem, it appears that the headlamps draw too much power from the wiring/electronic board that eventually overheats the headlamps causing them to burn out. It also appears to be a common problem with this model car. This is a serious problem and I would really appreciate Subaru investigating it and handing their customers a solution!.

14 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 02/17/2014

Bad vibration over 60 mph. Had tires replaced and alignment done and it still shakes .

15 Equipment problem

Failure Date: 02/05/2014

. The turn signals are not auto cancelling. Then the drivers automatic window button is not responding. Causing decreased visibilty if the window is stuck open.


Other Equipment related problems of the 2011 Subaru Legacy


Legacy Service Bulletins
Legacy Safety Recalls
Legacy Defect Investigations