What are the most common problems with the 2011 Subaru Legacy/Outback?

Owners filed 819 complaints with NHTSA. The power train group has 263, exterior lighting has 135 and engine has 121.

Are there recalls on the 2011 Subaru Legacy/Outback?

Yes, the by-year data lists 16 recalls for this model year. See the Recalls section on this page for the full list.

What are the air bag complaints on the 2011 Subaru Legacy/Outback?

There are 98 air bag complaints. Owners describe the passenger airbag indicator reading off when an adult is seated.

What is the gas mileage of the 2011 Subaru Legacy/Outback?

See the fuel economy section on this page, which is built from EPA data.

Is the 2011 Subaru Legacy/Outback reliable?

The page shows 819 owner complaints on file, with the biggest groups listed in the problems section. These are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales.

2011 Subaru Legacy/Outback Problems, Recalls and MPG

NHTSA has 819 owner complaints on file for the 2011 Subaru Legacy/Outback^[1]. The power train group is named in 263 of them^[2].

819owner complaints^[1]

16recalls^[3]

20–25MPG combined (EPA)^[4]

4★NHTSA overall rating^[5]

Problems
Recalls
Fuel economy
Safety
Engine and size
By year
Verdict
FAQ

Most reported problems

Here are the complaint groups in the NHTSA data, biggest first.

Power Train. 263 complaints^[2]. In the stories we read, owners describe sudden lurches or clunks when moving off, engine speed that surges at parking speeds, a wobbly feel on the highway, and vibration through the pedals and wheel.
Exterior Lighting. 135 complaints^[6]. Owners describe headlights that seem to light the road only a short way ahead at night. Some describe a sharp cutoff between a dark upper half and a bright lower half. Others say the auto headlights switch off under overpasses.
Engine. 121 complaints^[7]. Owners describe the engine stalling during turns or at stops, with power steering and braking help fading at the same moment. Others describe sputtering, a drumming noise from the rear, and a jerking car with a loud clunk.
Air Bags. 98 complaints^[8]. Owners describe the passenger airbag indicator showing off while an adult sits in the seat, including lighter riders. Several say the dealer told them nothing could be done.
Brakes. 96 complaints^[9].
Electrical System. 86 complaints^[10].
Unknown Or Other. 57 complaints^[11].
Steering. 52 complaints^[12].

Recalls

Newest first. Each recall covers only certain vehicles, so not every 2011 Legacy/Outback is necessarily included.

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module (20V001), January 2020. About 258,813 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: explosion, injury, death. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[13]
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module (20V003), January 2020. About 111,562 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: explosion, injury, death. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[14]
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module (20V002), January 2020. About 127,547 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: explosion, injury, death. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[15]
Electrical System › Ignition › Switch (19V297), April 2019. About 511 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury, an air bag that may not work as intended. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[16]
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module (19V008), January 2019. About 330,120 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: explosion, injury, death, an air bag that may not work as intended. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[17]
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module (19V007), January 2019. About 43,394 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: explosion, injury, death, an air bag that may not work as intended. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[18]
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module (19V009), January 2019. About 452,630 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: explosion, injury, death, an air bag that may not work as intended. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[19]
Parking Brake (18V626), September 2018. About 27,175 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, the car rolling away. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[20]
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module (18V012), January 2018. About 64,179 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: explosion, injury, death, an air bag that may not work as intended. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[21]
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module (17V014), January 2017. About 53,480 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: injury, death. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[22]
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor (16V694), September 2016. About 592,647 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: fire, a crash, reduced visibility. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[23]
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module (16V358), May 2016. About 302,127 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: injury, death. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[24]
Equipment (13V061), February 2013. About 47,419 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[25]
Exterior Lighting (12V602), December 2012. About 633,842 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: fire. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[26]
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly (11V467), September 2011. About 69,590 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[27]
Power Train › Manual Transmission (10V326), July 2010. About 809 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[28]

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.

Version	City / highway / combined MPG	Annual fuel cost
Legacy AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular, All-Wheel Drive^[4]	22 / 30 / 25	$2,700
Legacy AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, All-Wheel Drive^[29]	19 / 26 / 22	$3,050
Legacy AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Premium, All-Wheel Drive^[30]	18 / 25 / 21	$3,900
Legacy AWD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic (S5), Regular, All-Wheel Drive^[31]	18 / 24 / 20	$3,350
Outback Wagon AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular, All-Wheel Drive^[32]	21 / 28 / 24	$2,800
Outback Wagon AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, All-Wheel Drive^[33]	19 / 26 / 22	$3,050
Outback Wagon AWD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic (S5), Regular, All-Wheel Drive^[34]	18 / 24 / 20	$3,350

Safety ratings

Version	Overall	Frontal	Side	Rollover	Rollover risk
4 DR AWD^[5]	4	4	4	5	10.1%
SUV AWD^[35]	4	4	4	4	17.4%

Engine and size

Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles.

Engine	Horsepower
2011 Subaru Legacy/Outback with 2.5L 4-cylinder^[36]	170 hp
2011 Subaru Legacy/Outback with 3.6L 6-cylinder^[37]	256 hp

How 2011 compares with other years

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Legacy/Outback model year. The 2011 is highlighted^[3].

Show the numbers

Model year	Complaints	Recalls
1995	184	2
1996	169	3
1997	218	5
1998	241	4
1999	205	3
2000	301	3
2001	248	7
2002	197	4
2003	153	14
2004	139	10
2005	457	9
2006	364	7
2007	162	9
2008	291	9
2009	171	13
2010	510	18
2011	819	16
2012	384	16
2013	363	12
2014	261	10
2015	670	5
2016	790	4
2017	1,038	4

NHTSA's counts for the Legacy/Outback show 819 complaints and 16 recalls for 2011^[3]. Among the 23 model years listed, 21 have fewer complaints than 2011 and 1 have more^[3]. The fewest complaints are for 2004 (139) and the most are for 2017 (1,038)^[3]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide. The chart above shows every year.

Should you buy a used 2011 Legacy/Outback?

The 2011 Subaru Legacy/Outback has 819 complaints on file with NHTSA^[1]. The power train group leads with 263^[2], followed by exterior lighting with 135^[6] and engine with 121^[7]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so treat them as a guide to what owners report and not as a failure rate. Check the recalls section on this page for open safety work before you buy.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2011 Subaru Legacy/Outback?: Owners filed 819 complaints with NHTSA^[1]. The power train group has 263^[2], exterior lighting has 135^[6] and engine has 121^[7].
Are there recalls on the 2011 Subaru Legacy/Outback?: Yes, the by-year data lists 16 recalls for this model year^[3]. See the Recalls section on this page for the full list.
What are the air bag complaints on the 2011 Subaru Legacy/Outback?: There are 98 air bag complaints^[8]. Owners describe the passenger airbag indicator reading off when an adult is seated.
What is the gas mileage of the 2011 Subaru Legacy/Outback?: See the fuel economy section on this page, which is built from EPA data.
Is the 2011 Subaru Legacy/Outback reliable?: The page shows 819 owner complaints on file^[1], with the biggest groups listed in the problems section. These are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales.

Keep exploring

Other model years of the Subaru Legacy/Outback

2011 this page
2012 384 complaints, 16 recalls
2013 363 complaints, 12 recalls
2014 261 complaints, 10 recalls
2015 670 complaints, 5 recalls
2016 790 complaints, 4 recalls
2017 1,038 complaints, 4 recalls

Compare all model years of the Subaru Legacy/Outback

All Subaru models

Similar cars from 2011: midsize cars

2011 Mitsubishi Galant 3 complaints, 0 recalls
2011 Nissan Maxima 106 complaints, 0 recalls
2011 Buick Regal 280 complaints, 4 recalls
2011 Cadillac CTS 108 complaints, 2 recalls
2011 Chevrolet Cruze 732 complaints, 7 recalls
2011 Chevrolet Malibu 978 complaints, 3 recalls

All midsize cars we cover

Facts and sources

NHTSA has 819 owner complaints on file for the 2011 Subaru Legacy/Outback (30 mention a crash, 8 a fire, 9 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
263 complaints name the power train component group (3 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 114,000). NHTSA vehicle records
Owner complaints and recalls for every Subaru Legacy/Outback model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Legacy AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 30 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR AWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 4 stars, rollover 5 stars; rollover risk 10.1%. NHTSA vehicle records
135 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 51,400). NHTSA vehicle records
121 complaints name the engine component group (2 crashes, 2 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 100,000). NHTSA vehicle records
98 complaints name the air bags component group (10 crashes, 1 fires, 5 injuries, median mileage at failure 37,000). NHTSA vehicle records
96 complaints name the brakes component group (12 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 84,350). NHTSA vehicle records
86 complaints name the electrical system component group (3 crashes, 5 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 60,000). NHTSA vehicle records
57 complaints name the unknown or other component group (4 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 95,000). NHTSA vehicle records
52 complaints name the steering component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 3,000). NHTSA vehicle records
Recall 20V001, filed January 2, 2020: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
Recall 20V003, filed January 2, 2020: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
Recall 20V002, filed January 2, 2020: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
Recall 19V297, filed April 11, 2019: Electrical System › Ignition › Switch. NHTSA recall database
Recall 19V008, filed January 9, 2019: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
Recall 19V007, filed January 9, 2019: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
Recall 19V009, filed January 9, 2019: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
Recall 18V626, filed September 13, 2018: Parking Brake. NHTSA recall database
Recall 18V012, filed January 9, 2018: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
Recall 17V014, filed January 10, 2017: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
Recall 16V694, filed September 27, 2016: Visibility › Windshield Wiper / Washer › Motor. NHTSA recall database
Recall 16V358, filed May 25, 2016: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
Recall 13V061, filed February 25, 2013: Equipment. NHTSA recall database
Recall 12V602, filed December 26, 2012: Exterior Lighting. NHTSA recall database
Recall 11V467, filed September 7, 2011: Visibility › Sun / Moon Roof Assembly. NHTSA recall database
Recall 10V326, filed July 20, 2010: Power Train › Manual Transmission. NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Legacy AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 26 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Legacy AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 25 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Legacy AWD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic (S5), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 24 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Outback Wagon AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 28 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Outback Wagon AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 26 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Outback Wagon AWD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic (S5), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 24 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 4 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.4%. NHTSA vehicle records
EPA Test Car List, 2011 Subaru Legacy/Outback with 2.5L 4-cylinder: rated 170 hp. www.epa.gov
EPA Test Car List, 2011 Subaru Legacy/Outback with 3.6L 6-cylinder: rated 256 hp. www.epa.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

2011 Subaru Legacy/Outback: problems, recalls and fuel economy