2011 Subaru Legacy Problems: 4 Known Issues
2011 model year · 2,690+ owner reports · Updated September 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 2,690+ owner reports, the 2011 Subaru Legacy has 4 documented known issues, with 3 rated critical. The most serious are CVT Transmission Failure ($200-$8,000 repair), FB25 Engine Oil Consumption ($0-$4,500 repair) and Recall 16V694000: Windshield Wiper Motor Can Overheat and Melt Its Bottom Cover (Fire Risk). The most commonly reported issue is CVT Transmission Failure with 1,100 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $100 to $8,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 4 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls14 recalls
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Impreza, Outback, Legacy, and Ascent vehicles. The low pressure fuel pump may become inoperative.
STRUCTURE
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Legacy and Outback vehicles. Spot welds located on the duct below the cowl panel may have been improperly applied, impacting the vehicle's body strength.
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Legacy, Outback, and BRZ vehicles. In the affected vehicles, a software issue may cause the audio display system to not initialize, resulting in the camera display remaining blank. If this occurs, the rearview image will not display while backing up the vehicle. As a result, the vehicles fail to comply with requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Outback and Legacy vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.
+ 9 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Subaru Legacy problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 2,690+ owner reports, the 2011 Subaru Legacy has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: CVT Transmission Failure, FB25 Engine Oil Consumption, Recall 16V694000: Windshield Wiper Motor Can Overheat and Melt Its Bottom Cover (Fire Risk). Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Subaru Legacy reliable?
The 2011 Subaru Legacy has 4 known issues documented across 2,690+ owner reports. 3 issues are rated critical: CVT Transmission Failure and FB25 Engine Oil Consumption and Recall 16V694000: Windshield Wiper Motor Can Overheat and Melt Its Bottom Cover (Fire Risk). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Subaru Legacy problems?
Repair costs for known Subaru Legacy issues range from $0 to $8,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, CVT Transmission Failure, typically costs $200-$8,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2010-2020 Subaru Legacy CVT Transmission Failure?
The 2010+ Legacy uses the Lineartronic CVT (TR690 for 2.5L, TR580 for 2.5i base) which has widespread reports of premature failure, typically between 80,000-140,000 miles. Failures include chain stretch, torque converter shudder, valve body malfunction, and complete transmission… Repairs typically run $200-$8,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2010-2016 Subaru Legacy FB25 Engine Oil Consumption?
The 2010-2016 Legacy 2.5i uses the FB25 engine which is affected by the same oil consumption issue as other FB25-equipped Subarus. Defective piston rings allow excessive oil to bypass into the combustion chamber. The Legacy's higher average speeds mean oil consumption can be even… Repairs typically run $0-$4,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2010-2014 Subaru Legacy Recall 16V694000: Windshield Wiper Motor Can Overheat and Melt Its Bottom Cover (Fire Risk)?
Subaru recalled 2010-2014 Legacy sedans built between November 26, 2008 and June 7, 2013 because of a defect inside the windshield wiper motor. Contamination inside the wiper motor's bottom cover can let components within the cover interfere with each other. If something blocks t… Severity: high.
What is the 2010-2019 Subaru Legacy Front Suspension Clunk - Stabilizer Bar End Link and Strut Mount?
2010-2019 Legacys develop annoying clunking or rattling from the front suspension, particularly over small bumps, rough roads, and during low-speed turns. The primary causes are worn front stabilizer bar end links and deteriorated strut top mounts. The stabilizer end link ball jo… Repairs typically run $100-$600. Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.