What 167 owners told NHTSA about the 2011 Subaru Legacy

The subframe rotted through broke as I was driving on Thruway. My mechanic confirmed it needs to be replaced and is very common in heavy winter states.

NHTSA ODI 11748911

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 to: 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 of: 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.

NHTSA ODI 11706641

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 ID: 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.

NHTSA ODI 11695074

The week after purchase: The car shuts off when braking and needs to be put into park to be started again. Also the check engine light came on and I wonder if it has electrical issues.

NHTSA ODI 11694423

While turning the wheel to back out of a parking spot, we heard a loud clunking sound. From that point on, while braking there were loud clunking sounds and the car pulled to the right. We brought it to our mechanic and was informed the front sub frame/ engine cradle, was completey rusted out due to corrosion from the inside. There was a mounting bolt protruding through a hole in the subframe and the suspension components were loose and damaged. They provided a photo showing the large hole and mounting bolt protruding. We were told it was unsafe to drive. We have to replace the sub frame, control arms and sway bar links. The sub frame supports these components, the engine and other parts!

NHTSA ODI 11674244

The contact owns a 2011 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH and driving over a speed bump, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the subframe was damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 14,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI 11618103

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.

NHTSA ODI 11564023

Brakes failed due to a rusty brake line. Rear passenger side where theres a 4 way block 2 lines in 2 lines out. All 4 lines are rusted where they connect, one of the lines broke to cause a significant leak. This caused me to have very little brakes as the vehicle ran out of brake fluid. I can see brake fluid on the ground and diagnosed the issue myself. It seems as it is a common issue. The brake light did come on when the brake fluid was low enough, but at that point there was little to no brakes anyway because the leak was so consistent .

NHTSA ODI 11547322

This 2011 Subaru Legacy would pull severely to the right when braking, nearly jerking the steering wheel out of the drivers hand. The car was taken to a private auto repair shop where it was found the motor cradle (part #50527AJ00B) was completed rusted out so the A-arm to the wheel was unstable. In trying to locate a new part, online and from local dealers, it was found the part was on backorder. We were number 142 in line to receive the part. There is obviously a severe and dangerous problem with this issue as a car would veer into the other lane or offroad when braking. Subaru corporate office was contacted and I was told I would have to take the vehicle to the Subaru dealer. This would require a tow so I decided to have the private auto repair shop fix it as it was also undriveable. This complaint is to bring attention to this as a safety issue. My grandchildren were transported in this vehicle and were at risk of serious injury or death because of this problem. I feel Subaru should notify other owners of this problem on this make and model to avoid risk of serious injury or death. I have a video of the car and tire that shows what was happening before I took it to the auto repair shop. I was unable to upload the video file but would like to get it sent for your review. I can be emailed at brune5@msn.com. My phone number is (309) 696-8849. Daniel Brune

NHTSA ODI 11537308

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.

NHTSA ODI 11515967

While braking at lower speed the driver's side lower control arm broke out causing the car to pull very hard to the left. Both lower control arms and the subframe had to be replaced.

NHTSA ODI 11505073

To Whom It May Concern: I am an owner of the Subaru 2011 Legacy AWD, VIN # [XXX], [XXX] at [XXX], Parker, Colorado, reaching out to you about a well-known and recognized toque converter issue described in the 2011 Subaru Legacy F4-2.5 L SOHC, Vehicle - Technical Service Bulletin applicability :2010-2012 MY Legacy Models equipped with CVT Transmission. I purchased my car after its previous owner with a salvage title due to an accident, however it turns out it has a torque converter issue which makes a car die every time I use a break when coming to a stop, described in the above Subaru Technical Service Bulletin. The Subaru of North America has a customer satisfaction program which allows me and similarly situated Subaru Legacy 2010-2012 owners to have this issue without Subaru qualifying it as a safety recall issue. Should this been qualified as a safety recall, my salvage title would be eligible for a free repair from the Subaru of North America, however since this is a frequently reported issue Subaru manufacturer is responsible for creating in the 2010-2012 Subaru Legacy F4-2.5 L vehicles, it allowed the Subaru of North America to use it as a basis for their refusal to repair my vehicle for free provided that the torque converter issue is their responsibility. I'd appreciate you reaching out to me with a possible options which may exist for me as an owner of the vehicle. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI 11503657

The contact owns a 2011 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the headlights failed to illuminate. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

NHTSA ODI 11501043

The front subframe failed due to corrosion from the inside according to the service department. The vehicle is unsafe to drive with this condition. It only has 38,180 miles on it. It has not been driven in a reckless fashion. I have never heard of this failure in a low mileage auto.

NHTSA ODI 11486094

Sometimes as I'm coming to a stop, such as at a red light or a stop sign, just before I stop, the car lurches and then stalls. This is an automatic transmission car, but the best way I can think of to describe what is happening is it is acting as if it is a manual transmission, and when you come to a stop and don't press in the clutch. If this happens at an inopportune time, it could cause an accident. Possibly you're slowing down as you turn through an intersection and it lurches and stalls. You would then be stopped in the middle of the intersection. There are no warning lamps or messages before this happens.

NHTSA ODI 11480812

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.

NHTSA ODI 11466155

It's a 6mt. Randomly reverse stopped working. Seems like it wants to go in reverse. But when any bit of gas pedal pressed it grinds and pops out of reverse. I have no reverse. 1st thru 6th gear works shifting wise. Shifter has some play though.

NHTSA ODI 11452944

The contact owns a 2011 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while driving or coming to a complete stop, the driver's side front seat would inadvertently move back and forth. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The vehicle had previously been serviced for the front driver's side seat by the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the seat warranty had expired and that the contact needed to pay out of pocket for the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.

NHTSA ODI 11450754

TL* THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF HER DAUGHTER WHO OWNS A 2011 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SPUTTERED WHILE SLOWING DOWN TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER BEFORE COMING TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO FIRST TEAM SUBARU NORFOLK (6633 E VIRGINIA BEACH BLVD, NORFOLK, VA 23502, (877) 274-7828) HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MECHANIC SUGGESTED THAT FUEL ADDITIVE SHOULD BE ADDED TO THE FUEL TO PROVIDE A TEMPORARY FIX. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

NHTSA ODI 11415504

FIRST THE VEHICLE STARTED WITH A SCREECHING NOISE AND THE RPM'S WOULD SPIKE. APPARENTLY IF THE CVT TRANSMISSION SLIPPING. I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN VARIATIONS OCCASIONS TO THE DEALER. REACHED OUT SUBARU USA. SENT VIDEO OF THE OCCURRENCE AND THEY INDICATED THEY COULD NOT CLASSIFY THE OCCURRENCE AND FOUND IT INCONCLUSIVE. I NOTICE IT WOULD OCCUR IN TEMPERATURES LOWER THEN 45 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT. MONTHS LATER THE VEHICLE STARTED FLASHING VARIOUS WARNING LIGHTS SUCH AS CHECK ENGINE, CRUISE CONTROL, VEHICLE DYNAMICS CONTROL. TOOK THE CAR TO LOCAL DEALER AND WAS DIAGNOSED AS A OXYGEN SENSOR. BUT WHAT STARTED OCCURRING AFTER THE REPAIR WAS STARTLING AND DANGEROUS. THE VEHICLE NOW STARTED STALLING OUT WHEN I PRESSED ON THE BRAKES TO STOP. ON LONG DRIVES THIS WOULD NOT OCCUR. IT OFTEN HAPPENS WHEN DRIVING LOCALLY AND STOPPING AT INTERSECTIONS. WHAT I LEARNED TO AND IMPLEMENTED WAS AS THE STALLING WAS STARTING TO OCCUR YOU WOULD GET A JITTERING FROM THE VEHICLE I WOULD SHIFT THE CAR TO NEUTRAL AND THE CAR WOULD NOT STALL. THIS IS NEITHER THE NORM OR SAFE, BUT SAFER THEN STALLING IN AN INTERSECTION WITH VEHICLES COMING AT YOU. THIS ISSUE STILL CONTINUES TO OCCUR. I HAVE NOT BOTHERED WITH THE DEALER NOR SUBARU BECAUSE MY LAST ISSUE WITH THE TRANSMISSION WAS NEVER RESOLVED, I'M ABLE TO COUNTER THE STALLING BUT MY WIFE WHO HAS TO GO OUT WITH MY 1YR OLD SON AND 10 YR DAUGHTER IS SCARED TO USE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE IF IT WAS TO STALL IN AN INTERSECTION AS SHE IS TRYING TO CROSS IN THE VEHICLE A MAJOR ACCIDENT CAN OCCUR. PLEASE HELP AND INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE THAT I AM SURE IT IS HAPPENING TO OTHER SUBARU OWNERS. THANK YOU

NHTSA ODI 11413744

WHY DOES MY BREAK LIGHT KEEP FLASHING??

NHTSA ODI 11403042

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO PROPERLY DOWNSHIFT CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL. DURING THE FAILURE, THE POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES ALSO BECOME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER TRAIN TORQUE CONVERTER WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER SUBARU CITY OF MILWAUKEE LOCATED AT 4640 S 27TH ST, MILWAUKEE, WI 53221 AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.*DT CONSUMER STATED HIS DAUGHTER [XXX] IS THE OWNER OF THE VEHICLE.*JB

NHTSA ODI 11399884

WAS WARNED BY OTHER DRIVERS THAT MY TAIL LIGHTS WERE OUT SEVERAL TIMES. CLOCK AND SAVED RADIO STATIONS WENT OUT AND NOW BROUGHT THE CAR IN FOR YEARLY INSPECTION AND MAJOR OIL LEAK FROM GASKET. 16,000 MILES ON THIS CAR. NEVER HAVE I HAD SO MANY PROBLEMS.

NHTSA ODI 11399636

2011 SUBARU OUTBACK WITH CVT STALLS WHEN COMING TO A ABRUPT STOP. SUBARU HAS A TSB AND KNOWS THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE TORQUE CONVERTER. CAR IS OUT OF THE WARRANTY PERIOD THEREFORE CUSTOMER MUST PAY FOR THE FIX. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE CORRECT VIA A RECALL.

NHTSA ODI 11399479

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT WAS FLASHING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BURLINGTON SUBARU (351 SHELBURNE RD, BURLINGTON, VT 05401, (802)448-3880) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED TO COVER A PORTION OF THE COST FOR THE REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.

NHTSA ODI 11395968