2021 Subaru Legacy

The 2.5L FB25 engine is prone to excessive oil consumption, with some owners using a quart or more every 1,000-2,000 miles. Subaru faced a class-action lawsuit over this issue. The root cause is piston ring design that allows oil to pass into the combustion chamber, and the issue tends to worsen with mileage.

Subaru extended the powertrain warranty to 8 years/100,000 miles for oil consumption issues on certain FB-series engines. The dealer will perform an oil consumption test, and if the vehicle consumes more than one quart per 1,200 miles, Subaru will authorize piston ring replacement or short block replacement at no cost under the warranty extension.

The Lineartronic CVT can develop a shuddering sensation during light acceleration, delayed response from a stop, and a general lack of refinement. The transmission may exhibit a hunting behavior where the engine RPM rises and falls as the CVT searches for the correct ratio. Fluid degradation contributes to the issue over time.

Perform a CVT fluid replacement using genuine Subaru CVT fluid at 60,000-mile intervals. A valve body replacement or TCM software update may address shuddering issues. Subaru extended the CVT warranty to 10 years/100,000 miles on certain model years. If complete failure occurs, a new or remanufactured CVT is required.

Subaru Legacy and Outback windshields are prone to spontaneous cracking without any visible impact point. Cracks often originate from the edge of the windshield near the base or A-pillar area and spread rapidly. Owners suspect that the windshield mounting or body flex contributes to stress cracking. EyeSight-equipped vehicles require a Subaru dealer to recalibrate the cameras after replacement.

Replace the windshield and have EyeSight cameras recalibrated at a Subaru dealer. Use an OEM or equivalent windshield to ensure proper EyeSight function. Some owners have had success getting Subaru corporate to cover replacement through goodwill claims. Glass insurance coverage that includes calibration costs is recommended.

The Legacy can experience parasitic battery drain, causing a dead battery after sitting for several days. The issue is often attributed to the infotainment system not fully shutting down, the trunk latch actuator remaining powered, or the security system. Bluetooth and Starlink connected services may also prevent proper sleep mode.

Have the dealer check for applicable software updates for the infotainment system and BCM. Perform a parasitic draw test to identify the offending circuit. TSB 11-192-17R addresses certain battery drain issues with an updated head unit software. A trickle charger or battery maintainer is recommended if the vehicle sits for extended periods.

A clunking or knocking noise from the rear suspension over bumps and uneven road surfaces is commonly reported. The noise is typically caused by worn rear stabilizer bar end links or rear lateral link bushings. The symmetrical AWD system's rear differential mount can also contribute to rear-end noise.

Inspect and replace worn rear stabilizer bar end links, which are the most common source of rear clunking. Check the rear lateral link bushings and trailing arm bushings for cracking or play. Inspect the rear subframe mounting bushings and differential mount. Replace worn components and torque all fasteners to specification.

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Outback and Legacy vehicles. A capacitor in the sensors for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may crack and short circuit, which can prevent the front passenger air bag from deploying in a crash.

An air bag that does not deploy during a crash can increase the risk of injury.

Dealers will replace the ODS sensors on the front passenger seat, free of charge. Owner notifications were mailed February 3, 2025. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRA-24.

Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.

An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.

Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.

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.

An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.

Dealers will reprogram the TCU, inspect TCU data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide. If evidence of chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 24, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRK-22. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 21V-955.