Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2011 Subaru Legacy
The 2011 Subaru Legacy has several recalls primarily for airbag issues and some for electrical and mechanical concerns. It has a moderate complaint history, mostly concentrated around the power train, airbags, and engine. Buyers should be attentive to these areas during inspection and test drives, checking that all recall repairs have been completed.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2011 Subaru Legacy has 16 NHTSA recall campaigns and 167 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars, for the 1 NHTSA-tested trim.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #20V001000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V003000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V002000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V297000 Ignition Switch may Turn Off NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V009000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V007000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V008000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V626000 Electronic Parking Brake may Fail NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V012000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V014000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V694000 Windshield Wiper Motor Bottom Cover may Melt NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V358000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #13V061000 Remote Engine Starter Fob Malfunction NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #12V602000 Accessory Puddle Light may Short-circuit NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #11V467000 MOONROOF GLASS - SEPARATION/DETACHMENT NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #10V326000 TRANSMISSION NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Power Train 47 complaints
- Air Bags 25 complaints
- Engine 22 complaints
- Electrical System 19 complaints
- Suspension 19 complaints
- Exterior Lighting 18 complaints
Of the 167 complaints on file, 7 report a crash and 2 a fire; across all 167 complaints, owners report 3 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Passenger airbag inflator defect
How to check: Ensure recalls for airbag inflators have been completed.
Ignition switch failure
How to check: Test ignition strength; inspect for a recall fix history.
Possible electronic parking brake failure
How to check: Test parking brake's engagement and inquire about recall repairs.
Windshield wiper motor obstruction
How to check: Operate wipers; listen for unusual noises or malfunction.
Moonroof glass may detach
How to check: Inspect moonroof integrity and inquire about recall repairs.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for any unusual engine noises.
Red flag: Persistent knocking or loud tapping sounds
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check the smoothness of the idle and warning lights.
Red flag: Vibration or check engine light on
- 03
City driving
What to check: Feel for smooth gear shifting in transmission.
Red flag: Rough shifting or slipping gears
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Check power and responsiveness during acceleration.
Red flag: Hesitation or delayed response
- 05
Braking test
What to check: Test brake response and listen for noises.
Red flag: Grinding noise or delayed stop
- 06
Parking brake test
What to check: Engage parking brake on an incline.
Red flag: Brake does not hold the car
- 07
Moonroof operation
What to check: Open and close moonroof, check for secure fit.
Red flag: Loose or rattling glass
- 08
Windshield wipers
What to check: Test wipers for smooth operation without noise.
Red flag: Obstructed movement or squeaking
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the airbag recall been addressed?
- Has the ignition switch been replaced?
- Any issues with the parking brake?
- Has the moonroof adhesive been inspected?
- Were there any engine issues?
- Have you noticed any electrical problems?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair records
- Service and maintenance history
- Vehicle inspection report
- Title and registration
- Previous accident history
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2011 Subaru Legacy at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2011 Subaru Legacy? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.