Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2021 Subaru Legacy
The 2021 Subaru Legacy shows potential concerns with airbag sensors, transmission internals, and electrical components based on recall and complaint data. Buyers should prioritize checking the passenger seat airbag functionality and transmission operation to ensure safety and reliability. Ensure comprehensive test drives and ask the seller pertinent questions about maintenance documentation.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2021 Subaru Legacy has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns and 31 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, for the 1 NHTSA-tested trim.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #24V227000 Air Bag May Not Deploy NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V755000 Switch Failure May Cause Loss of Rearview Image NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #22V485000 Drive Chain May Break Causing Loss of Drive Power NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Unknown or Other 7 complaints
- Air Bags 6 complaints
- Electrical System 5 complaints
- Visibility/Wiper 5 complaints
- Back Over Prevention 2 complaints
- Engine 2 complaints
Together, the 31 complaints on file report 1 injury (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Airbag may not deploy
How to check: Verify airbag light on dashboard turns off after start
Transmission module error
How to check: Check for transmission warning lights or odd shifts
Inhibitor switch water intrusion
How to check: Inspect for water signs around the inhibitor switch
Sensor capacitors prone to cracking
How to check: Ensure all dashboard lights function normally
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises
Red flag: Persistent knocking or ticking sounds
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check for steady idle and dashboard alerts
Red flag: Warning lights or erratic idling
- 03
Low speed driving
What to check: Feel for smooth gear shifts
Red flag: Jerking or hesitation when changing gears
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Monitor for smooth acceleration and noises
Red flag: Noisy or hesitant acceleration
- 05
Braking consistently
What to check: Test for firm brake response
Red flag: Soft pedal or noise while braking
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the airbag sensor been fixed?
- Any transmission issues ever reported?
- Service records for electrical systems?
- Any recent recalls addressed?
- How often has maintenance been done?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Maintenance records
- Recall repairs documentation
- Vehicle history report
- Warranty information
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2021 Subaru Legacy at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2021 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.