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.
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 6/12/2026. Grounded in the NHTSA recall corpus and owner-complaint patterns for the 2021 Subaru Legacy.