AI-generated · grounded in NHTSA data
Reliability & 5-year cost of ownership — 2011 Subaru Legacy
Overall rating NHTSA-grounded
Average
Estimated 5-year repair + maintenance cost: $6,000–$9,000
The 2011 Subaru Legacy has an average reliability rating due to multiple recalls related to airbag inflators and electrical issues, alongside some user complaints about the powertrain. Despite these problems, significant issues prevalent in other years or models do not appear as frequently.
Most-common failures
| Part | Typical mileage | Cost range | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| airbags | 90,000–120,000 miles | $600–$1,200 | common |
| ignition switch | 80,000–110,000 miles | $300–$500 | occasional |
| windshield wiper motor | 75,000–100,000 miles | $100–$300 | rare |
Scheduled maintenance to budget
Routine items every owner should plan for.
- Oil change every 5,000 miles
- Tire rotation with every oil change
- Brake fluid replacement every 2 years
- Spark plug replacement every 60,000 miles
- Coolant system service every 30,000 miles
Warning signs to watch for
Symptoms that signal a major upcoming repair.
- Unresponsive ignition switch
- Airbag warning light
- Irregular engine noise
- Sluggish transmission response
Generated by gpt-4o on 6/18/2026. Cost ranges are conservative estimates that account for typical regional variation.