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severe 24 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,100 · see airbags across all vehicles →
Of the 24 airbags complaints filed for the 2011 Subaru Legacy, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
Among the 13 model years of Subaru Legacy in our records for airbags problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
No new NHTSA airbags complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 8 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering airbags on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. has determined that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain 2003-2014 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2003-2006 model year Baja vehicles, 2009-2013 model year Forester vehicles, 2004-2011 model year Impreza vehicles, and 2004- 2014 WRX (including STI) vehicles equipped with a non-desiccated Takata-sourced passenger-side frontal air bag containing the propellant Phase Stabilized Ammonium Nitrate (PSAN).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. has determined that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain Subaru vehicles listed, equipped with a non-desiccated Takata-sourced passenger side frontal airbag containing the propellant Phase Stabilized Ammonium Nitrate (certain specific vehicles only).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. has determined that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain 2003-2014 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2003-2006 model year Baja vehicles, 2009-2013 model year Forester vehicles, 2004-2011 model year Impreza vehicles, and 2004- 2014 WRX (including STI) vehicles equipped with a non-desiccated Takata-sourced passenger-side frontal air bag containing the propellant Phase Stabilized Ammonium Nitrate (PSAN).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Takata Front Passenger Airbag Module / Inflator âLike for Likeâ Recall
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Takata Front Passenger Airbag Module / Inflator âLike for Likeâ Recall
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The 2011 Subaru Legacy airbag system shows two distinct problem patterns in these complaints.
Sensor failures are the most common issue: the passenger occupant detection light intermittently shows OFF while an occupant sits in the seat, then re-engages if the passenger shifts position or the system is manually reset. This affects lighter passengers (110–150 lbs) most consistently. Dealerships have attempted sensor recalibration procedures on multiple vehicles without permanent fix. Subaru maintains these sensors work within federal specifications, but owners frustrated with recurring failures and repair estimates reaching thousands of dollars. One owner (a firefighter) documented finding online forums with dozens of similar complaints dating back to the vehicle being new, suggesting a manufacturing tolerance issue rather than individual failure.
Airbag deployment failures appear in collision scenarios: some airbags did not deploy at all in frontal impacts, while one case involved a 4–5 second delay with burning fumes entering the cabin. One driver's airbag deployed but pinned his head against the window, causing injury. A mechanic could not determine why one vehicle's airbag delayed deployment.
Takata recall parts shortages created a separate crisis: owners received recall notices (campaigns 16V358000 and 19V009000) prohibiting front-seat passengers but waited months or longer for parts. Dealerships reported wait lists of ten vehicles or more with no estimated completion dates. Subaru did not authorize dealerships to manually disable the airbags during the waiting period.
Same Subaru Legacy airbags reports on nearby years: 2008 · 2009 · 2010 · 2012 · 2013
Passenger airbag light intermittently shows OFF with an occupant in the seat; sensor may re-engage if passenger shifts weight or performs reset procedure. Multiple dealership attempts to recalibrate or re-zero the sensor do not resolve the issue. Subaru confirms sensor operates within specifications despite persistent complaints.
When: Various mileages reported; occurs intermittently during vehicle operation
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag indicator light shows OFF with passenger seated; Light may re-engage after passenger removes and reapplies weight; Occurs inconsistently; resetting per manual may temporarily fix issue; Affects lighter passengers (110–150 lbs reported) more consistently than heavier occupants
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships attempted 're-zeroing weight sensor' and 'passenger occupant detection sensor calibration procedure' without permanent resolution. Subaru estimates several thousand dollars for complete repair in some cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru confirmed sensor operates within federal safety specifications despite customer dissatisfaction; escalations to senior representatives mentioned but outcomes not detailed.
Airbags failed to deploy or deployed with significant delay (4–5 seconds) during vehicle collisions. One case involved delayed deployment with burning fumes entering the vehicle. Another collision resulted in no deployment, with the driver sustaining a head injury. In one case, the driver's airbag deployed but pinned the driver's head against the window, causing injury.
When: Occurred during accidents at various speeds and mileages (43,000–70,000 miles reported)
Symptoms owners cite: No airbag deployment in frontal or side-impact collisions; Delayed airbag deployment (4–5 seconds after impact); Burning fumes in vehicle following delayed deployment; Driver's airbag deployed but created head pinning hazard
Repairs/costs cited: One mechanic was unable to determine cause of delayed deployment. Vehicles with non-deployment deemed total losses; no repairs attempted in most cases.
Owners received recall notifications (NHTSA 16V358000 and 19V009000) regarding Takata airbags but dealerships unable to provide repair parts for extended periods. Customers reported being tenth on waiting lists, four-month plus wait times, and no manufacturer-provided estimated completion dates. Recall notice instructed owners to not allow passengers in front seat pending repair, but dealerships not authorized to disable the airbags during the waiting period.
When: Recalls issued 2016–2019; parts unavailable for months to over a year in some cases
Symptoms owners cite: Received recall notice but no parts available for repair; Told no passengers should sit in front seat pending recall completion; Indefinite wait times with no estimated repair date; Dealerships unable to disable airbags as temporary safety measure
Codes mentioned: NHTSA 16V358000, NHTSA 19V009000
Repairs/costs cited: No repair parts available; wait times ranged from several weeks to over four months as reported by dealerships.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru issued recall notifications but failed to provide timely parts supply; some dealerships indicated manufacturer could not provide estimated repair availability dates. Dealerships were not authorized to manually disable airbags.
Airbag warning light illuminated along with passenger seat belt warning light flashing. Dealer diagnosis identified wiring harness requiring replacement. Limited repair details provided; manufacturer offered to cover a portion of repair costs.
When: At 78,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light illuminated; Passenger seat belt warning light flashing
Repairs/costs cited: Wiring harness replacement required; manufacturer offered partial cost coverage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified and offered to cover portion of repair cost.
During low-speed parking maneuver (6–8 feet into parking space), engine surged at high RPM without driver input on accelerator; vehicle lurched forward into guard post. Airbags did not deploy in the collision. Vehicle had Takata recall but owner noted fortunately airbags did not deploy (suggesting concern about defective Takata units). Suspected electronic throttle control or accelerator pedal position sensor issue, but no check engine light illuminated.
When: At 24,350 miles; first occurred after 7 miles of normal driving that day
Symptoms owners cite: Engine revved at high speed without accelerator input; Vehicle surged forward uncontrollably; Airbags did not deploy in collision with guard post; No check engine light; occasional prior idling issues
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle deemed total loss; front end crumpled, engine bent, radiator cracked in half.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Vehicle subject to Takata recall (noted in owner recall letter received after incident).
Synthesized from 24 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
No airbag protection, airbag fail indicator on - dealer anticipates $1500 repair. No accidents, never flood damage. And Subaru's selling point is safety at as prime directive!.
Tl* the contact owned a 2011 Subaru legacy. While driving 75 MPH, the contact took his eyes off the road and crashed into a retaining wall. The front driver's air bag deployed and pinned his head between the driver's window and air bag. The occupant sustained a knot on his head, which required medical attention. A police report was filed with nashville metro police (#2017-1079256). The vehicle…
It's a meaningful issue. 24 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,100.
Across the 12 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most airbags failures cluster between 39,000 and 85,000 miles, with the median around 70,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 39,000; a quarter make it past 85,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
Independent shops typically charge around $1,100 for airbags repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover airbags issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.