This Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedure for the STARLINK® Remote Engine Start (RES).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2011 Subaru Legacy engine problems
moderate 10 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
10
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
When does it fail?
Of the 10 engine complaints filed for the 2011 Subaru Legacy, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
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.
What stands out
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 15 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine 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.
This Service Information Bulletin provides the Service Manual Correction to the diagnostic procedure for DTC B2A16 (Immobilizer Key Collation Diagnosis).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be followed when diagnosing engine oil leakage on FA and FB type engines.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗The purpose of this bulletin is to advise of SOA’s revised Catalytic Converter Recycling Program shipping procedure.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
A 2011 Legacy will stall without warning at traffic lights, stop signs, and during highway braking—owners describe losing power steering and brakes during these events, creating serious safety hazards in intersections and railroad crossings. The engine runs rough at idle with RPM swinging erratically (±500 RPM or dropping to 500–700 then spiking to 1,200–1,500 RPM), then either stalls or surges forward when accelerating from a stop. Multiple owners have taken vehicles to dealers two or three times for the same stalling problem; technicians often cannot replicate it, though one confirmed the issue while the owner was present. Subaru issued a service bulletin acknowledging a torque converter problem in pre-2013 Legacy and Outback models and identified that a computer re-flash is needed—but at the time complaints were filed, no re-flash program existed and no timeline was available. One owner reported excessive electrical drain after using the power windows or electric brake, triggering stalls. A drumming noise from the rear with internal vibrations prompted a fuel pump replacement order from the factory, though service staff were uncertain of the actual cause. One owner reported total power loss while driving. Dealer repairs (torque converter replacement, computer re-programming) have not resolved the stalling issue permanently.
Same Subaru Legacy engine reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2012 · 2013
Failure modes owners describe
Stalling at stops and traffic lights
Engine stalls intermittently when vehicle comes to a stop, at traffic lights, stop signs, or during abrupt braking. Owners report losing power steering and power brakes during stall events on the highway. Multiple owners encountered this issue in dangerous driving situations including intersections and railroad crossings.
When: Occurs at low speeds/stops, intermittently; one owner reported it 6-7 times
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls; Rough idle at stops; Loss of power steering and brakes (highway stalls); Shuddering before stall
Repairs/costs cited: Torque converter replacement mentioned in #4; computer re-programming attempted in #4; no effective repair confirmed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service bulletin issued by Subaru noting torque converter problem common in pre-2013 Legacy and Outback models. Factory advised computer re-flash needed but no re-flash program developed at time of complaint (#1). Torque converter replacement cost cited as over $1500 (#3).
Rough idle and RPM instability
Engine idle fluctuates erratically, typically swinging +/- 500 RPM or dropping to 500-700 RPM and spiking to 1,200-1,500 RPM without driver input. Occurs both at rest and when vehicle transitions from braking to acceleration.
When: Intermittent; one owner noted engine was warm at time of incident
Symptoms owners cite: Idle RPM fluctuation; RPM drop then spike; Rough idle; Shuddering on acceleration from stop
Repairs/costs cited: Computer re-programming attempted in #4 without lasting resolution
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Computer re-programming offered. Service bulletin for torque converter issue issued by Subaru.
Power draw and electrical drain
Excessive power draw occurs after window or electronic brake operation, causing stalling. Factory diagnosed issue but no solution was available at the time the complaint was filed.
When: Intermittent; triggered after window or electronic brake use
Symptoms owners cite: Stalling after electrical component use; Power draw; Intermittent stalling
Repairs/costs cited: Computer re-flash was identified as needed solution but no re-flash program existed at time of complaint
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Factory advised computer re-flash needed; no re-flash program developed and no timeline provided at time of complaint (#1).
Drumming noise and vibration from rear
Low-frequency drumming noise appears to originate from rear of vehicle with corresponding internal vibrations. Present when engine is running regardless of vehicle motion. Cause uncertain but fuel pump replacement was ordered by factory.
When: Occurs when engine running, both at rest and moving
Symptoms owners cite: Drumming noise from rear; Internal vibrations; Noise present at idle
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump replacement ordered by factory, though technicians uncertain if fuel pump is the actual source
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru factory instructed dealership to replace fuel pump
Complete power loss while driving
All electrical power cuts off periodically during driving, disabling the vehicle completely and creating severe safety hazard.
When: Periodic; occurs while driving
Symptoms owners cite: Total loss of power while driving; All systems shut down
Synthesized from 10 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
I started vehicle in driveway as usual. Put vehicle in reverse, slowly letting foot off brake, engine began to sputter and sounded like it was about to stall. Braked and put in park to let engine warm for a few more minutes. I proceeded to drive without incident.
All power cuts off periodically while driving. Which can be very dangerous and cause an accident.
Car sputters & stalls when braking
Had engine trouble with your 2011 Subaru Legacy?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2011 Subaru Legacy?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 10 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 8 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 13,000 and 147,000 miles, with the median around 65,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 13,000; a quarter make it past 147,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine 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.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2011/Subaru/Legacy.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.