This bulletin announces the service manual correction regarding clutch master cylinder reservoir service procedures.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2011 Subaru Legacy powertrain problems
moderate 46 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
46
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
When does it fail?
Of the 46 powertrain complaints filed for the 2011 Subaru Legacy, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 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
Of the 12 model years of Subaru Legacy we track for powertrain problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 46.
Owners have filed 46 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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 bulletin has been developed in response to a small number of customer concerns regarding fluid seepage found coming from the CVT assembly.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin announces the availability of a countermeasure torque converter assembly to address a customer concern of very low engine RPM when coming to a stop.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Service Information Bulletin provides an updated diagnostic flow along with an IMPORTANT caution to follow for certain CVT solenoid related DTCs as listed.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin has been developed in response to a small number of customer concerns regarding fluid seepage found coming from the CVT assembly.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The dominant complaint across these 46 narratives is the CVT torque converter stalling the engine when the driver applies the brakes. Owners report it happens at traffic lights, stop signs, and during hard braking—often multiple times per day and sometimes on every trip. The engine shudders, dies, and stays dead in traffic; the driver must shift to Park and restart while other vehicles are coming. This creates a serious rear-end collision hazard, and several owners nearly got hit.
The problem surfaces anywhere between 77,000 and 157,000 miles, though some reported it within the first few months of ownership. Subaru issued Technical Service Bulletin 16-90-13R in January 2014 acknowledging the faulty torque converter, and extended warranty coverage to 100,000 miles or 10 years. However, many owners discovered their vehicles exceeded the mileage or time limit and were denied coverage. No formal recall has been issued.
Secondary issues include jerking and bucking during low-speed acceleration (especially in slow traffic), transmission slipping with screeching noise at highway speeds, reverse gear not engaging or grinding when engaged, and general engine stalling at various speeds. One owner reports transmission valve body failure after a dealer-recommended fluid change. One vehicle suffered head gasket leaking, noted as a known pre-2013 issue for which Subaru offers only a coolant conditioner workaround. Owners consistently cite frustration that Subaru knew of these problems but did not issue recalls, leaving them liable for expensive repairs on vehicles with relatively low mileage.
Same Subaru Legacy powertrain reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2012 · 2013
Failure modes owners describe
CVT Torque Converter Stalling on Braking
The torque converter locks up or fails to downshift properly when braking, causing the engine to shudder and stall. Owners report this happens most frequently when coming to a stop at traffic lights, stop signs, or during hard braking. The vehicle must be shifted to Park and restarted mid-traffic, creating a serious rear-end collision hazard. Owners describe it as uncontrollable, unpredictable, and recurring multiple times per trip.
When: Between 77,000 and 157,000 miles; some reported within first few months of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls and dies when applying brakes to come to a stop; Engine shudders before stalling; Occurs at traffic lights, stop signs, and during hard or sudden braking; Loss of power steering and brakes during stall event; Vehicle must be restarted in traffic; Check engine light, dash warning lights may appear; Occurs 4 to 8 times daily for some owners
Codes mentioned: P2096
Repairs/costs cited: Torque converter replacement required; costs cited as $1,700+. Owners report some dealers initially misdiagnosed as dirty throttle body, air flow sensor issue, vacuum leak, or ICV valve.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru issued TSB 16-90-13R (Service Bulletin dated 1/6/2014) acknowledging the faulty torque converter. Extended warranty issued in 2017-2018 covering 100,000 miles or 10 years (depending on source). Many owners discovered their vehicles exceeded mileage or time limits and were denied coverage. No formal recall issued.
CVT Jerking, Bucking, and Lurching in Low-Speed Traffic
Owners report persistent jerking, bucking, and lurching behavior in slow-speed driving (15–30 mph) or when gently accelerating. The vehicle feels as though an improper upshift has occurred even though the CVT has no discrete gears. This has been present from day one for some owners but was repeatedly dismissed by dealers as a 'quirk.' One owner reports transmission fluid change was recommended by dealer, after which the transmission valve body failed.
When: Present from new vehicle purchase through first few years; deteriorates over ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Jerking and bucking during slow acceleration (~20 mph); Sudden jerking between 20–30 mph with RPM drop of ~1,500; Lurching from a rolling stop; Rough idling at stops; Vehicle lunges forward or backward unexpectedly on slopes or at inclines
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission fluid change recommended by one dealer; later diagnosed as transmission valve body failure requiring $1,772 repair. No straightforward fix documented in complaints.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers dismissed complaints as normal quirk. Subaru of America refused to acknowledge or address under goodwill even when owner provided video and referenced multiple customer complaints.
CVT Transmission Slipping and RPM Spikes
Owners report transmission slipping or failing to maintain power during acceleration, accompanied by screeching noises and RPM spikes. Symptoms occur at highway cruising speeds and during acceleration, with the vehicle sounding as though gears are grinding or slipping before engagement. One owner noted the issue occurred more frequently in temperatures below 45°F.
When: Around 104,000–113,000 miles; temperature-dependent
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission slipping during acceleration; Screeching noise from transmission; RPM spikes; Vehicle sounds as if gears are slipping and squealing; Occurs at 65–75 mph highway speeds; Temperature-dependent (more likely below 45°F)
Repairs/costs cited: One dealer recommended CVT replacement. Owners cited extended warranty availability but unclear if coverage applied.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru USA reviewed video evidence but indicated they could not classify the occurrence and found it inconclusive.
Transmission Fails to Engage Reverse or Engages Hard from Park
One owner reports transmission would not engage reverse even after multiple attempts from Park, Neutral, or Reverse, causing the car to drift forward uncontrollably while parked on a downslope. In a separate report, a car with remanufactured transmission exhibits hard shifts and shaking when moving from Park to Reverse or Reverse to Drive. Another owner reports reverse gear randomly stopped working; when gas is applied in reverse, it grinds and pops out.
When: One incident on downslope parking; another with remanufactured transmission at 32,800 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission refuses to engage reverse despite multiple attempts; Vehicle drifts forward uncontrollably while in Park with emergency brake set; Hard shift and shaking when moving from Park to Reverse or Reverse to Drive; Reverse gear stops working; grinds and pops out when gas is applied; Shifter has play/looseness
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had transmission replaced with remanufactured unit but continued experiencing hard shifts and shaking. Dealer stated this is normal behavior.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer stated hard shifts and shaking are normal; no remedy offered.
High-Speed Instability ('Wobbly' Feeling at 60+ mph)
One owner reports the vehicle feels 'wobbly' and swayed from side to side at highway cruising speeds (60+ mph) even on good road surfaces in good weather conditions. The owner suspects the AWD system. The swaying occurs in both left and right directions and is noticeable to passengers. No amount of steering wheel correction counters the effect.
When: Reported at 700 miles; brand new to owner as of February 5, 2011
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle feels wobbly and swayed side to side at 60+ mph; Sensation of loss of control; Swaying in both left and right directions; Occurs in normal weather with no excessive wind; No steering wheel control can counter the effect
Engine Stalling at Various Speeds Without Warning
Owners report the engine stalls unexpectedly while driving at various speeds, including on inclines, during normal acceleration, and without any prior warning. One owner reports the vehicle stalled multiple times on roads and highways, causing fear for safety. Another reports stalling at 8-lane overpass and intermittently for two days, seemingly more likely with hard or sudden stops.
When: Varies; some at 104,000+ miles; some intermittent over days or weeks
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls without warning at various speeds; Stalling on inclines during acceleration; Stalling in traffic and on highways; Intermittent stalling behavior; Dashboard lights come on during stall event
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner attempted to reference NHTSA Campaign ID: 19V297000 but Subaru dismissed it as not applicable.
Oxygen Sensor Replacement Followed by Stalling Problems
One owner reports the vehicle was diagnosed with an oxygen sensor issue by a dealer. After repair, the vehicle began stalling when braking to stop at intersections—a new and dangerous problem. The owner developed a workaround by shifting to Neutral when sensing jittering prior to stall, but this is unsafe. The issue persists and the owner's wife is afraid to drive the vehicle with children.
When: Oxygen sensor repair performed; stalling began after the repair
Symptoms owners cite: Stalling when braking to stop at intersections; Jittering in the vehicle before stall onset; Intermittent stalling on local/slow-speed driving; Does not occur on long highway drives; Check engine, cruise control, vehicle dynamics control warning lights initially flashed
Repairs/costs cited: Oxygen sensor replaced at dealer; stalling problem began after repair. No resolution provided.
Engine/Transmission Leaks
One owner reports the transmission failed causing sudden stop and engine stall, with loss of power steering. Additionally, the engine is leaking exhaust from the engine compartment (smell in cabin) and leaking hot oil from the cylinder head and hot coolant from the radiator, occurring both when stationary and in motion.
When: Vehicle 8 years old (from purchase date context)
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission failure and engine stall while driving; Loss of power steering during failure; Exhaust leak smell in passenger compartment; Hot oil leak from cylinder head onto lower exhaust; Hot coolant leak from radiator; Leaks occur both stationary and in motion
Head Gasket Leaks (Known Pre-2013 Issue)
One owner reports that after timing belt replacement as part of recommended Subaru service, head gaskets were found to be leaking. The owner notes this is a known problem affecting all Subarus built before 2013. Subaru has created a conditioner added to the cooling system as a 'band-aid' solution.
When: Discovered during timing belt service (recommended maintenance interval)
Symptoms owners cite: Head gasket leaking
Repairs/costs cited: Subaru uses coolant system conditioner as temporary fix.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru created a coolant conditioner to be added to cooling system as temporary solution; not a permanent fix.
Steering Wheel and Brake Pedal Vibration
One owner reports vibration in the steering wheel, clutch pedal, and brake pedal at all speeds.
Symptoms owners cite: Vibration in steering wheel; Vibration in clutch pedal; Vibration in brake pedal; Occurs at all speeds
Synthesized from 46 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
Vehicle stalls when it comes to a stop due to torque converter malfunction company won't issue recall
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Subaru legacy. While driving the vehicle, the contact had to apply the brakes quickly and the vehicle shut off. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drive to his destination. Subaru of muskegon (1878 e sternberg rd, muskegon, mi 49444, (231) 799-2886) diagnosed that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The dealer stated that they extended a warranty…
My vehicle began to have trouble stalling when I slowed slowed down because the rpms dropped far too low. I was not able to stop properly without threat of stalling. My vehicle has now stalled more than 5 times while on the roads and highways. I feel that my safety is thoroughly at stake when my car suddenly turns off. I am very dissatisfied with the lack of cooperation that Subaru has to given…
** this has happened numerous times, it is not a one-time event. ** while driving and then applying the brakes to try to stop the car, the engine shudders and then stalls out completely - the engine stops. This happens regularly while braking suddenly to come to a stop, and it seems to be avoidable if the car is brought to a stop very slowly and gradually. The car may stall out when stopping at…
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2011 Subaru Legacy?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 46 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 34 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 100,000 and 138,000 miles, with the median around 117,894. A quarter of owners report trouble before 100,000; a quarter make it past 138,000. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.