NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Subaru Legacy Safety Ratings
The 2021 Subaru Legacy scores 97 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 31 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Subaru Legacy achieved a NHTSA Safety Index of 97/100, ranking it in the Exceptional category. This strong performance is underpinned by a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in every NHTSA crash-test category, alongside its suite of standard crash-avoidance technologies. The available federal data positions the 2021 Legacy as a leader in safety within its class.
The 2021 Subaru Legacy received a 5-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA and a NHTSA Safety Index of 97/100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 94 Sedans from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Subaru Legacy ranks 7 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 97 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.1% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 31 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 7 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Subaru Legacy?
The 2021 Subaru Legacy marks a meaningful step forward from an already strong baseline. The Safety Index climbed 5 points to 97/100 from the 2020 model year's 92/100, both within the Exceptional band, but the gap is not trivial. The improvement is reflected in a near-perfect defect record subscore of 16.75 out of 20, combined with a full 70 out of 70 for crash protection and a perfect 10 out of 10 for avoidance technology. The three active recall campaigns are worth examining closely. Two of the three involve the automatic transmission, one addressing a programming error in the transmission control module and a separate campaign targeting the park-neutral start interlock switch. The third recall covers the front-passenger occupant classification sensor, which directly affects air bag deployment decisions. The 31 unverified complaints show air bags and electrical systems among the most alleged concern areas, which gives additional reason for prospective buyers to confirm the air bag-related recall has been remedied. No single star rating underperforms here; the 2021 year is distinguished by its across-the-board 5-star sweep and the index gain over its predecessor.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Subaru Legacy perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Subaru Legacy achieved a full 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, demonstrating robust performance across all evaluated categories. The vehicle secured 5 stars for frontal crash protection, side impact protection, and rollover resistance. The rollover risk was assessed at 10 percent, with the dynamic tip test recording no tip, indicating stable handling under stress. No weaknesses or unrated categories were identified in the published crash-test results.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15628
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Subaru Legacy have any recalls?
Three recall campaigns cover this model year. The first addresses a transmission control module programming error that could affect automatic transmission behavior. The second involves an insufficient park-neutral start interlock switch. The third targets a front-passenger occupant classification sensor capacitor tied to air bag deployment. No park-outside or do-not-drive order is listed in the NHTSA data provided, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER24V227000
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the ODS sensors on the front passenger seat, free of charge. Owner notifications were mailed February 3, 2025. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRA-24.
Reported 2024-03-22
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH23V755000
Risk: An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.
Reported 2023-11-09
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)22V485000
Risk: An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the TCU, inspect TCU data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide. If evidence of chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 24, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is W
Reported 2022-07-08
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Subaru Legacy?
NHTSA has received 31 unverified owner complaints for the 2021 Legacy. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Unknown or Other issues (7 reports), Air Bags (6), Electrical System (5), and Visibility/Wiper systems (5). These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
31 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Subaru Legacy?
The 2021 Subaru Legacy faced three recall campaigns, a notable point for prospective buyers. Its most critical recalls addressed the transmission and occupant classification system, both significant for vehicle safety. Shoppers should verify completion of these, and all other recall work, via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool prior to purchase.
- The 2021 Legacy's Safety Index of 97/100 represents a 5-point gain over the 2020 model year's 92/100, the largest year-over-year improvement in the recent Legacy lineage captured in this data.
- All three active recall campaigns for this specific model year involve either the automatic transmission system or the front-passenger air bag occupant classification sensor, making VIN-level recall verification especially important.
- The rollover risk of 10 percent combined with a no-tip result in the dynamic tip test gives the 2021 Legacy one of the stronger rollover profiles among sedans tested by NHTSA.
- Forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control are all standard equipment on this model year, contributing to the perfect 10 out of 10 avoidance technology subscore.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Subaru Legacy places
The 2021 Subaru Legacy qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Subaru Legacy safety questions
Was the 2021 Subaru Legacy crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Subaru Legacy, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 97 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Subaru Legacy crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Subaru Legacy earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 5 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 10.1%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Subaru Legacy have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Subaru Legacy. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Subaru Legacy?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 31 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Subaru Legacy. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Legacy years
Rivals in Sedan (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Cadillac CT5-V | 97/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Infiniti Q50 | 97/100 | not rated | 3 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15628), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Subaru Legacy 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 7 of 94 in the Sedan class for 2021.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.