SubaruLegacy20112.5L/subaru/legacy/2011/2-5l/

2011 Subaru Legacy — 2.5L

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2011 Legacy 2.5L. Covers both the standard and High Output 2.5L.

Body PASSENGER CAREngine 2.5LTransmission Automatic (variable gear ratios)

The 2011 Subaru Legacy 2.5L is a passenger‑car built on Subaru’s legacy platform and powered by a 2.5‑liter engine that uses 4.4 qt of 5W‑30 API oil, paired with an automatic transmission featuring variable gear ratios. Its EPA fuel‑economy rating of 22 mpg city, 30 mpg highway and 25 mpg combined reflects the balance Subaru aimed for between efficiency and the all‑wheel‑drive character of the model. Owner‑complaint data show 167 reports for this year, with power‑train issues topping the list and 16 recalls recorded, placing the 2011 model near the middle of the 1990‑2025 complaint spectrum—well above the low of six complaints in 2025 but below the historic peak of 216 complaints in 1995, indicating a moderate reliability standing within the model’s long‑term record.

Model year201420132012201120102009200820072004

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity4.4 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-30 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque89 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy22/30/25 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 25 · 490 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 25 · 490 CCAOEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic (variable gear ratios)

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length186.2 in
Overall width71.7 in
Overall height59.4 in
Wheelbase108.3 in
Curb weight3483 lb
Track (front / rear)61.8 / 61.8 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)58/42

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined22 / 30 / 25 mpg
DrivetrainAll-Wheel Drive
Passenger volume103 cu ft
Cargo volume15 cu ft
Recommended fuelRegular Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent published road-test results.

5.4 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 5.40 sec — 2011 2.5GT Limited
265 hpHorsepower (as tested)
258 lb-ftTorque (as tested)
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
20112.5GT Limited 2.5L Turbo F-45.40 sec14.10 sec265 hpAWD
20102.5GT Limited 2.5L Turbo F-45.30 sec13.90 sec265 hpAWD
20102.5GT Limited 2.5L Turbo F-45.60 sec14.10 sec265 hpAWD
20102.5GT Limited 2.5L Turbo F-45.90 sec14.20 sec265 hpAWD
20102.5i Premium 2.5L F-48.80 sec16.90 sec170 hpAWD
20102.5i Premium 2.5L F-49.10 sec16.90 sec170 hpAWD
20102.5i Limited 2.5L F-49.30 sec17.10 sec170 hpAWD
20142.5i Sport PZEV 2.5L F-48.80 sec16.80 sec173 hpAWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 4.4 qt of 5W-30 API engine oil, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 89 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 33.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-6-3-2-5-4. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidSubaru Lienartronic CVT fluid
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity13.2
Brake FluidDOT 3
Engine CoolantETHYLENE GLYCOL
Engine Oil5W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity4.4 qt
Manual Transmission Fluid75W-90 · GL-5
Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity7.0-9.0

Engine torques

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings44.3 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts143 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts66.4 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts18.4 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts22 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts6 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts22 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug33.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts89 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug17.0-20.0 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub162 ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub177 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-2-4
Cylinder Firing Order1-6-3-2-5-4
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)MT: 650, AT: 675, TURBO: 700 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)100 rpm
Spark Plug ManufacturerNGK
Spark Plug Torque15 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity.88-1.00 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Standard BCI Group Number25
Standard BCI Cranking Performance490 cca

Service checks

Pressure Test23 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief14-18 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature189-196 °F
Injector Primary Resistance12.0 ohms
Engine Compression152-203 psi. 14 variance psi.
Engine Oil Pressure14 psi @ 600 rpm, 43 psi @ 5000
Intake Valve Lash0.0079-0.0080 in
Exhaust Valve Lash0.010-0.0138 in

Brakes

Brake ApplicationWITH SOLID ROTOR / WITH VENTED ROTOR
Torque Caliper to Bracket20 ft-lbs / 88.5 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle48.7 ft-lbs / 88.5 ft-lbs
OtherSTANDARD WHEELS
Wheel Application17 inch WHEELS
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.059; Rear: 0.059 in
Brake ApplicationWITH SOLID ROTOR / WITH VENTED ROTOR
Rotor Runout Limit0.002 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 8 stages

Prep MFI and SFI

121.4 ft. lbs.21.4 ft. lbs
273.8 ft. lbs.73.8 ft. lbs
3Loosen 180 degrees in the reverse order of installing.180 degrees
4Loosen 180 degrees in the reverse order of installing.180 degrees
531 ft. lbs.31 ft. lbs
678-82 degrees.78–82 degrees
7Bolts 1, 273–77 degrees
86, 5, 4, 328–32 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 8 stages

Prep MFI and SFI

121.4 ft. lbs.21.4 ft. lbs
273.8 ft. lbs.73.8 ft. lbs
3Loosen 180 degrees in the reverse order of installing.180 degrees
4Loosen 180 degrees in the reverse order of installing.180 degrees
531 ft. lbs.31 ft. lbs
678-82 degrees.78–82 degrees
7Bolts 1, 273–77 degrees
86, 5, 4, 328–32 degrees
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
19 ft. lbs., Step 2: 13 ft. lbs., Step 3: 909 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 1,250 mi; spark plugs every 60,000 mi; coolant at 137,500 mi. The big-interval services (at 137,500 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 1,250 miEngine Oil (inspect fluid level)
Every 3,750 miBody Latches, Locks & Hinges (lubricate) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Clutch Assembly (inspect) · Drive Belt Tensioner (inspect) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Exterior Lighting (inspect)
Every 15,000 miBattery Cable (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake System (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level) · Engine Coolant System Hoses (inspect)
Every 20,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (inspect)
Every 30,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Brake Hydraulic System (drain, refill & bleed) · Brake Line (inspect) · Differential (inspect fluid level) · Fuel Evaporative Emission Control System Lines (inspect) · Fuel Injection System (inspect)
Every 60,000 miDrive Axle Assembly (drain & refill) · Spark Plugs (replace) · Wheel Bearing (inspect)
At 105,000 miDrive Belt (replace) · Engine Valves (inspect valve lash) · Timing Belt (replace)
At 137,500 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2011 Subaru Legacy sits at the peak of a complaint and TSB surge within the fifth generation (20102014), recording 167 complaints and 341 TSBs—the highest figures in that span. This follows a sharp rise from 2010 (150 complaints, 312 TSBs) and precedes a steady decline through 2012 (90 complaints) and beyond, indicating that early fifth-generation models, particularly the 2011, concentrated the most reported issues. Recalls also remain elevated at 16, consistent with the generation’s high-water mark, while the top complaint area is power train (37), though the data does not specify root causes. Given this peak in complaints and TSBs relative to surrounding years, the 2011 Legacy appears to be a less reliable choice within its generation, suggesting a buyer might face a higher likelihood of encountering problems compared to later model years.

16
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
341
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
167
Owner complaints
7 involved a crash · 2 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★
Frontal★★★★
Side★★★★
Rollover★★★★★

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 167 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Power Train37
Air Bags20
Exterior Lighting14
Unknown Or Other8
Service Brakes8
Engine6
Steering,Suspension6
Suspension5

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 16 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

18V626000Parking BrakeReported 13/09/2018

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with a manual transmission. The electronic parking brake (EPB) may not engage as intended, allowing the vehicle… Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPB actuator assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 19, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at…

19V009000Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator ModuleReported 09/01/2019

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska… Remedy: Subaru is notifying owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 341 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
SubaruNet Annoucement (E2026-06-11Unknown Or OtherThis announcement is requesting retailer staff to retain the EyeSight protective hood…
01-167-08R2026-05-18Unknown Or OtherThis bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the…
SubaruNet Announcement (R2026-05-04Power TrainThis announcement provides information on the remanufactured CVT transmission program.
07-240-26R2026-04-30Unknown Or OtherThis Service Information Bulletin was developed to provide interim guidance for vehicles…
03-97-262026-04-24Power TrainThis bulletin announces the service manual correction regarding clutch master cylinder…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Legacy. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2011 Legacy 2.5L take?

4.4 qt of 5W-30 API SM, per the factory manual.

Does the 2011 Legacy have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 16 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the 2.5L get?

EPA figures are 22 city / 30 highway / 25 combined mpg.