SUBARU LEGACY · model year

2010 SUBARU LEGACY

217 NHTSA complaints, 18 crash reports, and 18 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2010SUBARULEGACY carries 217 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 18 crashes, 3 fires, 14 injuries, and 3 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2010 LEGACY is power train with 40 filings, followed by engine (31) and air bags (21). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 18 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle, the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 14 investigation files overlapping the 2010 LEGACY. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page, a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

217
Complaints
18
Crashes
3
Fires
14
Injuries
3
Deaths

Total Complaints

217 filings

Crashes Reported

18 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume, review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
POWER TRAIN40
ENGINE31
AIR BAGS21
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM12
SERVICE BRAKES12
UNKNOWN OR OTHER12
STEERING11
EXTERIOR LIGHTING10
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL8
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL7
SUSPENSION7
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION5
STRUCTURE:BODY5
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM4
VISIBILITY/WIPER4

Recalls (18)

16V69400027/09/2016

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Legacy vehicles manufactured November 26, 2008, to June 7, 2013, and 2010-2014 Outback vehicles manufactured January 9, 2009 to June 7, 2013. Due to contamination, components within the windshield wiper motor bottom cover ma

12V60200026/12/2012

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010 and 2011 Legacy and Outback vehicles, certain model year 2006 through 2012 Tribeca vehicles sold before January 2012, and certain model year 2009 through 2012 Forester vehicles sold before January 2012. Up to 78,650 of these vehicles may have been equippe

16V35800025/05/2016

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, 2009-2011 Legacy, Outback, Forester, 2006-2011 Impreza, Tribeca, 2003-2006 Baja, and 2006 Saab 9-2x vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii,

13V06100025/02/2013

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with an automatic or CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, certain model year 2012-2013 Impreza vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES

10V28300024/06/2010

STEERING:COLUMN

SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 OUTBACK AND LEGACY PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 16, 2009 THROUGH APRIL 12, 2010. THE WIRING IN THE STEERING COLUMN ELECTRICAL ROLL CONNECTOR LOCATED BEHIND THE VEHICLE'S STEERING WHEEL MAY DEVELOP STRESS CRACKS AND EVENTUALLY BREAK. IF T

10V32600020/07/2010

POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION

SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 AND 2011 OUTBACK AND LEGACY PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 28 THROUGH JUNE 23, 2010. DUE TO A PROGRAMMING ERROR, A LUBRICATION HOLE WITHIN THE 6-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION WAS OMITTED.

18V62600013/09/2018

PARKING BRAKE

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 to rollaway if the transmission is not in the proper gear when parked.

19V29700011/04/2019

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy vehicles, 2005-2014 Outback vehicles and 2006-2008 Tribeca vehicles equipped with a mechanical key ignition switch installed as a replacement part.

17V01400010/01/2017

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Subaru Baja, 2006-2011 Impreza (including WRX and STI models), 2006-2012 Tribeca, 2009-2012 Forester, Legacy, Outback, and 2012 WRX vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Ha

19V00700009/01/2019

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Forester, 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, Legacy, and 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, Amer

19V00900009/01/2019

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mont

19V00800009/01/2019

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, and Legacy vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Ma

18V01200009/01/2018

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Legacy, Forester, Tribeca, WRX and Outback vehicles, and 2009-2011 Impreza vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, Am

18V01300009/01/2018

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2010 Tribeca, Impreza, Forester, WRX, Legacy, and Outback vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New J

10V19600007/05/2010

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS

SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 OUTBACK AND LEGACY PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 31 THROUGH DECEMBER 1, 2009. A CRACK OR SPLIT CAN OCCUR IN THE CVT COOLER HOSE RESULTING IN A FLUID LEAK.

20V00200002/01/2020

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbi

20V00100002/01/2020

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (STI included), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawai

20V00300002/01/2020

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa,

Recent Complaints

20251208EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Notice significant rust or corrosion on my 2010 Subaru Legacy, especially on the subframe. Had it professional inspected and confirmed on December 6, 2025 because it was making a squeaky noise when I applied the brakes. I purchased this vehicle 02/15/20 used, was not told about corrosion. Bought vehicle at Maxon Buick GMC in Union, New Jersey. Also,my headlight bulbs keeps going out every year since I purchased my Legacy.

20251208UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Notice significant rust or corrosion on my 2010 Subaru Legacy, especially on the subframe. Had it professional inspected and confirmed on December 6, 2025 because it was making a squeaky noise when I applied the brakes. I purchased this vehicle 02/15/20 used, was not told about corrosion. Bought vehicle at Maxon Buick GMC in Union, New Jersey. Also,my headlight bulbs keeps going out every year since I purchased my Legacy.

20251113CrashAIR BAGS

Vehicle was involved in a front-end collision in which the Airbag failed to deploy. The vehicle has been considered totaled by the insurance company. A police report is available.

20241210UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Stalling at stop lights. More often when it's cold and rainy. This happens to me at minimum 4x a day.

20240222SERVICE BRAKES

4 WAY REAR BRAKE LINE JUNCTION BOX IS SEVERELY CORRODED/RUSTED AND LEAKING BRAKE FLUID, WHICH COULD LEAD TO BRAKE FAILURE/CAUSE ACCIDENT.

20240215SUSPENSION

The front subframe of my 2010 Subaru is completely rusted through and is available for inspection. My safety was put at risk because if the subframe broke in half while I was driving it would cause an accident from lack of steering control. Many people online said they had the same problem. The car was vibrating and shaking at high speed. The vehicle has not been inspected by any representatives. Subaru of America was called and they refused to do anything to help us. I am sure there are many more of these cars on the road with this problem who are unaware as I was and it is extremely unsafe. People are going to be killed!!!

20230907POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER

The contact’s wife owns a 2010 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle hesitated and stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the torque converter had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacture was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the warranty had expired but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 179,000.

Mileage: 179,000

20230816STRUCTURE:BODY

The subframe failed. We were told it should not be used till the part is completely replaced. This was after coming back from a trip from New York to WI. After taking it to an independent dealer we were told the part was on back order on July 5th. After being told the part was finally in on August 14th I was told that the Subaru dealership said they made a mistake and that part was not for the independent dealership I’m working threw but for one of their customers. Seems this subframe is such an issue with the Subaru legacy’s that there’s a several week to several months back order. Just wondering if it’s such an issue and possible safety risk why there’s no recall?

20230814ENGINE

Head gasket keeps getting blown not only that overheats after fixtures with the radiator pressure not flowing normal car been fixed more 4 times for radiator issue and now at the shop for the second time for head gasket blown and radiator issue what can I do to this point car has turned off on me on the high way due to overheating and I had to react fast In order to avoid accident

20230530UNKNOWN OR OTHER

While driving heard a loud crunching noise coming from front driveside wheel area car was hard to control took it to mechanic and found out subframe is rotted and Control arm pulled right out of the subframe

20230202VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

I had a episode of sudden unintended acceleration while I was driving in the highway. If I would let the brake pedal go, my car would probably escalate its speed to maximum until it crashes. The RPM was almost 5 even though I was applying the brake. I could not make it stop by applying the brakes at all . I only could make it finally stop when I changed the gears to neutral and them to park and finally turn the engine off. I was lucky I was in the highway and when I got in the first light it was green, other wise an accident would've happened.

20230202FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I had a episode of sudden unintended acceleration while I was driving in the highway. If I would let the brake pedal go, my car would probably escalate its speed to maximum until it crashes. The RPM was almost 5 even though I was applying the brake. I could not make it stop by applying the brakes at all . I only could make it finally stop when I changed the gears to neutral and them to park and finally turn the engine off. I was lucky I was in the highway and when I got in the first light it was green, other wise an accident would've happened.

20221202ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I’m having an issue with my vehicle stalling when I brake and when I come to a stop slowly or on an incline. I haven’t had it tested at a dealership but I have read about the issue among other Subaru owners stating it is possible the torque converter in the CVT and that Subaru isn’t recalling it. I see this as a major safety concern for myself and others on the road due to its stalling out at a stop or on an incline.

20221202ENGINE

I’m having an issue with my vehicle stalling when I brake and when I come to a stop slowly or on an incline. I haven’t had it tested at a dealership but I have read about the issue among other Subaru owners stating it is possible the torque converter in the CVT and that Subaru isn’t recalling it. I see this as a major safety concern for myself and others on the road due to its stalling out at a stop or on an incline.

20220822SUSPENSION

Front subframe has rotted away in several spots. This makes the vehicle extremely unsafe to drive. With possible wheel loss or control of steering. Problem has been confirmed by independent repair shop during state inspection. No warning lights are on or possible for this issue. Issue was first noticed from noise coming from front of vehicle like rocks bouncing around, followed by strong pulling to the right when braking.

20220822UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Front subframe has rotted away in several spots. This makes the vehicle extremely unsafe to drive. With possible wheel loss or control of steering. Problem has been confirmed by independent repair shop during state inspection. No warning lights are on or possible for this issue. Issue was first noticed from noise coming from front of vehicle like rocks bouncing around, followed by strong pulling to the right when braking.

20220818UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I was driving home and heard loud creaking and grinding noises from the front of the car, especially when I was turning or braking. I did use it the next day and it sounded worse. I brought the car to my local repair shop and was told that the problem was a crack in the front sub frame. I did not have an accident or hit anything.

20220626POWER TRAIN

The CVT Transmission has a known problem where the torque converter causes stalling. This issue is well documented on Subaru forums. I took my vehicle to Subaru about the problem and they said the fix for the stalling is to replace the Torque Converter., It is not yet covered for a recall despite being such a large issue with these vehicles.

20220626ENGINE

The CVT Transmission has a known problem where the torque converter causes stalling. This issue is well documented on Subaru forums. I took my vehicle to Subaru about the problem and they said the fix for the stalling is to replace the Torque Converter., It is not yet covered for a recall despite being such a large issue with these vehicles.

20220602ENGINE

Three identical instances. 1. Was driving down road came to stop light pushed brakes and car stalled out. 2. Was approaching roundabout pushed brakes to wait for traffic and car stalled out. 3. Was on incline at stop pressing brakes, went to push gas and car stalled out. In each instance the car dies completely. You have to take key out, put back in and turn on the vehicle again.

Compare 2010SUBARULEGACY to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2010 SUBARU LEGACY have?
The 2010 SUBARU LEGACY has 217 NHTSA complaints, 18 crashes, 3 fires, 14 injuries, and 3 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2010 SUBARU LEGACY?
Yes, the 2010 SUBARU LEGACY has 18 recall(s). The most common affected component is VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2010 SUBARU LEGACY?
The most-complained component for the 2010 SUBARU LEGACY is POWER TRAIN with 40 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ENGINE and AIR BAGS.
Is the 2010 SUBARU LEGACY safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.