Total Complaints
217 filings
SUBARU LEGACY · model year
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.
Total Complaints
217 filings
Crashes Reported
18 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Above median complaint volume, review patterns below.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 40 |
| ENGINE | 31 |
| AIR BAGS | 21 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 12 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 12 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 12 |
| STEERING | 11 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 10 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 8 |
| AIR BAGS:FRONTAL | 7 |
| SUSPENSION | 7 |
| POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | 5 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 5 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 4 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 4 |
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
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
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,
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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,
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.
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.
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.
Stalling at stop lights. More often when it's cold and rainy. This happens to me at minimum 4x a day.
4 WAY REAR BRAKE LINE JUNCTION BOX IS SEVERELY CORRODED/RUSTED AND LEAKING BRAKE FLUID, WHICH COULD LEAD TO BRAKE FAILURE/CAUSE ACCIDENT.
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!!!
The contactâs 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
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 Iâm working threw but for one of their customers. Seems this subframe is such an issue with the Subaru legacyâs that thereâs a several week to several months back order. Just wondering if itâs such an issue and possible safety risk why thereâs no recall?
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
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
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.
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.
Iâm having an issue with my vehicle stalling when I brake and when I come to a stop slowly or on an incline. I havenât 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 isnât 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.
Iâm having an issue with my vehicle stalling when I brake and when I come to a stop slowly or on an incline. I havenât 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 isnât 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Occupant Detection System (ODS) Failure
Passenger Front Air Bag Suppression
Front suspension control arm failure
FUEL PUMP LEAKS
FUEL LINE LEAK
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.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.