Severe Issues

2010 SUBARU LEGACY Problems

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2010 Subaru Legacy. This model year has 150 NHTSA complaints β€” top issue: Transmission / Drivetrain.

150
Complaints
10
Crashes
1
Fires
8
Injuries
1
Deaths
18
Recalls

Before you buy β€” check the actual VIN

This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.

Worst 2010 Subaru Legacy Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#1
50
complaints

Transmission / Drivetrain

Crash-related:3
Injuries:1
#2
35
complaints

Engine Problems

Crash-related:2
Injuries:1
#3
28
complaints

Airbag Malfunctions

Crash-related:5
Fires:1
Injuries:6

Considering a 2010 Subaru Legacy?

This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).

All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2010 Subaru Legacy. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Transmission / Drivetrain503β€”β€”
Engine Problems352β€”β€”
Airbag Malfunctions2851β€”
Brake System131β€”β€”
Uncategorized Issues1211β€”
Electrical Faults1221β€”
Steering Defects12β€”β€”β€”
Headlight/Taillight Failures10β€”β€”β€”
Unintended Acceleration81β€”β€”
Structural Problems72β€”β€”
Suspension Failures7β€”β€”β€”
Fuel/Propulsion System4β€”β€”β€”
Visibility/Wiper4β€”β€”β€”
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)3β€”β€”β€”
Seat-Related Issues3β€”β€”β€”
Equipment2β€”β€”β€”
Parking-Brake Issues1β€”β€”β€”
Visibility1β€”β€”β€”
Traction Control System1β€”β€”β€”
Wheel Issues1β€”β€”β€”
Seat Belt Issues11β€”β€”
Fuel System1β€”β€”β€”
Gasoline1β€”β€”β€”
Tire Issues1β€”β€”β€”
Hydraulic11β€”β€”

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2010 Subaru Legacy. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

πŸ”

Showing 150 most recent complaints

Structural ProblemsMar 16, 2026

The contact owns a 2010 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle became difficult to maneuver, and there were abnormal sounds coming from underneath the vehicle when the vehicle drove over potholes or objects on the roadway. No war…

Headlight/Taillight FailuresDec 8, 2025

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 c…

Airbag MalfunctionsπŸ’₯ CrashNov 13, 2025

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.

Uncategorized IssuesDec 10, 2024

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

Brake SystemFeb 22, 2024

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

Suspension FailuresFeb 15, 2024

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 …

Transmission / DrivetrainSep 7, 2023

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 …

Structural ProblemsAug 16, 2023

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 fi…

Engine ProblemsAug 14, 2023

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…

Uncategorized IssuesMay 30, 2023

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

Unintended AccelerationFeb 2, 2023

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 ap…

Electrical FaultsDec 2, 2022

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 is…

Suspension FailuresAug 22, 2022

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…

Uncategorized IssuesAug 18, 2022

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 s…

Transmission / DrivetrainJun 26, 2022

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…

Brake SystemJun 2, 2022

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 …

Engine ProblemsApr 25, 2022

Subaru refuses to do a recall for their CVT transmission issue even though this is a know issue with the 2010-2012 Legacy. The car stalls when coming to a stop. Subaru never informed their owners of an issue and now refuse to pay for any repairs, if this was to become a recall …

Structural ProblemsApr 1, 2022

1. Dealer confirmed the car frame is rusted and a safety issue 2. Dealer confirmed the car frame is a safety issue due to the frame could separate 3. Yes dealer has confirmed the rusted frame is a safety issue 4. Yes the dealer has inspected this car and confirmed the frame is a …

Engine ProblemsMar 31, 2022

1. Car stalls when slowing down 2. Safety issue dealer has listed as torque issue and as safety issue 3. Dealer has vehicle now and report say torque issue with CVT 4. By delaer 5. No lights, car stalls when slowing down

Engine ProblemsMar 30, 2022

1. When coming to a stop the vehicle will shudder and stall. Vehicle drives fine until slowing down to and then will sometimes shudder and stall. 2. The car stalling when slowing down others drivers can hit you as they do not expect you to come to a complete stop. 3. I am taki…

Page 1 of 8

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2010 Subaru Legacy.

Recalls for 2010 Subaru Legacy

18 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2010 Subaru Legacy. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

18V626000Invalid Date
PARKING BRAKE

19V007000Sep 1, 2019
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

19V009000Sep 1, 2019
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

19V008000Sep 1, 2019
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

20V002000Feb 1, 2020
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

20V001000Feb 1, 2020
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

20V003000Feb 1, 2020
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

19V297000Nov 4, 2019
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

18V012000Sep 1, 2018
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

16V694000Invalid Date
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

17V014000Oct 1, 2017
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

18V013000Sep 1, 2018
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

16V358000Invalid Date
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

13V061000Invalid Date
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

12V602000Invalid Date
EXTERIOR LIGHTING

10V326000Invalid Date
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION

10V283000Invalid Date
STEERING:COLUMN

10V196000Jul 5, 2010
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS

2010 Subaru Legacy β€” FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2010 Subaru Legacy reliable?β–Ύ

Severe Issues. The 2010 Subaru Legacy has 150 NHTSA owner complaints, 10 crash-related, and 18 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Transmission / Drivetrain (50 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.

What are the most common problems with the 2010 Subaru Legacy?β–Ύ

#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (50 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (35 complaints). #3: Airbag Malfunctions (28 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2010 Subaru Legacy?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2010 Subaru Legacy?β–Ύ

The 2010 Subaru Legacy has 10 crash-related complaints and 1 fire reports out of 150 total NHTSA complaints. 8 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2010 Subaru Legacy have any recalls?β–Ύ

Yes β€” 18 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2010 Subaru Legacy. The largest issue: PARKING BRAKE. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

Should I buy a 2010 Subaru Legacy?β–Ύ

The 2010 Subaru Legacy has severe issues β€” review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Transmission / Drivetrain issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.

Wider context: See the full Subaru Legacy reliability report with year-by-year comparison.

Check Your Specific 2010 Subaru Legacy

Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.