Severe Issues

2010 SUBARU OUTBACK Problems

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2010 Subaru Outback. This model year has 359 NHTSA complaints β€” top issue: Transmission / Drivetrain.

359
Complaints
12
Crashes
2
Fires
8
Injuries
β€”
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 Outback Problems

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

#1
94
complaints

Transmission / Drivetrain

Crash-related:1
Fires:1
#2
67
complaints

Engine Problems

Crash-related:2
Injuries:1
#3
44
complaints

Airbag Malfunctions

Crash-related:3
Injuries:4

Considering a 2010 Subaru Outback?

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 Outback. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Transmission / Drivetrain9411β€”
Engine Problems672β€”β€”
Airbag Malfunctions443β€”β€”
Steering Defects411β€”β€”
Brake System3821β€”
Headlight/Taillight Failures35β€”β€”β€”
Electrical Faults32β€”β€”β€”
Suspension Failures26β€”β€”β€”
Uncategorized Issues192β€”β€”
Structural Problems132β€”β€”
Unintended Acceleration134β€”β€”
Tire Issues9β€”β€”β€”
Visibility/Wiper5β€”β€”β€”
Wheel Issues5β€”β€”β€”
Seat-Related Issues52β€”β€”
Fuel/Propulsion System41β€”β€”
Hydraulic3β€”β€”β€”
Visibility3β€”1β€”
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)2β€”β€”β€”
Parking-Brake Issues2β€”β€”β€”
Seat Belt Issues2β€”β€”β€”
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility2β€”β€”β€”
Interior Lighting1β€”β€”β€”
Fuel System1β€”β€”β€”
Gasoline1β€”β€”β€”
Equipment1β€”β€”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 Outback. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

πŸ”

Showing 359 most recent complaints

Electrical FaultsMar 12, 2026

This car is a very well-maintained, low-use vehicle with regular oil changes and routine maintenance performed on schedule. Early in this drive, I noticed an unusual hissing sound as I approached a stop. When I tried to brake, I realized my brakes didn't seem to be responding. …

Brake SystemSep 20, 2025

On Saturday, August 9, 2025, my brakes failed at highway speed. My vehicle's stopping distance was severely increased, forcing me to perform an emergency swerve into the leftmost lane to avoid rear-ending a truck. The maneuver was extremely hazardous, as it occurred in a construc…

Transmission / DrivetrainJun 15, 2025

It is a known issue with subarus of this year that the engine will stall at random intervals when stopping, weather at a stop sign or stop light, warm or cold, fast stops or regular stopping. There is no consistency to it, completely random. There are no warning lights that appea…

Brake SystemJun 2, 2025

Brake pedal went to the floor while applying the brake. Pulled car back up driveway and parked and noted almost zero ability to brake the car, pedal goes to floor when applying pressure to the pedal, almost zero ability to come to stop. Checked fluid - was still in reservoir bu…

Brake SystemApr 8, 2025

The contact owns a 2010 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving at 5 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and failed to respond. The brake warning light was illuminated. The contact attempted to contact the manufacturer and was informed that the vehicle would not be covere…

Brake SystemFeb 2, 2025

I noticed my brake pedal suddenly sink to the floor, and I have to press the pedal all the way to the bottom to get a little bit of brake. Was able to make it back home. Upon inspection, I noticed brake fluid dripping from rear passenger side brake pipe, I took off a plastic cov…

Brake SystemFeb 1, 2025

Complete brake failure due to leakage at 4 way b8rake line junction located above the gas tank on right side rear of vehicle. Known and reported issue due to rust and corrosion of brake lines in this UNPROTECTED area of vehicle. It has been a known problem on these 4th generation…

Suspension FailuresJan 5, 2025

Engine subframe catastrophic failure (left side) due to severe corrosion. Lower control arm detached resulting in erratic handling and pulling. Car unsafe to drive and expensive to repair at ~$2200. Did research and found to be a very common complaint for 2010-2014. Recall ne…

Brake SystemSep 20, 2024

The brake system failed when the brake lines burst at the four way connector on the right, rear side of the vehicle. There were no indicator lights lit on the dash until after losing all braking. Luckily I was traveling slowly and was able to roll to a stop safely. This is due to…

Engine ProblemsSep 9, 2024

I see many many complaints about the head gasket material Subaru used was not compatible with the very fluid that is needed for the cars engine to not blow up.....coolant. Subaru knows the head gasket material is ruined by the coolant it needs but has left us consumers to deal wi…

Airbag MalfunctionsJul 8, 2024

The contact's father owned a 2010 Subaru Outback. The contact's father received recall notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V001000 (Air Bags) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list because he no longer owns the vehicle, and the vehicle was exported t…

Brake SystemJun 20, 2024

Brake failure - after inspecting vehicle 6/20/2024 noted brake fluid leaking from underneath the vehicles right hand side. Removed splash guard and noticed the brake lines had extensive corrosion in a small section with no protective coating. Brake fluid noted leaking from the …

Transmission / DrivetrainFeb 3, 2024

Vehicle has an automatic transmission and it stalls when stopping. There is no warning light on the dash. This happens more frequently when the vehicle is warm, in early operation it may only hesitate or run rough while stopping. A warm a stop is more likely to stall the vehicle …

Transmission / DrivetrainSep 7, 2023

The contact owns a 2010 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that on numerous occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle hesitated. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while shifted in reverse, the vehicle inadvertently shifted into drive indep…

Suspension FailuresAug 26, 2023

2010 Outback Subframe or cradle Subaru OEM # 50527AJ01A is a vital safety component and as designed and installed completely supports the weight of the engine and transmission - I have excessive rust and Corrosion of sub frame. This should be a recall. A google search shows …

Brake SystemAug 10, 2023

Brake line corrosion, I noticed it about 10 months after buying the car. they finally broke five days ago I called Subaru. They told me it’s just regular wear and tear and there is no recall for the corroded brake lines and the junction box.

Brake SystemJun 18, 2023

The brakes completely gave out while the vehicle was being driven, without warning. The BRAKE light did not turn on until after the car had been stopped and restarted and the brakes had already gone out. Fortunately, the vehicle was being driven on a side street, and it was able …

Engine ProblemsMay 24, 2023

All instrument and waning lights illuminated and the engine shut down while driving. Took to the Subaru dealer repair shop and the vehicle was diagnosed with a head gasket leak that caused oil to mix with the coolant. This is a low mileage vehicle, 67,597 miles, that has been mai…

Uncategorized IssuesMar 18, 2023

ACTUATOR THAT ADJUSTS THE AIR FLOW BROKEN AND DOESN'T NOW ALLOW THE AIRFLOW TO BE DIRECTED TO THE WINDSHIELD. THIS IS AN EXTREME SAFETY HAZARD AS THE WINDOWS FOG UP AS THE CAR WARMS AND YOU CANNOT SEE OUT OF THE WINDOW.

Headlight/Taillight FailuresDec 26, 2022

This is not about my car, but instead many different cars. When a cars lights are set to it's parking lights or running lights position, often located on the turn signal stalk, at night it appears to the driver that their headlights are on, when in fact only the "parking lights a…

Page 1 of 18

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

Recalls for 2010 Subaru Outback

18 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2010 Subaru Outback. 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

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

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

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

19V297000Nov 4, 2019
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

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

16V694000Invalid Date
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

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

17V014000Oct 1, 2017
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 Outback β€” FAQ

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

Is the 2010 Subaru Outback reliable?β–Ύ

Severe Issues. The 2010 Subaru Outback has 359 NHTSA owner complaints, 12 crash-related, and 18 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Transmission / Drivetrain (94 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.

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

#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (94 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (67 complaints). #3: Airbag Malfunctions (44 complaints)

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

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

How safe is the 2010 Subaru Outback?β–Ύ

The 2010 Subaru Outback has 12 crash-related complaints and 2 fire reports out of 359 total NHTSA complaints. 8 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

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

Yes β€” 18 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2010 Subaru Outback. 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 Outback?β–Ύ

The 2010 Subaru Outback 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 Outback reliability report with year-by-year comparison.

Check Your Specific 2010 Subaru Outback

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.