2010 Subaru Legacy

150 federal complaints (218 component records) · 18 recall campaigns on file · 286 service bulletins · 11 Canadian recalls
See all 39 model years of the Subaru Legacy →
Engine
2.5L 4-cyl
Fuel
Premium, Regular
Drive
AWD
EPA economy
19 city / 27 hwy
Federal complaints
150
Recall campaigns
18
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Power train
50
Engine & cooling
35
Air bags
29
Brakes
13
Steering
12
Other
12
Electrical system
12
Lighting
10
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Power train

50 complaint records3 crash reports
"CAR OFTEN SHUDDERS & STALLS WHEN COMING TO A STOP ON A CITY STREET ALSO WILL SOMETIME STALL WHEN GOING SLOW TO TURN INTO A PARKING SPACE...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →

Engine & cooling

35 complaint records2 crash reports
"CAR OFTEN SHUDDERS & STALLS WHEN COMING TO A STOP ON A CITY STREET ALSO WILL SOMETIME STALL WHEN GOING SLOW TO TURN INTO A PARKING SPACE...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Air bags

29 complaint records1 fire report5 crash reports
"LEGACY 2010 GT - PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG LIGHT OFF WHEN PASSENGER WEIGHS 125 LB OR LESS. ADULT IS A FULL SIZE ADULT: 120 LB, 5'5", 37 YEARS OLD WOMAN. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
20V003000Air BagsSubaru 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,...Normally free
20V002000Air BagsSubaru 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...Normally free
20V001000Air BagsSubaru 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,...Normally free
19V297000Electrical SystemSubaru 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...Normally free
19V009000Air BagsSubaru 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,...Normally free
19V008000Air BagsSubaru 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,...Normally free
19V007000Air BagsSubaru 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,...Normally free
18V626000Parking BrakeSubaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with a manual transmission.Normally free
18V013000Air BagsSubaru 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,...Normally free
18V012000Air BagsSubaru 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,...Normally free
17V014000Air BagsSubaru 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...Normally free
16V694000VisibilitySubaru 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.Normally free
16V358000Air BagsSubaru 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...Normally free
13V061000EquipmentSubaru 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...Normally free
12V602000Exterior LightingSubaru 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...Normally free
10V326000Power TrainSUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 AND 2011 OUTBACK AND LEGACY PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 28 THROUGH JUNE 23, 2010.Normally free
10V283000SteeringSUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 OUTBACK AND LEGACY PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 16, 2009 THROUGH APRIL 12, 2010.Normally free
10V196000Engine And Engine CoolingSUBARU 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.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2020001
2020-01-02
Airbag23,159Issue: This recall is for certain vehicles that had an airbag inflator replaced as a part of an earlier recall campaign. This recall provides a final repair.
2019191
2019-04-18
Electrical100Issue: A problem with certain replacement ignition switches may allow the key turn out of the “ON” position while driving. This could cause the engine to turn off suddenly.
2019013
2019-01-10
Airbag102,110Issue: On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger-front airbag.
2018502
2018-09-14
Brakes3,486On certain vehicles equipped with manual transmissions, components within the control unit for the electronic parking brake (EPB) may crack with vehicle use over time.
2016471
2016-09-26
Visual System38,629On certain vehicles, a manufacturing defect could cause the windshield wipers to become inoperable. If an obstruction (such as snow or ice in the cowl area of the windshield) prevents the wipers from returning to the “park” position when...
2013063
2013-02-25
Accessories2,813On certain vehicles equipped with a dealer-installed accessory remote engine starter, if the fob is dropped, movement of the internal battery retaining clip may occur and cause damage to a component on the printed circuit board.
2012444
2012-12-27
Accessories293On certain vehicles equipped with dealer-installed accessory puddle lights, a short circuit may develop causing the lights to melt and/or emit smoke. This could result in a fire causing property damage and/or injury.
2011342
2011-09-19
Electrical15,202On certain vehicles, the windshield wiper motor could overheat and fail. Overheating could cause the bottom cover to melt, which may result in a vehicle fire causing property damage and/or personal injury.
2010233
2010-07-16
Powertrain102On certain vehicles, a lubrication hole within the 6-speed manual transmission transfer case was not drilled during machining process. This could lead to premature wear or breakage of third gear.
2010205
2010-06-23
Electrical5,534On certain vehicles, an electrical connection in the steering column roll connector may fail. As a result certain electrical components may not operate as intended.
2010156
2010-05-12
Powertrain1,588On certain vehicles, a crack can occur in the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) cooler hose, resulting in a transmission fluid leakage and illumination of the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL).

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
SubaruNet Annoucement (E
Jun 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis announcement is requesting retailer staff to retain the EyeSight protective hood covers from Generation 4 EyeSight cameras.
01-167-08R
May 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
SubaruNet Announcement (R
May 2026
Power TrainThis announcement provides information on the remanufactured CVT transmission program.
07-240-26R
Apr 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis Service Information Bulletin was developed to provide interim guidance for vehicles exhibiting DTC B2A20.
01-167-08R
Apr 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
03-97-26
Apr 2026
Power TrainThis bulletin announces the service manual correction regarding clutch master cylinder reservoir service procedures.
05-97-26
Apr 2026
SteeringThis Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedures to be followed when addressing customer concerns of steering wheel/vehicle body vibration when driving at highway speeds when tire/wheel balance is suspected.
01-167-08R
Mar 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
10-105-25R
Mar 2026
Electrical SystemThis bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak.
15-219-18R
Mar 2026
Electrical SystemThis bulletin contains information to help when attempting to complete the STARLINK Telematics subscription process, an Error Code 202 and / or 204 may occur preventing the process from completing successfully
SubaruNet Announcement (A
Mar 2026
Electrical SystemThis announcement provides information on the use of aftermarket services or tools for programming immobilizer keys/fobs.
07-240-26R
Feb 2026
Electrical SystemThis Service Information Bulletin was developed to provide interim guidance for 2026 model year vehicles exhibiting DTC B2A20 with gen 4 Telematics.
10-105-25R
Feb 2026
Electrical SystemThis bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak.
Subaru Tech Tips Special
Jan 2026
Electrical SystemThis Subaru service and technical support line newsletter provides information on the next phase of TechShare.
Subarunet Announcement (E
Jan 2026
Unknown Or OtherThis announcement has been created to address difficulties with software updates on Subaru Select Monitors with DST-010 interface firmware has been updated.
15-300-22R
Jan 2026
EngineThis Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedure for the STARLINK® Remote Engine Start (RES).
18-226-25R
Dec 2025
Electrical SystemThis Service Information Bulletin provides the Service Manual Correction to the diagnostic procedure for DTC B2A16 (Immobilizer Key Collation Diagnosis).
15-333-25
Dec 2025
Electrical SystemThis bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.
Subaru Tech Tips (Article
Nov 2025
Unknown Or OtherSubaru service article locator.
15-130-08R
Oct 2025
Unknown Or OtherThis bulletin provides information on the load carrying capacity reduced label when a port-installed or retailer-installed accessory exeeds 1.5 percent of the GVWR or 100 pounds, which ever is lower.
Subaru Tech Tips (Article
Oct 2025
Unknown Or OtherSubaru tech tips newsletter article locator.
15-308-23R
Oct 2025
Electrical SystemThis Service Information Bulletin outlines a systematic procedure for diagnosing parasitic draw (dark/standby current) in vehicles experiencing battery drain when the ignition is off, leading to no-start conditions or frequent jump-starts.
07-233-25R
Oct 2025
Electrical SystemThis Bulletin provides details on a new formal testing, charging, and tracking procedure for all 12-volt batteries in new vehicle inventory.
07-236-25
Oct 2025
Electrical SystemThis Bulletin outlines a comprehensive update to the dark current/parasitic draw diagnosis & testing procedures.
15-219-18R
Sep 2025
Electrical SystemThis bulletin addresses cases when attempting to complete the STARLINK Telematics subscription process, an Error Code 202 and / or 204 may occur preventing the process from completing successfully.
10-105-25R
Sep 2025
Electrical SystemThis bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak.
07-233-25
Sep 2025
Electrical SystemThis Bulletin provides details on a new formal testing, charging, and tracking procedure for all 12-volt batteries in new vehicle inventory wjhich must be tested and reported every 30 days.
15-266-20R
Aug 2025
Electrical SystemThis Bulletin provides helpful procedures and best practices to utilize when customers present with concerns relating to the operation of their Gen 2/Gen 3 Telematics system equipped Subaru.
15-320-24R
Aug 2025
Electrical SystemThis bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.
SubaruNet Announcement
Aug 2025
Electrical SystemSubaru of America, Inc. will release an OTA to perform a software update to the DCM. This is a preventive OTA.

Showing 30 of 286 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
  2. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  3. Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 18 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Subaru Legacy →