Owners have filed 218 complaints
about the 2010 Subaru Legacy with NHTSA between 2009 and 2026.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 33 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 93
Against the median year of the Subaru Legacy. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 85
16.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 59
35% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Frontal
729.2%
Body
520.8%
Automatic Transmission
520.8%
Torque Converter
312.5%
Pressure Monitoring AND Regulating Systems
14.2%
Indicator Light
14.2%
Sensor/Control Module
14.2%
Clutch Assembly
14.2%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
1710.6%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
2213.7%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
74.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1811.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2012.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2213.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
4024.8%
150,000+ miles
159.3%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2010 Subaru Legacy 4-DR. w/SAB
—
—
—
10.1% risk
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Sep 2009peak 7Mar 2026
Recalls on the 2010 Subaru Legacy
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202000123,159 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: 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. 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. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. If the airbag inflator ruptures, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants or cause damage to the airbag assembly, preventing its proper function. Safety Risk: If the vehicle is involved in a crash requiring an airbag deployment, the airbag inflator could rupture and create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: Owners will be notified by mail and instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to inspect the passenger-front airbag inflator. The passenger-front airbag module or inflator will be replaced as necessary. Note: The Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. This recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk. It is expected that all airbag inflators will be replaced before their function would be affected.
Recall 2019191100 units in Canada
Electrical
Issue: 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. It could also cause the airbag system not to work properly in a crash. Note: This is a voluntary service campaign that is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. This problem only affects certain parts used for replacement of original parts. Safety Risk: A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of a crash. An airbag system that does not work properly in a crash could cause an increased risk of injuries. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail and instruct them to take their vehicle to a dealer to inspect the ignition switch, and replace it as necessary.
Recall 2019013102,110 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: 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. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. If the airbag inflator ruptures, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants or cause damage to the airbag assembly, preventing its proper function. Safety Risk: If the vehicle is involved in a crash requiring an airbag deployment, the airbag inflator could rupture and create a risk of injury. Corrective Action: Owners will be notified by mail and instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to have the passenger-front airbag inflator replaced. Note: The Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. This recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk. It is expected that all airbag inflators will be replaced before their function would be affected.
Recall 20185023,486 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles equipped with manual transmissions, components within the control unit for the electronic parking brake (EPB) may crack with vehicle use over time. If this were to occur, the brake warning lamp would illuminate and the EPB may not apply as intended. This could result in the unintended movement of a parked vehicle, increasing the risk of crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the Parking Brake Actuator with a more durable one.
Recall 201647138,629 units in Canada
Visual System
On 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 wipers are turned off, the wiper arms would be forced to "park" at a higher than intended position on the windshield. The wiper arms will continuously attempt to return to the normal park position, generating an excessive amount of electrical current in the wiper motor bottom cover, possibly resulting in overheating. This could result in the windshield wipers becoming inoperable, or a possible fire in the bottom cover area of the wiper motor. These issues could impair the driver’s visibility and increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the front wiper motor bottom cover assembly with a countermeasure one.
Recall 20130632,813 units in Canada
Accessories
On 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. Under this condition, the fob may transmit an engine start (or stop) request without the user pressing the button. If the vehicle is in range and receives the request, the engine may start and run for up to 15 minutes (or until a stop request is received). The engine may continue to start and stop until the fob battery is depleted, or until the vehicle runs out of fuel. If that occurs when the vehicle is parked in an enclosed area, such as a garage, there is a risk of carbon monoxide build-up, which could result in asphyxiation or carbon monoxide poisoning. Correction: Dealers will replace the remote engine starter fob.
Recall 2012444293 units in Canada
Accessories
On 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. Correction: Dealers will install an additional fused wiring harness to protect against short circuits.
Recall 201134215,202 units in Canada
Electrical
On 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. Loss of windshield wiping capability, should it occur during a rainy/snowy day, may compromise the driver's ability to see the road and its users, which could result in a crash. Correction: Dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor bottom cover assembly.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Hesston, PACrash1 injured
AIR 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.
NHTSA complaint #11699124 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 175,000 milesDelta, COCrash
POWER TRAIN
VEHICLE SHAKES AND THEN STALLS WHEN COMING TO A RAPID STOP AND NEEDS TO BE PUT IN PARK TO RESTART. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. I WAS ALMOST SMASHED INTO ON A BUSY HIGHWAY . THE THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR TOO LONG AND . IT COULD LEAD TO AN EVEN WORSE ACCIDENT THE DEALER I BOUGHT IT FROM WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT AND IM STILL PAYING ON IT. ITS AN AS IS DEALERSHIP SO HE REFUSES TO HELP
NHTSA complaint #11388138 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,600 milesGilbert, AZCrash1 injured
POWER TRAIN
UPDATE TO COMPLAINT NUMBER 11254310 SUMMARY OF PREVIOUS COMPLAINT: THE SUBARU LEGACY HAS AN ISSUE WHERE THE VEHICLE WILL STALL IF THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED TOO FIRMLY. SUBARU REFUSES TO FIX THIS ISSUE SINCE THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY, EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE AWARE OF THE DEFECT. UPDATE: THIS ISSUE HAS CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. MY MOTHER HAS BEEN CONDITIONED TO NOT HIT THE BRAKES TOO HARD FOR FEAR OF STALLING THE VEHICLE. RECENTLY, A VEHICLE CAME TO A SUDDEN STOP IN FRONT OF HER, AND SHE DID NOT APPLY THE BRAKES HARD ENOUGH TO AVOID A COLLISION. THANKFULLY NOBODY WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED, BUT MY MOTHER DID SUSTAIN SOME MINOR NECK PAIN THE DAY AFTER THE ACCIDENT. THIS IS A SERIOUS AND KNOWN ISSUE THAT SUBARU REFUSES TO RESOLVE.
NHTSA complaint #11258232 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 131,000 milesPitman, NJCrashFire1 injured
AIR BAGS
ANOTHER VEHICLE STOPPED DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF ME ,HITTING THE FRONT OF MY CAR WITH FORCE. THEN THAT CAR ABRUPTLY LEFT THE SCENE. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT GO OFF AND I WAS SEVERELY JOLTED. THEN THE CAR WENT UP IN FLAMES. I WAS IN A STATE OF SHOCK AND CONFUSION. LEFT THE SCENE AND RAN HOME AS MY BODY WAS IN TURMOIL. I HAD TO USE THE BATHROOM IMMEDIATELY. I THEN CALLED THE POLICE. REGARDING THE ACCIDENT. THE OTHER CAR HAS STILL NOT BEEN FOUND. PROGRESSIVE IS MY INSURANCE. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO A LOT IN TURNERSVILLE,N.J. MY INSURANCE COMPANY HAS ALL THE INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #10894988 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 131,000 milesPitman, NJCrashFire1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
ANOTHER VEHICLE STOPPED DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF ME ,HITTING THE FRONT OF MY CAR WITH FORCE. THEN THAT CAR ABRUPTLY LEFT THE SCENE. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT GO OFF AND I WAS SEVERELY JOLTED. THEN THE CAR WENT UP IN FLAMES. I WAS IN A STATE OF SHOCK AND CONFUSION. LEFT THE SCENE AND RAN HOME AS MY BODY WAS IN TURMOIL. I HAD TO USE THE BATHROOM IMMEDIATELY. I THEN CALLED THE POLICE. REGARDING THE ACCIDENT. THE OTHER CAR HAS STILL NOT BEEN FOUND. PROGRESSIVE IS MY INSURANCE. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO A LOT IN TURNERSVILLE,N.J. MY INSURANCE COMPANY HAS ALL THE INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #10894988 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 131,000 milesPitman, NJCrashFire1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ANOTHER VEHICLE STOPPED DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF ME ,HITTING THE FRONT OF MY CAR WITH FORCE. THEN THAT CAR ABRUPTLY LEFT THE SCENE. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT GO OFF AND I WAS SEVERELY JOLTED. THEN THE CAR WENT UP IN FLAMES. I WAS IN A STATE OF SHOCK AND CONFUSION. LEFT THE SCENE AND RAN HOME AS MY BODY WAS IN TURMOIL. I HAD TO USE THE BATHROOM IMMEDIATELY. I THEN CALLED THE POLICE. REGARDING THE ACCIDENT. THE OTHER CAR HAS STILL NOT BEEN FOUND. PROGRESSIVE IS MY INSURANCE. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO A LOT IN TURNERSVILLE,N.J. MY INSURANCE COMPANY HAS ALL THE INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #10894988 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 113,000 milesMaple Grove, MN
STRUCTURE
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 warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.
NHTSA complaint #11724603 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Maplewood, NJ
UNKNOWN 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.
NHTSA complaint #11703856 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Maplewood, NJ
EXTERIOR 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.
NHTSA complaint #11703856 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hesston, PACrash1 injured
AIR 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.
NHTSA complaint #11699124 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fallentimber, PA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Stalling at stop lights. More often when it's cold and rainy. This happens to me at minimum 4x a day.
NHTSA complaint #11629972 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Essex, MA
SERVICE BRAKES
4 WAY REAR BRAKE LINE JUNCTION BOX IS SEVERELY CORRODED/RUSTED AND LEAKING BRAKE FLUID, WHICH COULD LEAD TO BRAKE FAILURE/CAUSE ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #11573406 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stony Point, NY
SUSPENSION
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!!!
NHTSA complaint #11572135 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 179,000 milesSomerset Center, MI
POWER 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.
NHTSA complaint #11543205 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sun Prairie, WI
STRUCTURE: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?
NHTSA complaint #11538994 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Siver Spring, MD
ENGINE
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
NHTSA complaint #11538282 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fond Du Lac, WI
UNKNOWN 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
NHTSA complaint #11524383 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newington, CT
VEHICLE 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.
NHTSA complaint #11505236 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newington, CT
FUEL/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.
NHTSA complaint #11505236 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Soddy Daisy, TN
ELECTRICAL 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.
NHTSA complaint #11495725 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Soddy Daisy, TN
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11495725 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Portersville, PA
UNKNOWN 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.
NHTSA complaint #11480480 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Portersville, PA
SUSPENSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #11480480 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pittsfield, NH
UNKNOWN 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.
NHTSA complaint #11479924 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tomball, TX
POWER 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.
NHTSA complaint #11471039 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tomball, TX
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11471039 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marquette, MI
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11467174 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marquette, MI
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #11467174 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carnegie, PA
ENGINE
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 then they would be required to pay for the repairs, and then there would be less unsafe vehicles on the road
NHTSA complaint #11462043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carnegie, PA
STRUCTURE:BODY
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 safety issue 5. No lights or messages
NHTSA complaint #11459195 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carnegie, PA
ENGINE
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
NHTSA complaint #11459150 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
