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ProblemsByVin File / 2010-SUBARU-LEGACY
2010 · subaru

subaru Legacy problems

3 safety recalls. 150 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
6.6 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

1
Critical
2
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

powertrain
45 reports · avg $2,500
severe
airbags
25 reports · avg $1,100
severe
engine
14 reports · avg $3,100
moderate
steering
12 reports · avg $700
moderate
lighting
10 reports · avg $250
moderate
electrical
8 reports · avg $850
critical
brakes
7 reports · avg $450
severe
body
6 reports · avg $1,500
severe

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2010 Legacy · airbags
PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT INDICATING AIR BAG IS OFF WHEN A 5'4'' 112 POUND ADULT FEMALE IS IN THE SEAT. THE INDICATION LIGHT WILL SOMETIMES FLICKER FROM OFF TO ON BUT MAINLY REMAINS OFF FOR THE DURATION OF THE DRIVE REGARDLESS OF THE SPEED AS WELL AS WHEN THE CAR IS IN PARK. THIS…
12/31/2011 · NHTSA ODI #10441991.0
2010 Legacy · powertrain
MY 2010 SUBARU LEGACY 3.6R HAS A VERY NOTICEABLE DELAY WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE AFTER A ROLLING STOP. THIS IS VERY COMMON IN EVERYDAY TRAFFIC, HEADING TOWARDS A RED LIGHT THAT TURNS GREEN, AS WELL AS WITH SPEED BUMPS. THERE IS ALMOST A FULL 2 SECOND DELAY AND…
12/30/2009 · NHTSA ODI #10297490.0
2010 Legacy · other
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU LEGACY. THE HEAD REST TILTS TO FAR DOWN, WHICH CAUSES PAIN TO HER NECK. SHE IS ONLY 5'1" TALL. A TECHNICIAN FROM THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLES DESIGN MEETS REGULATIONS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 500. UPDATED 2/1/10…
12/29/2009 · NHTSA ODI #10297390.0
2010 Legacy · powertrain
MY CAR STALLS WHEN I COME TO A STOP. IT IS AN AUTOMATIC CVT CAR. HE HAPPENS ALL THE TIME. COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT WHEN I STOP AND THEN ACCELERATE. *TR
12/18/2014 · NHTSA ODI #10667138.0

Estimate your repair exposure

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Active recalls showing 3 of 3

critical NHTSA 18V013000 09/01/2018

Subaru of America, Inc

An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-18.
severe NHTSA 10V283000 24/06/2010

SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 OUTBACK AND LEGACY PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 16, 2009 THROUGH APRIL 12, 2010

POSSIBLE CIRCUITS AFFECTED ARE THE DRIVER'S FRONTAL AIRBAG, PADDLE SHIFTER FUNCTION, CRUISE CONTROL, HORN CONTROL AND RADIO FUNCTIONS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Fix: DEALERS WILL CHECK LOT NUMBER OF THE STEERING ROLL CONNECTOR. THE ROLL CONNECTOR WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE IF THE LOT NUMBER SHOWED ANY AFFECTED RANGE OF THE FAILURE OCCURRENCE. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 7, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
severe NHTSA 10V196000 07/05/2010

SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 OUTBACK AND LEGACY PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 31 THROUGH DECEMBER 1, 2009

IF THE FLUID IS COMPLETELY LEAKED DURING DRIVING, THE VEHICLE WILL COME TO A STOP, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.

Fix: SUBARU WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY AFFECTED COOLER HOSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 8, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-SUBARU3 (1-800-782-2783).

Common questions

Is the 2010 Subaru Legacy reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.6 out of 10 based on 150 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2010 Subaru Legacy has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

What's the most common problem on the 2010 Subaru Legacy?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 45 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Subaru Legacy has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2010 Subaru Legacy?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 150 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 8 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with subaru. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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