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moderate 14 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Among the 14 model years of Subaru Legacy in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
If the fluid is completely leaked during driving, the vehicle will come to a stop, possibly resulting in a crash.
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedure for the STARLINK® Remote Engine Start (RES).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Service Information Bulletin provides the Service Manual Correction to the diagnostic procedure for DTC B2A16 (Immobilizer Key Collation Diagnosis).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be followed when diagnosing engine oil leakage on FA and FB type engines.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗The purpose of this bulletin is to advise of SOA’s revised Catalytic Converter Recycling Program shipping procedure.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The dominant complaint is CVT stalling during deceleration and hard braking, particularly when the engine is cold or within minutes of startup. Owners report the engine dropping to near-zero RPM, shuddering, and shutting down completely—sometimes multiple times per day—requiring restart before the car will move. Several owners mention finding Subaru technical bulletins acknowledging this as a known issue, yet the manufacturer has not recalled the 2010–2012 Legacy CVT models, only issuing a recall for 2010 Outback manual transmissions.
Dealers attribute the stalls to torque converter failure; some owners report fixes came from ECU reflash, but others needed full torque converter or transmission replacement. One owner was quoted $2,100 for torque converter repair and refused to pay. Owners describe stalling at intersections and on open roads during traffic as a serious safety hazard, with loss of power steering when the engine dies.
A separate complaint documents repeated radiator failures and blown head gaskets causing engine shutdown on the highway. One owner also reported an abnormal engine noise the dealer could not repair, and another cited an incorrect emissions label that caused California inspection failure.
Subaru has acknowledged the CVT issue is widespread but has offered no public notification, warranty program, or recall.
Same Subaru Legacy engine reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2013
Engine stalls when vehicle slows down or comes to a stop, often when braking hard or decelerating to a traffic stop. Most common failure mode reported across complaints. Occurs unpredictably and recurs multiple times per day in some cases.
When: Most prevalent when engine is cold or within minutes of starting; less frequent after 30+ minutes of driving. Can occur at any speed during deceleration.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls completely during deceleration or hard braking; Vehicle shudders before stalling; Engine revs drop to near zero; No warning lights; Loss of power steering when stalled; Occurs when shifting into neutral or disengaging clutch
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosis: torque converter failure. Owners report some cases fixed by reflash/ECU update, others required torque converter replacement or full transmission replacement. One owner quoted $2,100 for torque converter repair. No repairs completed by reporting owners.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru acknowledges known issue for 2010-2012 Legacy CVT models. Recall issued for 2010 Outback manual transmission (different from CVT). Subaru has not issued recall for CVT issue and refuses to pay for repairs. Manufacturer informed of issue but has not provided field service bulletins or warranty programs to complainants.
Radiator pressure not flowing normally; repeated radiator repairs and blown head gaskets. Engine shuts down on highway due to overheating, creating loss-of-steering hazard.
When: Occurred after multiple previous radiator repairs; head gasket blown twice on same vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Engine overheats; Abnormal radiator pressure flow; Head gasket failure; Engine shut down on highway due to overheating; Loss of power steering due to shutdown
Repairs/costs cited: Radiator repaired 4+ times; head gasket replaced twice; vehicle currently at shop for second head gasket and radiator issue
Vehicle produces abnormal engine noise that dealer cannot fix. Complaint purchased as new vehicle; no resolution provided.
When: Complaint filed shortly after purchase (August 2009 purchase)
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal noise from engine
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer stated no fix available for problem
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru of America acknowledged widespread problem but provided no public notification or fix timeline. Did not respond to certified letter from owner.
Engine bay emissions label incorrectly indicates vehicle has emissions-related air pump when it does not. Causes California emissions test failure.
When: Present on 2010 models; issue corrected on 2012 models per owner report
Symptoms owners cite: Emissions test failure in California; Incorrect emissions label
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle fails emissions inspection; owner required to visit referee
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Issue updated/corrected on 2012 models but not on 2010 models
Synthesized from 14 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 14 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
Based on the 14 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 87,345 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover engine issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.