Home › Subaru › Impreza/Outback Sport › 2010
2010 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport: problems, recalls and fuel economy
NHTSA has 46 owner complaints for the 2010 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport[1]. NHTSA has 46 owner complaints for the 2010 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport[1]. It also has 15 recalls, the most of any year in the model's list, and most of them concern the passenger air bag inflator[2][3].
Most reported problems
NHTSA has 46 owner complaints on file for this model year[1]. Three mention a crash, one a fire and one injuries. None report a death[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several components.
The component groups with the most complaints:
| Component group | Complaints | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Engine[5] | 10 | 1 fire, median 71,500 miles at failure |
| Unknown or other[6] | 9 | No crashes, fires or injuries |
| Brakes[7] | 7 | 1 crash, median 34,438 miles |
| Air bags[8] | 6 | 1 crash |
| Fuel/propulsion system[9] | 6 | No crashes, fires or injuries |
| Power train[10] | 5 | No crashes, fires or injuries |
| Electrical system[11] | 5 | No crashes, fires or injuries |
| Speed control[12] | 5 | 1 crash and 1 injury |
We read a small sample of the complaint texts for the larger groups. It is too small to say how common any problem is, but it shows what owners describe.
- Engine. In 5 of the 9 engine texts we read, owners describe serious engine damage or oil loss, such as a seized engine or a failed piston[5]. One text describes a fire that started under the hood[5].
- Brakes. In 2 of the 7 brake texts, owners describe rust or corrosion on a brake hose or caliper[7]. Another describes a fluid leak on a car that had the 14V311 repair[7]. Two texts describe a creaking clutch pedal bracket that was filed under brakes[7].
- Air bags. In 2 of the 6 air bag texts, owners say the passenger air bag showed as switched off[8]. In 2 others, owners say they got a recall notice but the repair parts were not available yet[8].
- Fuel system. In 2 of the 4 fuel texts, owners describe burned or shorted wiring at the fuel pump[9].
The other groups are small. Power train, electrical and speed control have 5 complaints each, and we did not read texts for them[10][11][12].
Recalls
NHTSA lists 15 recalls for the 2010 model year[2]. Newest first:
- Passenger air bag inflator (20V001). Replaced inflators of the same design may explode after long exposure to humidity and temperature swings. Metal fragments could cause serious injury or death. 258,813 vehicles potentially affected[3] in certain states and territories. Dealers replace the inflator free[3].
- Passenger air bag inflator (20V002). Same problem and same repair, for another group of states. 127,547 vehicles potentially affected[13].
- Passenger air bag inflator (20V003). Same problem and same repair, for another group of states. 111,562 vehicles potentially affected[14].
- Ignition switch (19V297). A replacement-part key ignition switch may weaken. The key could slip out of the run position and shut off the engine, which raises crash risk, and the air bag may not deploy. 511 vehicles potentially affected[15]. Dealers inspect the switch and replace it if needed, free[15].
- Brake light switch (19V149). Contaminants can make the switch fail. Brake lights may not light, a keyless car may not start and an automatic may not shift out of Park. 1,303,530 vehicles potentially affected[16]. Dealers replace the switch free[16]. The recall text lists Impreza sedans from 2008 and station wagons from 2012, so check which applies to your car[16].
- Passenger air bag inflator (19V008). Inflators in the passenger air bag module may explode in a crash after long exposure to humidity and temperature cycling. 330,120 vehicles potentially affected[17]. Dealers replace the inflator free[17].
- Passenger air bag inflator (19V007). Same problem and repair, for other states and territories. 43,394 vehicles potentially affected[18].
- Passenger air bag inflator (19V009). Same problem and repair, for other states. 452,630 vehicles potentially affected[19].
- Passenger air bag inflator (18V013). Same problem and repair. 93,209 vehicles potentially affected[20].
- Passenger air bag inflator (18V012). Same problem and repair. 64,179 vehicles potentially affected[21].
- Passenger air bag inflator (17V014). Inflators may rupture in a crash and throw metal fragments. 53,480 vehicles potentially affected[22]. Dealers replace the inflator free[22].
- Air injection pump relay (16V738). On turbo-charged engines, the relay for the secondary air injection pump may fail. The pump can overheat and melt, which raises fire risk. 100,127 vehicles potentially affected[23]. Dealers replace the relay free[23].
- Passenger air bag inflator (16V358). Inflators may rupture in a crash. 302,127 vehicles potentially affected[24] in certain states and territories. Dealers replace the inflator free[24].
- Brake lines, repeat repair (14V830). Cars repaired under 14V311 before December 23, 2014[25] may still have corrosion risk, because Subaru found the first repair instructions incomplete. Brake fluid can leak and stopping distances can grow. 200,064 vehicles potentially affected[25]. Dealers apply anti-corrosion wax to the brake line joint, free[25].
- Brake line corrosion (14V311). Salt water can splash through a gap in the fuel tank protector and corrode the brake lines. Fluid can leak and stopping distances can grow. 461,338 vehicles potentially affected[26]. Dealers test for leaks, rustproof the lines and replace lines if fluid seepage is found, free. Cars never registered in the listed salt belt states are eligible on request[26].
Ten of the 15 are air bag inflator recalls[3][14][13][17][18][19][20][21][22][24]. Some cover only certain states or only certain equipment, so a seller or Subaru dealer should confirm which ones apply to a specific car and that the repairs were done.
Fuel economy
EPA lists nine ratings for the two EPA model names that make up this page, "Impreza AWD" and "Impreza Wagon/Outback Sport". All are all-wheel drive. The ratings fall into five combinations of engine and transmission.
| Engine and fuel | Transmission | City / highway / combined MPG | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cyl, regular[27][28] | Automatic (S4) | 20 / 26 / 22 | $3,050 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl, regular[4][29] | Manual 5-spd | 20 / 27 / 22 | $3,050 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, premium[30][31] | Automatic (S4) | 19 / 24 / 21 | $3,900 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, premium[32][33] | Manual 5-spd | 18 / 25 / 21 | $3,900 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, premium[34] | Manual 6-spd (wagon/Outback Sport rating) | 17 / 23 / 19 | $4,350 |
The turbo engines are rated on premium fuel and cost $850 to $1,300 more per year than the regular-fuel engines in EPA's estimate[30][4][34]. and cost $850 to $1,300 more per year than the regular-fuel engines in EPA's estimate[30][4][34]. EPA's annual cost uses current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new.
Safety ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings list one result for the 4 DR AWD: rollover 4 stars, with a rollover risk of 10.3%[35].
Engine and size
EPA's Test Car List shows a single horsepower entry for this model year, 265 hp, described as "with electric motor"[36]. It does not say how that entry relates to the engines in the mpg ratings above, so treat it with care.
Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada via NHTSA vPIC, converted to inches and pounds. They can differ slightly from US models.
| Variant | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5i/Sport/Limited 4-door sedan AWD[37] | 180 in | 69 in | 58 in | 103 in | 3,064 lb |
| 2.5i/Sport/Limited 5-door hatch AWD[38] | 174 in | 69 in | 58 in | 103 in | 3,064 lb |
| WRX/WRX Limited 4-door sedan AWD[39] | 180 in | 69 in | 58 in | 103 in | 3,175 lb |
| WRX/WRX Limited 5-door hatch AWD[40] | 174 in | 69 in | 58 in | 103 in | 3,175 lb |
| WRX STI/Sport-Tech 5-door hatch AWD[41] | 174 in | 71 in | 58 in | 103 in | 3,395 lb |
How 2010 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 46 | 1 |
| 1996 | 20 | 0 |
| 1997 | 30 | 0 |
| 1998 | 30 | 0 |
| 1999 | 22 | 0 |
| 2000 | 41 | 0 |
| 2001 | 11 | 0 |
| 2002 | 292 | 6 |
| 2003 | 62 | 6 |
| 2004 | 96 | 8 |
| 2005 | 75 | 6 |
| 2006 | 60 | 10 |
| 2007 | 68 | 9 |
| 2008 | 213 | 14 |
| 2009 | 119 | 14 |
| 2010 | 46 | 15 |
| 2011 | 58 | 14 |
| 2012 | 243 | 6 |
| 2013 | 251 | 4 |
| 2014 | 108 | 3 |
| 2015 | 79 | 2 |
| 2016 | 75 | 1 |
| 2017 | 125 | 7 |
NHTSA counts complaints and recalls by model year for the Impreza/Outback Sport. The 2010 model year has 46 complaints and 15 recalls[2].
- Recalls. 2010 has the most recalls of any year in the list. The years next to it, 2009 and 2011, have 14 each, and 2008 also has 14[2].
- Complaints. 2010 has far fewer than 2002 (292), 2012 (243), 2013 (251) and 2008 (213)[2]. It also has fewer than 2009 (119) and 2011 (58)[2]. It matches 1995 (46) and is above 1996 to 2001[2].
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so a model year with more sales can show more complaints. Read the comparison as a rough guide only.
Should you buy a used 2010 Impreza/Outback Sport?
A 2010 Impreza/Outback Sport has fewer complaints than 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012 and 2013, but it also has the highest recall count in the list[2]. Most of those recalls concern the passenger air bag inflator, and the recall text calls the risk serious injury or death[3][17]. Before buying, ask for proof that every recall repair was done, including the brake line work[25][26]. In the complaint texts we read, engine damage and brake corrosion came up, but the sample is small[5][7]. Our data has no oil, towing or tire information, so check those with a mechanic or the owner's manual.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2010 Subaru Impreza?
- The engine group has the most complaints at 10 of 46[1][5]. In the engine texts we read, owners describe serious engine damage or oil loss, but the sample is small[5].
- How many recalls does the 2010 Subaru Impreza have?
- NHTSA lists 15 recalls[2]. Ten concern the passenger air bag inflator[3][14][13][17][18][19][20][21][22][24]. Others cover brake line corrosion, an ignition switch, brake lights and an air injection pump relay[15][16][23][25][26].
- What gas mileage does the 2010 Subaru Impreza get?
- The regular-fuel 2.5L engine is rated 20 city, 26 or 27 highway and 22 combined MPG[4][27]. The turbo engines are rated 17 to 19 city and 19 to 21 combined[30][32][34].
- How does the 2010 Impreza compare with other years?
- It has the most recalls of any year in the list at 15, against 14 for 2008, 2009 and 2011[2]. Its 46 complaints are lower than 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012 and 2013[2].
- What is the 2010 Subaru Impreza rollover rating?
- NHTSA lists 4 stars for rollover and a 10.3% rollover risk for the 4 DR AWD[35].
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 46 owner complaints on file for the 2010 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport (3 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 1 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- Recall 20V001, filed January 2, 2020: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Impreza AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 27 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 10 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 71,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- 9 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 7 complaints name the brakes component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 34,438). NHTSA vehicle records
- 6 complaints name the air bags component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 6 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 5 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 5 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 5 complaints name the speed control component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 20V002, filed January 2, 2020: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 20V003, filed January 2, 2020: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 19V297, filed April 11, 2019: Electrical System › Ignition › Switch. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 19V149, filed February 28, 2019: Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 19V008, filed January 9, 2019: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 19V007, filed January 9, 2019: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 19V009, filed January 9, 2019: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 18V013, filed January 9, 2018: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 18V012, filed January 9, 2018: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 17V014, filed January 10, 2017: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 16V738, filed October 13, 2016: Electrical System. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 16V358, filed May 25, 2016: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 14V830, filed December 31, 2014: Service Brakes, Hydraulic. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 14V311, filed June 10, 2014: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines / Piping, And Fittings. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Impreza AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S4), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 26 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Impreza Wagon/Outback Sport, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (S4), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 26 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Impreza Wagon/Outback Sport, 2.5L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 27 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Impreza AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S4), Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 24 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Impreza Wagon/Outback Sport, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S4), Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 24 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Impreza AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 5-spd, Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 25 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Impreza Wagon/Outback Sport, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 5-spd, Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 25 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Impreza Wagon/Outback Sport, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Premium, All-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR AWD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 10.3%. NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA Test Car List, 2010 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport with electric motor: rated 265 hp. www.epa.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, IMPREZA 2.5i/SPORT/LIMITED 4DR SEDAN AWD: length 180 in, width 69 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 103 in, curb weight 3,064 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, IMPREZA 5-DOOR 2.5i/SPORT/LIMITED HATCH AWD: length 174 in, width 69 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 103 in, curb weight 3,064 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, IMPREZA WRX/WRX LIMITED 4DR SEDAN AWD: length 180 in, width 69 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 103 in, curb weight 3,175 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, IMPREZA 5-DOOR WRX/WRX LIMITED HATCH AWD: length 174 in, width 69 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 103 in, curb weight 3,175 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, IMPREZA WRX STI/SPORT-TECH 5DR HATCH AWD: length 174 in, width 71 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 103 in, curb weight 3,395 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov