What are the common problems with the 2010 Subaru Legacy/Outback?

Owners name the power train group in 144 complaints, the engine in 102 and the air bags in 72.

Does the 2010 Subaru Legacy/Outback have recalls?

Yes. The by-year facts show 18 recalls. The Recalls section on this page lists them.

What is the gas mileage of the 2010 Subaru Legacy/Outback?

See the fuel economy section on this page.

Is the 2010 Subaru Legacy/Outback reliable?

NHTSA has 510 complaints on file. They are unverified, so read the groups above and the safety section together.

Is 2010 the best year for the Legacy/Outback?

See the year comparison section on this page.

2010 Subaru Legacy/Outback Problems, Recalls and MPG

NHTSA has 510 owner complaints on file for the 2010 Subaru Legacy/Outback^[1]. The power train group has the biggest share with 144 complaints^[2].

510owner complaints^[1]

18recalls^[3]

20–26MPG combined (EPA)^[4]

Problems
Recalls
Fuel economy
Safety
Engine and size
By year
Verdict
FAQ

Most reported problems

Here are the complaint groups owners name most often in the NHTSA files.

Power Train. 144 complaints^[2]. In the stories we read, owners describe a lag when pulling away from a slow roll, odd noises from the gearbox area, and a car that rolled when the brakes did not seem to grab.
Engine. 102 complaints^[5]. Owners describe the engine cutting out while slowing down or coasting, which can leave the driver without power steering or brake assist for a moment.
Air Bags. 72 complaints^[6]. Owners describe the passenger air bag light saying the bag is off when an adult is sitting there, and flipping back and forth while driving.
Brakes. 53 complaints^[7].
Steering. 53 complaints^[8]. Owners describe a shaking wheel at highway speed, a car that wanders in its lane, and repeated dealer visits that did not fully fix it.
Exterior Lighting. 45 complaints^[9].
Electrical System. 45 complaints^[10].
Suspension. 33 complaints^[11].

Recalls

Newest first. Each recall covers only certain vehicles, so not every 2010 Legacy/Outback is necessarily included.

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module (20V001), January 2020. About 258,813 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: explosion, injury, death. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[12]
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module (20V003), January 2020. About 111,562 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: explosion, injury, death. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[13]
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module (20V002), January 2020. About 127,547 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: explosion, injury, death. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[14]
Electrical System › Ignition › Switch (19V297), April 2019. About 511 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury, an air bag that may not work as intended. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[15]
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module (19V008), January 2019. About 330,120 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: explosion, injury, death, an air bag that may not work as intended. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[16]
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module (19V007), January 2019. About 43,394 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: explosion, injury, death, an air bag that may not work as intended. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[17]
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module (19V009), January 2019. About 452,630 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: explosion, injury, death, an air bag that may not work as intended. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[18]
Parking Brake (18V626), September 2018. About 27,175 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, the car rolling away. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[19]
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module (18V013), January 2018. About 93,209 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: explosion, injury, death, an air bag that may not work as intended. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[20]
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module (18V012), January 2018. About 64,179 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: explosion, injury, death, an air bag that may not work as intended. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[21]
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module (17V014), January 2017. About 53,480 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: injury, death. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[22]
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor (16V694), September 2016. About 592,647 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: fire, a crash, reduced visibility. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[23]
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module (16V358), May 2016. About 302,127 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: injury, death. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[24]
Equipment (13V061), February 2013. About 47,419 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[25]
Exterior Lighting (12V602), December 2012. About 633,842 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: fire. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[26]
Power Train › Manual Transmission (10V326), July 2010. About 809 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[27]
Steering › Column (10V283), June 2010. About 73,698 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, an air bag that may not work as intended. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[28]
Engine And Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Hoses/Lines/Piping/Fittings (10V196), May 2010. About 29,443 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[29]

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.

Version	City / highway / combined MPG	Annual fuel cost
Legacy AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, All-Wheel Drive^[30]	19 / 27 / 22	$3,050
Legacy AWD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic (S5), Regular, All-Wheel Drive^[31]	18 / 25 / 20	$3,350
Legacy AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Premium, All-Wheel Drive^[32]	18 / 25 / 21	$3,900
Legacy AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular, All-Wheel Drive^[4]	23 / 31 / 26	$2,600
Outback Wagon AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, All-Wheel Drive^[33]	19 / 27 / 22	$3,050
Outback Wagon AWD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic (S5), Regular, All-Wheel Drive^[34]	18 / 25 / 20	$3,350
Outback Wagon AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular, All-Wheel Drive^[35]	22 / 29 / 24	$2,800

Safety ratings

Version	Overall	Frontal	Side	Rollover	Rollover risk
4 DR AWD^[36]	n/a	n/a	n/a	5	10.1%
4 DR AWD^[37]	n/a	n/a	n/a	4	17.4%

Engine and size

Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles.

Engine	Horsepower
2010 Subaru Legacy/Outback with 2.5L 4-cylinder^[38]	170 hp
2010 Subaru Legacy/Outback with 3.6L 6-cylinder^[39]	256 hp

These are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, so US models can differ slightly.

Version	Length	Width	Height	Wheelbase	Curb weight
LEGACY 4DR SEDAN 2.5GT/3.6R^[40]	186 in	72 in	59 in	108 in	3,483 lb
LEGACY 4DR SEDAN 2.5I/PZEV^[41]	186 in	72 in	59 in	108 in	3,274 lb

How 2010 compares with other years

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Legacy/Outback model year. The 2010 is highlighted^[3].

Show the numbers

Model year	Complaints	Recalls
1995	184	2
1996	169	3
1997	218	5
1998	241	4
1999	205	3
2000	301	3
2001	248	7
2002	197	4
2003	153	14
2004	139	10
2005	457	9
2006	364	7
2007	162	9
2008	291	9
2009	171	13
2010	510	18
2011	819	16
2012	384	16
2013	363	12
2014	261	10
2015	670	5
2016	790	4
2017	1,038	4

NHTSA's counts for the Legacy/Outback show 510 complaints and 18 recalls for 2010^[3]. Among the 23 model years listed, 18 have fewer complaints than 2010 and 4 have more^[3]. The fewest complaints are for 2004 (139) and the most are for 2017 (1,038)^[3]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide. The chart above shows every year.

Should you buy a used 2010 Legacy/Outback?

These are unverified reports sent to NHTSA, so they show what owners ran into and do not prove how often it happens^[1]. The power train and engine groups lead the list^[2]^[5]. The air bag group stands out because owners describe it showing up early in the life of the car^[6]. Recalls are listed in the section above and the count is in the by-year facts^[3]. If you are shopping for one, check that every recall was done and ask about the power train, engine and steering history.

Frequently asked questions

What are the common problems with the 2010 Subaru Legacy/Outback?: Owners name the power train group in 144 complaints^[2], the engine in 102^[5] and the air bags in 72^[6].
Does the 2010 Subaru Legacy/Outback have recalls?: Yes. The by-year facts show 18 recalls^[3]. The Recalls section on this page lists them.
What is the gas mileage of the 2010 Subaru Legacy/Outback?: See the fuel economy section on this page.
Is the 2010 Subaru Legacy/Outback reliable?: NHTSA has 510 complaints on file^[1]. They are unverified, so read the groups above and the safety section together.
Is 2010 the best year for the Legacy/Outback?: See the year comparison section on this page.

Keep exploring

Other model years of the Subaru Legacy/Outback

2006 364 complaints, 7 recalls
2008 291 complaints, 9 recalls
2010 this page
2011 819 complaints, 16 recalls
2012 384 complaints, 16 recalls
2013 363 complaints, 12 recalls
2014 261 complaints, 10 recalls
2015 670 complaints, 5 recalls
2016 790 complaints, 4 recalls
2017 1,038 complaints, 4 recalls

Compare all model years of the Subaru Legacy/Outback

Other Subaru models from 2010

2010 Subaru Forester 262 complaints, 17 recalls
2010 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport 46 complaints, 15 recalls

All Subaru models

Similar cars from 2010: midsize cars

2010 Cadillac CTS 68 complaints, 3 recalls
2010 Chevrolet Malibu 1,365 complaints, 3 recalls
2010 Ford Fusion 5,639 complaints, 11 recalls
2010 Lexus ES 179 complaints, 5 recalls
2010 Lincoln MKZ 170 complaints, 7 recalls
2010 Mazda 6 225 complaints, 9 recalls

All midsize cars we cover

Facts and sources

NHTSA has 510 owner complaints on file for the 2010 Subaru Legacy/Outback (22 mention a crash, 4 a fire, 16 injuries, 1 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
144 complaints name the power train component group (4 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 99,750). NHTSA vehicle records
Owner complaints and recalls for every Subaru Legacy/Outback model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Legacy AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 23 city / 31 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
102 complaints name the engine component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 80,000). NHTSA vehicle records
72 complaints name the air bags component group (8 crashes, 1 fires, 10 injuries, median mileage at failure 19,250). NHTSA vehicle records
53 complaints name the brakes component group (3 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 104,000). NHTSA vehicle records
53 complaints name the steering component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 1,350). NHTSA vehicle records
45 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 46,765). NHTSA vehicle records
45 complaints name the electrical system component group (2 crashes, 2 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 80,000). NHTSA vehicle records
33 complaints name the suspension component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 1,850). NHTSA vehicle records
Recall 20V001, 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 20V002, 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 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 18V626, filed September 13, 2018: Parking Brake. 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 16V694, filed September 27, 2016: Visibility › Windshield Wiper / Washer › Motor. NHTSA recall database
Recall 16V358, filed May 25, 2016: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
Recall 13V061, filed February 25, 2013: Equipment. NHTSA recall database
Recall 12V602, filed December 26, 2012: Exterior Lighting. NHTSA recall database
Recall 10V326, filed July 20, 2010: Power Train › Manual Transmission. NHTSA recall database
Recall 10V283, filed June 24, 2010: Steering › Column. NHTSA recall database
Recall 10V196, filed May 7, 2010: Engine And Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Hoses / Lines / Piping / Fittings. NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Legacy AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 27 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Legacy AWD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic (S5), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 25 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Legacy AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, Manual 6-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 Outback Wagon AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 27 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Outback Wagon AWD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic (S5), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 25 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Outback Wagon AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 29 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR AWD: rollover 5 stars; rollover risk 10.1%. NHTSA vehicle records
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR AWD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.4%. NHTSA vehicle records
EPA Test Car List, 2010 Subaru Legacy/Outback with 2.5L 4-cylinder: rated 170 hp. www.epa.gov
EPA Test Car List, 2010 Subaru Legacy/Outback with 3.6L 6-cylinder: rated 256 hp. www.epa.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, LEGACY 4DR SEDAN 2.5GT/3.6R: length 186 in, width 72 in, height 59 in, wheelbase 108 in, curb weight 3,483 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, LEGACY 4DR SEDAN 2.5I/PZEV: length 186 in, width 72 in, height 59 in, wheelbase 108 in, curb weight 3,274 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

2010 Subaru Legacy/Outback: problems, recalls and fuel economy