2010 Subaru Legacy Problems & Owner Complaints

Power Train 50 3 crash 1 injury

“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 MOT…”
NHTSA complaint #11258232, 2019 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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, 2021 · crash

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU LEGACY. WHILE IN REVERSE AND ATTEMPTING TO PARK, THE VEHICLE ROLLED DOWN A HILL AND CRASHED INTO AN EMBANKMENT. THE BRAKES HAD NOT ENGAGED WHEN APPLIED. THE FAILURE WAS THE SECOND OCCURRENCE OF THE BRAKES NOT WORKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP BUT THE DEALER COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 2,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10335466, 2010 · crash

Engine 31 2 crash 1 injury 1 death

“ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2014 MY SON LEFT FOR WORK AT HIS USUAL TIME AND STARTED THE SUBARU. IMMEDIATELY, THE ENGINE ROARED AT FULL THROTTLE, AND THE VEHICLE TOOK OFF DOWN THE STREET, WHERE IT JUMPED THE CURB AND CRASHED INTO A TREE AT 45 MPH. DISTANCE TRAVELED WAS LESS THAN 400 FEET FROM WHERE IT STARTED. BASED ON AN EYEWITNESS ACCOUNT, IT IS PRESUMED THAT THE VEHICLE SUFFERED AN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION MECHANICAL ISSUE OUTSIDE OF THE DRIVER'S CONTROL. EMERGENCY SERVICE PERSONNEL ARRIVED WITHIN MINUTES, AND HE WAS TAKEN TO THE MAJOR METRO-AREA 833 BED HOSPITAL (LEVEL 1 TRAUMA CENTER) WH…”
NHTSA complaint #10661247, 2014 · crash · 1 death(s)

“I HAD ENTERED A PARKING SPACE, AND WAS SLOWING TO COME TO THE END OF SAID PARKING SPACE. THE CAR RAPIDLY ACCELERATED, AND I COULD NOT STOP IT WITH THE BRAKE. I HIT THE CONCRETE AT THE END OF THE SPACE AT FULL SPEED, WHICH STOPPED THE CAR. I NOTICED THAT THE IMPACT HAD SLIPPED THE GEAR INTO NEUTRAL. WHEN I TURNED THE CAR BACK ON, IT REGISTERED THAT IT WAS IN CRUISE CONTROL. I HAVE NEVER USED CRUISE CONTROL ON ANY THIS OR ANY OTHER VEHICLE. I HAVE BRUISING FROM THE SEAT BELT, AND NECK PAIN FROM THE IMPACT. THE VEHICLE IS NOT DRIVABLE DUE TO DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END, AND A RUMBLING NOISE IN…”
NHTSA complaint #10627863, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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, 2022

Air Bags 28 5 crash 1 fire 6 injury

“REAR-ENDED BY DRIVER COMING AT FAST SPEED, SHOVED US INTO CAR IN FRONT OF US TWICE, ALTHOUGH I HAD MY FOOT FIRMLY ON BRAKE. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. MY RIGHT KNEE WAS RAMMED INTO THE SHARP, HARD PLASTIC AREA UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL, WHICH RESULTED IN A DEEP CUT AND BRUISES WHICH ENDED UP BEING DIAGNOSED AS TORN ACL/MINISCUS AND A FRACTURE. I UNDERWENT SURGERY IN ORDER TO REPAIR MY KNEE. SHORTLY AFTER SURGERY, I RECEIVED A RECALL REGARDING THE AIRBAGS IN THE CAR AND A COMPONENT WAS REPLACED IN THE STEERING COLUMN. I BELIEVE THAT THE AREA UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL OF THE 2010 SUBARU LEGACY IS D…”
NHTSA complaint #10359916, 2010 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“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, 2016 · crash · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“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, 2025 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Service Brakes 13 1 crash

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU LEGACY. WHILE IN REVERSE AND ATTEMPTING TO PARK, THE VEHICLE ROLLED DOWN A HILL AND CRASHED INTO AN EMBANKMENT. THE BRAKES HAD NOT ENGAGED WHEN APPLIED. THE FAILURE WAS THE SECOND OCCURRENCE OF THE BRAKES NOT WORKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP BUT THE DEALER COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 2,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10335466, 2010 · crash

“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, 2024

“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, 2022

Electrical System 12 2 crash 1 fire 1 injury 1 death

“ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2014 MY SON LEFT FOR WORK AT HIS USUAL TIME AND STARTED THE SUBARU. IMMEDIATELY, THE ENGINE ROARED AT FULL THROTTLE, AND THE VEHICLE TOOK OFF DOWN THE STREET, WHERE IT JUMPED THE CURB AND CRASHED INTO A TREE AT 45 MPH. DISTANCE TRAVELED WAS LESS THAN 400 FEET FROM WHERE IT STARTED. BASED ON AN EYEWITNESS ACCOUNT, IT IS PRESUMED THAT THE VEHICLE SUFFERED AN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION MECHANICAL ISSUE OUTSIDE OF THE DRIVER'S CONTROL. EMERGENCY SERVICE PERSONNEL ARRIVED WITHIN MINUTES, AND HE WAS TAKEN TO THE MAJOR METRO-AREA 833 BED HOSPITAL (LEVEL 1 TRAUMA CENTER) WH…”
NHTSA complaint #10661247, 2014 · crash · 1 death(s)

“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, 2016 · crash · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“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, 2022

Steering 12

“I DROVE CAR AND PARKED IT. THE NEXT DAY I NOTICED WHEN TURNING CORNERS IT WAS HARD TO STEER, NO POWER STEERING. IT IS NOT THAT NOTICEABLE WHILE ROUNDING SLIGHT CURVES IN THE ROAD. THE POWER STEERING FLUID LEVEL IS FINE. I PARKED IT IN MY GARAGE THINKING PERHAPS THE EXTREME COLD CONDITIONS WAS A FACTOR. AFTER PARKED IN GARAGE OVERNIGHT, IT INITIALLY HANDLED FINE, DROVE 19 MILES AND PARKED IT. DROVE IT AND IT SUDDENLY RECURRED. CALLED DEALER AND HAS NEVER HEARD OF THE PROBLEM. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10562459, 2014

“THERE ARE VERY NOTICEABLE VIBRATIONS ON THAT CAN BE FELT THROUGH STEERING WHEEL, FLOOR, AND DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS. VIBRATIONS START TO APPEAR AT THE SPEEDS APPROACHING 60 M/HR; THEY INCREASE EXPONENTIALLY AND BY 75 MILES/HOUR THEY BORDER ON VIOLENT. THE ALIMENT AND WHEEL BALANCE WERE CHECKED AND DETERMINED NOT BE AN ISSUE. THE CAR WAS NEVER IN THE ACCIDENT AND WAS SERVICED REGULARLY. THE DEALER FAILED TO DETERMINE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10564664, 2013

“VIBRATIONS OCCUR WHEN EXCEEDING 50 MPH. THESE VIBRATIONS EXTEND TO THE STEERING WHEEL, FLOOR, AND DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS AND INCREASE AS SPEEDS BECOMING ENHANCED IN SPEEDS OVER 70MPH. NO ACCIDENTS AND REGULAR DEALER SERVICE. HAVE HAD MULTIPLE BALANCES, ALIGNMENTS AND 2 NEW SETS OF TIRES TO NO AVAIL. CAR PRESENTLY IN DEALER REPAIR FOR GREATER THAN 8 WEEKS TRYING TO FIX PROBLEM. I WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENTIRE FRONT SUSPENSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10654992, 2012

Unknown Or Other 12 1 crash 1 fire 1 injury

“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, 2016 · crash · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“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, 2025

“Stalling at stop lights. More often when it's cold and rainy. This happens to me at minimum 4x a day.”
NHTSA complaint #11629972, 2024

Exterior Lighting 10

“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, 2025

“OVER THE PAST 9.5 YEARS THAT I'VE OWNED THE CAR, I'VE HAD TO REPLACE THE HEADLIGHT BULBS ON BOTH SIDES AT LEAST 5 TIMES IN EACH SIDE. I'VE TALKED TO SUBARU ABOUT THIS AND THEY CANNOT GIVE ME A DEFINITE ANSWER/SOLUTION TO PROBLEM. THEY DID EXTEND WARRANTY TO 10 YEARS REGARDING THIS SO THEY KNOW SOMETHING IS GOING ON BUT DO NOT DISCLOSE TO CUSTOMERS. I'M JUST TRYING TO FIGURE OUT A PERMANENT SOLUTION”
NHTSA complaint #11186517, 2019

“THE LOW BEAMS AND DRIVING BULBS ON MY VEHICLE WITH LESS THAN 54,000 MILES KEEP NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THERE IS NO EASY ACCESS TO PERFORM THESE COSTLY SAFETY REPAIRS , DUE TO THE ENGINEERING AND PLACEMENT OF THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY(IES). THE MOST RECENT OCCURRENCE WAS ON 04/04/2017 PAST REPAIRS (4) WERE DONE BY SELF AND BODY SHOPS DUE TO ACCESS THROUGH THE WHEEL WELL COWLING ONLY, TODAY I HAVE A LOW BEAM AND DRIVING LIGHT OUT ON EACH SIDE OF THE VEHICLE! NO LIGHTS - NO SAFETY!”
NHTSA complaint #10978719, 2017

Vehicle Speed Control 8 1 crash 1 death

“ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2014 MY SON LEFT FOR WORK AT HIS USUAL TIME AND STARTED THE SUBARU. IMMEDIATELY, THE ENGINE ROARED AT FULL THROTTLE, AND THE VEHICLE TOOK OFF DOWN THE STREET, WHERE IT JUMPED THE CURB AND CRASHED INTO A TREE AT 45 MPH. DISTANCE TRAVELED WAS LESS THAN 400 FEET FROM WHERE IT STARTED. BASED ON AN EYEWITNESS ACCOUNT, IT IS PRESUMED THAT THE VEHICLE SUFFERED AN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION MECHANICAL ISSUE OUTSIDE OF THE DRIVER'S CONTROL. EMERGENCY SERVICE PERSONNEL ARRIVED WITHIN MINUTES, AND HE WAS TAKEN TO THE MAJOR METRO-AREA 833 BED HOSPITAL (LEVEL 1 TRAUMA CENTER) WH…”
NHTSA complaint #10661247, 2014 · crash · 1 death(s)

“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, 2023

“WHILE TURNING INTO A PARKING LOT, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHT, THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT AND THE STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT ALL CAME ON AND STARTED BLINKING. PARKED THE CAR AND SHUT OFF THE ENGINE. LET SET FOR AN HOUR. STARTED AGAIN. RAN IT HOME AND ALL LIGHTS PREVIOUSLY INDICATED STAYED ON DOING THE SAME THING. CAR RAN FINE THOUGH IN ALL INSTANCES.”
NHTSA complaint #11181233, 2019

Structure 7 2 crash 3 injury

“REAR-ENDED BY DRIVER COMING AT FAST SPEED, SHOVED US INTO CAR IN FRONT OF US TWICE, ALTHOUGH I HAD MY FOOT FIRMLY ON BRAKE. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. MY RIGHT KNEE WAS RAMMED INTO THE SHARP, HARD PLASTIC AREA UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL, WHICH RESULTED IN A DEEP CUT AND BRUISES WHICH ENDED UP BEING DIAGNOSED AS TORN ACL/MINISCUS AND A FRACTURE. I UNDERWENT SURGERY IN ORDER TO REPAIR MY KNEE. SHORTLY AFTER SURGERY, I RECEIVED A RECALL REGARDING THE AIRBAGS IN THE CAR AND A COMPONENT WAS REPLACED IN THE STEERING COLUMN. I BELIEVE THAT THE AREA UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL OF THE 2010 SUBARU LEGACY IS D…”
NHTSA complaint #10359916, 2010 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“I HAD ENTERED A PARKING SPACE, AND WAS SLOWING TO COME TO THE END OF SAID PARKING SPACE. THE CAR RAPIDLY ACCELERATED, AND I COULD NOT STOP IT WITH THE BRAKE. I HIT THE CONCRETE AT THE END OF THE SPACE AT FULL SPEED, WHICH STOPPED THE CAR. I NOTICED THAT THE IMPACT HAD SLIPPED THE GEAR INTO NEUTRAL. WHEN I TURNED THE CAR BACK ON, IT REGISTERED THAT IT WAS IN CRUISE CONTROL. I HAVE NEVER USED CRUISE CONTROL ON ANY THIS OR ANY OTHER VEHICLE. I HAVE BRUISING FROM THE SEAT BELT, AND NECK PAIN FROM THE IMPACT. THE VEHICLE IS NOT DRIVABLE DUE TO DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END, AND A RUMBLING NOISE IN…”
NHTSA complaint #10627863, 2014 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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, 2026

Suspension 7

“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 uns…”
NHTSA complaint #11572135, 2024

“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, 2022

“STEERING COLUMN AND SEAT VIBRATES AT SPEEDS GREATER THAN 60 MILES/HOUR. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10453701, 2011

Engine And Engine Cooling 4

“ENGINE HAS STALLED (COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN) 5 TIMES AT LOW RPM, LEAVING ALL SYSTEMS OFF, INCLUDING POWER STEERING. CONDITIONS OF EACH STALL: LOW RPM, VEHICLE DECELERATING, CLUTCH ENGAGED, SHIFTER IN NEUTRAL, HOT AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE, AIR CONDITIONER ON. MORE PREVALENT (4 OUT OF 5 OCCURRENCES) WHEN ENGINE IS COLD (WITHIN MINUTES OF STARTING). ENGINE RESTARTS NORMALLY. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN, AS THE STALLS HAVE OCCURRED TWICE WHILE PERFORMING A TURN ACROSS ONCOMING TRAFFIC. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10347351, 2010

“START CAR , ENGINE COLD, OR AT LEAST NOT FULLY WARMED UP. WHILE DRIVING, PUSH CLUTCH IN , TAKE FOOT OFF GAS TO SHIFT. ENGINE REVS DROP TO NEAR ZERO. ENGINE STALLS. ITS INTERMITTENT. BUT SOME ANECDOTAL EVIDENCE THAT HOT WEATHER EXAGGERATES THE ISSUE. SEEMS TO HAPPEN LESS WHEN ENGINE IS FULLY WARMED UP. DEALER HAS RECREATED THE PROBLEM, BUT SAID THEY CAN DO NOTHING ABOUT FIXING IT. THIS CAR HAS DIED IN INTERSECTIONS TWICE AND ALSO ON OPEN ROAD IN TRAFFIC. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10343751, 2010

“DRIVING A 2010 SUBARU LEGACY ON A NARROW STREET WITH A 90 DEGREE TURN. ENTERING THE TURN THE CLUTCH PEDAL WAS PRESSED DISENGAGING THE CLUTCH, THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED SLIGHTLY - THE CAR STALLED AS THE ENGINE DIED. SINCE IT WAS A TURN AND THE CAR HAS POWER STEERING THE NOSE WAS IN THE OPPOSITE LANE BEFORE IT STOPPED. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10343183, 2010

Fuel/Propulsion System 4

“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, 2023

“VEHICLE STUTTERS AND FREQUENTLY STALLS WHEN COMING TO A STOP. THE MORE AGGRESSIVE THE BRAKING, THE LIKELINESS OF STALLING BECOMES HIGHER. THE VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE PUT INTO NEUTRAL TO BE RESTARTED. THIS ALSO OCCURS MORE FREQUENTLY IN COLDER TEMPERATURES. THE OLDER THE VEHICLE THE MORE OBVIOUS THE ISSUE BECOMES. CURRENTLY 99500 ON A 2010 LEGACY. THE DEALERSHIP HAS CONFIRMED THAT THE CONVERTER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED, BUT SUBARU USA IS UNWILLING TO OFFER SUPPORT DUE TO THE VEHICLE BEING OUTSIDE THE 'EXTENDED WARRANTY'. THE INFORMATION ORIGINALLY DISCLOSED BY SUBARU DID NOT SAY THAT THE VEHICLE MAY…”
NHTSA complaint #11394710, 2021

“WHILE CROSSING A BUSY STREET I WAS FORCED TO BRAKE HARD AND QUICKLY BECAUSE THE CAR AHEAD OF ME SUDDENLY STOPPED. MY SUBARU'S ENGINE THEN STALLED. I WAS ALMOST HIT FROM BOTH THE REAR END AND FROM THE SIDE BECAUSE I COULDN'T START MY CAR FAST ENOUGH. THE DEALERSHIP INDICATES THAT THIS IS DUE TO A BAD TORQUE CONVERTER ON THE CVT TRANSMISSION. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE 2010 LEGACY, BUT THEY WILL NOT AND THE NHTSA WON'T FORCE THEM TO DO A RECALL. HOWEVER, MY CAR IS 16,000 MILES OUTSIDE THE EXTENDED WARRANTY THEY ESTABLISHED WHEN THEY FOUND OUT ABOUT THE PROBLEM. THEY INDICATED THAT I COULD HA…”
NHTSA complaint #11221402, 2019

Visibility/Wiper 4

“MY WIFE AND I HAD MOVED FROM MILWAUKEE TO SEATTLE IN MARCH 2016. IN APRIL, WE DECIDED TO DRIVE UP TO THE SKAGIT VALLEY 'TULIP FESTIVAL' (NORTH OF THE CITY). WE TOOK MY WIFE'S 2010 SUBARU LEGACY IT WAS A DECENT DAY, BUT NOT WARM ENOUGH TO HAVE THE SUNROOF OPEN. WE DID HAVE THE SHADE OPEN THOUGH AND WERE ENJOYING THE SUN FILTERING IN. ON THE DRIVE UP ON I-5, WE HEARD WHAT SOUNDED LIKE AN EXPLOSION ABOVE US. MY WIFE KEPT HER COMPOSURE, BUT WE HAD TO SLOW DOWN, PULL OVER TO THE RIGHT LANE AND EXIT AS SOON AS WE COULD. WHEN WE STOPPED WE NOTICED A HOLE ABOUT THE SIZE OF A PENNY APPEARIN…”
NHTSA complaint #11065570, 2016

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V694000 (VISIBILITY/WIPER) AND 16V358000 (AIR BAGS) FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG INFLATOR. THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.”
NHTSA complaint #10967260, 2016

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU LEGACY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V694000 (VISIBILITY) AND 16V358000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.”
NHTSA complaint #10920463, 2016

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 3

“MY CAR WAS SITTING OVERNIGHT AND WHEN I STARTED THE CAR THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, STABILITY SKID LIGHT, BRAKE LIGHT, AND CRUISE LIGHT ARE ON. I REPLACED THE GAS CAP AND THESE LIGHTS ARE STILL ON. CRUISE AND BRAKE LIGHTS ARE FLASHING WHILE OTHER LIGHTS ARE JUST ON.”
NHTSA complaint #11183929, 2019

“WHILE TURNING INTO A PARKING LOT, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHT, THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT AND THE STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT ALL CAME ON AND STARTED BLINKING. PARKED THE CAR AND SHUT OFF THE ENGINE. LET SET FOR AN HOUR. STARTED AGAIN. RAN IT HOME AND ALL LIGHTS PREVIOUSLY INDICATED STAYED ON DOING THE SAME THING. CAR RAN FINE THOUGH IN ALL INSTANCES.”
NHTSA complaint #11181233, 2019

“I HAD A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE WITH MY 2010 SUBARU LEGACY WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. THE CAR WAS DOING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH AND I ACCELERATED TO CHANGE LANES AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR LOST ALL POWER AND EVENTUALLY CAME TO A COMPLETE HALT RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF FAST MOVING TRAFFIC. I TURNED ON MY HAZARD LIGHT, PUT THE CAR TO PARK AND RESTARTED. THE CAR WOULD START BUT WOULD SHUT DOWN SLOWLY IN THE NEXT 2-3 SECONDS EVEN BEFORE I COULD PUT IT TO DRIVE AND ACCELERATE. I NOTICED THAT ALL THE LIGHTS IN THE DASH LIKE TRACTION CONTROL, CHECK ENGINE, ETC ALL LIT UP AND THE CAR JUST SLOWLY DIED.…”
NHTSA complaint #10662763, 2014

Seats 3

“THE 2010 SUBARU LEGACY GT HAS A DEFECT IN THE SENSOR THAT DETERMINES WEIGHT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THIS SENSORS FUNCTION IS TO TURN THE AIRBAG ON OR OFF DEPENDING ON THE AMOUNT OF WEIGHT IN THE SEAT. WITH A 114 POUND WOMAN IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, THE AUTOMATIC AIRBAG SENSOR DOES NOT SIGNAL FOR THE AIRBAG TO BE READY TO DEPLOY AND CONTINUES TO BE IN THE OFF MODE. AFTER TAKING THE VEHICLE TO MULTIPLE SUBARU DEALERSHIPS, I WAS INFORMED THAT THE NEEDED WEIGHT TO TURN THE AIRBAGS TO THE ON MODE WAS 17 POUNDS. MY 114 POUND WIFE IS FAR MORE THAN 17 POUNDS BUT THE AIRBAG SENSOR STILL DOES NOT TRIP…”
NHTSA complaint #10437391, 2010

“FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG WORKS INTERMITTENTLY. PURCHASED NEW 2010 LEGACY FROM HUDSON SUBARU JERSEY CITY IN MAR 2010. FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT IS FREQUENTLY OFF WHEN I AM SITTING IN SEAT (5'7" & 135LBS). IS PROPERLY ACTIVATED HALF OF THE TIME. TRIED MANY THINGS TO GET AIRBAG TO TURN ON INCLUDING: 1. WITH CAR RUNNING, UNFASTENING PASSENGER SEATBELT AND REFASTENING 2. WITH CAR RUNNING, OPENING PASSENGER DOOR, EXITING CAR AND GETTING BACK IN 3. EXITING CAR, SHUTTING CAR OFF, RESTARTING CAR AND GETTING BACK IN 4. WITH CAR RUNNING LIFTING MYSELF UP AND OFF SEAT AND SITTING BACK DOWN AS HARD AS POS…”
NHTSA complaint #10434180, 2010

“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 *CN UPDATED 02/02/10.*JB”
NHTSA complaint #10297390, 2009

Equipment 2

“A 2010 SUBARU LEGACY [XXX], 67,381 MI ON 02/03/16 WAS DRIVEN APPROXIMATELY 100 YARDS CAME TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE DRIVEN FORWARD OR REVERSE. AFTER 30 MINUTES OF ATTEMPTS OF DIFFERENT SELECTION OF SWITCHES, THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO D DEALER. A PART, NUMBER 22641AA54A SEN AY-A/F R WAS INSTALLED TO CORRECT THE DISCREPANCY. THIS DISCREPANCY IS SUFFICIENTLY DANGEROUS TO WARRANT A RECALL. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10903650, 2016

“2010 SUBARU LEGACY DRIVER SIDE FLOOR MATS KEEPS MOVING AND COULD MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO BRAKE/ACCELERATE. THERE ARE 2 "PEGS" STICKING UP TO HOLD THE FLOOR MAT IN PLACE BUT AS YOU DRIVE, THE FLOOR MAT SHIFTS AND COMES OFF THE RIGHT PEG PUSHING THE MAT UP AND TURNING IT. THIS HAPPENS ROUTINELY EVERY DAY AS THE CAR IS DRIVEN. THE FLOOR MAT DOES NOT STAY SAFELY IN PLACE. PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED SINCE THE FIRST DAY OF OWNERSHIP AND AT ALL SPEEDS. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10285715, 2009

Fuel System 1

“MY 2010 SUBARU LEGACY AUTOMATIC...WHILE ACCELERATING ON AN INCLINE LOST ALL ACCELERATION, CAR ACTED AS IF IT WAS IN NEUTRAL, NO RESPONSE FROM THE THROTTLE. LIGHTS WERE STILL ON, NO WARNING LIGHT INDICATORS. PULLED OVER, TURNED OFF THE ENGINE AND RESTARTED. PROBLEM HAS NOT OCCURRED SINCE. DEALER SAYS HE CAN'T RECREATE THE PROBLEM AND THE DIAGNOSTICS REVEAL NO ERROR CODES. AFRAID TO DRIVE MY NEW SUBARU. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10356951, 2010

Parking Brake 1

“THE ELECTRONIC PARKING BREAK DOES NOT WORK ON MY AUTOMATIC WHEN I PARK ON AN INCLINE IT JUST BEEP'S AND FLASHES BREAK ON DASHBOARD”
NHTSA complaint #11133627, 2017

Seat Belts 1 1 crash 1 injury

“FRONTAL DRIVER'S AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY WHEN AUTOMOBILE STRUCK A UTILITY POLE HEAD-ON WITH SUFFICIENT FORCE TO DAMAGE IT BEYOND ECONOMIC REPAIR. ONLY OCCUPANT WAS OPERATOR, AND WAS USING SEATBELT BUT WAS INJURED DUE TO FORCE OF IMPACT AGAINST THE STEERING WHEEL. NOTE 1: MILEAGE IS UNKNOWN. FIGURE SUPPLIED IS AN ESTIMATE. NOTE 2: PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE DAMAGE ARE AVAILABLE AND THE VEHICLE IS BEING PRESERVED FOR FURTHER EXAMINATION. NOTE 3: THIS REPORT IS BEING SUBMITTED BY A PROFESSIONAL MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT RECONSTRUCTION. THE CONTACT INFORMATION IN THIS FORM IS THAT OF THE ENGINEER WHO…”
NHTSA complaint #10368136, 2010 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Tires 1

“TPMS SYSTEM ON SUBARU 2010 LEGACY IS TRIGGERED WHEN TIRE PRESSURE FALLS JUST BELOW PLACARD COLD TIRE PRESSURE. DEALER (LITHIA SUBARU, RENO) RECOMMENDS INCREASING TIRE PRESSURE TO 125% OF PLACARD COLD TIRE PRESSURE. SUBARU ALSO RECOMMENDS INCREASING TIRE PRESSURE. THIS LEADS TO MANY DRIVERS DRIVING WITH OVERINFLATED TIRES. SUBARU NEEDS TO LOWER THE PRESSURE AT WHICH TPMS SYSTEM INDICATES LOW TIRE PRESSURE TO ACTUALLY LOW TIRE PRESSURE. 75-80% OF PLACARD COLD TIRE PRESSURE WOULD SEEM AN ADEQUATE SOLUTION. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10353589, 2010

Traction Control System 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU LEGACY. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING OPERATED ON A STEEP INCLINE, THE TRACTION CONTROL INDEPENDENTLY ENGAGED AND CAUSED THE BRAKES TO FAIL. THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 72,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11003559, 2017

Visibility 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU LEGACY. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE SUN ROOF LEAKED WATER INTO THE VEHICLE. WATER ALSO LEAKED THROUGH THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR. IN NOVEMBER OF 2012, THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY COLONIAL SUBARU (200 W STREET RD, FEASTERVILLE-TREVOSE, PENNSYLVANIA 19053), BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES AFTER THE REPAIR. GLANZMANN SUBARU (95 OLD YORK RD, JENKINTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA 19046, (215) 249-6326) ADVISED THE CONTACT TO FLUSH THE SUN ROOF TO REMOVE DEBRIS, SUCH AS POLLEN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURED A TOTAL OF FIVE OR SIX TIMES SINCE NOVEMBE…”
NHTSA complaint #11121691, 2012

Wheels 1

“VIBRATIONS OCCUR WHEN EXCEEDING 50 MPH. THESE VIBRATIONS EXTEND TO THE STEERING WHEEL, FLOOR, AND DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS AND INCREASE AS SPEEDS BECOMING ENHANCED IN SPEEDS OVER 70MPH. NO ACCIDENTS AND REGULAR DEALER SERVICE. HAVE HAD MULTIPLE BALANCES, ALIGNMENTS AND 2 NEW SETS OF TIRES TO NO AVAIL. CAR PRESENTLY IN DEALER REPAIR FOR GREATER THAN 8 WEEKS TRYING TO FIX PROBLEM. I WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENTIRE FRONT SUSPENSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10654992, 2012