CSR

Subaru · NHTSA safety record

2010 Subaru Legacy

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

150

Complaints

10

Crashes

1

Fires

8

Injuries

1

Deaths

Owners of the 2010 Subaru Legacy have filed 150 safety complaints with NHTSA between September 2009 and March 2026. The most complained-about system is the power train, named in 50 of them (33%). The typical failure was reported at 70,000 miles, the median across the 106 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

NHTSA has issued 18 recalls covering this vehicle.

Recalls (18)

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

20V003000 · January 2, 2020

The defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
The risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The remedy
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-20.

Subaru of America, Inc. · up to 111,562 vehicles across all model years covered

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

20V002000 · January 2, 2020

The defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
The risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The remedy
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-20.

Subaru of America, Inc. · up to 127,547 vehicles across all model years covered

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

20V001000 · January 2, 2020

The defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (STI included), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
The risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The remedy
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators with alternate inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-20.

Subaru of America, Inc. · up to 258,813 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

19V297000 · April 11, 2019

The defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy vehicles, 2005-2014 Outback vehicles and 2006-2008 Tribeca vehicles equipped with a mechanical key ignition switch installed as a replacement part. The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switch. If this occurs, the weight on the key ring and certain road conditions could cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.
The risk
The engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash. If a crash occurs under this condition, the air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
The remedy
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition switch, replacing the ignition switch, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 10, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUF-91.

Subaru of America, Inc. · up to 511 vehicles across all model years covered

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

19V009000 · January 9, 2019

The defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
The risk
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.
The remedy
Subaru is notifying owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-19.

Subaru of America, Inc. · up to 452,630 vehicles across all model years covered

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

19V008000 · January 9, 2019

The defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, and Legacy vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
The risk
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.
The remedy
Subaru is notifying owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-19.

Subaru of America, Inc. · up to 330,120 vehicles across all model years covered

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

19V007000 · January 9, 2019

The defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Forester, 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, Legacy, and 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
The risk
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.
The remedy
Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-19.

Subaru of America, Inc. · up to 43,394 vehicles across all model years covered

PARKING BRAKE

18V626000 · September 13, 2018

The defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with a manual transmission. The electronic parking brake (EPB) may not engage as intended, allowing the vehicle to rollaway if the transmission is not in the proper gear when parked.
The risk
A vehicle rollaway can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPB actuator assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 19, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTV-81.

Subaru of America, Inc. · up to 27,175 vehicles across all model years covered

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

18V013000 · January 9, 2018

The defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2010 Tribeca, Impreza, Forester, WRX, Legacy, and Outback vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
The risk
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.
The remedy
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.

Subaru of America, Inc. · up to 93,209 vehicles across all model years covered

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

18V012000 · January 9, 2018

The defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Legacy, Forester, Tribeca, WRX and Outback vehicles, and 2009-2011 Impreza vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
The risk
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.
The remedy
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 TKA-18.

Subaru of America, Inc. · up to 64,179 vehicles across all model years covered

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

17V014000 · January 10, 2017

The defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Subaru Baja, 2006-2011 Impreza (including WRX and STI models), 2006-2012 Tribeca, 2009-2012 Forester, Legacy, Outback, and 2012 WRX vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
The risk
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The remedy
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-17.

Subaru of America, Inc. · up to 53,480 vehicles across all model years covered

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

16V694000 · September 27, 2016

The defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Legacy vehicles manufactured November 26, 2008, to June 7, 2013, and 2010-2014 Outback vehicles manufactured January 9, 2009 to June 7, 2013. Due to contamination, components within the windshield wiper motor bottom cover may interfere with each other. If an obstruction, such as a buildup of snow or ice prevents the wiper arms from being able to stop in the parked position, the wiper motor may overheat and the bottom cover may melt.
The risk
If the windshield wiper motor overheats, the wipers may fail, reducing driver visibility and increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, the wiper motor cover may melt, increasing the risk of a fire.
The remedy
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor bottom cover assembly, free of charge. The recall began October 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTK-71. Note: This recall supersedes recall 11V-469. All vehicles that were remedied under that campaign are affected by this campaign, and need to have their wiper motor bottom cover replaced again.

Subaru of America, Inc. · up to 592,647 vehicles across all model years covered

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

16V358000 · May 25, 2016

The defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Legacy, Outback, 2009-2011 Legacy, Outback, Forester, 2006-2011 Impreza, Tribeca, 2003-2006 Baja, and 2006 Saab 9-2x vehicles originally sold or that have ever been registered in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." These vehicles may be equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
The risk
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The remedy
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 26, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Saab owners may contact GM at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-16.

Subaru of America, Inc. · up to 302,127 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

13V061000 · February 25, 2013

The defect
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with an automatic or CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, certain model year 2012-2013 Impreza vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, and certain model year 2013 XV Crosstrek vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory. Additionally included are certain model year 2013 Legacy and Outback vehicles that may have received replacement RES fobs. If the RES fob is dropped, the fob may malfunction and randomly transmit an engine start request without pressing the button.
The risk
The engine may inadvertently start and run for up to fifteen minutes. The engine may continue to start and stop until the fob battery is depleted, or until the vehicle runs out of fuel. If the vehicle is parked in an enclosed area, there is a risk of carbon monoxide build-up which may cause headaches, dizziness or, in extreme cases, unconsciousness and/or asphyxiation.
The remedy
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RES key fobs, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.

Subaru of America, Inc. · up to 47,419 vehicles across all model years covered

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

12V602000 · December 26, 2012

The defect
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010 and 2011 Legacy and Outback vehicles, certain model year 2006 through 2012 Tribeca vehicles sold before January 2012, and certain model year 2009 through 2012 Forester vehicles sold before January 2012. Up to 78,650 of these vehicles may have been equipped with accessory puddle lights that, when illuminated, brighten the area under the doors of the vehicle. A short circuit can develop when either the puddle light or connector are exposed to an electrolytic moisture source (such as road spray that has road salt in it) and it penetrates the circuit board of the puddle light or the pins of the puddle light connector(s).
The risk
Over time, migration of the moisture into the circuit board and/or into the connector cavity, may result in a short circuit of the puddle light system. This may generate heat which may melt the plastic resulting in smoke or fire.
The remedy
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional fused-harness, free of charge. The recall began February 19, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.

SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. · up to 633,842 vehicles across all model years covered

POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION

10V326000 · July 20, 2010

The defect
SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 AND 2011 OUTBACK AND LEGACY PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 28 THROUGH JUNE 23, 2010. DUE TO A PROGRAMMING ERROR, A LUBRICATION HOLE WITHIN THE 6-SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION WAS OMITTED.
The risk
IF THE TRANSMISSION GEARS ARE NOT PROPERLY LUBRICATED, A GROANING SOUND MAY BEGIN TO DEVELOP ALERTING THE DRIVER OF A PROBLEM. IF THE SOUND IS IGNORED AND NO ACTION IS TAKEN, THE GEARS WILL EVENTUALLY BREAK AND THIS CONDITION WILL LEAD TO VEHICLE POWER LOSS, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
The remedy
SUBARU WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES BY DRILLING AN OIL LUBRICATION HOLE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE INTERNAL PARTS WITH NEW ONES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.

SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. · up to 809 vehicles across all model years covered

STEERING:COLUMN

10V283000 · June 24, 2010

The defect
SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 OUTBACK AND LEGACY PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 16, 2009 THROUGH APRIL 12, 2010. THE WIRING IN THE STEERING COLUMN ELECTRICAL ROLL CONNECTOR LOCATED BEHIND THE VEHICLE'S STEERING WHEEL MAY DEVELOP STRESS CRACKS AND EVENTUALLY BREAK. IF THIS WERE TO HAPPEN CERTAIN ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS MAY NOT OPERATE AS INTENDED.
The risk
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.
The remedy
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.

SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. · up to 73,698 vehicles across all model years covered

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS

10V196000 · May 7, 2010

The defect
SUBARU IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 OUTBACK AND LEGACY PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 31 THROUGH DECEMBER 1, 2009. A CRACK OR SPLIT CAN OCCUR IN THE CVT COOLER HOSE RESULTING IN A FLUID LEAK.
The risk
IF THE FLUID IS COMPLETELY LEAKED DURING DRIVING, THE VEHICLE WILL COME TO A STOP, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
The remedy
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).

SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. · up to 29,443 vehicles across all model years covered

What owners report

Complaints naming each system. One complaint can name several, so these add up to more than 150.

POWER TRAIN 50 33%
ENGINE 31 21%
AIR BAGS 28 19%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 12 8%
SERVICE BRAKES 12 8%
STEERING 12 8%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 12 8%
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 10 7%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 8 5%
STRUCTURE 7 5%
SUSPENSION 7 5%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 4 3%

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2010 at 23.

2009 2010 2026
2009 to 2026, the last of them a part year

In owners' own words

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 death · crash · 34,000 miles

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) WHERE HE WAS ADMITTED TO CRITICAL CARE. HE DIED PEACEFULLY AND WITHOUT PAIN ON WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON,

NHTSA complaint 10661247, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STRUCTURE

2 injured · crash · 3,500 miles

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 DANGEROUS AND NEEDS TO BE MODIFIED. *TR

NHTSA complaint 10359916. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS

1 injured · fire · crash · towed · 131,000 miles

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. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS

1 injured · crash · towed · 37,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU LEGACY. WHILE REVERSING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, ANOTHER VEHICLE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED LACERATIONS TO THE HEAD, HEMATOMAS, AMNESIA, STUTTERING, DAMAGE TO THE NERVOUS SYSTEM, AND SEVERE HEAD INJURIES. THE INJURIES REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO BECOME AN EPILEPTIC. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 37,000.

NHTSA complaint 10845593. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STRUCTURE

113,000 miles

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. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS

1 injured · crash · towed

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. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Stalling at stop lights. More often when it's cold and rainy. This happens to me at minimum 4x a day.

NHTSA complaint 11629972. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES
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. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SUSPENSION
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 unsafe. People are going to be killed!!!

NHTSA complaint 11572135. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Subaru Legacy

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2023 10 2
2022 32 2
2021 31 3
2020 121 6
2019 123 3
2018 116 3
2017 118 2
2016 146 3
2015 159 3
2014 53 10
2013 66 12
2012 90 16
2011 167 16

Other 2010 Subaru models

Every Subaru on this site — 97 vehicles, 147 recall campaigns and 1 open investigation .

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. What each state asks for , read from the statutes.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

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Independent developer and analyst