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2010 Subaru Legacy engine problems

35 complaints (23% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 100,000. 2 crashes reported.

owner complaints
35
of this car's complaints
23%
typical mileage
100,000
crashes
2
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Engine
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Subaru Legacy engine problems in other years

19901995200020052010201520202025

Specific symptoms reported on the 2010 Subaru Legacy engine

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Stalling 47Check engine light 9

Related recalls

Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: hoses/lines/piping/fittingsReported May 7, 2010 · 29,443 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
If the fluid is completely leaked during driving, the vehicle will come to a stop, possibly resulting in a crash.
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).

Recall number 10V196000 · Recall details

What 2010 Subaru Legacy owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Aug 14, 2023 · Engine · MD

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

Filed Dec 2, 2022 · Electrical, Engine · TN

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.

Filed Jun 26, 2022 · Engine, Transmission · TX

The CVT Transmission has a known problem where the torque converter causes stalling. This issue is well documented on Subaru forums. I took my vehicle to Subaru about the problem and they said the fix for the stalling is to replace the Torque Converter., It is not yet covered for a recall despite being such a large issue with these vehicles.

Filed Jun 2, 2022 · Brakes, Engine · MI

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.

Filed Apr 25, 2022 · Engine · PA

Subaru refuses to do a recall for their CVT transmission issue even though this is a know issue with the 2010-2012 Legacy. The car stalls when coming to a stop. Subaru never informed their owners of an issue and now refuse to pay for any repairs, if this was to become a recall then they would be required to pay for the repairs, and then there would be less unsafe vehicles on the road

Filed Mar 31, 2022 · Engine · PA

1. Car stalls when slowing down 2. Safety issue dealer has listed as torque issue and as safety issue 3. Dealer has vehicle now and report say torque issue with CVT 4. By delaer 5. No lights, car stalls when slowing down

Filed Mar 30, 2022 · Engine · PA

1. When coming to a stop the vehicle will shudder and stall. Vehicle drives fine until slowing down to and then will sometimes shudder and stall. 2. The car stalling when slowing down others drivers can hit you as they do not expect you to come to a complete stop. 3. I am taking the car to the dealer tomorrow. 4. I have notified the dealer of the issue and I have found two bulletins from the manufacture regarding this issue, which I found from other people who have complained of the same exact problem with their make of vehicle 5. No warning lights came on, I would slow down for a stop sign and before even stopping the car shudders and stalls, I have to put the car in park to start the and the car so far has started.

Filed Mar 25, 2022 · Electrical, Engine · 115,000 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2010 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated while driving at 50 MPH, the emergency brake warning light, traction control, oil pressure warning light, and the cruise control warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was then towed to an unknown dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission valve body had failed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred a week later. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed with an unknown electrical failure. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred less than a week later. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer who advised the contact to turn off the vehicle, disconnect the battery for 5 minutes, and to then restart the vehicle. The contact followed the instructions however, the failure persisted and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the gas cap was replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

Filed Oct 19, 2021 · Engine, Transmission · 170,918 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2010 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the traction control, transmission overheating, service brakes, and check engine warning lights were illuminated. There was an abnormal bubbling sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, a cause for the failure was not found. The dealer informed her that the vehicle was drivable. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 170,918.

Filed Feb 4, 2021 · Engine, Fuel system · 99,500 miles · NY

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 stall. This has now become a major safety concern which could leave individuals severely injured or dead if this were to occur at an unfortunate moment. Dealership estimated the repairs at about $3,028 plus tax.

Questions about the 2010 Subaru Legacy engine

Does the 2010 Subaru Legacy have engine problems?

Owners have filed 35 complaints about the engine of the 2010 Subaru Legacy, 23% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2010 Subaru Legacy engine problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 100,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2010 Subaru Legacy engine?

Yes, 1 recall: 10V196000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Subaru Legacy have bad engine?

The Subaru Legacy model years with the most engine complaints are 2010 (35 complaints), 2005 (33 complaints) and 1997 (32 complaints).

Other 2010 Subaru Legacy problems

Transmission 50Airbags 28Brakes 13Electrical 12Steering 12Lights 11Acceleration 8Body 7Suspension 7Fuel system 5Driver assistance 4Visibility 4Seats 3Seat belts 1Tires 1Wheels 1

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