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2010 Subaru Legacy lights problems

11 complaints (7% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 46,765.

owner complaints
11
of this car's complaints
7%
typical mileage
46,765
crashes
0
recalls
1

Which part fails

Owners did not name a specific part.

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 lights problems in other years

1990199520002005201020152024

Specific symptoms reported on the 2010 Subaru Legacy lights

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

Headlights 12

Related recalls

Exterior lightingReported December 26, 2012 · 633,842 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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).
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.
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.

Recall number 12V602000 · Recall details

What 2010 Subaru Legacy owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 29, 2026 · Lights · TX

This is my car, no problem. The problem are these other vehicles with these high beam looking lights. I believe it's LED lights, they are too bright! On a dark one lane road the road in front of me dissappears. I have to completely halt and wait for the vehicle with these lights to pass to see the road. Please regulate these lights to avoid any more accidents due to these lights.

Filed Dec 8, 2025 · Lights · NJ

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.

Filed Mar 13, 2019 · Lights · CA

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

Filed Apr 6, 2018 · Lights · 30,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 subaru legacy. While operating the vehicle, the head lamps would not illuminate properly due to a defective headlight assembly. The contact indicated that the tabs on both headlight assemblies were fractured, which caused the light bulbs to become unsecured and move while the vehicle was in motion and making turns in either direction. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer (cascade subaru, 4149 state rd cuyahoga falls, oh 44223) where it was diagnosed that the headlight assemblies needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was concerned that the headlights would not function properly, causing a visibility hazard. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 30,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed Apr 16, 2017 · Lights · CA

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!

Filed Jan 20, 2017 · Lights · 89,000 miles · MA

I have a 2010 subaru legacy 3.6r I bought almost 4 years ago. In the time that I have owned it I have replaced 7 headlight bulbs and have to do it again because one just blew out. It is not one specific side, its either or both. Why is this happening? Is there a recall on the assembly? I know the bulbs are the right style for the car and I rip the whole front end apart to do it because of the style of the car.

Filed Oct 30, 2016 · Lights · 55,000 miles · PA

This is the fourth time that my right headlight (low beam ) has burnt out on this car. I see where subaru has recalled other models for headlight problems. Why not this model ?

Filed Sep 27, 2016 · Lights · 46,765 miles · VA

We purchased this vehicle used, one owner, in may 2013. We have constantly had to replace headlight and mini bulbs. We have not purchased subaru bulbs and did not have dealer to install. Dealer is 2 hrs away and would be too expensive. I do not believe the problem is with the bulbs but is something wrong with this model car. They are very difficult to get to and to replace as my husband and I replace them each time. On november 27, 2013, one headlight went out and then before we replaced it on december 13, 2013 the other headlight went out. I had to drive home (about one hour) in the dark and thank god I was not involved in an accident. But this is very dangerous and it happens all the time. We just don't know when or if both will be out at the same time. Purchased 5/25/13, 11/27/13 headlight out, 12/13/13 headlight out, 3/12/14 mini bulbs replaced, 7/1/14 headlight out, 10/21/14 headlight out, 1/6/16 mini bulbs replaced, 5/5/16 headlight out, 5/101/6 mini bulbs out. This was all the receipts I could find, could have been more. This very annoying due to the difficulty in reaching the area to replace the bulbs. Please have subaru to find the cause and fix this before there is a major accident or injury to someone. Thanks!!

Filed Jul 2, 2013 · Lights · 12,000 miles · MD

I have had to replace my low beam headlight bulbs fours times (on each side) in three years. I've had the dealer do it twice, and I've done it twice. The dealer made me pay because bulbs are not covered under warranty. Changing the low beam bulbs on this vehicle requires removal of the tire, and the wheel well liner - it take at least an hour, and is extremely cumbersome. The dealer charged me $150 for each incident. I cannot afford to keep changing these bulbs. Something has to be wrong with the headlight unit.

Filed Mar 9, 2010 · Lights · NY

The running lights on my subaru legacy do not illuminate high and far enough in front of the car. The service mgr said he would put hi-intensity bulbs in. He was overruled and they installed fog lights that did not improve range of lights. Factory people said the lites only adjust right/left.

Questions about the 2010 Subaru Legacy lights

Does the 2010 Subaru Legacy have lights problems?

Owners have filed 11 complaints about the lights of the 2010 Subaru Legacy, 7% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2010 Subaru Legacy lights problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 46,765 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2010 Subaru Legacy lights?

Yes, 1 recall: 12V602000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Subaru Legacy have the most lights problems?

The Subaru Legacy model years with the most lights complaints are 2011 (18 complaints), 2005 (14 complaints) and 2010 (11 complaints).

Other 2010 Subaru Legacy problems

Transmission 50Engine 35Airbags 28Brakes 13Electrical 12Steering 12Acceleration 8Body 7Suspension 7Fuel system 5Driver assistance 4Visibility 4Seats 3Seat belts 1Tires 1Wheels 1

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