2010 Subaru Legacy Engine Problems
NHTSA lists 40 engine complaints for the 2010 Subaru Legacy, 27% of its 150 total complaints, with median failure mileage of 99,750. A related recall (10V196000) covers CVT cooler hose cracks, but most engine complaints describe stalling and hesitation issues separate from that recall.
- Engine complaints
- 40
- 27% of 150 complaints
- All complaints this year
- 150
- Crashes reported
- 2
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Median mileage
- 99,750 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Engine stalls or completely shuts off at low RPM, often when the clutch is disengaged and the vehicle is decelerating or turning, sometimes cutting power steering along with it.
- Stalling episodes appear more frequent when the engine is cold or shortly after starting, and some owners say the issue is intermittent and hard to reproduce on demand.
- Owners report a pronounced hesitation on acceleration, where the engine revs briefly then drops before the car lurches forward, especially when pulling out from a stop or turning at an intersection.
- Some drivers describe sudden unintended acceleration where the throttle jumps to full power on startup or takeoff, with the vehicle surging forward without driver input.
- CVT-equipped cars show engine revs rising then dropping in a stumble pattern when the accelerator is pressed, described as a safety concern when passing or merging.
- One owner noted an abnormal engine noise that the dealer could not resolve and described as a widespread problem with no fix available.
When 2010 Subaru Legacy engine complaints were filed
First complaint Nov 3, 2009, latest Aug 14, 2023.
Engine recalls for the 2010 Subaru Legacy
- NHTSA 10V196000May 7, 2010Engine29,443 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:cooling system:hoses/lines/piping/fittings
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).
Engine complaints by Legacy model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many engine complaints does the 2010 Subaru Legacy have?
- NHTSA lists 40 engine complaints for the 2010 Legacy, which is 27% of the 150 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there an engine-related recall for the 2010 Subaru Legacy?
- Yes. Recall 10V196000 covers a crack or split in the CVT cooler hose that can leak fluid; dealers replace the hose free of charge.
- At what mileage do engine problems typically show up on the 2010 Legacy?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 99,750 at the time engine complaints were filed, though some owners reported issues at very low mileage as well.
- Did the 2010 Legacy engine problems cause any crashes?
- NHTSA records 2 crashes and 1 injury linked to complaints in the engine problem area for the 2010 Legacy, with no fires reported.