How common are engine problems on the 2010 Subaru Outback?

NHTSA lists 77 engine complaints for the 2010 Outback, which is 22% of the 356 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there an engine recall for the 2010 Subaru Outback?

Yes. Recall 10V196000 covers a CVT cooler hose that can crack or split, causing a fluid leak. Subaru dealers replace the affected hose free of charge.

At what mileage do 2010 Outback engine problems tend to occur?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 66,800 miles at the time of failure for complaints in the engine category.

Do the engine complaints involve crashes?

Of the 77 engine-related complaints, NHTSA records 5 crashes and 1 injury, with no fires reported.

What kind of engine issues do owners describe most?

Owners most often describe stalling during deceleration or clutch engagement, near-stall shuddering with the A/C on, and some incidents of sudden unintended acceleration.

2010 Subaru Outback Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 77 engine-related complaints for the 2010 Subaru Outback, 22% of all complaints filed for that model year. A related recall (10V196000) covers a CVT cooler hose that can crack and leak fluid. Median mileage at failure was 66,800 miles.

Engine complaints: 77; 22% of 356
Crashes reported: 5
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 1
Median mileage: 66,800 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Engine stalls unexpectedly while decelerating, coasting to a stop, or depressing the clutch, sometimes cutting power steering and brake assist.
Manual-transmission cars near-stall or shudder when slowing down, especially with the air conditioning running.
Some owners report sudden unintended acceleration at low speeds while parking or backing up, leading to collisions.
One owner reported a dealer reprogramming the ECM after a duplicated stalling event, with the problem improving but not fully resolved.
A cruise-control related surge was reported, with RPM climbing sharply when resuming speed.

When 2010 Subaru Outback engine complaints were filed

First complaint May 31, 2010, latest Mar 12, 2026.

77 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2010 Q2 to 2026 Q1; peak 2010 Q3 (17).

Engine recalls for the 2010 Subaru Outback

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 Outback model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201077 (22%)
2011113 (17%)
201259 (20%)
201388 (30%)
201449 (24%)
201574 (15%)
201674 (12%)
201769 (8%)
201857 (7%)
201964 (6%)
202061 (7%)
202137 (13%)
202226 (6%)
20233 (3%)
202410 (10%)
20258 (10%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems on the 2010 Subaru Outback?: NHTSA lists 77 engine complaints for the 2010 Outback, which is 22% of the 356 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there an engine recall for the 2010 Subaru Outback?: Yes. Recall 10V196000 covers a CVT cooler hose that can crack or split, causing a fluid leak. Subaru dealers replace the affected hose free of charge.
At what mileage do 2010 Outback engine problems tend to occur?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 66,800 miles at the time of failure for complaints in the engine category.
Do the engine complaints involve crashes?: Of the 77 engine-related complaints, NHTSA records 5 crashes and 1 injury, with no fires reported.
What kind of engine issues do owners describe most?: Owners most often describe stalling during deceleration or clutch engagement, near-stall shuddering with the A/C on, and some incidents of sudden unintended acceleration.