Is the 2010 Subaru LEGACY reliable?

The 2010 Subaru LEGACY has 218 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.6x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: TRANSMISSION problems.

What are common problems with the 2010 Subaru LEGACY?

Top problems: TRANSMISSION (50 complaints, avg repair $500); ENGINE (35 complaints, avg repair $500); AIR BAGS (29 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2010 Subaru LEGACY?

Yes, there are 18 recall(s): PARKING BRAKE, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION, STEERING:COLUMN, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS. Contact any Subaru dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2010 Subaru LEGACY?

The 2010 Subaru LEGACY gets 22 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2182. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2010 Subaru LEGACY?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2010 Subaru LEGACY is approximately $1,366/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2010 Subaru LEGACY

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2010 Subaru LEGACY has 218 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.6x the segment average of 140. The most common issue is transmission problems (23% of all complaints), specifically: my 2010 subaru legacy 3.6r has a very noticeable delay when attempting to accelerate the vehicle after a rolling stop. this is very common in everyday traffic, heading towards a red light that turns green, as well as with speed bumps. there is almost a full 2 second delay and the car then thrusts it. There are 18 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 3 fire reports filed.

3 fire reports 14 crash reports 10 injuries

218

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.6x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

TRANSMISSION

50 complaints

23%

• MY 2010 SUBARU LEGACY 3.6R HAS A VERY NOTICEABLE DELAY WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE AFTER A ROLLING STOP. THIS IS VERY COMMON IN EVERYDAY TRAFFIC, HEADING TOWARDS A RED LIGHT THAT TURNS GREEN, AS WELL AS WITH SPEED BUMPS. THERE IS ALMOST A FULL 2 SECOND DELAY AND THE CAR THEN THRUSTS IT
• 2010 SUBARU LEGACY 3.6R HAS A LONG DELAY WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE AFTER A ROLLING STOP, GOING OVER A SPEED BUMP, ETC.... VERY DANGEROUS IN EVERYDAY DRIVING ESPECIALLY WHEN HEADING TOWARDS A RED LIGHT THAT TURNS GREEN. AFTER THE DELAY, THE CAR LURCHES FORWARD. HAVE SPOKEN WITH THE
• TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU LEGACY. WHILE IN REVERSE AND ATTEMPTING TO PARK, THE VEHICLE ROLLED DOWN A HILL AND CRASHED INTO AN EMBANKMENT. THE BRAKES HAD NOT ENGAGED WHEN APPLIED. THE FAILURE WAS THE SECOND OCCURRENCE OF THE BRAKES NOT WORKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHI

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 3 crashes

“MY 2010 SUBARU LEGACY 3.6R HAS A VERY NOTICEABLE DELAY WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE AFTER A ROLLING STOP. THIS IS VERY COMMON IN EVERYDAY TRAFFIC, HEADING TOWARDS A RED LIGHT THAT TURNS GREEN, AS WELL AS WITH SPEED BUMPS. THERE IS ALMOST A FULL 2 SECOND DELAY AND THE CAR THEN THRUSTS IT”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2010 Subaru LEGACY

Based on 161 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 71K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

AIR BAGS

In line with typicalmedian 25K mi · 14 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

STEERING

In line with typicalmedian 3K mi · 12 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SUSPENSION

In line with typicalmedian 1K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SPEED CONTROL

Later than typicalmedian 64K mi · 7 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

LIGHTING

Later than typicalmedian 38K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

High-mileage issuemedian 82K mi · 10 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (18)

PARKING BRAKE13/09/2018

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.

Risk: A vehicle rollaway can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2010 Subaru LEGACY

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,182

Per month

$182

Per mile

18.2¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,667/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,549/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2010 Subaru LEGACY

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,366

Full coverage / month

$114

Liability only / year

$611

vs US avg

-18%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.85x

= Full coverage estimate$1366

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Subaru LEGACY Service Intervals

Oil change

6K mi / 6 mo

Tire rotation

6K mi

Brake fluid

30 months

Transmission fluid

30K mi

Engine coolant

138K mi

Spark plugs

60K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

Boxer engines have specific oil consumption patterns — check oil monthly. CVT service every 30K is critical; skipping shortens life dramatically. AWD requires matched tire wear.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Subaru New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

3 yr / 36K mi

These are the terms for a new Subaru. If you're buying a used 2010 LEGACY, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Subaru dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 218 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
TRANSMISSION: MY 2010 SUBARU LEGACY 3.6R HAS A VERY NOTICEABLE DELAY WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE AFTER A ROLLING STOP. THIS IS VERY COMMON IN EVERYDAY TRAFFIC, HEADING TOWARDS A RED LIGHT THAT TURNS GREEN, AS WELL AS WITH SPEED BUMPS. THERE IS ALMOST A FULL 2 SECOND DELAY AND THE CAR THEN THRUSTS IT
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: I BOUGHT A NEW 2010 SUBARU AND IT MAKES AN ABNORMAL NOISE. I HAVE HAD IT IN TO BE REPAIRED AND WAS TOLD THERE IS NOT FIX TO THE PROBLEM. PURCHASED 8/19/09 FROM SHORTLINE SUBARU. I HAVE DISCUSSED WITH SUBARU OF AMERICA AND THEY HAVE NO DATE TO FIX THIS PROBLEM AND HAVE NOT ACKNOWLEDGED THERE MY CERT
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
AIR BAGS: AIR BAG SENSOR / SWITCH FOR FRONT PASSENGER SEAT MALFUNCTIONING. TESTED AND VERIFIED WITH BOTH 125LB AND 135LB ADULT FEMALE. INDICATOR LIGHT SHOWS PASSENGER AIR BAG AS OFF MOST OF THE TIME AND INTERMITTENTLY CHANGES TO ON WHILE DRIVING. I HAVE HAD THE TECHNICIANS BOTH LOOK AT AND VERIFY THE PROBL
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: 2010 SUBARU LEGACY DRIVER SIDE FLOOR MATS KEEPS MOVING AND COULD MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO BRAKE/ACCELERATE. THERE ARE 2 "PEGS" STICKING UP TO HOLD THE FLOOR MAT IN PLACE BUT AS YOU DRIVE, THE FLOOR MAT SHIFTS AND COMES OFF THE RIGHT PEG PUSHING THE MAT UP AND TURNING IT. THIS HAPPENS ROUTINELY EVERY D
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 18 recalls have been completed — free at any Subaru dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)