2010 Subaru Legacy problems
Owners have filed 218 complaints about the 2010 Subaru Legacy with NHTSA. Power train accounts for 22.9% of them — the clear leader, ahead of engine at 14.2%.
Complaints218
Crashes18
Fires3
Injuries14
Deaths3
What owners report breaking
Power train 22.9% · 50
Engine 14.2% · 31
Air bags 13.3% · 29
Steering 5.5% · 12
Electrical system 5.5% · 12
Service brakes 5.5% · 12
Unknown or other 5.5% · 12
Exterior lighting 4.6% · 10
Severity
Of those complaints, 18 describe a crash, 3 describe a fire, 14 report an injury and 3 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 19 model years of the Subaru Legacy in this data, 2010 sits 5th by complaint volume. 2005 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 7 in the last three years against 30 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 71,000 miles.
In owners' own words
My 2010 Subaru Legacy automatic...While accelerating on an incline lost all acceleration, car acted as if it was in neutral, no response from the throttle. Lights were still on, no warning light indicators. Pulled over, turned off the engine and restarted. Problem has not occurred since. Dealer says he can't recreate the problem and the diagnostics reveal no error codes. Afraid to drive my new Subaru. Power train · reported at 15,000 miles
Problems with electronic throttle control or throttle bodys causes the vehicle to hesitate for several seconds upon initial acceleration. This has nearly resulted in accidents on several occasions when merging or pulling out into traffic. Problem of vehicle stalling when stopping at a light started at the same time (related problem). Drives fine under all other conditions. Dealer unable to assist. Power train · reported at 65,000 miles
Vehicle shakes and then stalls when coming to a rapid stop and needs to be put in park to restart. This is very dangerous. I was almost smashed into on a busy highway . The this has been going on for too long and . It could lead to an even worse accident the dealer I bought it from will not do anything about it and im still paying on it. Its an as is dealership so he refuses to help Power train · reported at 175,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…