2010 Subaru Legacy Owner Complaints

The contact owns a 2010 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle became difficult to maneuver, and there were abnormal sounds coming from underneath the vehicle when the vehicle drove over potholes or objects on the roadway. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.

NHTSA ID

11724603

Incident

Mar 2, 2026

Mileage

113,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11703856

Incident

Dec 6, 2025

Vehicle was involved in a front-end collision in which the Airbag failed to deploy. The vehicle has been considered totaled by the insurance company. A police report is available.

NHTSA ID

11699124

Incident

Oct 27, 2025

Stalling at stop lights. More often when it's cold and rainy. This happens to me at minimum 4x a day.

NHTSA ID

11629972

Incident

Sep 4, 2024

4 WAY REAR BRAKE LINE JUNCTION BOX IS SEVERELY CORRODED/RUSTED AND LEAKING BRAKE FLUID, WHICH COULD LEAD TO BRAKE FAILURE/CAUSE ACCIDENT.

NHTSA ID

11573406

Incident

Feb 21, 2024

The front subframe of my 2010 Subaru is completely rusted through and is available for inspection. My safety was put at risk because if the subframe broke in half while I was driving it would cause an accident from lack of steering control. Many people online said they had the same problem. The car was vibrating and shaking at high speed. The vehicle has not been inspected by any representatives. Subaru of America was called and they refused to do anything to help us. I am sure there are many more of these cars on the road with this problem who are unaware as I was and it is extremely unsafe. People are going to be killed!!!

NHTSA ID

11572135

Incident

Feb 8, 2024

The contact’s wife owns a 2010 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle hesitated and stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the torque converter had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacture was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the warranty had expired but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 179,000.

NHTSA ID

11543205

Incident

Sep 5, 2023

Mileage

179,000 mi

The subframe failed. We were told it should not be used till the part is completely replaced. This was after coming back from a trip from New York to WI. After taking it to an independent dealer we were told the part was on back order on July 5th. After being told the part was finally in on August 14th I was told that the Subaru dealership said they made a mistake and that part was not for the independent dealership I’m working threw but for one of their customers. Seems this subframe is such an issue with the Subaru legacy’s that there’s a several week to several months back order. Just wondering if it’s such an issue and possible safety risk why there’s no recall?

NHTSA ID

11538994

Incident

Jul 5, 2023

Head gasket keeps getting blown not only that overheats after fixtures with the radiator pressure not flowing normal car been fixed more 4 times for radiator issue and now at the shop for the second time for head gasket blown and radiator issue what can I do to this point car has turned off on me on the high way due to overheating and I had to react fast In order to avoid accident

NHTSA ID

11538282

Incident

Jul 14, 2022

While driving heard a loud crunching noise coming from front driveside wheel area car was hard to control took it to mechanic and found out subframe is rotted and Control arm pulled right out of the subframe

NHTSA ID

11524383

Incident

May 22, 2023

I had a episode of sudden unintended acceleration while I was driving in the highway. If I would let the brake pedal go, my car would probably escalate its speed to maximum until it crashes. The RPM was almost 5 even though I was applying the brake. I could not make it stop by applying the brakes at all . I only could make it finally stop when I changed the gears to neutral and them to park and finally turn the engine off. I was lucky I was in the highway and when I got in the first light it was green, other wise an accident would've happened.

NHTSA ID

11505236

Incident

Feb 1, 2023

I’m having an issue with my vehicle stalling when I brake and when I come to a stop slowly or on an incline. I haven’t had it tested at a dealership but I have read about the issue among other Subaru owners stating it is possible the torque converter in the CVT and that Subaru isn’t recalling it. I see this as a major safety concern for myself and others on the road due to its stalling out at a stop or on an incline.

NHTSA ID

11495725

Incident

May 1, 2022

Front subframe has rotted away in several spots. This makes the vehicle extremely unsafe to drive. With possible wheel loss or control of steering. Problem has been confirmed by independent repair shop during state inspection. No warning lights are on or possible for this issue. Issue was first noticed from noise coming from front of vehicle like rocks bouncing around, followed by strong pulling to the right when braking.

NHTSA ID

11480480

Incident

Aug 6, 2022

I was driving home and heard loud creaking and grinding noises from the front of the car, especially when I was turning or braking. I did use it the next day and it sounded worse. I brought the car to my local repair shop and was told that the problem was a crack in the front sub frame. I did not have an accident or hit anything.

NHTSA ID

11479924

Incident

Aug 1, 2022

The CVT Transmission has a known problem where the torque converter causes stalling. This issue is well documented on Subaru forums. I took my vehicle to Subaru about the problem and they said the fix for the stalling is to replace the Torque Converter., It is not yet covered for a recall despite being such a large issue with these vehicles.

NHTSA ID

11471039

Incident

Jun 15, 2021

Three identical instances. 1. Was driving down road came to stop light pushed brakes and car stalled out. 2. Was approaching roundabout pushed brakes to wait for traffic and car stalled out. 3. Was on incline at stop pressing brakes, went to push gas and car stalled out. In each instance the car dies completely. You have to take key out, put back in and turn on the vehicle again.

NHTSA ID

11467174

Incident

Apr 11, 2022

Subaru refuses to do a recall for their CVT transmission issue even though this is a know issue with the 2010-2012 Legacy. The car stalls when coming to a stop. Subaru never informed their owners of an issue and now refuse to pay for any repairs, if this was to become a recall then they would be required to pay for the repairs, and then there would be less unsafe vehicles on the road

NHTSA ID

11462043

Incident

Apr 4, 2022

1. Dealer confirmed the car frame is rusted and a safety issue 2. Dealer confirmed the car frame is a safety issue due to the frame could separate 3. Yes dealer has confirmed the rusted frame is a safety issue 4. Yes the dealer has inspected this car and confirmed the frame is a safety issue 5. No lights or messages

NHTSA ID

11459195

Incident

Mar 31, 2022

1. Car stalls when slowing down 2. Safety issue dealer has listed as torque issue and as safety issue 3. Dealer has vehicle now and report say torque issue with CVT 4. By delaer 5. No lights, car stalls when slowing down

NHTSA ID

11459150

Incident

Mar 29, 2022

1. When coming to a stop the vehicle will shudder and stall. Vehicle drives fine until slowing down to and then will sometimes shudder and stall. 2. The car stalling when slowing down others drivers can hit you as they do not expect you to come to a complete stop. 3. I am taking the car to the dealer tomorrow. 4. I have notified the dealer of the issue and I have found two bulletins from the manufacture regarding this issue, which I found from other people who have complained of the same exact problem with their make of vehicle 5. No warning lights came on, I would slow down for a stop sign and before even stopping the car shudders and stalls, I have to put the car in park to start the and the car so far has started.

NHTSA ID

11458922

Incident

Mar 29, 2022

The contact owns a 2010 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated while driving at 50 MPH, the emergency brake warning light, traction control, oil pressure warning light, and the cruise control warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was then towed to an unknown dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission valve body had failed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred a week later. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed with an unknown electrical failure. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred less than a week later. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer who advised the contact to turn off the vehicle, disconnect the battery for 5 minutes, and to then restart the vehicle. The contact followed the instructions however, the failure persisted and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the gas cap was replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

NHTSA ID

11458361

Incident

Mar 25, 2019

Mileage

115,000 mi

Torque Converter failure - car stalls/shuts off when braking hard. This is a huge safety hazard. Car has 114,852 miles on it and was just recently purchased from a private owner. There should have been a recall for these vehicles from Subaru.

NHTSA ID

11439992

Incident

Oct 12, 2021

The contact owns a 2010 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the traction control, transmission overheating, service brakes, and check engine warning lights were illuminated. There was an abnormal bubbling sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, a cause for the failure was not found. The dealer informed her that the vehicle was drivable. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 170,918.

NHTSA ID

11437340

Incident

Jul 19, 2021

Mileage

170,918 mi

When braking and coming to a stop the car shutters and stalls. In order to avoid it, you must put it into neutral or else it will stall and you will have to restart. This is dangerous and a very essential function of the car and needs to be replaced asap. It does this more frequently when coming to an abrupt stop. There can also be lights that sometimes blink - the cruise control light, brake light flashing, and stability control lights. This has been occurring for many years and i have tried to get it replaced and fixed but it was unknown what would fix this issue exactly so it was just money wasted.

NHTSA ID

11419441

Incident

Jan 1, 2017

VEHICLE STUTTERS AND FREQUENTLY STALLS WHEN COMING TO A STOP. THE MORE AGGRESSIVE THE BRAKING, THE LIKELINESS OF STALLING BECOMES HIGHER. THE VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE PUT INTO NEUTRAL TO BE RESTARTED. THIS ALSO OCCURS MORE FREQUENTLY IN COLDER TEMPERATURES. THE OLDER THE VEHICLE THE MORE OBVIOUS THE ISSUE BECOMES. CURRENTLY 99500 ON A 2010 LEGACY. THE DEALERSHIP HAS CONFIRMED THAT THE CONVERTER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED, BUT SUBARU USA IS UNWILLING TO OFFER SUPPORT DUE TO THE VEHICLE BEING OUTSIDE THE 'EXTENDED WARRANTY'. THE INFORMATION ORIGINALLY DISCLOSED BY SUBARU DID NOT SAY THAT THE VEHICLE MAY STALL. THIS HAS NOW BECOME A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN WHICH COULD LEAVE INDIVIDUALS SEVERELY INJURED OR DEAD IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR AT AN UNFORTUNATE MOMENT. DEALERSHIP ESTIMATED THE REPAIRS AT ABOUT $3,028 PLUS TAX.

NHTSA ID

11394710

Incident

Feb 4, 2021

Mileage

99,500 mi