2010 Subaru Legacy Problems

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

TAKATA RECALL - SCHALLER SUBARU OF BERLIN, CT CANNOT ACCOMMODATE THIS RECALL UNTIL OCTOBER 8, 2019. CALL TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL ASAP WAS MADE JULY 15, 2019.

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

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.

VIBRATIONS OCCUR WHEN EXCEEDING 50 MPH. THESE VIBRATIONS EXTEND TO THE STEERING WHEEL, FLOOR, AND DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS AND INCREASE AS SPEEDS BECOMING ENHANCED IN SPEEDS OVER 70MPH. NO ACCIDENTS AND REGULAR DEALER SERVICE. HAVE HAD MULTIPLE BALANCES, ALIGNMENTS AND 2 NEW SETS OF TIRES TO NO AVAIL. CAR PRESENTLY IN DEALER REPAIR FOR GREATER THAN 8 WEEKS TRYING TO FIX PROBLEM. I WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENTIRE FRONT SUSPENSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *TR

THERE ARE VERY NOTICEABLE VIBRATIONS ON THAT CAN BE FELT THROUGH STEERING WHEEL, FLOOR, AND DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS. VIBRATIONS START TO APPEAR AT THE SPEEDS APPROACHING 60 M/HR; THEY INCREASE EXPONENTIALLY AND BY 75 MILES/HOUR THEY BORDER ON VIOLENT. THE ALIMENT AND WHEEL BALANCE WERE CHECKED AND DETERMINED NOT BE AN ISSUE. THE CAR WAS NEVER IN THE ACCIDENT AND WAS SERVICED REGULARLY. THE DEALER FAILED TO DETERMINE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. *TR

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.

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.

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.

OVER THE PAST 9.5 YEARS THAT I'VE OWNED THE CAR, I'VE HAD TO REPLACE THE HEADLIGHT BULBS ON BOTH SIDES AT LEAST 5 TIMES IN EACH SIDE. I'VE TALKED TO SUBARU ABOUT THIS AND THEY CANNOT GIVE ME A DEFINITE ANSWER/SOLUTION TO PROBLEM. THEY DID EXTEND WARRANTY TO 10 YEARS REGARDING THIS SO THEY KNOW SOMETHING IS GOING ON BUT DO NOT DISCLOSE TO CUSTOMERS. I'M JUST TRYING TO FIGURE OUT A PERMANENT SOLUTION

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.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU LEGACY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT CAME TO AN ABRUPT STOP AND THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER (BRUNSWICK SUBARU 2992 CENTER RD, BRUNSWICK, OH, 44212) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 136,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

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.

MY CAR WAS SITTING OVERNIGHT AND WHEN I STARTED THE CAR THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, STABILITY SKID LIGHT, BRAKE LIGHT, AND CRUISE LIGHT ARE ON. I REPLACED THE GAS CAP AND THESE LIGHTS ARE STILL ON. CRUISE AND BRAKE LIGHTS ARE FLASHING WHILE OTHER LIGHTS ARE JUST ON.

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.

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?

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!!!

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.

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.

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.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU LEGACY. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE SUN ROOF LEAKED WATER INTO THE VEHICLE. WATER ALSO LEAKED THROUGH THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR. IN NOVEMBER OF 2012, THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY COLONIAL SUBARU (200 W STREET RD, FEASTERVILLE-TREVOSE, PENNSYLVANIA 19053), BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES AFTER THE REPAIR. GLANZMANN SUBARU (95 OLD YORK RD, JENKINTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA 19046, (215) 249-6326) ADVISED THE CONTACT TO FLUSH THE SUN ROOF TO REMOVE DEBRIS, SUCH AS POLLEN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURED A TOTAL OF FIVE OR SIX TIMES SINCE NOVEMBER OF 2012. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED THE CONTACT WITH CASE NUMBER: 135592085980. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,758. **TR CONSUMER STATED WATER ON FLOOR, MILDEW, BOTH SIDES FRONT AND BACK RUGSINCIDENTS 11-28-2012, 07-06-2015, 11-30-2016, 01-19-2018, 08-21-2018. UPDATED 10/26/18*JB

MY WIFE AND I HAD MOVED FROM MILWAUKEE TO SEATTLE IN MARCH 2016. IN APRIL, WE DECIDED TO DRIVE UP TO THE SKAGIT VALLEY 'TULIP FESTIVAL' (NORTH OF THE CITY). WE TOOK MY WIFE'S 2010 SUBARU LEGACY IT WAS A DECENT DAY, BUT NOT WARM ENOUGH TO HAVE THE SUNROOF OPEN. WE DID HAVE THE SHADE OPEN THOUGH AND WERE ENJOYING THE SUN FILTERING IN. ON THE DRIVE UP ON I-5, WE HEARD WHAT SOUNDED LIKE AN EXPLOSION ABOVE US. MY WIFE KEPT HER COMPOSURE, BUT WE HAD TO SLOW DOWN, PULL OVER TO THE RIGHT LANE AND EXIT AS SOON AS WE COULD. WHEN WE STOPPED WE NOTICED A HOLE ABOUT THE SIZE OF A PENNY APPEARING IN THE SUNROOF ABOVE US. THERE WAS SHATTERED GLASS IN THE CUP HOLDERS AND ON THE MIDDLE CONSOLE. WE COULDN'T BELIEVE WHAT HAPPENED - WE WERE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, NOTHING WAS ABOVE US AND WE COULDN'T FIND A ROCK OR ANYTHING IN THE CAR. THE AUTO GLASS REPAIR SHOP PUT SOME CLING WRAP ON THE GLASS AND TAPED IT SO WE COULD CONTINUE OUR JOURNEY AND AWAIT INSURANCE. TURNS OUT OUR WI INSURANCE WAS STILL IN AFFECT SO WE ACTUALLY (LUCKILY) HAD IT COVERED UNDER GLASS REPLACEMENT. IT WAS A BIT OF A MESS WORKING WITH INSURANCE, GETTING THE REPLACEMENT GLASS, AND SCHEDULING THE REPAIR WORK, BUT WE'RE JUST THANKFUL WE DIDN'T GET GLASS ON US OR GET IN AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THIS. [XXX] SEATTLE WA **THANKS SO MUCH FOR RAISING THE AWARENESS ON THIS AND HELPING OTHERS. WE APPRECIATE IT AND HOPE THE AUTO COMPANIES OR SAFETY BOARDS DO SOMETHING TO HELP PREVENT THIS IN THE FUTURE!** INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU LEGACY. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING OPERATED ON A STEEP INCLINE, THE TRACTION CONTROL INDEPENDENTLY ENGAGED AND CAUSED THE BRAKES TO FAIL. THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 72,000.

VIBRATIONS OCCUR WHEN EXCEEDING 50 MPH. THESE VIBRATIONS EXTEND TO THE STEERING WHEEL, FLOOR, AND DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS AND INCREASE AS SPEEDS BECOMING ENHANCED IN SPEEDS OVER 70MPH. NO ACCIDENTS AND REGULAR DEALER SERVICE. HAVE HAD MULTIPLE BALANCES, ALIGNMENTS AND 2 NEW SETS OF TIRES TO NO AVAIL. CAR PRESENTLY IN DEALER REPAIR FOR GREATER THAN 8 WEEKS TRYING TO FIX PROBLEM. I WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENTIRE FRONT SUSPENSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *TR

FRONTAL DRIVER'S AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY WHEN AUTOMOBILE STRUCK A UTILITY POLE HEAD-ON WITH SUFFICIENT FORCE TO DAMAGE IT BEYOND ECONOMIC REPAIR. ONLY OCCUPANT WAS OPERATOR, AND WAS USING SEATBELT BUT WAS INJURED DUE TO FORCE OF IMPACT AGAINST THE STEERING WHEEL. NOTE 1: MILEAGE IS UNKNOWN. FIGURE SUPPLIED IS AN ESTIMATE. NOTE 2: PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE DAMAGE ARE AVAILABLE AND THE VEHICLE IS BEING PRESERVED FOR FURTHER EXAMINATION. NOTE 3: THIS REPORT IS BEING SUBMITTED BY A PROFESSIONAL MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT RECONSTRUCTION. THE CONTACT INFORMATION IN THIS FORM IS THAT OF THE ENGINEER WHO IS INVESTIGATING THE ACCIDENT. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 SUBARU LEGACY. THE HEAD REST TILTS TO FAR DOWN, WHICH CAUSES PAIN TO HER NECK. SHE IS ONLY 5'1" TALL. A TECHNICIAN FROM THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLES DESIGN MEETS REGULATIONS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 500. UPDATED 2/1/10 *CN UPDATED 02/02/10.*JB

THE 2010 SUBARU LEGACY GT HAS A DEFECT IN THE SENSOR THAT DETERMINES WEIGHT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THIS SENSORS FUNCTION IS TO TURN THE AIRBAG ON OR OFF DEPENDING ON THE AMOUNT OF WEIGHT IN THE SEAT. WITH A 114 POUND WOMAN IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, THE AUTOMATIC AIRBAG SENSOR DOES NOT SIGNAL FOR THE AIRBAG TO BE READY TO DEPLOY AND CONTINUES TO BE IN THE OFF MODE. AFTER TAKING THE VEHICLE TO MULTIPLE SUBARU DEALERSHIPS, I WAS INFORMED THAT THE NEEDED WEIGHT TO TURN THE AIRBAGS TO THE ON MODE WAS 17 POUNDS. MY 114 POUND WIFE IS FAR MORE THAN 17 POUNDS BUT THE AIRBAG SENSOR STILL DOES NOT TRIP TO THE ON MODE. I AM WORRIED THAT A PASSENGER WILL NOT BE PROTECTED IN A POSSIBLE CRASH. *TR

FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG WORKS INTERMITTENTLY. PURCHASED NEW 2010 LEGACY FROM HUDSON SUBARU JERSEY CITY IN MAR 2010. FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT IS FREQUENTLY OFF WHEN I AM SITTING IN SEAT (5'7" & 135LBS). IS PROPERLY ACTIVATED HALF OF THE TIME. TRIED MANY THINGS TO GET AIRBAG TO TURN ON INCLUDING: 1. WITH CAR RUNNING, UNFASTENING PASSENGER SEATBELT AND REFASTENING 2. WITH CAR RUNNING, OPENING PASSENGER DOOR, EXITING CAR AND GETTING BACK IN 3. EXITING CAR, SHUTTING CAR OFF, RESTARTING CAR AND GETTING BACK IN 4. WITH CAR RUNNING LIFTING MYSELF UP AND OFF SEAT AND SITTING BACK DOWN AS HARD AS POSSIBLE. HUSBAND TOOK CAR TO HUDSON SUBARU ON 11/9/10 AND THEY RECALIBRATED SEAT MODULE AND SENSOR. PROBLEM PERSISTED SO HE CALLED HUDSON SUBARU ON 10/12/11. SAID THEY HAVE RECEIVED A NUMBER OF CALLS REGARDING THIS ISSUE, BUT THAT THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. SENSOR IS DESIGNED TO ACTIVATE AIRBAG WHEN 90LBS OF PRESSURE IS APPLIED TO SEAT. IF A SMALLER PERSON IS NOT SITTING SQUARELY IN SEAT, SENSOR MAY NOT DETECT PERSONS WEIGHT AND AIRBAG WILL NOT BE ACTIVATED. CALLED SUBARU ON 10/12/11 AND OPENED A CASE. ALSO EMAILED SUBARU ON 10/20. RECEIVED EMAIL REPLY ON 10/26 REQUESTING I BRING CAR TO DEALERSHIP AND MEET WITH A FIELD REP. ON 11/1 REP INDICATED WEIGHT SETTING IS NOT 90LBS ITS CLOSER TO 112LBS. SAID HE MET WITH A COUPLE IN FLEMINGTON HAVING SAME ISSUE AND HAD TO REPLACE GEL BLADDER IN SEAT. HE ASKED TO SEE CAR AND CHECKED TO BE SURE SEATBACK NOT RECLINED AND THEN ASKED ME TO SIT IN CAR. POINTED OUT THAT BACKS OF MY THIGHS DID NOT TOUCH SEAT AND SUGGESTED MY FULL WEIGHT WAS NOT BEING DETECTED BY SENSOR. HE KEPT CAR OVERNIGHT AND PERFORMED DIFFERENT TESTS, BUT WAS UNABLE TO REPLICATE PROBLEM. HE EMAILED ME A PAGE FROM OWNERS MANUAL WHICH DETAILED HOW SOMEONE SHOULD SIT IN SEAT AND STEPS AN OWNER SHOULD TAKE IF THE AIRBAG DOES NOT ACTIVATE. *TR

TPMS SYSTEM ON SUBARU 2010 LEGACY IS TRIGGERED WHEN TIRE PRESSURE FALLS JUST BELOW PLACARD COLD TIRE PRESSURE. DEALER (LITHIA SUBARU, RENO) RECOMMENDS INCREASING TIRE PRESSURE TO 125% OF PLACARD COLD TIRE PRESSURE. SUBARU ALSO RECOMMENDS INCREASING TIRE PRESSURE. THIS LEADS TO MANY DRIVERS DRIVING WITH OVERINFLATED TIRES. SUBARU NEEDS TO LOWER THE PRESSURE AT WHICH TPMS SYSTEM INDICATES LOW TIRE PRESSURE TO ACTUALLY LOW TIRE PRESSURE. 75-80% OF PLACARD COLD TIRE PRESSURE WOULD SEEM AN ADEQUATE SOLUTION. *TR