Owners filed 150 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the power train. It has been recalled 18 times.
When it fails
07000070,000 milesMedian miles at failure
106 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 0–10,000 miles.
What fails
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Power Train
29
2
0
1
Air Bags
19
3
1
3
Engine
18
0
0
0
Steering
10
0
0
0
Exterior Lighting
10
0
0
0
Service Brakes
9
0
0
0
Air Bags › Frontal
6
1
0
1
Vehicle Speed Control
5
1
0
0
Unknown or Other
5
0
0
0
Structure › Body
5
1
0
1
18 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module20V001000
Filed Jan 2, 2020258,813 vehiclesSubaru Of America, Inc.
Defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (STI included), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy. Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators with alternate inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-20.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module20V003000
Filed Jan 2, 2020111,562 vehiclesSubaru Of America, Inc.
Defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy. Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-20.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module20V002000
Filed Jan 2, 2020127,547 vehiclesSubaru Of America, Inc.
Defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy. Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-20.
Electrical System › Ignition › Switch19V297000
Filed Apr 11, 2019511 vehiclesSubaru Of America, Inc.
Defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy vehicles, 2005-2014 Outback vehicles and 2006-2008 Tribeca vehicles equipped with a mechanical key ignition switch installed as a replacement part. The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switch. If this occurs, the weight on the key ring and certain road conditions could cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.
Risk. The engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash. If a crash occurs under this condition, the air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition switch, replacing the ignition switch, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 10, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUF-91.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module19V008000
Filed Jan 9, 2019330,120 vehiclesSubaru Of America, Inc.
Defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, and Legacy vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk. An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy. Subaru is notifying owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-19.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module19V007000
Filed Jan 9, 201943,394 vehiclesSubaru Of America, Inc.
Defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Forester, 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, Legacy, and 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk. An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy. Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-19.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module19V009000
Filed Jan 9, 2019452,630 vehiclesSubaru Of America, Inc.
Defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk. An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy. Subaru is notifying owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-19.
Parking Brake18V626000
Filed Sep 13, 201827,175 vehiclesSubaru Of America, Inc.
Defect. 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.
Remedy. 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.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module18V013000
Filed Jan 9, 201893,209 vehiclesSubaru Of America, Inc.
Defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2010 Tribeca, Impreza, Forester, WRX, Legacy, and Outback vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk. An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-18.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module18V012000
Filed Jan 9, 201864,179 vehiclesSubaru Of America, Inc.
Defect. Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Legacy, Forester, Tribeca, WRX and Outback vehicles, and 2009-2011 Impreza vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk. An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-18.
Showing 10 of 18 campaigns, newest first.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Structure
Filed Mar 16, 2026113,000 milesMN
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.
Exterior Lighting
Filed Dec 8, 2025NJ
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.
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Nov 13, 2025PA
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.
Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 10, 2024PA
Stalling at stop lights. More often when it's cold and rainy. This happens to me at minimum 4x a day.
Service Brakes
Filed Feb 22, 2024MA
4 WAY REAR BRAKE LINE JUNCTION BOX IS SEVERELY CORRODED/RUSTED AND LEAKING BRAKE FLUID, WHICH COULD LEAD TO BRAKE FAILURE/CAUSE ACCIDENT.
Suspension
Filed Feb 15, 2024NY
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!!!
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Torque Converter
Filed Sep 7, 2023179,000 milesMI
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.
Structure › Body
Filed Aug 16, 2023WI
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?
Engine
Filed Aug 14, 2023MD
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
Unknown or Other
Filed May 30, 2023WI
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
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Feb 2, 2023CT
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.
Electrical System
Filed Dec 2, 2022TN
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.
Suspension
Filed Aug 22, 2022PA
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.
Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 18, 2022NH
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.
Power Train
Filed Jun 26, 2022TX
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.
Engine
Filed Jun 2, 2022MI
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.
Engine
Filed Apr 25, 2022PA
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
Structure › Body
Filed Apr 1, 2022PA
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
Engine
Filed Mar 31, 2022PA
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
Engine
Filed Mar 30, 2022PA
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.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Jan 2, 2020. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.