Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2010 Subaru Legacy owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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'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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Update to complaint number 11254310 summary of previous complaint: the Subaru Legacy has an issue where the vehicle will stall if the brakes are applied too firmly. Subaru refuses to fix this issue since the vehicle is out of warranty, even though they are aware of the defect. Update: this issue has caused an accident. My mother has been conditioned to not hit the brakes too hard for fear of stalling the vehicle. Recently, a vehicle came to a sudden stop in front of her, and she did not apply the brakes hard enough to avoid a collision. Thankfully nobody was seriously injured, but my mother did sustain some minor neck pain the day after the accident. This is a serious and known issue that Subaru refuses to resolve.
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
2010 Subaru Legacy ' gray car has rough down shifting as it comes to a stop. It vibrates or clunks like forgetting to push in the clutch if the car had a stick shift. Car stalls periodically. Other times the rpms drop and engine seems to recover without stalling. When shifting from reverse to forward of forward to reverse the car chatters and vibrates. This type of chatter has occurred in all situations, but seems to be happen more when he front wheels are turned and the brake is depressed. While backing out of parking space, then turning to go. Car has stalled a number of times. Happens when slowing down or changing gear. Frd to rev. All are random occurrences. The problem is getting worse and worse. There are more stalls and getting closer and closer together. This is the second time and for this issue. A repair was done under warranty maybe 18 months ago. …
Issue: when slowing down and then during final braking (such as at a stop sign or traffic light and also when applying the brakes to avoid a dangerous situation at speed on the highway) the car will "shudder" and then the engine will stall and stop running. This is particularly dangerous in traffic if it is necessary to get off the road. The car was brought to brewster, ny Subaru [phone]) and the technician claimed it did not show any codes on the computer. I then asked for a drive with the service manager and then he was able to replicate the issue several times. After never having road tested the car until I asked for it they came back with the guess that it was the torque converter. Cost to fix aprox. $1770.00.I understand that there was a service bulletin issued on this, but I never received it. I also never received a recall notice. …
Related recalls
Power train › Manual transmission
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010 and 2011 outback and legacy passenger vehicles manufactured from April 28 through June 23, 2010. Due to a programming error, a lubrication hole within the 6-speed manual transmission was omitted.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles by drilling an oil lubrication hole and, if necessary, replace the internal parts with new ones free of charge. The safety recall began on July 28, 2010.
Transmission complaints in other Legacy years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2010 Subaru Legacy?
NHTSA has 50 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2010 Subaru Legacy, 33% of the model year's 150 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2010 Subaru Legacy transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 10V-326 (manual transmission, Jul 20, 2010). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2010 Subaru Legacy transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles, and 21% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.