Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2010 Subaru Outback owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2010 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while coming to a complete stop, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. Additionally, the vehicle would make abnormal sounds and the gear shift indicator light would disappear from the instrument cluster. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the dealer could not duplicate the failure. The vehicle was taken to four independent mechanics. The last mechanic diagnosed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V297000 (Electrical System) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the independent mechanic. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
I own a 2010 Subaru Outback. While parked at a college in Medford, Oregon, it suffered a spontaneous electrical fire that originated inside the driver's door. This is the exact failure described in Subaru Safety Recall Campaign WQE-41. The NHTSA website states the recall was completed on this VIN, meaning the recall repair itself has failed and caused a total loss of the vehicle at this time as we are unsure if it's fixable or even worth fixing. Fire dept did come out and confirm fire was out completely and instructed me not to drive car at all until it could get looked at.
This car is a very well-maintained, low-use vehicle with regular oil changes and routine maintenance performed on schedule. Early in this drive, I noticed an unusual hissing sound as I approached a stop. When I tried to brake, I realized my brakes didn't seem to be responding. I pressed the brake pedal harder and realized that with 50-100 pounds of pressure (guess), I could slow the car down. As I came to a stop, the engine died. I restarted the car, and it died again immediately. After the following restart, I realized I could manually keep the RPM up in neutral while at stops, and press with significant force to get the car to stop. Had I not been comfortable two foot driving or understood the issue, this surely would have resulted in a crash of some sort. The car indicated a check engine light, loss of traction control, a flashing BRAKE light, and a flashing cruise control light. …
Total engine failure at just 75k miles. Barely driven, maintenance schedule always kept up to date, out of nowhere engine stopped and I was told the oil was completely empty. They were unable to resolve by adding oil. Also, transmission light has been on for 3+ years. Have been told by every repair shop who has checked this that it's just a glitch in the electrical system and the transmission is fine. A few weeks prior to engine failure, the car began to have trouble accelerating and made a sort of "race car" sound. Barely could go past 40 mph without slamming on gas. Finally, doors have randomly decided to stop locking and unlocking while using key fob. Batteries have been replaced. Some doors work, some do not (namely, the driver side door). Other misc electrical issues like USB failure.
I recently purchased this car used and noticed the steering wheel radio controls did not work. After doing some research I discovered there was already a recall on this car and this car has already had the recall work performed on it in December of 2010. The affected part is the steering wheel roll connector. This part also allows for the contact of other electrical signals from the airbag, cruise control and paddle shifters to the car's computer. I called Subaru and they said the recall work was done. I purchased the part from the Subaru dealer and installed it per the service manual instructions. Upon installation of the roll connector and completion of the total repair the steering wheel radio controls functioned as they were intended. I think this is a concern because Subaru has replaced a known defective part with one that after a little over 4.5 years has failed again. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Subaru Outback. When the contact attempted to disengage the parking brake, the check engine, ABS, traction control, parking brake, and cruise control warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to landers mclarty Subaru (located at 5790 university dr nw, huntsville, al 35816, [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the parking brake failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the repair fees. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided case number: 1-38208244231. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, she noticed that the horn made no sound when depressed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnosis. The manufacture was notified of the failure and provided minimal assistance to the contact with offering a partial payment for the repair. The contact felt that she should not be responsible to pay for the repair. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 129,000. Vehicle was taken to the dealer.
While driving all the warning lights on the dash lit up. Brake, skid control, cruise control and check engine. This happened during the summer and I stopped at a repair shop and they reset the computer and it worked fine until today. I googled this problem and seems many other Subaru owners are having the same problem. Seems dealers have many expensive repairs but even after repairs, owners are still having the same problems. I just returned my care twice for a recall on the airbags. This seems to be a reoccurring problem with subarus.
My headlights both low beam and high go out on a monthly basis. I have a 2 year old daughter and live in the mountains of lake tahoe. This is a nuisance as well as a considerable safety hazard and the dealership seems to think there is no issue other than continual bad bulbs. I am considering filing a law suit against suba [redacted] '
Multiple times over the past 6 years I will be driving and if using my cruise it stops working and I have flashing lights , brake and cruise light flashes on and off, check engine and traction control light stay on. These lights stay on from 1 day to almost 2 weeks before they go out. I have had them checked many times by Subaru dealer and other mechanic shops with no resolution except to clear the codes
Related recalls
Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
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.
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.
Electrical complaints in other Outback years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2010 Subaru Outback?
NHTSA has 33 complaints about the electrical system of the 2010 Subaru Outback, 9% of the model year's 360 complaints. The component named most often is horn (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2010 Subaru Outback electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 19V-297 (switch, Apr 11, 2019). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2010 Subaru Outback electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles, and 27% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to electrical system 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.