2010 Subaru Legacy Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 50about this part
- Share
- 33%of 151 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 100,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 50 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2010 Subaru Legacy, 33% of the 151 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 100,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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”
NHTSA complaint #11388138, filed 2021-01, 175,000 miles“After 2 re-manufactured transmissions installed the same problem with the cars transmission. The car is stuttering and warning lights are on. The car feels like it's going to turn off while driving. At times the vehicle accelerator jams. I worry about my and my passengers safety.”
NHTSA complaint #11317145, filed 2020-03, 16,700 miles“I purchased this car on 12/21/2010. The mileage is 61,259 and I have owned it for 9 years, 4 months and 28 days. The car is now stalling at traffic lights and while idling. There was a warranty extension for this car in june, 2017 for the continuously variable transmission (CVT). I believe this is the issue - and it is a known issue. Before I contact Subaru, I want to know if you are contemplating issuing a recall and not just a warranty extension.”
NHTSA complaint #11324820, filed 2020-05, 60,870 miles“While driving the car, it frequently jolts, makes a screeching noise and it is scary because it also feels as though it may simply turn off. I have contacted the dealership from which I purchased the vehicle and I was informed that Subaru is aware of the issue and that they would likely take care of repairing the transmission ($7,000). However, Subaru has contacted me with the offer to pay only $2,500 of the total amount of the repair. …”
NHTSA complaint #11154227, filed 2018-11, 125,000 miles“My 2010 Subaru Legacy automatic...while accelerating on an incline lost all acceleration, car acted as if it was in neutral, no response from the throttle. Lights were still on, no warning light indicators. Pulled over, turned off the engine and restarted. Problem has not occurred since. Dealer says he can't recreate the problem and the diagnostics reveal no error codes. Afraid to drive my new Subaru.”
NHTSA complaint #10356951, filed 2010-09, 15,000 milesRelated recalls
- 10V326000Jul 20, 2010Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010 and 2011 outback and legacy passenger vehicles manufactured from april 28 through june 23, 2010. Due to a…Covers: Subaru Legacy 2010–2011, Outback 2010–2011
Related service bulletins
- 11033056May 4, 2026This announcement provides information on the remanufactured CVT transmission program.
- 11032040Apr 24, 2026This bulletin announces the service manual correction regarding clutch master cylinder reservoir service procedures.
- 11022305Aug 11, 2025Subaru Service Technical Support Newsletter special edition.
- 11014872Feb 18, 2025This bulletin has been developed in response to a small number of customer concerns regarding fluid seepage found coming from the CVT assembly.
- 11005624Jul 24, 2024This annoucement provides parts personnel information about remanufactured transmissions that will no longer be available.
- 10243369Sep 11, 2023This bulletin announces the availability of a countermeasure torque converter assembly to address a customer concern of very low engine RPM when coming to a stop.
- 10232240Feb 28, 2023This Service Information Bulletin provides an updated diagnostic flow along with an IMPORTANT caution to follow for certain CVT solenoid related DTCs as listed.
- 10202815Oct 27, 2021This bulletin has been developed in response to a small number of customer concerns regarding fluid seepage found coming from the CVT assembly.
- 10198765Jun 23, 2021This bulletin provides corrected diagnostics containing a revised flow for certain CVT solenoid related DTCs.
- 10187317Feb 1, 2021In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the New Car Limited Powertrain Warranty coverage for the Continuously Variable Transmission…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 3% |
| 2021 | 2 | 6% |
| 2020 | 7 | 6% |
| 2019 | 1 | 1% |
| 2018 | 2 | 2% |
| 2017 | 4 | 3% |
| 2016 | 13 | 9% |
| 2015 | 15 | 9% |
| 2014 | 6 | 11% |
| 2013 | 12 | 18% |
| 2012 | 34 | 38% |
| 2011 | 47 | 28% |
| 2010 | 50 | 33% |
| 2009 | 2 | 3% |
| 2008 | 6 | 9% |
| 2007 | 1 | 3% |
| 2006 | 8 | 9% |
| 2005 | 13 | 7% |
| 2004 | 2 | 4% |
| 2003 | 5 | 8% |
| 2002 | 7 | 13% |
| 2001 | 2 | 3% |
| 2000 | 14 | 15% |
| 1999 | 18 | 19% |
| 1998 | 14 | 12% |
| 1997 | 17 | 12% |
| 1996 | 8 | 7% |
| 1995 | 9 | 5% |
| 1994 | 5 | 8% |
| 1993 | 9 | 12% |
| 1992 | 5 | 9% |
| 1991 | 16 | 21% |
| 1990 | 14 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2010 Subaru Legacy
31 complaintsAir bags
28 complaintsBrakes
13 complaintsOther or unknown
13 complaintsElectrical system
12 complaintsSteering
12 complaintsExterior lighting
11 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsSuspension
7 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2010 Subaru Legacy
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology