Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2010 Subaru Legacy
The 2010 Subaru Legacy has several recalls, notably concerning airbag inflators and ignition switches. While generally reliable, these issues, alongside common complaints about power train and engine, warrant a thorough pre-purchase inspection. Addressing any outstanding recalls is crucial for safety.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2010 Subaru Legacy has 18 NHTSA recall campaigns and 151 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #20V002000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V001000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V003000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V297000 Ignition Switch may Turn Off NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V007000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V009000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V008000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V626000 Electronic Parking Brake may Fail NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V012000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V013000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V014000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V694000 Windshield Wiper Motor Bottom Cover may Melt NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V358000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #13V061000 Remote Engine Starter Fob Malfunction NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #12V602000 Accessory Puddle Light may Short-circuit NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #10V326000 TRANSMISSION NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #10V283000 OPEN CIRCUIT OF STEERING ROLL CONNECTOR NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #10V196000 CRACK OF THE CVT FLUID COOLER HOSE NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Power Train 50 complaints
- Engine 31 complaints
- Air Bags 28 complaints
- Electrical System 12 complaints
- Service Brakes 12 complaints
- Steering 12 complaints
Of the 151 complaints on file, 10 report a crash and 1 a fire; across all 151 complaints, owners report 8 injuries and 1 death (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Airbag inflator risk
How to check: Confirm recall completion for airbag inflators.
Ignition switch failure
How to check: Ensure ignition switch recall has been addressed.
Parking brake failure
How to check: Test EPB function in manual transmission models.
Steering column wire cracks
How to check: Check for recall completion on steering wiring.
CVT hose cracking
How to check: Inspect for recall-related CVT hose replacement.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual sounds or rough idle.
Red flag: Loud knocking or rough idle.
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check for dashboard warning lights.
Red flag: Persistent engine or brake warnings.
- 03
Acceleration
What to check: Ensure smooth power delivery and shifts.
Red flag: Hesitation or jerking motion.
- 04
Cruise control use
What to check: Activate to test system functionality.
Red flag: Cruise control fails to engage.
- 05
Highway driving
What to check: Listen for steering or suspension noise.
Red flag: Clunking or excessive play.
- 06
Parking
What to check: Test electronic parking brake function.
Red flag: Brake fails to engage or hold.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the airbag recall been completed?
- Are there any unresolved recalls?
- What is the odometer reading?
- Has the transmission been serviced?
- Any history of electrical issues?
- Have regular oil changes been done?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Vehicle history report
- Service records
- Recall repair documentation
- Title and registration
- Owner's manual
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2010 Subaru Legacy at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2010 Subaru Legacy? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.