AI-generated · grounded in NHTSA data

Reliability & 5-year cost of ownership — 2010 Subaru Legacy

Overall rating NHTSA-grounded

Average

Estimated 5-year repair + maintenance cost: $7,000–$12,000

The 2010 Subaru Legacy has several recalls, notably for airbag inflators and parking brake defects, but mostly region-specific. Common complaints include powertrain and engine issues. Despite these concerns, repair frequency and recall data suggest it maintains an average cost and reliability profile within its class.

Most-common failures

Part Typical mileage Cost range Frequency
powertrain70,000–100,000 miles$1,000–$3,500common
engine80,000–110,000 miles$1,500–$4,000common
airbagsany mileage$0–$0occasional
steering60,000–90,000 miles$500–$1,500occasional

Scheduled maintenance to budget

Routine items every owner should plan for.

  • Change oil every 5,000 miles
  • Replace air filter annually
  • Brake fluid every 2 years
  • Transmission fluid every 40,000 miles
  • Coolant system check every 30,000 miles

Warning signs to watch for

Symptoms that signal a major upcoming repair.

  • Unusual transmission noises
  • Recurring engine misfires
  • Airbag warning light
  • Persistent steering vibration

Generated by gpt-4o on 6/18/2026. Cost ranges are conservative estimates that account for typical regional variation.