Car Defect Radar
Get the report
Built from NHTSA complaints and recalls collected for this model, generated October 26, 2026. Totals reflect what has been collected, not every complaint ever filed.
Confirm 18 recalls before you buy.

Ask the seller for proof the repair was completed, or run the free VIN check. Recall repairs are done at no cost by a dealer.

Recalls

18 total · 18 to confirm

Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.

Airbags recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 20V002000 · Jan 2020

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-20.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Airbags recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 20V001000 · Jan 2020

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators with alternate inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-20.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Airbags recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 20V003000 · Jan 2020

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-20.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Electrical system recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 19V297000 · Apr 2019

The engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash. If a crash occurs under this condition, the air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.

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. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUF-91.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Airbags recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 19V007000 · Jan 2019

An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy
Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-19.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Airbags recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 19V009000 · Jan 2019

An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy
Subaru is notifying owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-19.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Airbags recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 19V008000 · Jan 2019

An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy
Subaru is notifying owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-19.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Safety recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 18V626000 · Sep 2018

A vehicle rollaway can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPB actuator assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 19, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTV-81.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Airbags recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 18V012000 · Jan 2018

An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-18.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Airbags recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 18V013000 · Jan 2018

An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-18.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Airbags recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 17V014000 · Jan 2017

An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-17.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Body & glass recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 16V694000 · Sep 2016

If the windshield wiper motor overheats, the wipers may fail, reducing driver visibility and increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, the wiper motor cover may melt, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor bottom cover assembly, free of charge. The recall began October 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTK-71. Note: This recall supersedes recall 11V-469. All vehicles that were remedied under that campaign are affected by this campaign, and need to have their wiper motor bottom cover replaced again.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Airbags recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 16V358000 · May 2016

An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy
Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 26, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Saab owners may contact GM at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-16.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Electrical system recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 13V061000 · Feb 2013

The engine may inadvertently start and run for up to fifteen minutes. The engine may continue to start and stop until the fob battery is depleted, or until the vehicle runs out of fuel. If the vehicle is parked in an enclosed area, there is a risk of carbon monoxide build-up which may cause headaches, dizziness or, in extreme cases, unconsciousness and/or asphyxiation.

Remedy
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RES key fobs, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Exterior lighting recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 12V602000 · Dec 2012

Over time, migration of the moisture into the circuit board and/or into the connector cavity, may result in a short circuit of the puddle light system. This may generate heat which may melt the plastic resulting in smoke or fire.

Remedy
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional fused-harness, free of charge. The recall began February 19, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Transmission recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 10V326000 · Jul 2010

IF THE TRANSMISSION GEARS ARE NOT PROPERLY LUBRICATED, A GROANING SOUND MAY BEGIN TO DEVELOP ALERTING THE DRIVER OF A PROBLEM. IF THE SOUND IS IGNORED AND NO ACTION IS TAKEN, THE GEARS WILL EVENTUALLY BREAK AND THIS CONDITION WILL LEAD TO VEHICLE POWER LOSS, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.

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. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Steering recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 10V283000 · Jun 2010

POSSIBLE CIRCUITS AFFECTED ARE THE DRIVER'S FRONTAL AIRBAG, PADDLE SHIFTER FUNCTION, CRUISE CONTROL, HORN CONTROL AND RADIO FUNCTIONS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy
DEALERS WILL CHECK LOT NUMBER OF THE STEERING ROLL CONNECTOR. THE ROLL CONNECTOR WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE IF THE LOT NUMBER SHOWED ANY AFFECTED RANGE OF THE FAILURE OCCURRENCE. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 7, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-782-2783.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Engine recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 10V196000 · May 2010

IF THE FLUID IS COMPLETELY LEAKED DURING DRIVING, THE VEHICLE WILL COME TO A STOP, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.

Remedy
SUBARU WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE ANY AFFECTED COOLER HOSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 8, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUBARU AT 1-800-SUBARU3 (1-800-782-2783).
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Owner complaints by system

150 total

Unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, grouped by the part of the car. Useful for spotting patterns. Open a group to read recent examples.

Engine & powertrain

Read closely
69

Most reports here involve sudden stalling. Of these, 3 mention a crash, 1 mention an injury.

sudden stalling 50transmission slipping 10unintended acceleration 5
A recent report: Stalling at stop lights. More often when it's cold and rainy. This happens to me at minimum 4x a day.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11629972 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Electrical & infotainment

Minor
16

Most reports here involve premature wear.

premature wear 6sudden stalling 3
A recent report: MY SISTER AND I HAVE THE SAME EXACT CAR JUST ONE YEAR APART AND THEY BOTH STALL WHEN COMING TO A STOP EVEN THOUGH THE CAR IS AN AUTOMATIC. THE BRAKE LIGHT BLINKS, THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT BLINKS AND…
Read full complaint

MY SISTER AND I HAVE THE SAME EXACT CAR JUST ONE YEAR APART AND THEY BOTH STALL WHEN COMING TO A STOP EVEN THOUGH THE CAR IS AN AUTOMATIC. THE BRAKE LIGHT BLINKS, THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT BLINKS AND IS UNABLE TO BE USED, THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT STAYS ON, AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. IT HAS BEEN LIKE THIS FOR SEVERAL YEARS NOW AND IVE TRIED TO TROUBLESHOOT MANY THINGS TO FIX IT, BUT NOTHING HAS WORKED. THE LIGHTS STAY ON CONSTANTLY MAKING IT UNABLE FOR ME TO USE MY CRUISE CONTROL AND THE CAR TO STALL WHEN COMING TO A STOP AT ANY SPEED. I ALSO KNOW SEVERAL OTHERS WITH THE SAME MODEL THAT HAVE HAD THIS ISSUE AND ALSO SEE VIDEOS OF THIS HAPPENING TO OTHER PEOPLE ON YOUTUBE AND THEM BEING UNSURE OF THE PROBLEM TO FIX IT.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11240758 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Brakes

Worth reading
10

Most reports here involve loss of braking. Of these, 2 mention a crash, 1 mention an injury.

loss of braking 4software faults 2corrosion 1
A recent report: 4 WAY REAR BRAKE LINE JUNCTION BOX IS SEVERELY CORRODED/RUSTED AND LEAKING BRAKE FLUID, WHICH COULD LEAD TO BRAKE FAILURE/CAUSE ACCIDENT.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11573406 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Steering, suspension & tires

Worth reading
16

Most reports here involve loss of steering. Of these, 1 mention a crash, 2 mention an injury.

loss of steering 5corrosion 2
A recent report: While driving heard a loud crunching noise coming from front driveside wheel area car was hard to control took it to mechanic and found out subframe is rotted and Control arm pulled right out of the…
Read full complaint

While driving heard a loud crunching noise coming from front driveside wheel area car was hard to control took it to mechanic and found out subframe is rotted and Control arm pulled right out of the subframe

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11524383 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Airbags & seat belts

Worth reading
25

Most reports here involve airbags not deploying. Of these, 4 mention a crash, 4 mention an injury.

airbags not deploying 11software faults 4
A recent report: Vehicle was involved in a front-end collision in which the Airbag failed to deploy. The vehicle has been considered totaled by the insurance company. A police report is available.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11699124 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Structure & body

Minor
10

Most reports here involve corrosion.

corrosion 5fluid leaks 1
A recent report: The contact owns a 2010 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle became difficult to maneuver, and there were abnormal sounds coming from underneath…
Read full complaint

The contact owns a 2010 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle became difficult to maneuver, and there were abnormal sounds coming from underneath the vehicle when the vehicle drove over potholes or objects on the roadway. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11724603 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Other systems

Minor
4

Most reports here involve other issues.

other issues 4
A recent report: TAKATA RECALL

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11025466 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Is 150 complaints a lot? They were filed between 2009 and 2026, roughly 9 a year, which is about the same as the typical model in this dataset. We do not have sales figures for this model, so treat this as a rough volume, not a rate per car on the road. Popular, high-volume models naturally collect more complaints over time.

How does it compare with other years? The 2010 has 150 complaints on file, fewer than the 2011 (167). Of the 15 model years of the Subaru Legacy we cover, the 2011 has the most (167). Older model years have had longer to collect complaints.