Is 2010 a good year for Subaru Legacy?

Yes. The 2010 Subaru Legacy remains a solid used-car option for buyers who want standard all-wheel drive, a comfortable ride, and strong safety fundamentals.

The 2010 model year sits in the Legacy’s fourth generation, introduced in 2009 with notable improvements to interior space, ride quality, and overall competence. It offers two engine choices and a full lineup of features that appeal to buyers in snow-prone regions and daily commuters alike, but as with any older vehicle, maintenance history and mileage matter more than the badge alone. This article examines what makes the 2010 Legacy attractive, what to watch for when shopping, and how it stacks up on safety, reliability, and ownership costs.

What makes the 2010 Legacy notable

The following highlights summarize the key strengths and practical appeal of the 2010 Legacy, helping prospective buyers weigh its value in today’s market.

Prospective buyers should consider these advantages when evaluating a used 2010 Legacy:

• Standard all-wheel drive across the lineup for enhanced traction in rain, snow, and ice


• Spacious and comfortable interior with ample rear-seat room and a practical trunk


• Calm, composed highway ride with strong stability at speed


• Reasonable maintenance costs relative to some luxury rivals, especially given the AWD system


• Solid safety framework for its era, including multiple airbags and stable handling


• Resale value that holds up relatively well for a non-luxury midsize sedan

Overall, these strengths make the 2010 Legacy a well-rounded choice for buyers who prioritize practicality, AWD capability, and a comfortable daily drive.

Performance and engines

Engine options

The 2010 Legacy offered two main propulsion choices. The base engine was a 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder (2.5i) producing roughly 170 horsepower, paired with either a five-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The other option was a 3.0-liter flat-six engine (3.0R) delivering about 256 horsepower, mated to an automatic transmission only. All trims featured Subaru’s hallmark symmetrical all-wheel drive, which contributes to confident handling in a variety of weather conditions. Prospective buyers should note that CVTs can require more meticulous maintenance and, as with any aging transmission, may exhibit wear if not serviced regularly.

Reliability and maintenance considerations

Reliability can vary widely based on maintenance history, mileage, and driving conditions. For 2010 Legacies with the EJ-based engine family, routine upkeep such as timely coolant changes, timing belt or chain service (per the engine design), and transmission servicing are important. There’s also the general expectation for Subaru’s AWD components to wear over time, which can affect fuel economy and performance if not addressed. When shopping, balance overall condition with a full inspection, ideally including a compression test for the 2.5L engine and a transmission service history review.

Before considering a purchase, buyers should be aware of common issues that can occur with higher-mileage examples:

• Cooling-system and head-gasket concerns on aging EJ-series engines, which may show coolant leaks or performance quirks


• Potential CVT wear on 2.5i CVT models, including shifting irregularities or hesitation if the fluid is degraded


• Automatic transmission wear on older 3.0R units, where transmission service history matters


• Suspension components and wheel bearings that can wear with mileage, affecting ride quality


• Interior wear or noise as plastics and seals age, though the cabin remains spacious for the class

When shopping, a thorough pre-purchase inspection and a review of maintenance records are essential to minimize surprises down the line.

Safety features and ratings

For its era, the 2010 Legacy offered a solid safety package, with Subaru’s stability control and multiple airbags contributing to strong crash-test performance by reviewers of the time. Availability of tech features varied by trim, but the comprehensive AWD system and a sturdy chassis layout typically translated into favorable safety outcomes in practical driving scenarios, such as snowy commutes and wet roads. Buyers should verify that essential safety components—airbags, ABS, stability control, and traction control—are functional, and consider higher-trim models if the goal is more advanced active-safety aids.

Is the 2010 Legacy a good buy today?

In today’s used-car market, the 2010 Legacy offers a compelling value proposition for shoppers who prioritize all-wheel drive, interior space, and a smooth ride. It can be a smart purchase when you find a well-documented vehicle with reasonable mileage and a clean maintenance history. However, as with any aging model, potential buyers should budget for ongoing maintenance and typical wear items, and should perform a careful inspection to confirm the absence of major cooling-system, transmission, or suspension issues.

Bottom line

For buyers seeking a practical, capable midsize sedan with AWD, the 2010 Subaru Legacy remains a credible option. Its strengths—space, ride comfort, and AWD performance—often outweigh the drawbacks for snow-prone regions and daily commuting. The key to a satisfying ownership experience is diligent pre-purchase inspection, full maintenance records, and realistic expectations about age-related wear.

Summary

The 2010 Subaru Legacy stands out in the used-market for its all-wheel-drive competency, interior practicality, and solid safety fundamentals. While it can be a strong value, especially in bad-weather regions, prospective buyers should be mindful of maintenance history and potential wear on aging components. With careful shopping, a well-maintained 2010 Legacy can continue to serve as a dependable, versatile vehicle.

How reliable are 2010s Subarus?

The vehicle offers a spacious interior, smooth ride, and capable all-wheel drive system, making it suitable for various weather conditions. Customers are satisfied with its reliability, safety, and fuel economy. However, some have experienced issues with the transmission, steering, and interior quality.

How long will a 2010 Subaru Legacy last?

A 2010 Subaru Legacy's life expectancy is often over 200,000 miles with proper maintenance, which is supported by owner reports and industry studies. While average estimates are lower, many owners consistently report reaching or exceeding 250,000 miles by following the manufacturer's recommended service schedule, especially regarding regular oil changes and timing belt/chain maintenance. Key factors that affect its longevity include consistent upkeep, driving conditions, and how it's been driven.
 
Factors affecting life expectancy

• Maintenance: Following the recommended maintenance schedule is the most crucial factor. This includes regular oil changes and replacing the timing belt or chain as recommended by the manufacturer. 
• Driving conditions: Stop-and-go city driving and extreme weather can increase wear and tear. However, Subaru's all-wheel-drive system helps with reliability in various conditions. 
• Engine type: Some 2010 models use the EJ engine, which requires timing belt replacement, while others use the FB engine, which has a timing chain. Checking which engine your specific car has is important for understanding its maintenance needs. 

What to expect with a high-mileage 2010 Legacy

• High mileage is achievable: With good care, the engine can last for 200,000 to 300,000 miles, and many owners report surpassing 200,000 miles on their vehicles. 
• Potential for wear: At over 200,000 miles, expect some general wear and tear and budget for potential repairs or replacements of various components. 
• Individual experiences vary: While the average lifespan is lower, individual results depend heavily on the care the car has received throughout its life. 

Is the 2010 Subaru Legacy reliable?

The 2010 Subaru Legacy has a generally positive reliability reputation, with many owners praising its durability and standard all-wheel drive. However, potential buyers should be aware of specific issues, such as problems with the head gaskets, torque converter stalling, and various components in the powertrain, suspension, and electronics that are cited as potential trouble spots.
 
Common issues to be aware of:

• Head gaskets: While this generation had updated head gaskets, they are still an area of concern, especially on higher-mileage engines. 
• Torque converter: Some models can experience torque converter issues that cause stalling, though they can often be repaired. 
• Powertrain, suspension, and electronics: Consumer Reports lists the powertrain, suspension/steering, and in-car electronics as potential trouble spots. 
• Brakes: Brakes are also mentioned as a potential area for concern. 

Positive aspects:

• Durability: Many owners report the car to be reliable and durable, with some high-mileage examples still performing well. 
• All-wheel drive: The standard all-wheel drive is a major plus for many, especially in areas with inclement weather. 
• Resale value: Due to its durability and all-wheel drive, the Legacy tends to hold its resale value well. 

Recommendations for potential buyers:

• Get a pre-purchase inspection: Given the potential issues, it is highly recommended to have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, notes Edmunds. 
• Check for recall history: The car has been recalled, so check its history to ensure any outstanding recalls have been addressed. 
• Listen for noises: During a test drive, listen for any strange noises from the engine or transmission, as this could indicate a problem. 

What is the most reliable year for the Subaru Legacy?

The most reliable Subaru Legacy years include the 2018 model, and the redesign years like 2020 and newer, which have improved reliability. Older generations, like the first and second (pre-2010), are also considered reliable, but potential issues like head gasket problems need to be checked for, particularly on models with the older EJ25 engines. The 2014 model is also noted as a reliable option, while some models from 2016-2020 may have more complaints. 
This video discusses the reliability of Subaru Legacy models from 2020 to 2021: 1mCarLandTVYouTube · Apr 16, 2025
Recommended model years

• 2020 and newer: These are considered more reliable due to a significant redesign and updated technology. The 2020 model year is frequently cited as a good option, notes CoPilot for Car Shopping. 
• 2018: This is another standout year, with a high reliability rating from J.D. Power. 
• Pre-2010: Older models from the first and second generations are known for their strong reliability, especially those with the EJ22E engine. 
• 2014: This is another year that receives high marks for reliability from sources like J.D. Power and Consumer Reports. 

Years to be cautious about

• 2016-2020: Some models in this range may have a higher number of complaints, according to Jalopnik. 
• 2012-2013: Be cautious with these models, especially if the head gaskets have not been documented as changed. 
• 2010-2012: Some models from these years had head gasket issues, though the design was improved in later years. 

You can watch this video to learn about the pros and cons of buying a used Subaru Outback or Legacy: 55sMrSubaru1387YouTube · Feb 14, 2022
Important considerations

• Maintenance: How well a car has been maintained is the most significant factor in its reliability, regardless of the model year. 
• Engine: The EJ25 engine in some older models is more prone to head gasket failure than other engines. The newer FB25 and FA24 engines in more recent models are generally more reliable. 
• Transmission: If looking at a car with over 100,000 miles, check the clutch and slave cylinder on a manual transmission.