2010 Subaru Outback MPG
The 2010 Subaru Outback gets 18–22 mpg in the city and 25–29 on the highway (20–24 combined), across the 3 versions the EPA rated.
The most efficient pairs the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with a CVT and all-wheel drive, at 24 mpg combined. The thirstiest version uses the 3.6-liter 6-cylinder engine with an automatic transmission and all-wheel drive and is rated 20 mpg combined. That is 2 mpg better than the best gasoline 2009 version (22 mpg).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outback Wagon AWD | 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 | 29 | 24 | Regular · 370 g CO₂/mi |
| Outback Wagon AWD | 2.5 L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 27 | 22 | Regular · 404 g CO₂/mi |
| Outback Wagon AWD | 3.6 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 20 | Regular · 444 g CO₂/mi |
2010 Subaru Outback fuel cost per year
Driving 15,000 miles a year on regular gasoline at the September 2026 U.S. average of $4.36 a gallon, the 2010 Subaru Outback costs about $2,720 a year to fuel in its most efficient form (24 mpg combined), or roughly 18 cents a mile.
The thirstiest priced version (20 mpg combined) comes to about $3,270 a year, $540 more.
This is an estimate from EPA combined mpg and the EIA national average price; your cost depends on how and where you drive and on local prices.
2010 Subaru Outback specs
2010 Subaru Outback buyers could choose between 2 engines, according to EPA records: 2.5 L 4-cyl and 3.6 L 6-cyl. It came with automatic, continuously variable (CVT) and manual transmissions, with all-wheel drive. The EPA classes it as a sport utility vehicle.
| Engine size (L) | Cylinders | Transmissions | Drive | Versions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L | 4 | Automatic (variable gear ratios); Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 2 |
| 3.6 L | 6 | Automatic (S5) | All-Wheel Drive | 1 |
2010 Subaru Outback problems
Owners have filed 360 complaints about the 2010 Subaru Outback with NHTSA, the U.S. vehicle-safety agency, as of October 2026.
Power train is the most-reported area (20% of component mentions), followed by air bags (10%) and engine (9%).
Spread over its time on sale, that is 21 complaints a year: more than the 2009 (5.9 a year) and fewer than the 2011 (41 a year).
That ranks 13th of 17 Subaru Outback model years (2008–2024), counting from the most complaints per year.
Of the 360, 12 mention a crash, 3 a fire and 6 an injury.
| Component | Mentions | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 94 | 20% |
| Air bags | 45 | 10% |
| Engine | 44 | 9% |
| Steering | 42 | 9% |
| Exterior lighting | 35 | 7% |
| Service brakes | 35 | 7% |
| Electrical system | 33 | 7% |
| Suspension | 26 | 6% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 23 | 5% |
| Unknown or other | 19 | 4% |
| Structure | 14 | 3% |
| Vehicle speed control | 13 | 3% |
| Tires | 9 | 2% |
| Seats | 6 | 1% |
| Visibility/wiper | 5 | 1% |
| Wheels | 5 | 1% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 4 | <1% |
| Hydraulic service brakes | 3 | <1% |
| Visibility | 3 | <1% |
| Electronic stability control (esc) | 2 | <1% |
| Equipment adaptive/mobility | 2 | <1% |
| Parking brake | 2 | <1% |
| Seat belts | 2 | <1% |
| Equipment | 1 | <1% |
| Gasoline fuel system | 1 | <1% |
| Interior lighting | 1 | <1% |
What owners told NHTSA
It is a known issue with subarus of this year that the engine will stall at random intervals when stopping, weather at a stop sign or stop light, warm or cold, fast stops or regular stopping. …
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2010 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that he received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V007000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. …
This car is a very well-maintained, low-use vehicle with regular oil changes and routine maintenance performed on schedule. Early in this drive, I noticed an unusual hissing sound as I approached a stop. …
2010 Subaru Outback recalls
NHTSA lists 18 recall campaigns for the 2010 Subaru Outback.
The most recent, campaign 20V001000 from January 2020, concerns air bags.
Air bags account for 10 of the 18 campaigns, more than any other area.
10V283000 · June 24, 2010 · Steering
Problem: THE WIRING IN THE STEERING COLUMN ELECTRICAL ROLL CONNECTOR LOCATED BEHIND THE VEHICLE'S STEERING WHEEL MAY DEVELOP STRESS CRACKS AND EVENTUALLY BREAK. IF THIS WERE TO HAPPEN CERTAIN ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS MAY NOT OPERATE AS INTENDED.
Risk: 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.
10V196000 · May 7, 2010 · Engine and engine cooling
Problem: A CRACK OR SPLIT CAN OCCUR IN THE CVT COOLER HOSE RESULTING IN A FLUID LEAK.
Risk: 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.
| Campaign | Reported | Component | Outback years covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20V001000 | January 2, 2020 | Air bags | 2008–2014 |
| 20V002000 | January 2, 2020 | Air bags | 2008–2014 |
| 20V003000 | January 2, 2020 | Air bags | 2008–2014 |
| 19V297000 | April 11, 2019 | Electrical system | 2008–2014 |
| 19V007000 | January 9, 2019 | Air bags | 2010–2014 |
| 19V009000 | January 9, 2019 | Air bags | 2010–2014 |
| 19V008000 | January 9, 2019 | Air bags | 2010–2014 |
| 18V626000 | September 13, 2018 | Parking brake | 2010–2014 |
| 18V012000 | January 9, 2018 | Air bags | 2009–2013 |
| 18V013000 | January 9, 2018 | Air bags | 2009–2010 |
| 17V014000 | January 10, 2017 | Air bags | 2009–2012 |
| 16V694000 | September 27, 2016 | Visibility | 2010–2014 |
| 16V358000 | May 25, 2016 | Air bags | 2009–2011 |
| 13V061000 | February 25, 2013 | Equipment, Electrical system | 2010–2013 |
| 12V602000 | December 26, 2012 | Exterior lighting | 2010–2011 |
| 10V326000 | July 20, 2010 | Power train | 2010–2011 |
Safety ratings
NHTSA crash-tested 1 version of the 2010 Subaru Outback, without an overall score.
These ratings use NHTSA's pre-2011 test method, so they can't be compared with stars for 2011 and later models.
| Version tested | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4-door with side air bags | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | ★★★★☆ |
Crash-test photos: NHTSA (public domain). NHTSA can reuse a test for later model years of the same design.
Compared with other years
Complaints per year on sale divide each model year's NHTSA complaints by the years since it went on sale, so older and newer Subaru Outbacks can be compared fairly. Among other 2010 models in the EPA's sport utility vehicle class, the 2010 Ford Escape (24 mpg), 2010 Honda CR-V (24 mpg) and 2010 Nissan Rogue (24 mpg) come closest on combined fuel economy.
| Year | Best mpg | Complaints | Per year on sale | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 22 | 226 | 12 | 8 |
| 2009 | 22 | 106 | 5.9 | 13 |
| 2010 | 24 | 360 | 21 | 18 |
| 2011 | 24 | 653 | 41 | 16 |
| 2012 | 24 | 294 | 20 | 16 |
| 2013 | 26 | 297 | 21 | 12 |
Every Subaru Outback model year compared →
Similar 2010 models
FAQ
Is the 2010 Outback a good car?
We don't rate cars, but the official data gives a picture. The 2010 Subaru Outback has 21 NHTSA complaints per year on sale (13th most of 17 model years), 18 recall campaigns and up to 24 mpg combined from the EPA.
What are common 2010 Outback problems?
The components owners report most to NHTSA are power train (94), air bags (45) and engine (44). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many recalls does the 2010 Outback have?
NHTSA lists 18 recall campaigns. To see whether a recall is still open on a specific car, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2010 Outback get?
The EPA rates the versions at 20–24 mpg combined (18–22 city, 25–29 highway).
How much does it cost to fuel a 2010 Outback per year?
About $2,720 a year for 15,000 miles in its most efficient form, up to about $3,270 for the thirstiest version, using EPA mpg and the September 2026 U.S. average regular gasoline price of $4.36 a gallon (EIA).