Recall 10V196 affects 29,443 2010 Subaru Outback and Legacy vehicles for CVT cooler hose leaks. Repair is free at any franchised Subaru dealer.
Subaru is recalling 29,443 2010 Outback and Legacy vehicles because the CVT cooler hose can crack or split and leak fluid. If the fluid leaks out while driving, the vehicle will come to a stop and the crash risk increases; the Subaru dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The CVT cooler hose on the 2010 Subaru Outback and Legacy is a fluid line tied to the continuously variable transmission cooling system. It carries transmission fluid between the transmission and its cooler, helping keep the fluid at the right operating temperature while the vehicle is moving. The hose has to stay sealed and flexible because the system depends on fluid staying inside the line.
On affected vehicles in NHTSA campaign 10V196, the hose can crack or split. When that happens, CVT fluid leaks out instead of circulating through the cooler circuit. A leaking cooler hose reduces the fluid available to the transmission and needs dealer attention before the leak spreads or the fluid level drops further.
There is no warning sign before failure. Owners who see fresh fluid under the vehicle, smell hot fluid, or notice transmission behavior that feels abnormal should stop and arrange Subaru dealer service.
Who's affected?
The Outback and Legacy share the same cooling-system hose and fitting component in this recall.
| 2010 Subaru Outback | Hoses/lines/piping/fittings |
|---|---|
| 2010 Subaru Legacy | Hoses/lines/piping/fittings |
| Units affected | 29,443 |
A matching 2010 Subaru Outback or Legacy does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
A complete fluid leak while driving can make the 2010 Outback or Legacy come to a stop and increase the risk of a crash. If the vehicle shows fluid loss or comes to a stop, pull over safely, keep it parked, and contact a Subaru dealer. Repair will be free at any franchised Subaru dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2010 Subaru Outback or Legacy is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Subaru dealer and ask whether recall number 10V196 is open for your VIN.
- Schedule the free CVT cooler hose replacement if the dealer confirms your vehicle is included; the repair fixes the leaking hose that can drain transmission fluid and stop the vehicle.
- Bring the recall notice if Subaru sent one. If not, give the dealer recall number 10V196 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. If you see fluid leaking or the vehicle loses drive power, pull over safely and contact Subaru or the dealer before driving again.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Subaru technician replaces any affected CVT cooler hoses connected to recall 10V196. The work addresses the hose that can crack or split and leak CVT fluid on affected 2010 Outback and Legacy vehicles. Subaru's filing says owner notification and the safety recall began on June 8, 2010. Because the source does not label the current remedy status, confirm with a Subaru dealer before scheduling. The dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered under the recall.
Timeline
| May 7, 2010 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 8, 2010 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 10V196?
Recall 10V196 covers 29,443 2010 Subaru Outback and Legacy vehicles with a CVT cooler hose that can crack, split, and leak fluid. Subaru dealers will replace the affected cooler hoses for free.
What should I do if my 2010 Subaru Outback or Legacy is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 10V196. If it is, contact a franchised Subaru dealer to schedule the CVT cooler hose replacement. Reference recall number 10V196 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Subaru's recall remedy says dealers will replace affected CVT cooler hoses free of charge. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost at a franchised Subaru dealer.
Is it safe to drive my 2010 Subaru Outback or Legacy?
This recall does not include a do-not-drive instruction, but the fluid leak is a real safety risk. If the CVT fluid fully leaks out while driving, the vehicle can come to a stop and increase crash risk. Check your VIN and schedule the free repair if included.
What if I bought my Subaru Outback or Legacy used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the original owner. If you never received Subaru's owner notice, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2010 Outback or Legacy is included, then call a Subaru dealer with recall number 10V196.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/10V196000 |
|---|---|
| Subaru customer service | 1-800-782-2783 |
| NHTSA recall # | 10V196 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 10V196000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 3, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →