Subaru Issues Another Recall for 2010 Legacy Sedan and Outback Models

Many owners of the 2010 Subaru Legacy sedan and Outback will soon receive a second recall notification for their cars in a period of a little over two months. In May, the Japanese company recalled both models over a problem with the continuously variable transmission (CVT). This latest recall concerns a "defect in the steering roll connector".

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said that Subaru has yet to release full details on the matter. However, it appears that the problem is either identical or similar to the one that recently led Subaru Australia issue a recall on the domestic market versions of the Legacy (Liberty) and Outback. We'll update this story as soon as we have more info.

Subaru Issues Safety Recall for 2010 Legacy and Outback Models

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced a recall for the 2010 model year Subaru Legacy sedans and Outback crossovers equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The recall affects a total of 29,443 vehicles in the States.

Subaru said in statement that there's a possibility a crack or split can occur in the CVT cooler hose resulting in a fluid leak. According to the Japanese maker, "if the fluid is completely leaked during driving, the vehicle will come to a stop, possibly resulting in a crash."

The company added that it will notify owners and dealers soon and replace any affected cooler hoses free of charge. For more information, owners of the affected models can contact Subaru at 1-856-488-8500.

Minor Updates for 2011 Subaru Legacy Sedan and Outback

The 2011 model year brings some subtle equipment updates and a modest price increase for Subaru's Legacy sedan and Outback.

Both vehicles receive equipment enhancements including manual-folding exterior mirrors, while Premium and Limited models equipped with Harman/Kardon audio now feature XM Satellite Radio and a three-month trial subscription. There are also new available colors for both cars.

Prices for all Legacy models aside from the Limited trim versions remain unchanged for the 2011MY, and range from $19,995 for the base 2.5 to $24,995 for the 3.6R.

Limited trim models receive a $300 price increase due to the inclusion of XM Satellite Radio, with the Legacy 2.5i Limited now starting from $25,295 and the Legacy 3.6R Limited from $28,295.

The 2011 Legacy 2.5GT sports sedan will be offered only in Limited trim and comes with a starting price of $31,395, an increase of $405. It now includes a standard power moonroof as well as XM Satellite Radio, fog lights, new simulated carbon-fiber dashboard trim, silver contrast seat and armrest stitching, and aluminum pedals.

For the 2011MY, the Outback receives a $200 price increase with the Outback 2.5i starting at $23,195 and the Outback 2.5i Premium at $24,495. New features for the Outback models include the addition of a Rear Vision Camera to the the Power Moonroof Package.

The Outback 2.5i Limited with Lineartronic CVT now starts at $28,495 while the six-cylinder Outback 3.6R is priced at $28,195. Finally, the Outback 3.6R Limited now starts at $31,495 and includes standard XM Satellite Radio.

*Photos: 2010 Subaru Legacy and Outback

European-Spec 2010 Subaru Legacy and Outback to Debut in Frankfurt

Already available in North America and Japan, the all-new 2010 Subaru Legacy and Outback will have their European premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show, which will be held from September 17 through 27. Compared to their American counterparts, both models get a restyled front grille along plus redesigned lower part of the front bumper and larger exterior mirrors housing the turning signals.

The new Legacy Sedan and Station Wagon are 65 mm and 55 mm longer than their predecessors respectively while the wheelbase in both cases is expanded by 80 mm, allowing for greater rear legroom. In Europe the Legacy will be offered with two four-cylinder petrol engines, a 2.0-liter and a 2.5-liter unit, and Subaru's 2.0-liter turbo diesel boxer engine that makes 150 horsepower.

The fourth-generation Outback which is the crossover version of the Legacy Station Wagon featuring improved ground clearance and SUV-like protective body cladding will be sold in Europe with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder petrol and a 2.0-liter turbo diesel while certain markets will also get a range-topping 3.6-litre boxer 6-cylinder petrol model.

2010 Subaru Outback Pricing Announced, Starts from $22,995

As well as revealing prices for the new 2010 Legacy, Subaru also announced pricing for the sedan's crossoverish sibling, the 2010 Outback. According to the Japanese automaker, prices for the Outback start at the same level as the outgoing model, at $22,995 for the 2.5i that is powered by a revised 170-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder Boxer engine mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. If you prefer the ease of a CVT transmission, it will cost you another $1,000.

This base model comes with 60/40 split-folding and reclining rear seats, floor mats, cargo tray, electronic parking brake with Hill Holder system, auto on/off exterior lights (autolights), audio system with single-disc CD player, auxiliary input jack and 4 speakers, dual lit visor mirrors, updated gauge cluster with 'eco' gauge, multi-function display with outside temperature, overhead console with sunglass holder and remote keyless entry system.

For those that want more, there's the 2.5i Premium that is priced at $24,295 when equipped with a manual gearbox and at $25,295 for the CVT model. In addition to the base model's standard equipment, the Premium adds fog lights, cargo cover, privacy glass, 10-way power driver's seat, driver's side window with automatic up/down, leather-wrapped steering wheel, instrument storage bin w/door, overhead console with sunglass holder and ambient light, body-colored mirrors and 16-inch alloys.

Moving up the price ladder, buyers will find the 2.5i Limited that is offered only with a CVT and costs $27,995. It includes all 2.5i Premium model features plus dual zone climate controls, paddle shifters and a 6-speed manual shift mode, P215/50 R17 all-season tires with 17-inch alloys, perforated ivory / off black leather-trimmed upholstery, 4-way power front passenger seat, All-Weather Package and a Harman/Kardon audio system.

The new range-topping Outback 3.6R, which replaces the 3.0R model, is powered by a 256HP 3.6-liter 6-cylinder Boxer engine matched to a 5-speed electronic automatic transmission. Prices start from $27,995, which according to Subaru, is $4,000 less than the 2009 6-cylinder Outback. The 3.6R gets all 2.5i model features plus P225/50 R17 all-season tires with 17-inch alloy rims, paddle shifters, driver's side window w/automatic up and down, instrument storage bin w/door, overhead console with sunglass holder and ambient light, privacy glass and fog lights.

The 3.6R Premium will have a starting price of $28,995 and includes all 3.6R base model features along with 10-way power driver's seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel and All-Weather Package.

If you don't mind paying $30,995 for the 3.6R Limited you'll get all the features of the 3.6R Premium model plus perforated ivory / off black leather-trimmed upholstery, 4-way power front passenger seat, and Harman/Kardon audio system.

According to Subaru, destination and delivery charge is $695 for all 2010MY Outback models in the Contiguous 48 States.