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