🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Outback

Year:

2010

Market Segment:

Mid-size Crossover SUV / Station Wagon

Chassis Code:

BP (for 2009-2010 models, part of the 4th Generation)

Engine Codes:

EJ253 (2.5L Naturally Aspirated), EZ30D (3.0L H6 Naturally Aspirated - less common for this specific year/market emphasis)

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The 2010 Subaru Outback is positioned as a capable and versatile all-wheel-drive crossover/station wagon, bridging the gap between traditional station wagons and SUVs. It emphasizes practicality, safety, and all-weather capability, appealing to families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Competitors:

Key competitors include the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Edge, Nissan Murano, and various European crossover offerings. The Outback's standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and wagon-like profile differentiate it.

Highlights:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Boxer engine, elevated ground clearance for a car-based platform, spacious interior, good visibility, and a reputation for durability.

📋 Manual Details

Markets Covered:

North America, Global (technical content generally applicable worldwide)

Estimated Pages:

2000+

Type:

Official Factory Service and Repair Manual Software

Language:

English

Format:

Software (likely a digital database accessible via browser or executable, often containing PDFs)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical (2.5L EJ253), fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, engine control systems (ECU, sensors, actuators), automatic transmission (4EAT/5EAT), manual transmission, driveline (AWD system, differentials, driveshafts).

Chassis:

Suspension (front struts, rear multi-link), steering system (power steering), brake system (ABS, EBD, parking brake), wheels and tires.

Body & Electrical:

Body construction, interior trim, exterior trim, HVAC system, lighting system, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), audio system, instrument cluster, SRS airbag system, chassis electrical components, wiring diagrams, fuses and relays.

Diagnostics:

OBD-II codes, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), troubleshooting flowcharts, symptom-based diagnostics, specific component testing procedures.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid level checks and changes (engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid), filter replacements (oil, air, cabin), spark plug replacement, belt inspections and replacement.

Repair & Rebuild:

Engine overhaul (timing belt replacement, head gasket repair, piston/ring replacement), transmission overhaul and service, brake pad/rotor replacement, suspension component replacement, power steering pump replacement, AC system service, starter/alternator replacement.

Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic fluid checks and filter changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical system diagnostics and wiring diagrams.

📊 Manual Specifications

Software Type:

Proprietary digital service manual software

Scalability:

Scalable high-resolution graphics and text for clear viewing on digital displays

Binding:

N/A (Digital Software)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Software)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Boxer-4

Displacement:

2.5 Liters (2457 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

99.5 mm x 79.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.7:1

Valve Train:

DOHC, 16 valves, Variable Valve Timing (VVT)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Horsepower Hp:

170 hp @ 5800 rpm

Torque Lb Ft:

170 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Regular Gasoline (87 Octane Recommended)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

18.7 gallons (70.8 Liters)

Engine Type Optional:

Naturally Aspirated Boxer-6 (3.0L EZ30D)

Displacement Optional:

3.0 Liters (2999 cc)

Horsepower Hp Optional:

245 hp @ 6600 rpm

Torque Lb Ft Optional:

215 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

4-Speed Automatic (4EAT or 5EAT depending on engine/trim)

Drivetrain Standard:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive

Transmission Type Optional:

5-Speed Manual Transmission

Drivetrain Optional:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive

AWD System Description:

Active Torque Split AWD (for automatic transmissions) or Variable AWD (for manual transmissions).

Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:

Subaru ATF-HP (or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon)

Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 4.3 US quarts (4.1 Liters) for a drain and refill.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

189.9 inches (4826 mm)

Width:

70.1 inches (1780 mm)

Height:

65.4 inches (1661 mm)

Wheelbase:

107.1 inches (2720 mm)

Ground Clearance:

8.1 inches (206 mm)

Passenger Volume:

Approx. 105.8 cubic feet (3000 Liters)

Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats:

34.6 cubic feet (979 Liters)

Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded:

70.1 cubic feet (1985 Liters)

Curb Weight Approx:

3400-3700 lbs (1542-1678 kg), varies by engine and trim

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Approx. 4700-4800 lbs (2132-2177 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Crash Driver:

5 Stars

NHTSA Frontal Crash Passenger:

5 Stars

NHTSA Side Crash Driver Seat:

5 Stars

NHTSA Side Crash Rear Seat:

5 Stars

IIHS Roof Strength:

Good

IIHS Head Restraints And Seats:

Good

Brake Assist:

Standard

Electronic Brake-Force Distribution:

Standard

Traction Control System:

Standard

Electronic Stability Control:

Standard

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags (front and rear).

Seatbelts:

3-point height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners, rear 3-point seatbelts.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard audio systems typically include an AM/FM stereo, CD player, and auxiliary input jack. Higher trims may offer premium audio systems and Bluetooth connectivity.

Navigation:

Optional factory-integrated navigation system available on higher trim levels.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most trims.

Rearview Camera:

Optional on some trims, usually part of a package.

Bluetooth:

Available on select higher trims, often integrated with the audio system.

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Severe conditions may require more frequent changes.

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Iridium spark plugs: Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km).

Timing Belt Replacement:

This generation of Outback (2010 model) uses a timing *chain*, not a belt, for the 2.5L engine. The 3.0L H6 engine uses a timing chain. Subaru generally considers these chains 'maintenance-free,' but periodic inspection of tensioners and guides is recommended by some specialists.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 0W-20, API SN or higher, ILSAC GF-5 certified.

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.8 US quarts (4.5 Liters) with filter for 2.5L engine.

Coolant Type:

Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent silicate-free, long-life antifreeze/coolant.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Subaru Genuine Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III/Mercon equivalent.

Head Gaskets:

While less common on the 2.5L naturally aspirated EJ253 compared to earlier generations, head gasket leaks (especially external oil leaks from the cylinder heads) can still occur. Internal coolant leaks are less prevalent but possible.

Oxygen Sensors:

Oxygen sensors (O2 sensors) can degrade over time, leading to check engine lights and poor fuel economy. The manual will detail diagnosis and replacement procedures.

Cv Axle Boots:

Torn CV axle boots can lead to joint damage and noise. Inspection and replacement are covered.

Wheel Bearings:

Front wheel bearings can become noisy or develop play, requiring replacement. The manual will cover hub and bearing assembly replacement.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru Heritage:

Subaru, a division of Fuji Heavy Industries, has a long history of producing vehicles with horizontally opposed ('Boxer') engines and its signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, emphasizing engineering and reliability.

Outback Lineage:

The Subaru Outback originated as a trim level of the Legacy wagon in the early 1990s, gaining increased ride height and rugged styling. It evolved into its own distinct model for the 2000 model year. The 2010 model is part of the fourth generation (2009-2014), which saw a significant redesign and increased dimensions.

Manufacturing Location:

Japan (various Subaru plants)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

The 2010 Subaru Outback was an IIHS Top Safety Pick for its segment, reflecting its strong crash test performance.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Generally rated as average to above-average in reliability by consumer organizations for this model year, though specific issues like oxygen sensors can be noted.