my 2010 subaru shows a dash warning light of a key flashing within a car symbol when ignition is off, key removed. what does this mean?

This is perfectly normal, it's showing that the security system is functional. Do you have the CVT transmission, and how do like it. Mine runs great. And, do you have a lot of miles on your car? Remember, regardless of mileage, changing the timing belt and water pump between 7 and 8 years is good insurance that you won't break a belt.

Read this thread, it discusses the security light in detail, http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums/104-gen-4-2010- 2014/52261-2013-outback-security-light.html

If my answers were helpful to you please mark one of them "best answer ". Thank you.

Best answer

Thanks John, are you the same as the original poster? Can you please mark my first or second answer that way in my response to your questions?