Subaru Outback Transmission Problems to Know of

Mar 5, 2021

Green 2021 Subaru Outback From Driver Side

A Subaru Outback is a great vehicle that lasts for hundreds of thousands of miles if the vehicle is well made and well maintained. A Subaru Outback is a very reliable car and can be perfect for a range of drivers. However, there are some issues with the transmission that you should be aware of.

What are some common Subaru Outback transmission problems?

Total transmission failure in the 2011 models around 100,000 miles
Transmission gears are not properly lubricated and may cause a groaning sound and breaking gears
Torque converter may lock up when backing, usually around the 115,000-mile mark
Shuddering between gears and some transmission hesitation

Though these may seem like very serious issues that would cause you to choose another vehicle, these transmission problems are not a be-all-end-all for the Subaru Outback. We are here to talk about these issues so that you can be better informed about your choice of vehicle.

A Bit about the Subaru Outback

The Outback is a fantastic vehicle that is going to work for a range of different drivers and different needs. It was first introduced in 1995 and was not a stand-alone vehicle. This started out as a trim package for the Subaru Legacy L. This was the same body style as the Legacy station wagon but came with plastic exterior cladding and cloth interior.

The Subaru Outback eventually became popular enough that it was given its own body style and was then offered as a vehicle in and of itself with different trim levels for. The Subaru Outback has changed, evolved, and has become a vehicle that is known for durability, style, and so much more.

Common Issues with the Subaru Outback Transmission

The entire Subaru family is known for having transmission problems here and there, and the Outback is no different. The model year that had the most problem is the 2011. Though these problems are many, they do not make the Subaru Outback a less reliable vehicle.

Total Transmission Failure

The model year that had the most issue was the 2011 Subaru Outback. This model year had a total transmission failure that generally happened around the 100,000-mile mark on the engine. This was a total failure that would make the vehicle undrivable and required that the transmission was rebuilt entirely or to be replaced entirely. This is a pricey repair that is about $4,000 to replace or rebuild the transmission.

Improper Gear Lubrication

Another issue that might pop up with your Subaru Outback is improper lubrication of the gears. This was recall number 10V326000. The recall was for transmission gears that are not properly lubricated that can then break or grind. This can lead to the car losing power while driving and may also lead to a crash as the result of a loss of power. Gear lubrication is important as it helps the transmission to move and shift gears smoothly. When the gears are not lubricated properly, they can lock up, become damaged, and make your vehicle unsafe to drive.

Torque Converter Locking up

The 2010 Subaru Outback has the potential for the torque converter to lock up when the car is braking. The torque converter works to transfer power to the transmission to help it change gears and to prevent it from stalling. A lock-up in this component can lead to a loss of power or a loss of responsiveness that can make it hard to drive and can cause accidents as well.

Shuddering Gears

There are also some problems with the 2014 transmission. The transmission in the 2014 Outback has the potential to shudder between gears and to hesitate when the vehicle is shifting. This model was eventually labeled as a problematic model year as there were tons of other issues that came out of the woodwork. Shuddering gears is not only annoying and troubling, but it can also lead to damage to the transmission that can make the vehicle unsafe.

When Buying a Subaru Outback, Take the Time to Consider Potential Problems

Though the Subaru Outback does have some noted issues with the transmission, it is still a great vehicle. The best thing you can do is take the time to research your model year and make to find out what some common problems you might run into are. A transmission is a very important part of your vehicle, and Vehicle History can help you find out more about your potential purchase before you buy.

Owner Reviews

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Martin Sinclair on November 6, 2022

Transmission failure

Subaru Outback 3.6 Premium - bought brand new in 2016. While other manufacturers are offering 7 and 10 year warranties, Subaru seem only to be able to offer 5 because essentially, they are unreliable motors. On a road trip to Noosa last week, our transmission failed near Brisbane, completely out of the blue - not even reaching 90,000 km. We managed to limp it to the nearest Subaru dealership (Aspley), where my wife and two young children (6 and 2) were sat at the side of the highway in 36oC heat. I ran into the the Subaru service center in desperate plea for some assistance and they flat refused to help. This disgusting treatment from a Subaru dealer seemed to set the pattern of service we continued to received as a succession of providers (breakdown, tow-truck, taxi and hire car) simply saw us as an opportunity to make lots of cash. All this even before the dealer in Noosa had the gall to quote us $10k for a replacement, which seems outrageous. Even if Subaru offer to make a goodwill payment, the hike in price from the dealership looks like we're effectively paying for an entire transmission and the dealer are pocketing the goodwill payment. The safety risk my family faced at the hands of Subaru following this catastrophic breakdown on the highway feels like a failure in duty of care under what should be considered reasonable life of the car under consumer law, since we bought this brand new, and had it serviced religiously by Subaru EVERY 6 MONTHS. In my view that investment should mean the motor should comfortably last longer than the manufacturer's warranty period.

Lisa on February 27, 2023

Outback is a LEMON

2017 Subaru outback 3.6 bought less than 3 years ago as a CPO. Nothing but problem after problem. Blown transmission 5 months after purchasing it-Subaru replaced the transmission. Then broken front axles. Next, complete EVAP replacement after fighting with SOA for months and the dealer kept repairing different sections. Now-2nd blown transmission this weekend leaving us stranded on the expressway at 1am. Subaru has refused to buy this car back as a lemon which is what it is. We also have a leased Crosstrek for our daughter which we were going to purchase but now it will be going back as well! Steer clear of these cars

Aln on August 8, 2022

2010 Outback - Useless CVT transmission

I bought new a 2010 Subaru Outback based on a recommendation of Subaru's reliability. That could not be further from the truth. In 2019 at round 55K miles the transmission failed but was replaced under the warranty. In 2022 at 70K miles the transmission failed AGAIN but Subaru, given their great customer loyalty said the car was no longer in warranty and the dealer quoted $9520 to replace the transmission, for the second time. I said NO and told them I would never again buy a Subaru of any kind. I now have a 2010 Outback with 70K miles that is essentially trash.

Deena Hudson on March 14, 2023

2014 Subaru Outback- never again

I purchased the outback new in 2014 . I have taken good care of the car .. It has used oil like crazy since I purchased it has 150,000 miles on it now . Many issues with front end recently replaced front axle and cv joints $1000 A month later transmission failure At least $8500 to fix So never again looking at a Honda or Toyota

Gerry k on January 19, 2022

2010 head gasket failure

2010 3.6R outback guzzled oil at 11k miles until 160k miles when head gaskets completely failed. I complained for years, but Subaru would not fess up that they had fault gaskets and one was in my car. Just another big corp. That doesn’t share the “LOVE” with their customers. What a BS marketing campaign.

Dave Goodman on June 26, 2021

Everything wrong with my 2012 Outback

Subaru outback 2012 3.6r, is junk! 60,000 miles, transmission, moonroof, seats, abs, engine, temperature cabin controls, and electrical issues. Always maintained only use 100 percent synthetic lubricants and 91 octane gasoline, still everything is falling appart. I will never buy Subaru products ever!

Karen D on July 21, 2021

2011 Subaru Outback has transmission problems.

Bought it used and 3 weeks later it cut off completely I the interstate. Had it towed to a repair shop. Paid $3500 just to have it break down again before I got it home. Took it to a Subaru dealer and they replaced the transmission for free. No more problems but I am stuck paying the repair shop.

Brock Miller on December 9, 2023

2014 Subaru Outback

CVT light shudder, large fear to ever lay on the pedal. Had stalling, lights, and jerky transmission when bought at 150k. Car now has 200k on original engine and cvt and runs better than ever. These cars need to be driven constantly. Got my moneys worth out of it, now to push it to 300k

jay on May 31, 2021

Poor transmission durability in the 2012 Outback

No, I would not recommend anything with a cvt transmission. Very weak and sluggish trans. No passing capability and will barley accelerate just pulling out. Engine is just fine but it has to turn 3 to 4.5 thousand rpm to accelerate. Already slipping horribly with 112,000 miles on it.

Roy Wilkowski on March 15, 2022

2016 3.6 Outback

My 4th Outback. First with the CVT. Currently at 56k miles. No issues at all. CVT shifts well just shy of redline under hard acceleration. That said, it's getting new CVT fluid at the 60kservice. Apparently, it's only Subaru of America, that had the BS "lifetime" fluid in the CVT

Liz P on June 19, 2021

2010 Subaru Outback: SUV performance with a genteel edge.

The 2010 we purchased came before the era of subaru's cvt (continuously variable transmission), for which I am glad; the cvt detracts from the otherwise pleasurable driving experience of the car - it seems to surge at odd times during driving on curves or hills, for example.

Ashley on August 29, 2021

Strong car, faulty transmission: 2010 Outback

The transmission, or torque converter, it has gone out and been replaced and we still have issue with it. The really good this is Subaru has always been amazing to work with. The replaced the transmission for free and have never given us a hard time.

Jennifer S on April 21, 2021

I love my 2013 Subaru Outback; there's just one con.

I bought it new and it burned through oil like crazy! It was still under warranty so they ended up replacing the transmission. Four years later it's starting to burn through oil again, so we'll see.

Sam G on May 5, 2021

2010 Outback is pretty good but still expensive to fix.

Had transmission problems at 95,000. Spent $4500 getting a remanufactured tranny installed. Overall I do like the car, it is functional for where I live and gives me decent gas mileage.

Michelle E on June 1, 2021

2011 Subaru Outback so far so good.

So far our Subaru Outback has been pretty reliable. The one issue it has had was covered under a special extended warranty the Subaru did to cover a known transmission issue.

Kate E on March 9, 2021

I wish I would have stuck with a Honda over the 2010 Outback

Love the color, comfortable, gas mileage is not the best 24 mpg. Have continuous transmission that I don't like, it sputters at 40 mph and makes it not such a smooth ride.

Benjamin C on August 26, 2021

Redesigned in 2010, the outback has two major problems: the 2. 5 Liter engine fails repeatedly at about 150k.

The paddles on the steering wheel are a joke, because if I wanted the touch and feel of a manual transmission, I would get a performance car instead of a grocery getter.

Trisha M on June 14, 2021

2011 Outback - great car - unreliable transmission.

Subaru extended the warranty on the transmission for this year car due to the CVT failing. If the CVT wasn't an issue, I'd say this is the perfect car.

Holly L on July 13, 2021

2010 Outback - Bad transmission, but otherwise great vehicle.

It has done really well for me. However the transmission is on its way out, which is sad after 172000 miles. But so far it has done well for me.

Martin F on August 15, 2021

2010 Outback: I love 4 wheel drive. I dislike how it is aging.

There were two or three factory recalls, headlights, transmission problem, and airbags. Plus more stuff keeps failing, bearings, brakes, etc.

John G on April 2, 2021

A manual transmission 2012 outback.

Clutch went out and had to be replaced at 120000 miles. Not very many manual transmissions out there so will not affect too many people.

Lourdes C on June 21, 2021

2010 Outback is reliable. It's spacious. And it's made for all terrain

I don't like that if I want to switch out the transmission fluid I have to take it to the shop, because they can get very expensive.

Teresa W on August 28, 2021

2010 Outback drives well overall.

Very reliable car. It rarely breaks down, I've never needed to take it in for emergency transmission or engine trouble.

Laura B on July 22, 2021

I love my 2010 Subaru Outback

The only problem I had was one that was typical and covered by the warranty which was the transmission replacement.

Jean J on June 11, 2021

2012 Subaru Outback is a good car for New England winters

Overall good vehicle. Transmission went at 98,000 miles and was fully covered under 100,000 mile warranty.

Laura B on March 30, 2021

2011 Outback needs to be properly maintained in order to keep in working order.

It has had some mechanical issues. We needed to get a new transmission.

Spencer N on August 2, 2021

Outdoorsy and affordable 2013 Subaru Outback.

Transmission recently gave out at 133000.

Benjamin C on May 24, 2021

Not feeling the love, 2010 Subaru Outback.

CVT transmission has no get-up and go.

Lauren K