2010 Subaru Outback Transmission Problems

Which parts fail

• Automatic transmission
  7
• Manual transmission
  6
• Automatic transmission › Torque converter
  2

Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  2126%
• 25k–50k
  22%
• 50k–75k
  56%
• 75k–100k
  1316%
• 100k–150k
  3138%
• 150k+
  911%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2010 Subaru Outback owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

The contact owns a 2010 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that on numerous occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle hesitated. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while shifted in reverse, the vehicle inadvertently shifted into drive independently. The contact turned off and restart the vehicle. The contact then stated that he was able navigate the vehicle back onto the road. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure could not be duplicated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the warranty had expired but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 196,000.

Recently, while driving home in traffic, with the car in drive while braking, my car stalled in the middle of the road. Since then, it has happened 4 times. Upon breaking while the car is in Drive, the car stalls and Check Engine Light, Battery, Engine Oil, Oil Temp, AWD, and Traction Control Warning Light come on. When I shift the car into Park, turn off the car, and restart, the lights go away and the car runs smoothly. This is a huge safety concern when the car fails while I am actively driving and has almost caused accidents. I took the car to the dealership and they said that it needs a new torque converter (see Subaru Service Bulletin 16-90-13R https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2018/MC-10140492-9999.pdf). This is a huge safety liability and this issue should be recalled as the car stalling in the middle of traffic is dangerous.

Outback started jerking forward with an increase in RPMs and noise from engine. Malfunction was very alarming and could result in a traffic accident...especially at higher speeds and in traffic. No warning lamps/messages indicated from vehicle. Took vehicle to Subaru dealership and rode with mechanic. Was told by dealership that a new CVT (transmission) is needed at a quoted cost of $9,000+ (with only 110k miles on the vehicle). Found that a warranty extension was offered by Subaru (2017 CVT Warranty Extension Bulletin Number 16-107-17R) for customer complaints about this issue but not a recall. Contacted Subaru of America. Subaru of America offered minimal assistance and would not honor the extended warranty due to just falling outside of extended warranty period (due to driving fewer-than-average miles per year).

CVT was given a warranty extension. Subaru is aware that this is a KNOWN issue, otherwise they would not have given a warranty extension. A loud squealing occurs and a the RPMs increase when driving. This occurs in slower speed areas as well as on the highway. This is a dangerous problem as the transmission could give out while driving on the highway or interstate. The driver would then be forced to slow to a lower mph and possibly cause an accident. Since this is a known problem with this year, a recall should be given for Subaru to repair this CVT problem in all models. At the very least, if a person calls in to have this problem resolved, they should repair the problem since it's a known issue.

The car will die/stop working at stop signs and at abrupt stops. The problem has been confirmed by a Subaru dealer, and it is a known safety concern, as Subaru put out a safety bulletin but came up short in actually recalling the cars affected. It has been confirmed as a faulty torque converter by a dealership service department. There have been no warnings or messages prior to the problem happening. It is a HUGE safety concern, as the car will die at lights and busy intersections, causing traffic to stop abruptly. It is an accident waiting to happen!!! Because my vehicle is out of warranty, Subaru will not cover the cost of replacing this DANGEROUS system failure.

It is a known issue with subarus of this year that the engine will stall at random intervals when stopping, weather at a stop sign or stop light, warm or cold, fast stops or regular stopping. There is no consistency to it, completely random. There are no warning lights that appear, I have not taken this car to the dealer because after purchasing it I cannot afford to take it to the dealer. I purchased this car used for my elderly parents and this is a disturbing problem that could get them hurt or killed. Why has this KNOWN issue not been recalled? there are multiple service bulletins reported to NHTSA addressing this issue but no recall?

Purchased used Subaru 10/28/2021. While driving on highway the engine is running and trying to brake at the same time. Its frightening, It seems like the vehicle will stop at highway speed and my family & myself could be injured if not killed. I am taking my newly purchased vehicle for the second time to Post Oak Acura, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74145. Researched on my own the signs of highway driving & the engine attempted to stop. Many complaints located on line with with the final diagnosis of a "faulty failing torque convertor".

Vehicle has an automatic transmission and it stalls when stopping. There is no warning light on the dash. This happens more frequently when the vehicle is warm, in early operation it may only hesitate or run rough while stopping. A warm a stop is more likely to stall the vehicle than a slow stop. Hard braking at operating temperature will stall the vehicle without fail. This has been happening since I bought it and it occurs with each drive every day.

We have a engine stalling problem on a 2010 Subaru outback when braking it is a known problem with the transmission failing and Subaru extended a warrantee to 100,000 miles or 10 years but did not notify owners. Now at 110000 miles we are having similar problems. I don't think we should be penalized for driving less miles per year but have same issue. They admitted a problem but refuse to cover it.

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at 10-15 MPH, there was an abnormal burning odor in the vehicle. Additionally, there was smoke emerging from the hood and into the vehicle. The gear shifter was stuck and failed to engage into first gear. The emergency brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer muller Subaru (1350 park ave w, highland park, il 60035 [phone]) where diagnosed that the clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact declined to pay for the $1800.00 fee. The manufacturer was contacted and provided case number: 1-373-484-69104 however no further assistance was provided. The contact stated that NHTSA campaign number: 18V626000 (parking brake) was not received. The failure mileage was 83,000.

Related recalls

Transmission complaints in other Outback years