Transmission complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 5% | — |
| 2025 | 5 | 6% | 15,000 miles |
| 2024 | 6 | 6% | 1,000 miles |
| 2023 | 5 | 6% | — |
| 2022 | 18 | 4% | 14,000 miles |
| 2021 | 12 | 4% | 31,000 miles |
| 2020 | 48 | 5% | 23,000 miles |
| 2019 | 16 | 2% | 26,000 miles |
| 2018 | 14 | 2% | 12,000 miles |
| 2017 | 47 | 5% | 30,000 miles |
| 2016 | 45 | 7% | 35,000 miles |
| 2015 | 37 | 7% | 30,000 miles |
| 2014 | 25 | 12% | 18,000 miles |
| 2013 | 60 | 20% | 95,000 miles |
| 2012 | 108 | 37% | 102,000 miles |
| 2011 | 216 | 33% | 114,000 miles |
| 2010 | 94 | 26% | 94,000 miles |
| 2009 | 8 | 8% | 37,000 miles |
| 2008 | 12 | 5% | 63,000 miles |
| 2007 | 9 | 7% | 26,000 miles |
| 2006 | 17 | 6% | 133,000 miles |
| 2005 | 17 | 6% | 48,000 miles |
| 2004 | 10 | 11% | 30,000 miles |
| 2003 | 13 | 14% | 74,000 miles |
| 2002 | 20 | 14% | 55,000 miles |
| 2001 | 23 | 13% | 30,000 miles |
| 2000 | 42 | 20% | 58,000 miles |
| 1999 | 29 | 26% | 65,000 miles |
| 1998 | 19 | 15% | 77,000 miles |
| 1997 | 8 | 10% | 182,000 miles |
| 1996 | 5 | 11% | 88,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
2025 Subaru Outback onyx edition purchased 3/2025. Approximate mileage at time of incident 7000. On 2/10/25 around 6am car is remotely started with Subaru app from iPhone on flat gravel surface. Car was in park. Go out car not there moved almost a car length down a hill left turn then over an embankment into a ditch where it finally rested still running in park when found it. Why or how is this possible when done this before no issues. Took to dealership checked visible damage snapped bumper back in get hood and grill shutters checked by body shop. Stating no malfunction and said safe to drive until we did that. One week later the car is started and all sorts of lights appear on dash took back to dealer additional problems found in front end and underneath. Told us we could still continue to drive it with lower core support damaged. …
The contact owns a 2025 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving on the freeway in stop-and-go traffic with the automatic braking system activated, the vehicle erroneously reversed and failed to immediately stop while depressing the brake pedal. The contact shifted out of drive(D) and then back to drive(D), and the vehicle stopped. The contact stated that the failure had occurred a second time during a trip before returning to normal operation, and the vehicle was driven to the residence and parked. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 14,500.
The contact owns a 2024 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving and coming to a stop, the vehicle shuddered and jerked unexpectedly. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was test-driven, and the failure was duplicated. The dealer replaced the transmission control module and reprogrammed the transmission; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was test-driven, but the failure could not be duplicated, and no diagnostic trouble codes were found. The contact requested a more thorough diagnostic test of the vehicle; however, the dealer declined. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The contact stated that the manufacturer had not approved the request for a thorough diagnostic test due to the cost. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000.
The contact owns a 2024 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving 72 MPH with no other vehicles nearby, the Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking system engaged inadvertently, and the vehicle came to a complete stop. The contact stated that he was able to continue driving; however, the vehicle started jerking and was hesitating while driving. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure related to the Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking system. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 100.
My car had an unintended acceleration that caused me to go in a ditch and hit a tree. I could not get car to stop when I realized it was increasing speed. It all happened very fast. My car was totaled. All airbags deployed. front right side of car was completely destroyed. There were no warnings. My insurance company has the car on their tow lot. I have sprains and bruises on my right side and a slight concussion. so thankful that I was not in a parking lot or in heavy traffic or near any walkers
Driving at speeds around 40 and when braking to turn, the brakes jerk and feel like they are not engaging properly. It has happened to a different driver, twice both times on a 90 degree day, a few minutes after the vehicle had been started and the air conditioner was running on high. After this happened we Googled the issue to see what the problem could be. The Google search shows a Subaru Service Bulletin #16-150-24R, 09/13/24, revised 12/03/24, showing our year and model of vehicle and a VIN # for all those models as TBD. The service bulletin list the exact problem that we had, and listed the AC running. The service bulletin list a fix of replacing the Transmission Control Module. This would be covered under 5 year 60K miles warranty for the Powertrain. Local Subaru dealer doesn't want to fix it because they can't replicate it by driving it. …
The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while reversing out of his garage, the vehicle made an abnormal sound, and while the transmission was shifted into reverse (R), the vehicle rapidly accelerated, crashing into a tree. The contact stated the vehicle made the abnormal sound again and rapidly accelerated forward, crashing into a fence. The contact sustained injuries to his head and received medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a collision center. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 3,000. The VIN was not available. The contact stated the vehicle changed gears and right foot wasn't close to the accelerator during the crash. Medical attention was not required because the head injury was not severe.
The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the vehicle would independently accelerate without warning. The contact would be forced to place the vehicle into neutral to stop the acceleration. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent and recently became more frequent. The contact also stated that an abnormal grinding noise would emit from the vehicle when the vehicle would independently accelerate. The contact called the dealer and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer kept the vehicle for almost two weeks and was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 700. The VIN was not available.
Related recalls (11)
Power train › Automatic transmission › Park/neutral start interlock switch
Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.
Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Outback, Legacy, Ascent, and Impreza vehicles. The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, resulting in the disconnection of the front end of the driveshaft.
Remedy: Dealers will clean the bolt mounting surfaces of the center support brace and install new bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 20, 2023.
Power train › Driveline › Chain/belt
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Outback and Legacy vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the TCU, inspect TCU data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide. If evidence of chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced.
Power train › Driveline › Chain/belt
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the TCU, inspect TCU data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide. If evidence of chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced.
Power train › Shift linkage/cable/rod
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2021 Outback and Impreza vehicles. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) select lever cable nut may not have been tightened properly, allowing the nut to loosen.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and, if necessary, tighten the nut, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614.
Show 6 more recalls
Power train › Driveline › Differential unit
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2016 Legacy vehicles manufactured October 24, 2015, to November 16, 2015, and Outback vehicles manufactured October 24, 2015, to November 17, 2015. Due to the improper tightening of the securing nuts, the drive shaft may separate from the rear differential.
Remedy: Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the fastening nuts, and tighten or replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 10, 2015.
Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015 and 2016 model year Subaru Legacy 4-Door and Outback vehicles manufactured July 3, 2015, to July 27, 2015. Transmission oil may leak from a deformed seal cap on the propeller shaft yoke.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the propeller shaft, free of charge. The recall began on August 28, 2015. Owners may contact 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQU-56.
Power train › Automatic transmission
Subaru of America is recalling certain model year 2014 Legacy 3.6R and Outback 3.6R and 2013 Tribeca vehicles manufactured June 12, 2013, through June 28, 2013 and equipped with 5-speed automatic transmissions. In the affected vehicles, the parking rod may come loose inside the automatic transmission.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission, free of charge. The recall began during August 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's recall number is WQJ-46.
Power train › Manual transmission
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010 and 2011 outback and legacy passenger vehicles manufactured from April 28 through June 23, 2010. Due to a programming error, a lubrication hole within the 6-speed manual transmission was omitted.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles by drilling an oil lubrication hole and, if necessary, replace the internal parts with new ones free of charge. The safety recall began on July 28, 2010.
Power train › Automatic transmission
Certain sport utility and passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions were produced with an improperly manufactured transmission parking rod. When the transmission selector lever is placed in the "p" (park) position, the transmission park mechanism, that is intended to hold your vehicle, May not engage.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the automatic transmission parking rod assembly. Owner notification January 8, 2003. An interim owner notification will be sent during November 2002.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (PRNDL)
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. Due to poor welds, ignition keys can stick, shift levers/linkages can break and shift levers can move.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the automatic transmission shift lever assemblies (except the handle grip).
Frequently asked questions
Which Subaru Outback years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2011 (216), 2012 (108), 2010 (94), 2013 (60) and 2020 (48) model years. Transmission complaints make up 33% of all complaints for the 2011.
Is there a recall for Subaru Outback transmission problems?
Yes — 11 recalls, including 23V-755 (park/neutral start interlock switch, Nov 9, 2023); 23V-647 (driveshaft, Sep 21, 2023); 22V-485 (chain/belt, Jul 8, 2022). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Subaru Outback transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles; 35% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (84 mentions), followed by the clutch assembly (34).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.