1999 Subaru Legacy: jerking or lurching

Filed Sep 20, 2004 · Transmission · NY

Downshifting on inclines: purchased a 1999 subaru outback legacy wagon new on nov. 11/11/98, at fucillo imports, watertown, ny. The downshifting problems occur when going down large hills around 60 MPH, gently applying the brakes to slow the vehicle, letting off the brakes, and the downshift jerks you forward. When the automobile was brand new, the abrupt jerk would put my head into the windshield. The salesperson told me that it was the way I drove the car. Odometer failure during august, 2002, the vehicle started intermittent odometer failures. The odometer would drop from ?? To 0 for a few seconds, and then gradually resume. After 6 mo. The dealership did replicate the problem and I had to have the odometer replaced for approximately $200. Transmission hesitation and abrupt engagement in august 2002 (about the same time as the intermittent odometer failure, and the crank seal leak / replacement) the car developed problems with a hesitation when putting the car into drive. On a cold incline start, the vehicle will roll backwards several feet before engaging in drive. After reversing, the hesitation will leave me without any drive power, before jerking into gear. The dealership saw the car in december 2002 (at 65,179 miles) and documented (but not duplicated) the problem. Transmission conditioner treatments haved eased the jerking. Now, 2 years later, a service manager finally duplicated the hesitation and roll back. And suggested transmission replacement for $2,500. Today, the car is over the 60,000 mile warranty at 93,418 miles. I can't help but feel that these problems are related, and are definitely a safety concern.

Filed Jul 9, 2001 · Brakes, Seats · PA

When driving pressed on brakes and very abruptly engine downshifted. Also, when stopping abruptly consumer lurched forward in seat. Contact dealer dealer stated it was common in 1999 vehicle. Please add VIN.

Filed May 31, 2000 · Transmission · CA

The transmission has a design defect which causes it to abruptly and without warning shift down while descending a long grade. This has resulted in two instances of momentary loss of control of the vehicle in icy/slippery conditions. In addition, it will materially and significantly shorten the life of the transmission. Furthermore, it has scared passengers on numerous occaions due to the jerking of the car which results from this design defect. I have contacted the manufacturer which sent me to the dealer. No relief. I asked for the zone representative to call me and it has not taken place. The manufacturer has indicated on the phone that this is 'normal behavior' . I am told that this design defect has been removed from year 2000 legacy outbacks. If true, that would be tacit admission that the design was flawed as it was not implented in any year but 1999. I have asked the manufacturer to install a new transmissioncontrolunit which eliminates this design flaw, since it would be a relatively simple software modification. They have indicated their reluctance to do so. While the aspect of the jerkiness of the car and the shortened lifespan of the transmission could be chalked up to 'tough kaka', the loss of control (albiet of a very temporary nature so far) resulting from an abrupt gear change down in icy conditions is a safety concern. The manufacturer said that a shift would be of no concern, to which I suggested they ask miki haakinnen, a race driver who lost a race due to the wrong gear being selected....one below the one he expected, which spun him out of the race. I have experienced a similar yaw from the abrupt gear change. Thankfully for the safety of my passengers and myself, I, too, have experience with racecars.....if not for practiced reflexes during the icy-condition downshifts referenced, I am quite confident that the car would have ended up off the road.

Filed Feb 10, 2000 · Transmission · CO

When letting off or stepping on gas pedal vehicle will begin to jerk due to excessive play in front axle.

Filed Dec 29, 1999 · Transmission · CO

Transmission downshifts and vehicle on snow packed highways causing vehicle to jerk and swerve resulting in loss of control. Yh

Filed Nov 23, 1999 · Acceleration · NY

Consumer shifted from park to drive while applying foot on the brake when the vehicle suddenly accelerated, lurching forward about 3 feet which could have resulted in property damage.

Filed Jul 14, 1999 · Transmission · NY

While slowing vehicle on hills, there is a jerking motion which can not be rectified, it is engaging into gear. Mjs