2012 Subaru Legacy: shudder or vibration when accelerating

Filed Oct 24, 2022 · Engine, Transmission · DE

Please see ODI#11486236 & request # 562681 “ part 1” I wrote complaining about a 2012 Subaru Legacy Torque Converter issue. It was “ out of warranty 7/31/22 or 100k miles. At the time it started stalling it was at 103k miles in August 2022! I did not feel comfortable driving it. On 10/19/22 My mechanic drove my car & it shuddered & stalled at intersections for him also. I did not feel comfortable driving it 25 miles to a Subaru dealer to have them check it, diagnose it & repair it. My mechanic replaced the Torque Converter as well as the appropriate fluids. It cost about $1500 for parts & labor. Since this is a FAULTY part installed prior to purchase I feel Subaru needs to recall all these vehicles affected. I emailed you MULTIPLE emails online re: multiple complaints about this faulty part which causes a dangerous situation stalling at lights & intersections requiring one to stop & start. I was almost broadsided a few times. Subaru should do the right thing and recall all vehicles involved & your Agency should do the right thing & demand it for the safety of the public.

Filed Aug 19, 2022 · Transmission · 145,000 miles · ID

The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH and coming to a stop, the vehicle shuddered and shut off. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving. The contact’s husband, an independent mechanic, replaced the spark plugs, ignition coils, and fuel filter; however, the failure reoccurred several times while driving. Upon investigation, the contact became aware of Subaru Technical Service Bulletin Number: 16-90-13R for transmission failure. An unknown dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not eligible for the Technical Service Bulletin repair due to the mileage. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

Filed Apr 21, 2021 · Transmission · 140,000 miles · GA

First time car stalled when brakes were applied. Car (subaru legacy 2012) had 140k miles on it. Went to a subaru dealer and they replaced the torque converter. There is a service bulletin out there for this model which caps the mileage for free repair at 100k miles. After 30 miles with a new torque converter, car started shuddering at 45mph. Multiple sensor lights came on with steering becoming difficult. Turned into a small street where the car stalled at low speeds. Took a couple of tries to start the car and sent it back to the dealership for repairs.

Filed Aug 21, 2019 · Transmission · 145,000 miles · KY

The transmission shakes/shudders when coming to a stop or traveling slowly. It has happened with increasing frequency. Sometimes, when the shudder occurs, the car will die, requiring a shift into a park and a restart.

Filed Jan 25, 2019 · Transmission · 100,500 miles · UT

Wife was driving car with newborn son when she came to an abrupt stop because someone slammed on the brakes in front of her so she did and the car stalled and stopped on her nearly avoiding being rear ended. On other occasions she would stop on a hill and the car would shudder and come to a stop and die. This is a very dangerous safety concern for any of these vehicles equipped with this CVT transmission. Especially when subaru boasts about how this transmission is completely maintenance free for the life of the car what a joke rectify the problem before somebody dies

Filed Dec 25, 2018 · Transmission · 105,000 miles · VA

When coming to a stop, the car shudders and may stall. This is especially problematic if I'm turning left and the car stalls at an intersection. This has occurred on a busy city street in the northern virginia area. This has happened on multiple occasions.

Filed Nov 13, 2018 · Engine · 119,000 miles · SC

Car stalls when braking abruptly. This has happened three times. It shudders and dies.

Filed Apr 26, 2018 · Transmission · 98 miles · TX

Car will shudder and almost die or will die when coming to a stop. Was told it was the torque convertor. We have the CVT transmission

Filed Dec 29, 2016 · Transmission · 125,208 miles · CA

My subaru legacy has been recently stalling when coming to a stop. It shudders and if you do not give it gas or place in neutral, the engine will die. I have read that this is caused from a faulty torque converter that subaru is aware of but has failed to issue a recall. I'm not sure I would buy another product that isn't fully backed and supported by the manufacturer.