Subaru Legacy grinding brakes problems

Filed Mar 10, 2026 · Transmission · MA

2015 Subaru Legacy 2.5i, approximately 48,000 miles. CVT transmission failed suddenly with no prior warning signs. Vehicle was exclusively dealer-serviced for its entire life. While driving, the transmission began shuddering, slipping, and making metallic grinding noises. Vehicle could barely climb a small ramp and was locked in limp mode, making it unsafe to operate in traffic. Diagnostic codes P0841, P0700, and C1431 were stored. Authorized Subaru dealer confirmed the failure. Technician stated the valve body likely failed first — a known defect per Subaru TSB 16-107-17R — which then caused the CVT chain to slip. Dealer quoted $11,000 for a remanufactured CVT replacement. Service representative stated she had never seen a transmission need replacement at such low mileage. No warning lamps or symptoms existed prior to sudden onset. CVT fluid was never changed, consistent with the manufacturer's U.S. maintenance schedule. This vehicle falls under Subaru's CVT Warranty Extension covering 2010-2015 Legacy models due to known defects. Vehicle is well under the 100,000-mile limit but approximately 13 months past the 10-year time limit. I opened a case with Subaru of America Customer Advocacy. My dealer informed me that Subaru Corporate contacted them and communicated a decision regarding my case, but Subaru has never communicated any decision to me directly. Multiple emails, a voicemail, and a request for escalation have gone unanswered over several days. This failure poses a safety risk as the transmission can fail suddenly and without warning while in motion, potentially with passengers including children.

Filed Dec 8, 2025 · Lights · NJ

Notice significant rust or corrosion on my 2010 Subaru Legacy, especially on the subframe. Had it professional inspected and confirmed on December 6, 2025 because it was making a squeaky noise when I applied the brakes. I purchased this vehicle 02/15/20 used, was not told about corrosion. Bought vehicle at Maxon Buick GMC in Union, New Jersey. Also,my headlight bulbs keeps going out every year since I purchased my Legacy.

Filed Jul 29, 2025 · Brakes · TX

I own a 2025 Subaru Legacy. On at least two occasions during rainy weather, while driving at low speeds (20-30 mph), the brake pedal suddenly became soft and sank to the floor with little braking response. I had to mash the pedal to stop the car to stop the car and there was a "grinding" sensation, possibly from ABS activation. On July 26, I was trying to stop at a stop sign. Fortunately, there was no car in front of me, otherwise I could have rear-ended them. This created a dangerous situation where I wasn't able to stop the vehicle properly.

Filed Jul 9, 2025 · Transmission · IA

CVT failed at 85,000 miles. It started slipping and squealing and had to be replaced by the dealership. The car was never driven rough, in mountainous terrain, etc. Very disappointing.

Filed Apr 10, 2023 · Suspension · 160,000 miles · MA

The contact's daughter owns a 2003 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made squeaking sounds. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the rear lateral link had detached from the rear subframe, and that the rear strut was leaning against the rear driver's side tire. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the rear subframe was corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 03V153000 (Suspension) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

Filed Jan 27, 2023 · Transmission · FL

Driving to work in the morning I began slowing down for a red light. When the vehicle get to ten miles an hour there was a loud bang and felt like the car downshifting. I stopped and checked nothing was abnormal , no warning lights or and signs of damage or failure and the vehicle continued to function normally. So I proceeded to work roughly 20 miles. About 30 minutes later as I was on the off ramp and at about the same speed of 10 miles per hour the vehicle had multiple loud bangs followed but screaching and metal grinding. I was at my job so I pulled into the parking lot as to not get stuck in the road. The vehicle made one more louder bang and all the warning light illuminated and the vehicle lost all ability to drive. Underneath was a puddle off oil. This vehicle has 89,000 miles and to have thus happen to the transmission for no apparent reason was a shock and disappointment. I felt my heart drop as this morning could have ended alot worse while I was on the road and express way surrounded by other motorist. Transmission should not disintegrate or complete fail at this mileage unless they are defective. This was not what was expected in safety and durability from this manufacturer.

Filed Aug 18, 2022 · NH

I was driving home and heard loud creaking and grinding noises from the front of the car, especially when I was turning or braking. I did use it the next day and it sounded worse. I brought the car to my local repair shop and was told that the problem was a crack in the front sub frame. I did not have an accident or hit anything.

Filed Feb 19, 2022 · Transmission · NY

It's a 6mt. Randomly reverse stopped working. Seems like it wants to go in reverse. But when any bit of gas pedal pressed it grinds and pops out of reverse. I have no reverse. 1st thru 6th gear works shifting wise. Shifter has some play though.

Filed Mar 20, 2020 · Transmission · 113,243 miles · TN

When driving my vehicle on a highway once reaching the acceleration speed of 65-75 the car sounds as if the gears are slipping and squeal once it kicks in. Stopped at dealership on our way back to our home state. They tested and recommended replacing the CVT. This apparently had an extended warranty in 2017. Will my car still be covered. We have 113k on the car.

Filed Dec 2, 2019 · Transmission · DE

My vehicle began to have trouble stalling when I slowed slowed down because the rpms dropped far too low. I was not able to stop properly without threat of stalling. My vehicle has now stalled more than 5 times while on the roads and highways. I feel that my safety is thoroughly at stake when my car suddenly turns off. I am very dissatisfied with the lack of cooperation that subaru has to given to compensate me. If stalling out was not enough, my car has now begun to squeal and buck during acceleration. I was on vacation when this issue became worse and could barely make it back home for work on monday. In my research I have found that this is a common problem with legacies & outbacks from the years 2010-2012. I find unethical that all subaru will do is offer an extended warranty that does not cover me.