2000 Subaru Outback transmission problems

Filed Jun 2, 2016 · Suspension, Transmission · 147,138 miles · MI

I was advised by a mechanic on 4/20/15 that the rear cradle is very rusty, enough that I should avoid carrying heavy loads. I just noticed on this website that there was a recall in 2003 for inadequate rustproofing of that part; however, we never received notice of a recall. Can this be repaired or replaced now? There was no incident associated with this problem.

Filed Jul 17, 2014 · Transmission · 143,000 miles · CT

Stopped for a red light. When the light turned green car would not go forward because the automatic transmission would not engage forward gears. Evidently this is a common problem with a known defect and expensive repair.

Filed May 5, 2013 · Body, Suspension · 230,000 miles · MA

I was driving along, around 50 MPH. I hit a bump in the road, and there was a loud bang. The vehicle jerked and swerved, as it was snowing... I almost lost control. The rear sub-frame was rusted out and had broken, allowing the rear differential to break free and smash up into the fuel tank and cause severe jerking. I had done a little reading, subaru had a recall on this vehicle for inferior metal on the rear sub-frame. This vehicle was in for the recall in 2003. Where they deemed it not bad enough to replace the sub-frame, but clean it and spray it with anti corrosion substance. As it now stands, the car is not drivable, and the recall fix was clearly not a proper solution. I called subaru, and they told me that since it had been in for a recall in 2003, there was nothing more on there end that they would do. I am a long time subaru fan, and I really just would like them to honor their mistake, and fix the vehicle properly. Or purchase it back from me, and I will gladly purchase another subaru. I have photos of the sub-frame where it has clearly rusted and broke free. It is very clear that the metal is inferior, considering everything else on the underside of the vehicle is in functional and serviceable condition. Thanks you.

Filed Apr 10, 2011 · Electrical, Transmission · 110,000 miles · CA

The tps has been replaced twice, all leads from the wiring harness have been ground and lubricated, but the transmission shift shock remains. The manufacturer's technical department, having made the former guesses on the tps replacement and leads, suggests replacing the ECM and TCM to see if that corrects the problem. The severe shift shock is the most current problem with this egregiously defective vehicle in which all major parts have been replaced since purchasing it new, the repair cost so far equivalent to the purchase price. There is 126,000 miles on the odometer and this vehicle has had only one owner who has always driven it with the utmost care. The vehicle in its current state since july 2010 is dangerous to drive - without following an obvious pattern, the at dashboard light flashes and within seconds there is severe shift shock, on highways at 65mph and in congested traffic at 10mph. The engine has to be turned off immediately so that the computer components can hopefully reset, which resetting does not always happen. If the engine is not switched off, the severe shift shock continues. Having this happen at any speed is so dangerous, and trying to pull off to the side of the highway is even more dangerous. There are hundreds of complaints on the internet from subaru owners, but subaru corporate office denies all responsibility, simply stating that the vehicles should be taken to dealerships. The dealerships are unable to fix the problem as the defect is inherent in the manufacture of the vehicle.

Filed Mar 16, 2009 · Transmission · 30,000 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 subaru outback. While shifting from park into drive, the vehicle takes 15-20 seconds for the gears to shift. The manufacturer is aware of the failure, but has not issued a safety recall. The current mileage was 170,000 and failure mileage was 30,000.

Filed Mar 2, 2009 · Transmission · 83,000 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 subaru outback. When the contact starts the vehicle and attempts to change gears, the vehicle jerks very strongly. The dealer stated that the transmission was the cause of the failure. The transmission fluid was changed, but the failure persisted. The dealer recommended that the transmission be rebuilt. The failure mileage was 83,000 and current mileage was 93,000. Updated 4/23/09 *cn updated 04/27/09

Filed Apr 28, 2008 · Transmission · 60,000 miles · OR

2000 subaru outback, transmission slips until warmed up. Started at 60,000 miles and getting worse. Web research indicates a common failure of piston seals and a known problem as subaru has redesigned. What about us past customers?

Filed Jan 8, 2008 · Transmission · 65,000 miles · VA

Transmission will intermittently fail to go into drive from park or reverse. Happens at random. Engine can be cold or warm and it still hesitates. Sometimes takes over a minute to get the transmission to engage. Only a matter of time before we get stranded. Took car to dealer and they topped off the transmission fluid and said the delay was normal. Issues began at 65k miles and have progressively gotten worse. Car now has 77k miles and only option given has been to replace the transmission.

Filed Jan 4, 2008 · Engine, Transmission · 55,000 miles · NJ · fire

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 subaru outback. The vehicle would jerk when idling. When the accelerator pedal was depressed, there was a delay and the vehicle would jolt forward. The dealer stated that internal transmission parts failed and the transmission needed to be replaced. At 64,000 miles, the contact smelled rotten eggs when driving 35 MPH. The dealer replaced the catalytic converter. While driving between 25- 60 MPH with the air conditioner activated, she smelled something burning inside the passenger compartment. The dealer stated that the head gasket failed and needed to be replaced. The head gasket failed at 55,000 and 80,000 miles. The failure mileage was 55,000 and current mileage was 95,000.

Filed Nov 21, 2007 · Transmission · PA

Transmission is going out of 2000 outback before 70,000 miles. It is stated on the internet that other people are having the same problem with this year of outback. I bought this car because it was suppose to last fora long time with low maintenance. I don't feel that I or anyone else should have to replace a transmission in a car that has less than 70,000 miles on it. I don't even have the car paid for and it will cost me $2700.00 to replace the transmission with a rebuilt one that could still have the same problem.