Since about 10,000 miles the clutch shudders when trying to accelerate. Usually only when engine is cold but not 100% of the time. Have complained to subaru dealer but they could not duplicate the problem. Apparently a known problem with some subarus but not all dealers address it.
2001 Subaru Outback transmission complaints
Page 2 of 2: complaints 11 to 23 of 23, newest first, as owners wrote them.
The clutch on our 2001 subaru outback limited shudders when the car and/or temperature is cold. It has done this for the last 30-40,000 miles.
Clutch shudder problem since 20k miles. Happens when cold or damp out, hesitates when accelerating in first gear, from stopped position. The vehicle was taken to the dealer 3 times, including test drive w/ mechanic,can't find the problem.
My subaru outback unlimited 2001 needs a transmission replaced after only 74,000. All the repairs and service were performed at the dealership including the 60,00 mile major tune-up. All the service was done timely and as recommended. The dealer first said the noise was the alternator and replaced the alternator, but the noise continued. I took the car to another subaru dealer who said the problem was the transmission and suspected it was not serviced appropriately. I returned the car to the original dealer at their request. They then removed the replaced alternator and returned my original alternator, but refused any responsibility for my transmission failure.
The vehicle was parked and off. Please provide any further information. *nlm the vehicle moved forward towards the fence.
2001 subaru outback, 22000 miles. Clutch needed replacement.
Car has significant hesitation during periods of acceleration, usually around 2500-3500 RPM. Potentially dangerous in many driving situations. Have reported to dealer multiple times. Response is always "cannot reproduce - computer shows operating as designed". Car also has spontaneous acceleration at low speed, such as first taking foot off brake.
There is a dangerous clutch shudder when shifting in low gears. Car can stall in bad intersections. This is dangerous. There is a lot of public discussion about this problem here: http://pub1.ezboard.com/fultimatesubarumessageboardsthenewgenerationofsubarus.showmessage?topicid=3533.topic
Vehicle suddenly accelerates while descending steep hill in 1st gear using engine as brake
The clutch-shudder problem has been going on since this winter. It happens most often in the morning, cold seems to be a factor most of the time, and it shudders when you go from stop to go. First gear is almost impossible to get out of smoothly without the shuddering. The dealer cant seem to replicate the problem, but I have read the other subaru owners complaints of the same problem on the subaru message board, so I know its more of a problem than just our car. *ts ***dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12-12-02 cut over to artemis***761667
Overdrive light illuminated. Driver had vehicle towed to mechanic. Mechanic stated that transmission needed to be replaced.
Since new, the clutch in this car has had a bad shudder when cold outside -- bad enough to shake the entire car as the clutch engages. It only happens when it's cold, but not all the time when it's cold, making it nigh impossible for the dealer to do anything about it. 20k miles later, the problem still exists for me and apparently many, many other outback drivers. Internet posts confirm that this is a "common" subaru problem, although a fix is not readily available. The dealer acknowledges that there are known problems with some legacy/outback clutches, but until the clutch will reliably fail while they have it, they cannot do anything about it. Most people, like me, just deal with the horrible shaking, but I can certainly see how this could lead to a hazardous situation when someone tries to pull into traffic and becomes startled by the shuddering car, backing off the gas and possibly getting hit.
The clutch or flywheel appears defective. The clutch shudders or chatters when engaged which causes the car to hesitate upon acceleration. This problem started around 9,000 miles and has continued intermittently till now at 18,000 miles. Subaru has agreed to replace my clutch and flywheel, but I am concerned regarding this problem. This problem is widespread among other subaru drivers and the service techs report that this problem is commen and normal for suabrus. I believe this is a safety issue and defect in the design or manufactoring of the clutch and flywheel assembly. Please look into this problem. I would be happy to speak to anyone regarding this issue. When you engage the clutch upon acceleration the car jerks and trembles, chatters, shudders before engaging. This should not be accepted as normal operation. Thank you.
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