2008 Subaru Outback transmission problems

Filed Jan 27, 2025 · Transmission · NH

Due to a known manufacturing defect in the automatic transmission acknowledged in TSB 16-74-09 the driveability of my vehicle has been severely hampered and the shuddering/vibration is steadily worsening. I wasn't aware of this torque converter defect or an available remedy until well after the warranty expired as I didn't have access to the TSB. This is apparently a widespread problem affecting many vehicles of the era based on online forums and other complaints to the federal safety agency. I took the vehicle to dealerships over the years for related transmission issues but they "couldn't replicate" my concern. Recently, a local dealership has confirmed our transmission is affected but it does not throw any trouble codes or illuminate warning lamp as these underlying mechanical defects are not monitored by the OBD system. Having a gradually failing, defective transmission is a safety issue as we can grow complacent and it could give out any time without warning while driving. The vehicle is certainly available for inspection. It has been impeccably maintained, and none of these issues are due to mechanical wear and tear or neglect. It's unbelievable that a known manufacturing defect in the transmission would not affect every vehicle with that unit and be subject of a broad recall.

Filed Jun 3, 2021 · Airbags, Transmission · 139,000 miles · CO

The contact owns a 2008 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving 30 mph, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing unknown repairs to be completed. The vehicle was repaired however, after the repairs she started to hear an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing unknown repairs to be performed. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was informed that the front passenger’s side ball joint and power steering rack needed to be replaced. Additionally, the rear differential fill plug and the transmission needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired however, the transmission was not replaced. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure of the transmission. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact stated recently the air bag warning light illuminated. The dealer and independent mechanic were made aware of the failure. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000.

Filed Jan 15, 2018 · Transmission · 95,000 miles · ME

Transmission failure. Dealer has replaced the transmission three times so far. None of the repairs have lasted more than a day or two. Vehicle works fine, then starts slipping out gear. This has been going on now for two months. Manufacturer silent on guidance. Suspect transmission and/or transmission control module failure or incompatibility. The transmission/control module is a split model year build.

Filed Oct 23, 2017 · Airbags, Transmission · 48,000 miles · MD

Airbag replaced as per recall, but not long therafter, the airbag light went on and won't go off. Apparently, this is a common problem, and subaru should cover it. Also, rear wheel bearings failing at 48k, very low mileage for them to need to be replaced.

Filed May 8, 2014 · Suspension, Transmission · 25 miles · FL

Carpet had bad spot upon purchase, told by dealer defect and nothing could be done. That spot is now a hole in the carpet. Seat material is very cheap and low quality started to wear before 1k. That too has left a hole in the seat. At 37k passenger cv boot went due to thin rubber boot followed by driver boot at 38k. Boot rubber is extremely thin compared to other manufacturers. When they go, they go quickly without warning the smell is horrific and the sticky residue left behind under the hood visually unappealing. As to the boots, our weather rubber car mats are thicker and certainly less expensive! At 68k clutch went; power-steering pump was leaking and A/C / alternator belts were cracked. This car has never missed a maintenance and has been immaculately cared for so imagine our disappointment. The clutch resulted in the car stalling in rush hour traffic. This car did not live up to the subaru reputation of safety and quality. I would not entertain the thought of every purchasing another subaru.

Filed Jun 1, 2013 · Transmission · 52,000 miles · NY

Informed at shop when getting oil change that left front wheel bearing needed replacement. Contacted local dealer and they confirmed and replaced it under powertrain warranty. Heard no noise and felt no unusual performance to alert me of this powertrain failure. Dealer stated all the other wheel bearings are ok. 2 years later at 70,000 miles right rear wheel bearing failed with no notice or noise just sudden grinding and swaying at about 50 MPH. Had it towed home and took it to dealer who confirmed the other two wheel bearings are failing. Dealer covered cost of new bearings but we traded it in. No confidence in subaru. Dealer stated this is a common issue, it should have been recalled or all replaced at first failure.

Filed May 21, 2013 · Engine, Transmission · 73,000 miles · NY

Vehicle overheated, drove to nearest service station. Radiator flushed and tested for leaks, none found. No other determination made. Car overheating, slow coolant loss. Subaru diagnosed major head gasket failure probably occurred prior to 73000 miles, but beyond power train warranty. Subaru hq declined to help with cost considering the service tech mgr stated a 2008 model car should not have this failure. Previously owned 1998 subaru outback with similar gasket failure some time after power train warranty expired. Costly repair.

Filed Nov 14, 2012 · Transmission, Wheels · 80,000 miles · NC

I purchased the 2008 outback 2.5 limited used with 32k miles. At 41k miles the right front wheel bearing went out. Was making a very loud rubbing noise when turning and on the highway. The bearing was replaced under powertrain warranty. Yesterday I was informed that my left front bearing has gone out, now at 80k miles (all highway mileage). Now it is out of warranty. The 2 shops I spoke to regarding the issue stated this is actually very common on these subaru models and they generate quite a bit of business. Subaru needs to provide a tsb and fix the issue as they have spec'd faulty wheel bearings.

Filed Apr 12, 2012 · Transmission · 50,284 miles · NY · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 subaru outback. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled without warning while driving at low speeds. The contact also stated that the transmission fluid leaked and the vehicle smoked. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The contact was informed that the transmission hose fractured and created the leak. The contact was also informed that the radiator was defective. The dealer replaced the transmission hoses and the radiator. The vehicle was repaired. The failure and current mileages were 50,284.

Filed Feb 12, 2012 · Engine, Transmission · 63,046 miles · CA

Vehicle started running bit rough while idling at intersection; upon acceleration, check engine light and other instrument lights started flickering and car stalled. Restarted normally.