2010 Subaru Outback: hesitation when accelerating

Filed Feb 3, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · VT

Vehicle has an automatic transmission and it stalls when stopping. There is no warning light on the dash. This happens more frequently when the vehicle is warm, in early operation it may only hesitate or run rough while stopping. A warm a stop is more likely to stall the vehicle than a slow stop. Hard braking at operating temperature will stall the vehicle without fail. This has been happening since I bought it and it occurs with each drive every day.

Filed Sep 7, 2023 · Transmission · 196,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2010 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that on numerous occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle hesitated. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while shifted in reverse, the vehicle inadvertently shifted into drive independently. The contact turned off and restart the vehicle. The contact then stated that he was able navigate the vehicle back onto the road. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure could not be duplicated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the warranty had expired but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 196,000.

Filed Sep 23, 2020 · 123,694 miles · VA

I am experiencing hesitation while driving the car. I have threads with subaru drivers who are experiencing the same issues and all have no luck resolving the issue at dealerships.

Filed Jan 28, 2019 · Transmission · 139,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 subaru outback. While driving approximately 25 MPH and approaching a stop sign, the vehicle started to hesitate and made a clunking sound. The contact also mentioned that the vehicle stalled twice when attempting to stop. The contact had to depress the brake pedal with force to prevent the vehicle from stalling. The contact drove the vehicle to ganley subaru of bedford (123 broadway ave, bedford, oh 44146) where it was diagnosed that the torque converter failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 139,000.

Filed Feb 21, 2018 · Transmission · 70,000 miles · VA

After shifting from p to r or d or from d to r or r to d, the car hesitates 2-3 seconds when pulling away. The engine shudders and usually pulls away with no problem. Occasionally, the engine stalls. It will start up again immediately. The torque converter was replaced dec. 2016, but this problem is actually worse since the repair.

Filed Mar 8, 2017 · Transmission · 50 miles · WV

Subaru tech service bulletin 16-90-13r - affects 2010 - 2012 continuously variable transmission equipped outback and legacy models car exhibits symptoms listed in above tsb. Car stalls / severely hesitates when taking off from rest due to issue with poorly designed thrust washer in torque converter. Discovered issue as described after purchase from used dealership. Car would stall out when taking off from rest in intersections or pulling out into traffic. This could result in a serious collision if not properly addressed / repaired. Upon further investigation, car had had transmission flushed 2x according to carfax at mfg dealership by previous owner, issue unresolved. Contacted subaru of america (soa) upon discovering issue. Subaru acknowledged the problem as a know issue but asserted that they would not financially cover what seems to be a serious safety issue. Technical service bulletin should be escalated to a safety recall and subaru of america forced to make repairs to affected vehicles. Attached are copy of technical service bulletin and carfax history report for vehicle in question.

Filed Sep 20, 2016 · Transmission · 108,650 miles · CA

My car has only 108,650 miles on it and I was told on 9/19/16 that I need a new transmission torque converter. I got a second a opinion which was the same as the first. My car shudders, hesitates and stalls when coming to a stop which creates a safety hazard. It creates great potential for a rear end collision. It started out just doing this rarely and is happening more frequently. This has been happening for about two months. The cost to repair is $1521.24. With this low of mileage, I'm told I should not be having this type of problem. Subaru is aware of the problem as they have issued a service bulletin (16-90-13r). I received no notification from subaru and only found out about this when it started happening. I googled the term "transmission torque converter" for 2010 subaru outback and found this to be a common complaint. I feel this subaru should be recalling vehicles with this problem and fixing it. I bought my car when it was two years old and it only had 57,000 miles on it. I have since driven it just over 50,000 miles and don't feel I should be dealing with a problem of this severity.

Filed Sep 5, 2012 · Fuel system · 1,500 miles · ME

When trying to speed up from a rolling stop/yield the car hesitated to shift and would not go forward. Then all of a sudden the transmission made a loud "clunk" and quickly shot forward. The problem affected my ability to safely merge into traffic. This has been an on-going problem and the dealer will not admit this is a defect.

Filed Sep 16, 2010 · Transmission · 2,000 miles · NH

Tl*the contact owns a 2010 subaru outback. While driving approximately 30 MPH he applied pressure to the brake pedal. He took his foot off of the brake pedal before reaching a stop sign and attempted to accelerate. The vehicle momentarily hesitated before accelerating. The failure recurred while driving approximately 30 MPH whenever he attempted to accelerate after applying the brakes. He also stated that while driving approximately 75 MPH he took his foot off of the accelerator pedal but the vehicle did not begin to decelerate for approximately 4 seconds. This failure also recurred whenever he was driving approximately 75 MPH. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where he was informed that the vehicle was manufactured to operate in that manner. The failure mileage was 2,000 and the current mileage was 8,000.

Filed Aug 3, 2010 · Engine · 5,000 miles · IA

2010 subaru outback 2.5l CVT. Engine hesitates or stalls when starting up from a stop or low speed, especially if uphill. Usually before engine is fully warmed up but also when warm. No difference with or without A/C. Occurs at least once daily. Problem started at about 5000 miles on odometer. Several near misses when trying to cross traffic. Dealer says there is no fix. But similar problem with same year manual transmission subaru's has a fix involving the ecu.

Filed Aug 1, 2010 · Fuel system · 5,600 miles · TN

Vehicle stalls and has a severe hesitation. Have nearly been rear ended 2 times when this occurs.