2010 Subaru Outback: complete transmission failure

Filed Oct 17, 2019 · Transmission · 116,000 miles · MN

Vehicle has 116,567 miles developed a squeaking noise at 40 / 60 MPH. After bringing in to dealer was advised the CVT chain was slipping and only thing that could be done is purchase a new transmission or vehicle. The transmission replacement was at a cost of 7900 dollars and no other option was provided to improve safety in the vehicle. I made numerous attempts to have soa provide details on what maintenance could be done to to protect/extend the life cycle of the failing transmission or if the transmission could be rebuilt to improve safe operation. Soa response continues to be they will discuss a loyalty program for a new lease or car but the only option is to replace the transmission entirely.

Filed Sep 13, 2018 · Transmission · 107,000 miles · MI

Car stopped dead on the freeway while attempting to exit, and again in a major intersection. Car was diagnosed as needing an entirely new transmission at a subaru dealer and the quoted cost was more than the value of the car. There was an extended warranty attempting to cover up this situation but, as a new owner, I was never notified. The transmission failed within two weeks of the end date of the extended warranty. They should have been forced to issue a recall....none of my family will ever drive this vehicle again because there are no guarantees it will not happen again.

Filed Sep 13, 2018 · Transmission · 120,000 miles · FL

While I was on my way home, the car started bucking and all of the warning lights started to flicker on & of on the dash. I was driving on a major highway and thank goodness I was close to my subaru dealership where I immediately took the car. I was extremely scared! Shaking! They took the car right away & told me that it was the transmission - my son researched this and found that there have been many others with the same issues. Apparently my dealer was aware also since they knew right away what was wrong. Cost of repair $1,70.86 + tax! We recently purchased a 2nd outback b'cause we love the subaru brand & our dealer. What happened to me is a shameful neglect on subaru's part since there appears to have been several incidents the same as mine. I thank god that I didn't break down on a major highway or bridge that was on my way home. But mostly, I am grateful that my 19 year old daughter wasn't driving the car when this problem arose! Shame on subaru for not doing a recall on this! Very disappointed in the brand. My dealer was exceptional and fixed the car in 1 day! Replaced transmission valve body.

Filed Dec 14, 2017 · Engine, Transmission · WA

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 subaru outback. While driving 25 MPH, the engine stalled while approaching a stop light. The contact applied the brakes and the vehicle stopped. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and reverse out of traffic. The contact drove the vehicle to the dealer (john howard subaru, 1730 mileground rd, morgantown, wv 26505) where it was diagnosed that the transmission failed. The dealer stated that the vehicle could be repaired under the warranty extension. The next day, the dealer called and stated that since the vehicle had a new title, it no longer could be repaired under the warranty extension. The manufacturer was notified at 1‑800‑782‑2783 and did not assist. The failure mileage was unknown. *tt updated 8/22/18

Filed Aug 7, 2017 · Transmission · 72,629 miles · MA

Noticed a slight increase in engine noise and increased time to accelerate, but driveable. No dashboard lights were on. 24 hours later car stalled out while driving steadily about 30 miles per hour down the road. Pulled car over and had car towed to subaru dealer. Stated I needed a new transmission. I stated I drive conservatively and the car has low miles, not that old, and I don't have a tow hook up so it doesn't make sense.

Filed Jun 16, 2017 · Transmission · 120,000 miles · PA

Vehicle started acting as though it was going to stall at stop signs and red lights. All dashboard lights then became lit up. Took to my place of dealership and upon checking transmission fluid, they described it as smelling very foul and was told I need a new transmission. Car is a 2010 subaru outback with 120,000 miles. The cheapest I could find for new transmission was 6000.00. Thought it was a joke at first, but was told the first call they made it was 7000.00. The transmission specialist called the CVT subaru transmission "the throw away transmission' as no one ever replaces them at that cost. I have always owned chevy vehicles until I fell in love with the outback. Needless to say I am very disappointed in this vehicle.no more subarus for me!!!

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 Aug 17, 2011 · Transmission · 35,000 miles · ME

I took my 2010 subaru outback to my dealer to have my front brakes checked. It felt like they were grabbing, and I wanted to check the wear. They checked the brakes, cleaned them up, and stated they were at normal wear for 35,000 miles. In the next breath, they stated I needed a new transmission. I still have not gotten an exact reason why my two year old car needs a new transmission. I have a CVT automatic/manual transmission. The dealer was very vague as to what happened. They stated it was the first one they've seen this happen to.

Filed Sep 29, 2010 · Engine · 10 miles · GA

Tl*the contact owns a 2010 subaru outback. The contact stated that when the vehicle was pulled out of the driveway, it began to shake and then stalled. Other than the shaking, there was no prior warning. The dealer replaced the transmission but the failure continued. The contact believed the problem to be related to the air conditioning system. The failure mileage was 10 and the current mileage was approximately 12,000.

Filed Dec 23, 2009 · Transmission · 3,860 miles · CA

2010 subaru outback, 3750 miles. Took to the dealer when rattling noise seem to come from instrument cluster. Dealer had it for a week. Dealer service isolated the noise as coming from subaru new transmission. They called the company rep in southern calif. Who instructed the dealer to put the car back together and stated the problem is known, and no fix is available. Since than I also noticed that when the car is almost in idle, creeping into parking spot, the car jerked forward, and was able to stop it before hitting the car next to me too hard. It is very disturbing to me and I am driving this new car with very little confidence now.