My CVT Transmission started having problems with the Valve Body inside the transmission. On acceleration from a complete stop my vehicle would start "bucking" hard causing a violent back and forth rocking or "jerking" of the drive train and vehicle. I did not request a inspection of the failed Valve Body when I paid to have it replaced. The life and safety of myself and others are at severe risk of injury or death resulting from a complete failure of the Valve Body component when driving on highways or other roads because without any warning the vehicle will come to a complete stop which would cause a rear end collision possibly at highway speeds. Also I'm concerned about the Torque Converter having a failure because of the intense pressure from the failed Valve Body with the constant "bucking" on acceleration. I took my vehicle to both a independent transmission shop and a Subaru Service Center and the Independent Transmission Shop told me I needed a new transmission and the Subaru Service Department kept telling me they didn't know what was causing my vehicle symptoms. Subaru of America extended the warranty on my vehicle to 100,000 miles because of the problems with their CVT Transmissions but because I bought my vehicle used with over 100,000 miles on it they refused to either pay for 50% or 100% of the replacement cost. No warning Lights came on but when the Valve Body completely fails then the warning lights will illuminate. My Subaru Case Number that was DENIED is (Case# 250820-1801058) for Subaru extended warranty for CVT Transmission.
2011 Subaru Outback transmission problems
216 complaints (33% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 114,000. 3 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 216
- of this car's complaints
- 33%
- typical mileage
- 114,000
- crashes
- 3
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Automatic transmission: torque converter7
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Subaru Outback transmission problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2011 Subaru Outback transmission
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Shudder 52CVT failure 44Transmission failure 23Jerking 15Hesitation 10Harsh shifting 6
Related recalls
Power train: manual transmission
- What is wrong
- Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010 and 2011 outback and legacy passenger vehicles manufactured from april 28 through june 23, 2010. Due to a programming error, a lubrication hole within the 6-speed manual transmission was omitted.
- Risk
- If the transmission gears are not properly lubricated, a groaning sound may begin to develop alerting the driver of a problem. If the sound is ignored and no action is taken, the gears will eventually break and this condition will lead to vehicle power loss, possibly resulting in a crash.
- Remedy
- Subaru will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles by drilling an oil lubrication hole and, if necessary, replace the internal parts with new ones free of charge. The safety recall began on july 28, 2010. Owners may contact subaru at 1‑800‑782‑2783.
Recall number 10V326000 · Recall details
What 2011 Subaru Outback owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owns a 2011 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission output shift was bent and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Torque converter issue that causes stalling similar to a manual transmission vehicle. The issue should have been a full recall but instead was only a "bulletin." For my own safety, I am stuck paying several thousand dollars for an issue the manufacturer is aware of but refused to cover by full recall. It is not just wear-and-tear, and is a danger to myself and other drivers on the road. And because the previous owner(s) were negligent in making sure the vehicle was repaired under warranty, I'm left paying a giant, unexpected bill. Does that seem like the right thing to you?
When coming to a stop the RPM's drop and the engine will stall, similar to not engaging the clutch on a manual transmission. Luckily there has not been a crash to date but the condition has worsened to the point it is no longer safe to drive and must be repaired. This is a known safety flaw with the torque converter and Subaru denied any responsibility or assistance in the quoted $2,400 repair.
Coolant leak, steering power fluid leak, break pad leak, gasoline line leak, seat heater, clicking noise after turning off car, leaking seats and rear view mirror also leaking, steering wheel expanding due to possible air bag, heater and ac vents lose and also chemical smell/gas/coolant coming from front and back of car, sunroof not secured. Every wiring wet, charger port in middle compartment wet when plugging something in. Everything auto does not work. Car sounds like something is constantly leaking air or gas somewhere, even when off. My safety was at risk by having severe chemical burns on my skin everywhere, hair falling out due to exposure, almost passing out while driving due to inhaling components, low visibility due to auto dimming in rear view and side mirrors. The problem has not been confirmed due to me being in a financial bind at the moment. The car has not been inspected. due to financial problems I am not able to get the vehicle looked at. There were no warnings except for the blue temp light came on but immediately will shut back off. Car also severely vibrates when turning on. They started appearing around against of 2024
Bought vehicle from Carvana, immediately noticed transmission shudder issues when driving near 50 mph. Brought vehicle in to multiple repair facilities. It had warped brakes, bad calipers, needed a new torque converter at least and the repair shop recommended a total transmission replacement. The whole vehicle shakes when driving near that speed or braking.
Seems like a transmission problem on my Subaru Outback. While braking to a stop the car shudders and then the engine stalls creating a hazardous situation. I'm forced to put the car in park and restart the engine. This sounds like a common issue with the tourque converter on these cars. This problem happens on a near daily basis unless you drive with such extreme caution you can sometimes avoid the issue.
Dashboard lights flashing, Brake lights Traction control Cruise Check engine
The car shudders when we come to a stop, sometimes cuts off completely. I am told this is a faulty torque converter. This is my 5th subaru, so I love the car, but, I have a family now, and I am not sure this is a safe vehicle for them to be in, please help me!!
Transmission failure at 55mph my couldn't shift and the motor revved up all the way to the redline mark and wouldn't stop when I tried to stop it the reaction control lights came on the cruise control light was flashing the emergency break light was flashing every light on my dash was flashing there was a terrible vibration in the steering wheel the Transmission was humming really loud and just got worse the car just kept going and not stopping I could have hit someone another person a car I could have hit anything instead I choose the ditch and cornfield the car has been looked at by a repair shop and everything has been duplicated by them the problem hasn't gone away or changed all the codes were cleared and as soon as it starts up they all came back signaling the transmission and torque converter the sounds are still there also upon start up the engine starts fine but the car can't be driven can't get above 15 mph without vibration and loud noises and the motor revving up without notice this is very dangerous you can't control the car
Questions about the 2011 Subaru Outback transmission
Does the 2011 Subaru Outback have transmission problems?
Owners have filed 216 complaints about the transmission of the 2011 Subaru Outback, 33% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2011 Subaru Outback transmission problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 114,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2011 Subaru Outback transmission?
Yes, 1 recall: 10V326000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Subaru Outback have bad transmission?
The Subaru Outback model years with the most transmission complaints are 2011 (216 complaints), 2012 (108 complaints) and 2010 (94 complaints).
Other 2011 Subaru Outback problems
Lights 117Engine 93Brakes 78Airbags 73Electrical 67Steering 36Acceleration 26Visibility 23Suspension 21Fuel system 16Body 11Driver assistance 10Wheels 10Tires 9Seat belts 4Seats 4
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