2015 Subaru Outback transmission problems

Filed Dec 18, 2025 · Transmission · OR

After a transmission replacement performed by Bud Clary Chevrolet, Inc. in Longview, WA on September 9, 2025, my vehicle was returned to me with critical components left unsecured. On November 19, 2025, an independent mechanic discovered loose suspension bolts connecting the ball joints to the spindles on both front wheels. On November 29, 2025, Subaru of Portland documented additional unsecured and unattached components related to the prior transmission replacement, including loose mounting hardware and a disconnected PCV hose. Subaru of Portland’s written inspection states that the loose bolts would have been unsafe if left uncorrected. These conditions were present after a major repair and created a potential safety hazard while the vehicle was being driven. This complaint concerns an unsafe condition caused by improper workmanship during a vehicle repair.

Filed Dec 14, 2024 · Transmission · OH

A transmission that was replaced in July of 2023 went bad un December of 2024 and dealership won't give reasons why transmission went bad or what caused a almost brand new transmission with less than 50,000 miles on it went bad. They are demanding we pay $5000.00 dollars on a transmission that was replaced under the extended warranty on cvt transmission from subaru. Which also extends to the brand new transmission. They are demanding their loaner car back and refusing to honor extended warranty on new transmission which the gave us which is bad. They will not give us anything other than it is bad. No information what so ever is being given to my husband or I as to why, how or what happened. My car will not move unless it is pushed by someone. They are refusing to honor their recall warranty or provide a loaner while dealing with their corporate offices on this issue. This is after in the past 1 and a half years my car has been in their shop for well over 8 months and I am still making payments on this vehicle. They will not even provide paperwork on the issues with my vehicle.

Filed Feb 10, 2024 · Transmission · VA

When shifted into drive or reverse, with brakes applied, and after initial start the vehicle will surge forward or reverse with force enough to overcome standard braking.

Filed Aug 31, 2023 · Seats, Steering · IN

Driver's seat started peeling off approximately a year after purchase. Notified dealer, they said to contact Subaru of America via social media. Now almost all peeled off, have to cover with towel possibly interfering with airbags. Steering column lock will not lock in top position. Dealer repaired once under warranty, now out of warranty. Unsafe when column moves when driving. Transmission started slipping or behaving strangely around 90,000 miles. Never received notice of extended warranty I read about on Subaru forums [XXX] ) Paid $531.43 for fluid change at dealership because of the problem on 7/27/23 and no mention was made about extended warranty. It has not solved the problem. If transmission fails, that is a safety problem. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Apr 24, 2023 · Driver assistance, Steering · VA

CONSTANT CHECK ENGINE, NO ADAS FUNCTIONS AND MULTIPLE CODES AND HUD INDICATORS INCLUDING CKENGNE, XMODE FLASHING, ADAS DISABLE AND MAJOR ELECRTICAL PARASITIC DRAW AND TRANSMISSION AND OVERHEATING. I believe the past major leg relay was replaced during first recall, it was not performed correctly and tied into accesssorry aux into same wiring. defrost/ ac failure and clutch hums upon shutting down

Filed Aug 12, 2022 · Transmission · NJ

The continuously variable transmission failed at 114,000 miles. The unexpected lack of proper shifting on the roadway causes impediment to traffic expecting a continual flow of traffic. This causes the vehicle and drivers sharing the rode to have to make sudden braking or lane shifts without sufficient notice. The CVT was inspected by the dealer. There were no warning lamps or symptoms prior to failure.

Filed Jan 7, 2022 · Engine, Transmission · NY

On three separate occasions, most recently on 01/06/22 , my Subaru Outback began to accelerate without touching the gas pedal. My wife and myself were both fortunate to have a foot covering the brake pedal when this occurred . We fortunately avoided the potential collision hazard. The UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION is alarming and continues to occur !

Filed Nov 10, 2021 · Transmission · NC

local mechanic doing standard maintenence at 62,861 miles, checking high rpms at startup, noticed that the crankshaft pully was moving up and down , slight variance , when it should be straight. apparently a recall issue on 2016 outbacks.

Filed Feb 10, 2021 · Transmission · CA

Transmission fluid leak

Filed Oct 28, 2020 · Transmission · 150,450 miles · MS

I took the car into paul moak subaru on 10/14. The car was bucking under light acceleration. When pulling thru a stop light, or moving from a stopped position, the car kicks back and forth and I don't know if its going to keep going or stall. No check engine light. Paul moak subaru says " this is due to an internal failure of the CVT transmission and the repair estimate is $9,319.59." this is almost the same as what I owe on the car. I knew of the extended warranty subaru provided for the transmission but I'm outside the mileage portion. I reached out to subaru north america on 10/27/20 but they say they can not help me due to the mileage. I drive approx 750 miles a week on a sales route thus the high mileage. 90 % of the miles are highway and are documented for tax purposes. I love my subaru but cant believe I'm going to have to spend so much money on a 5 year old car. I have a family of 4 and am scared to take them in the car in this condition. I have to drive it in this condition until I can save the money it's going to cost to repair the transmission. Subaru should issue a recall on this transmission.