2016 Subaru Outback: hesitation when accelerating

Filed Mar 25, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · IN

My 2016 Subaru Outback CVT transmission has exhibited an intermittent jerking and grabbing sensation when accelerating from a stop, worse when cold, since at least February 2023. This is a known defect covered under Subaru warranty extension bulletin 16-115-18. February 2023 — An authorized Subaru dealer documented the complaint in writing. The technician stated the vehicle never warmed up during the test drive and dismissed the concern. The CVT issue was never repaired. I was never informed of Subaru's CVT warranty extension program. February 17 2026 — seven days before my warranty expiration — the same authorized Subaru dealer physically identified and documented a CVT oil pump cover leak. The same jerking complaint was again documented in writing. No repairs were made and the warranty expired one week later. The CVT defect has been physically confirmed by an authorized Subaru dealer within the warranty period and Subaru of America has denied my warranty claim in writing. This issue presents a safety concern. The unpredictable jerking and hesitation when accelerating from a stop creates dangerous situations in traffic, particularly at intersections and when merging. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Subaru chose to handle this known widespread defect as a quiet warranty extension rather than a mandatory recall despite hundreds of owners reporting identical symptoms.

Filed Jul 13, 2018 · Acceleration, Engine · 350 miles · CT

After stopping at a stop sign on a city street, I tried to accelerate but there was a long hesitation followed by a surge of power. This happened on 2 occasions. I had the sales man drive the vehicle and also the service manager drove it for 1 week - neither times did this issue repeat itself. The dealership did not have any knowledge of this type of problem. I refused to drive this vehicle and returned it to the subaru dealer in berlin, ct.

Filed Sep 9, 2016 · Driver assistance · 10,000 miles · OK

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 subaru outback. While attempting to make a turn, the vehicle experienced hesitation while the accelerator pedal was depressed. In addition, the contact stated that the forward collision avoidance system malfunctioned and the vehicle experienced unintended deceleration. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the failure could not be replicated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.

Filed Sep 4, 2016 · Transmission · WI

When I back up and stop and put transmission into drive there is a 3 to 4 second hesitation before the vehicle goes forward. This hesitation puts me into risk as I back out of driveway onto a busy urban street. The dealership says this the way the CVT transmission works. The problem was brought to the attention of the dealer the 1st week that I purchased the car on 09/30/2015. The problem still exists when going from a quick reverse to drive.

Filed Oct 29, 2015 · Acceleration · 112 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 subaru outback. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated to accelerate. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 112.