2016 Subaru Outback: jerking or lurching

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 Oct 10, 2024 · Electrical, Transmission · 35,000 miles · ID

The contact owns a 2016 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the passenger’s side wheel window trim was slightly pivoted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who determined that the trim needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired because the dealer had not confirmed if parts had been ordered or received. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH in 2020, the vehicle experienced transmission failure and the vehicle came to a jerking stop, as if the parking brake had been activated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the contact was informed that the CVT transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that approximately 4 years later, several warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but no cause for the failure was found. The contact stated that after leaving the dealer, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was returned to the dealer and was diagnosed with CVT failure. The CVT transmission was replaced. The contact was informed that the wiring harness needed to be replaced; however, the wiring harness had not been replaced. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was 35,000.

Filed Apr 11, 2023 · Acceleration, Engine · CT · crash

At low rate of speed, while parking vehicle accelerated without warning and damaged 3 cars . This happened previously with separate family drivers without damage. This is a serious defect and could potentially cause serious injury or death. This was not driver error. the car lurched forward with absolutely no gas pedal involvement. The previous times it happened at a stoplight with enough room in front to hit the brake. Not this time.

Filed Sep 16, 2021 · Engine · NE

We have experienced slight acceleration issues when at standstill. For example parking in our garage, nosing to the front and the car will lurch forward. We always been able to control it but we do have to watch out. Decided to report after reading issues by other owners.

Filed Aug 27, 2021 · Transmission · 107,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2016 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently started shuddering and jerking. The contact also stated that the vehicle was making abnormal sounds. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that she was able to continue to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission had failed. Then, the vehicle was taken to the dealer who tests drove the vehicle and diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they would replace the transmission, but she would be responsible for the cost of the labor. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 107,000.

Filed Oct 7, 2020 · Fuel system · 30,000 miles · PA

When the car is started up on a cold morning it idles too fast and lurches dangerously when put into drive. I have to hold the car back with firm braking. I have had numerous close calls over the last four years that I have owned the car. The car is a 2016 outback 3.6 r with a 6 cylinder engine.

Filed May 16, 2020 · Acceleration, Engine · 1,000 miles · NC

While sitting still at a red light with my foot on the brake and the gear in drive, the car will suddenly lurch forward several feet. It happens with such force that it feels like I was rear-ended. This has happened occasionally since I purchased the car in january 2016. Always when at a full stop on flat and sloped surfaces. At first I thought it only happened when the AC was on, but it has happened with the AC off.

Filed Apr 27, 2020 · Electrical · 32,159 miles · MT

Irregular battery and electric issues. When car was 3-1/2 years old we drove 2 highway hours for a meeting. After the meeting (while still in the parking lot) the car was dead. We jumped it were driving toward a nearby subaru dealership. The car acted irregular on the highway. It had limited power and was lurching. We limped into the subaru dealership about 20 miles away. They couldn't find or diagnose an issue. But, eventually re-charged the battery and it held. At age 4, the car died in my driveway. We jumped it and the charge held. The driver side controls can no longer open the front passenger side window.

Filed Dec 24, 2019 · Transmission · 79,620 miles · CA

The CVT transmission failed at 79k miles at highway speeds causing the car to violently stall. We barely avoided hitting the cars around us trying to pull over. Luckily there was no car to rear end us. We were very lucky the traffic was light. These transmissions are defective and when they fail, they fail in a spectacular manner causing the vehicle to violently jerk and stall, a traumatic event equivalent to jumping on the breaks at highway speeds. It is extremely dangerous and will cause people to die in crashes. Subaru needs to recall every single CVT and stop putting them in new cars. Extending the warranty is insufficient.

Filed Feb 8, 2019 · Transmission · 100 miles · CA

The automatic transmission does not engage often causing a jerking motion of the car which is undiagnosed for the past 3 years. Subaru extended the transmission warranty for one year. I want it fixed. My wife and I have complained since the car was new (2016 model)

Filed May 2, 2017 · Brakes · 10,000 miles · NJ

3 separate episodes of engine racing when stepping on brake pedal and car lurching forward. Brake pedal very spongy and with continuous pressing goes almost down to floorboard. Occurs when vehicle moving slowly in close quarters. One episode of brake pedal going almost to floor when stopped at light

Filed Nov 27, 2016 · Fuel system, Transmission · 8,000 miles · NJ

3rd occurrence: while driving on a state highway, vehicle jerked, all warning lights came on and vehicle lost movement with resistance. Towed to dealer.