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.
2016 Subaru Outback: complete transmission failure
7 of the 644 complaints about the 2016 Subaru Outback describe complete transmission failure.
- owner complaints
- 7
- of this car's complaints
- 1%
- typical mileage
- 92,400
- recalls
- 2
Complete transmission failure by model year
What owners say
Transmission went out at 72,000 miles. Was told it was not covered by warranty even though I purchased extended warranty. Will never buy another Subaru again. Spoke to a person at customer service who said she would take care of it. Made 19 calls over 3 months and no one returned a call. Terrible customer service at the main office.
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.
While driving on the highway, the transmission in my 2016 subaru outback started making a loud grinding sound and violently halted the car to a stop. I was lucky enough that it wasn't during a busy time and an accident was narrowly avoided. This transmission only had 67,000 miles on it and is actually the second transmission that car has had. In 2018 the transmission had to be replaced after 68,000 miles. Luckily it was fully covered under an extended warranty I purchased when I bought it. Later the transmissions were given a warranty extension which extended the warranty to 100,000. The newest transmission (the one that just violently grinded to a halt on the highway) currently has 67,000 miles on that new transmission, but subaru will not honor the 100,000 warranty extension because the remainder of the vehicle has 135,000 miles on it. I do count myself lucky that this didn't cause an accident because I had my family in the vehicle with me and we could've been seriously hurt.
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.
Wobbling and shaking occurs when the car is in motion (when accelerating). Happens on street and on highway. Service advisor recommended transmission replacement. Please see attached extended warranty offer from the manufacturer as a result of previous complaints.
1st occurrence: while driving on a county road, all warning lights came on. Brought vehicle back to dealer, dealer replaced the transmission.
Service bulletins that may apply
- This is an update announcement regarding the TechShare & NorthStar Integration
- This Service Information Bulletin announces the availability of ThreeBond 1216J (SOA868V9640) designed for...
- This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body
- This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which incorporates an enhanced...
- This announcement provides information on the remanufactured CVT transmission program.
- This bulletin announces the service manual correction regarding clutch master cylinder reservoir service...
- This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which enhancement was...
- This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body
Related recalls
Power train: driveline: differential unit
- What is wrong
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2016 Legacy vehicles manufactured October 24, 2015, to November 16, 2015, and Outback vehicles manufactured October 24, 2015, to November 17, 2015. Due to the improper tightening of the securing nuts, the drive shaft may separate from the rear differential.
- Risk
- If the drive shaft detaches from the rear differential, it may strike the fuel tank and result in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the fastening nuts, and tighten or replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 10, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1‑856‑488‑8500. Subaru's number for this recall is WQV-57.
Recall number 15V794000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015 and 2016 model year Subaru Legacy 4-Door and Outback vehicles manufactured July 3, 2015, to July 27, 2015. Transmission oil may leak from a deformed seal cap on the propeller shaft yoke.
- Risk
- If the transmission oil leaks onto the exhaust pipe, there is a possible risk of fire.
- Remedy
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the propeller shaft, free of charge. The recall began on August 28, 2015. Owners may contact 1‑800‑782‑2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQU-56.
Recall number 15V502000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2016 Subaru Outback transmission failure
Is complete transmission failure a common problem on the 2016 Subaru Outback?
7 of 644 owner complaints about the 2016 Subaru Outback (1%) mention complete transmission failure. The model year with the most reports is 2011.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2016 Subaru Outback?
There are 2 recalls and 36 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2016 Subaru Outback
Battery drain 110Windshield crack 70Won't start 45Wipers 15Fuel smell 12Jerking 12Sudden acceleration 11Adaptive cruise 9Collision warning 8No deployment 7CVT failure 7Sunroof shattered 7Warning lights 7Stalling 6Door locks 5Hesitation 5Lane assist 5
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