2020 Subaru Outback: CVT failure

Filed Oct 14, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · CA

I have a 2020 Subaru Outback with just over 70,000 miles on it. Well before hitting 70,000 miles, there were two occasions where a loud, unusual noise occurred while reversing out of my garage. Additionally, I occasionally hear a strange noise when shifting into Reverse from Park. I also sometimes notice a whining or humming sound when accelerating from a complete stop, such as at a traffic light. Regarding the two loud noises I experienced, I have saved an audio file recorded by another consumer who posted it online describing the exact same issue — the sound is identical to what my car produced on those two occasions. The audio file is available upon request and may assist in diagnosing the issue. Please note that the date I provided for when the noise first occurred is approximate, as I cannot recall the exact date. Since the noise occurs most frequently during reverse, I am concerned there may be an issue with the CVT transmission.

Filed Sep 28, 2026 · Transmission · TX

Noticed minor hesitation in the reverse down our driveway Aug 2024. By Aug 2026, the transmission hesitation has turned into very noticeable shudder and slip. In reverse down the driveway, the TR580 CVT was showing premature initial failure resulting in unexpected loss of motive power control as well as acceleration hesitation in forward. This transmission defect compromised the ability to safely navigate down the driveway and through traffic, creating an risk of a rear end collision and stranding the vehicle in a hazardous roadway position. The vehicle was driven to Austin Subaru dealer early September 2026 where certified technicians inspected it. They diagnosed a catastrophic internal failure that is pending and stated the entire transmission assembly requires complete replacement. We were quoted an out of pocket retail repair cost of $9,774. Additional consideration: This defect occurred at exceptionally low mileage (<37,000) on a well maintained vehicle as it included Subaru provided services through April 2025. Only had a single oil change at a third party. Furthermore, Subaru of America Corporate Customer Advocacy was contacted regarding this exact VIN. Despite Subaru previously issuing a warranty extension program for identical transmission "judder" and slipping defects on 2019-2020 models (extending coverage to 10 years/100,000 miles), corporate formally denied coverage for my vehicle. This indicates that the dangerous premature CVT failure defect extends beyond the specific manufacturing batches Subaru has currently acknowledged, leaving drivers exposed to sudden loss of propulsion at highway speeds. I am requesting the federal safety agency investigate the 2020 Subaru Outback TR580 CVT for inherent safety defects leading to sudden loss of motive power.

Filed May 9, 2026 · Transmission · PA

My transmission has started to fail. The check engine light came on the error code read p0867, transmission fluid pressure. Other lights came on as well because it tripped the rest of the sensors because of the CVT failure. This seems to be a common problem in Subarus

Filed Mar 30, 2026 · Engine · NJ

Vehicle: 2020 Subaru Outback Onyx/Limited/Touring XT (2.4L Turbo FA24) Component: Engine Lubrication / Oil Pan Sealant I am reporting a manufacturing defect involving the engine oil pan seal on the 2020 Subaru Outback 2.4L Turbo. Upon inspection of fluid accumulation at the transmission joint, a Subaru dealership diagnostic confirmed that the engine oil pan seal has failed. The dealership noted that engine oil is leaking and being forced rearward by airflow while the vehicle is in motion, saturating the transmission assembly. Technician Admission: The service department at the Subaru dealership explicitly stated that this is a "known manufacturing issue" with the FA24 engine series. Financial Concession: To acknowledge the nature of this premature failure, the dealership waived the $185 diagnostic fee, resulting in a $0 invoice (attached). Inadequate Coverage: Despite the dealership’s admission and a repair quote exceeding $1,100 (file is attached), Subaru has not yet issued a recall or extended warranty for this specific 2020+ turbo application, though similar issues with RTV sealant have plagued the brand’s newer engine platforms. The technician confirmed that the leak is significant enough that oil is traveling the length of the transmission. This presents a potential fire hazard if oil contacts high-temperature exhaust components (such as the turbocharger or catalytic converter) and contributes to environmental contamination. This is the Turbo (XT) model. Turbochargers generate much higher heat, which makes an oil leak significantly Subaru National Customer Service has advised me to file this complaint with the federal safety agency. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate the frequency of oil pan seal failures on the 2020+ 2.4L Turbo (FA24) engine to determine if a mandatory recall or extended warranty (similar to past CVT or engine seal settlements) is warranted to protect consumers from the high cost of a documented manufacturing flaw.

Filed Jan 29, 2026 · Transmission · NC

On December 28, 2025, my 2020 Subaru Outback lost the ability to engage any gear (Drive, Reverse, or otherwise) while maneuvering at low speed to make a U-turn. The vehicle became inoperable immediately and was towed to the dealer. The dealer confirmed via text and written estimate that there was no external damage, the failure was internal to the CVT transmission, and the transmission requires replacement. This vehicle has approximately 90,023 miles. The failure occurred under the mileage and age range covered by Subaru CVT warranty extensions for similar vehicles. Subaru of America reviewed the case and denied coverage, citing VIN exclusion and prior service gaps that predated my ownership. The vehicle is currently inoperable and presents a safety risk due to loss of propulsion. I am reporting this to the federal safety agency because it may indicate a systemic defect in CVT transmissions on this model year Outback.

Filed Jun 13, 2022 · Driver assistance, Transmission · NC

Two issues. Main cabin computer reboots randomly. This causes other safety systems, Eyesight, to stop working until the device boots back up. This is 2020 and "fix" / update for cockpit control module wasn't available until Feb. 2021.Thsi did not fix the problem. Dealership updated cockpit control module again in Dec 2021 and yet again in Jan. 2022. This issue is still ongoing and I've learned yet another software fix came in April 2022. Issue #2 - Open recall for CVT Chain guide breakage dated Dec 15, 2021. Over six months and no fix. Transmission is getting worse and poses a potential safety issue.

Filed Feb 14, 2022 · Transmission · 23,000 miles · NM

The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that he received a recall letter from the manufacturer. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing a software update. The contact reported that the recall letter advised that the vehicle has no remedy for it yet for the CVT chain. The contact said that the vehicle will be unsafe to operate and the dealer nor the manufacturer have offered any remedy. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000.

Filed Nov 11, 2020 · Electrical · 1,999 miles · CO

I bought a 2020 subaru outback xt in march. It was the last special order from auto nation before they shut down for covid. I drove it very little as we were basically home bound and then for shopping, golf and meetings. It is now november and I have under two thousand miles driven. The car went completely dead on september 17th and now again on november 10th. It died both times inside my garage and the front drivers door was the only thing to open. It did jump and work in between those dates. I am now reading about all the class action law suits and battery and electrical problems with the outback. Subaru suggested that I needed to drive my car every day to keep this from happening. That is a ludicrous idea and something I have never had to do with any other car I have owned. I have a CVT 2.4 engine with a turbo. Every time the battery dies all the loaded information like bluetooth, etc. Is also gone.