Subaru Outback shudder problems

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 Sep 25, 2026 · VA

2010-2018 TR580 Outback Torque Converter Lock-up failure symptoms in TSB 16-90-13R fits my 2011 Subaru Outback. 2.5I Premium, (TSB) Originally issued on 1/6/2014 + later revised on 5/7/2014, Early yrs of the TR580 suffer from TCLUF, which causes stalls + bogs down during stops or idling at traffic lights, premature wear, valve-body/solenoid failure, overheating, breakdown of transmission fluid/coolant + Catastrophic Chain Failure. These issues were exacerbated by Subaru specifying these transmissions have a "lifetime fluid" that never has 2 be replaced. Most Subaru failures were related 2 fluid breakdowns. The Subaru lineartronic CVT, designed in house by Subarun2 integrate w the company's longitudinal boxer engines + AWD system, built by Subaru in Ōizumi, Town in Ora District, Gunma Prefecture, Japan. lineartronic launched about 7 yrs after Nissan's 2003 X-Tronic CVT arrived here. Nissan had lots of trouble w early CVT's which led 2 transmission failures. As is the case w most new tech in a specific market sector, especially CVT's, the most Subaru CVT problems occurred in the 1st few model yrs. Each time my family or myself drive we are putting our lives in dire jeopardy, risk + danger of wrecking + even lost of life, too many close calls by peeps that almost rear ended us at a light, because of bogging down or almost stalling. The engine shudders + RPM drops very low as the vehicle stops, feeling as though a man trans car is stopping w/o a clutch being pressed. The problem was never fixed or looked into by 2 different dealerships + even though Subaru issued TSB 16-90-13R, identified wear of internal torque converter thrust washer as that wear can prevent lock up clutch from releasing properly, effectively keeping engine mechanically connected 2 transmission as vehicle stops. Subaru's corrective part used a needle bearing design instead of the earlier solid bushing. [XXX] on test drive about issue + was told nothings wrong, Car got inspected every yr since 16 w INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF

Filed Aug 11, 2026 · Electrical · MS

In the first 2 weeks after financing vehicle it started having passenger window issues when it rained it caused window to not wat to go up or would try coming down when trying to let it up when it rained next qas battary kept killing my battery I've replaced 4 batteries in 2.5 years and then my rear gate door would sometimes not want to open til it just stopped all together as if it had something stuck in it to keep from opening then while driving the assistant in 2 events tried to take me off rd when going in a curb and while driving the car would just randomly act like it was shuddering and would shut off and then come right back on screen would shut off and everything until it just electrically just shut down completely nothing working complete electrical shut down in the 2.5 years I've had car ive taken it to the used lot where I git car and to two different subaru dealerships and no body had helped me and I know it had a settlement case for the battary for my year car and no body is honoring anything and now I have a shut down car with still 3 years of notes to pay and its completely factory issues but they expect me to pay large deposits to even look at this issues I just need some help on this cause I've tried all I can do and I need a car please help me or direct me to someone who can please thanks oh and the cat is a 2020 subaru outback premium trim thanks

Filed May 25, 2026 · Transmission · NC

On deceleration the cars CVT has an intermittent shudder. Sometimes minor sometime severe making it feel like the wheels will slow too quickly and lose contact with the road. The dealer verified the problem changed the transmission control module and re programmed it. That did not correct the problem. I can’t force it to recreate the problem it happens when one least expects it.i take the car on only long trips to visit family in NY 600 miles away and during the trip it happens multiple times times. Brought it back to the dealer and although they previously confirmed the problem it did not do it for them this time and corporate would not allow further diagnosis other than a test drive and scan for codes. The problem doesn’t cause a code to be created. In my opinion as a person who worked on cars for 55 years, the next logical step would be to drop the CVT pan and inspect the fluid for metallic particles or contamination. When doing a deep dive into potential causes of the problem 1 make sure the programming is up to date , confirmed. Second the torque converter is not fully disengaging. This causes tires to nearly lock up and a potential loss of control. The dealer can only do what corporate allows. Corporate is willing to pay to have them drive the car around, at my liability if they have an accident . But not pay for 5 quarts of CVT fluid and the time to drop the pan and inspect it potentially putting my life and my passengers lives in danger.

Filed Mar 26, 2026 · Transmission · 1,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2024 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving and coming to a stop, the vehicle shuddered and jerked unexpectedly. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was test-driven, and the failure was duplicated. The dealer replaced the transmission control module and reprogrammed the transmission; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was test-driven, but the failure could not be duplicated, and no diagnostic trouble codes were found. The contact requested a more thorough diagnostic test of the vehicle; however, the dealer declined. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The contact stated that the manufacturer had not approved the request for a thorough diagnostic test due to the cost. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000.

Filed Jan 27, 2025 · Transmission · NH

Due to a known manufacturing defect in the automatic transmission acknowledged in TSB 16-74-09 the driveability of my vehicle has been severely hampered and the shuddering/vibration is steadily worsening. I wasn't aware of this torque converter defect or an available remedy until well after the warranty expired as I didn't have access to the TSB. This is apparently a widespread problem affecting many vehicles of the era based on online forums and other complaints to the federal safety agency. I took the vehicle to dealerships over the years for related transmission issues but they "couldn't replicate" my concern. Recently, a local dealership has confirmed our transmission is affected but it does not throw any trouble codes or illuminate warning lamp as these underlying mechanical defects are not monitored by the OBD system. Having a gradually failing, defective transmission is a safety issue as we can grow complacent and it could give out any time without warning while driving. The vehicle is certainly available for inspection. It has been impeccably maintained, and none of these issues are due to mechanical wear and tear or neglect. It's unbelievable that a known manufacturing defect in the transmission would not affect every vehicle with that unit and be subject of a broad recall.

Filed Dec 19, 2024 · Transmission · CA

When coming to a stop, the car shudders and often stalls just like if you didn't press in the clutch on a manual transmission. No warning lights or messages. See details in TSB- 16-90-13R. Subaru knows about this issue and it has been reported in many vehicles. My car was at a Subaru dealership at least half a dozen times during 2017-2018 when this issue came to light and no one notified us to have it checked. Fast forward to now and for the last year my car has been shuddering when coming to a stop, and about 2-3 months ago, it started stalling. This is an absolute safety issue and should be a recall. I've been in many situations where it stalls and I am vulnerable to getting rear-ended because it takes time to restart the car and get moving again. This is particularly true in traffic or situations where you need to stop suddenly and others behind you are not anticipating you being stopped in the roadway.

Filed Sep 24, 2024 · Body, Brakes · FL

Bought vehicle from Carvana, immediately noticed transmission shudder issues when driving near 50 mph. Brought vehicle in to multiple repair facilities. It had warped brakes, bad calipers, needed a new torque converter at least and the repair shop recommended a total transmission replacement. The whole vehicle shakes when driving near that speed or braking.

Filed Mar 18, 2024 · Transmission · WI

Seems like a transmission problem on my Subaru Outback. While braking to a stop the car shudders and then the engine stalls creating a hazardous situation. I'm forced to put the car in park and restart the engine. This sounds like a common issue with the tourque converter on these cars. This problem happens on a near daily basis unless you drive with such extreme caution you can sometimes avoid the issue.

Filed Nov 29, 2023 · Steering · MI

Car lurches when put into gear, Transmission make loud chirping noise when place into gear from park, vehicle shudders when turning. Car has had all recalls updated. Symptoms have been reported to two different dealers. Dealer in Traverse City MI indicates this is "normal". Issue has continued since first noticed.