Subaru Outback Power Train Problems
Owners have filed 988 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the Subaru Outback across 31 model years. The 2011 model year has the most (216). The words owners use most often: “torque converter” (16% of reports).
- 988power train complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 39mention a crash
- 14mention an injury
- 11related recalls
- $4,600typical repair cost reported by owners
- 27%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Torque converter: mentioned in 157 of 988 complaints (16%)
- CVT transmission: mentioned in 57 of 988 complaints (6%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical power train repair on the Subaru Outback at $4,600, and half of them between $2,300 and $10,150.
Based on 80 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2003–2026), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do power train problems happen?
Based on 687 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 988 complaints, 39 mention a crash, 13 a fire, 14 an injury.
Subaru Outback power train complaints by model year
| Model year | Power Train complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Outback | 1 | 6% | — |
| 2025 Outback | 5 | 6% | 14,500 |
| 2024 Outback | 6 | 6% | 550 |
| 2023 Outback | 5 | 6% | — |
| 2022 Outback | 18 | 4% | 13,927 |
| 2021 Outback | 12 | 4% | 27,400 |
| 2020 Outback | 48 | 5% | 23,000 |
| 2019 Outback | 16 | 2% | 26,214 |
| 2018 Outback | 14 | 2% | 6,750 |
| 2017 Outback | 47 | 5% | 27,000 |
| 2016 Outback | 45 | 7% | 35,021 |
| 2015 Outback | 37 | 7% | 30,000 |
| 2014 Outback | 25 | 12% | 17,500 |
| 2013 Outback | 60 | 20% | 95,426 |
| 2012 Outback | 107 | 37% | 101,000 |
| 2011 Outback | 216 | 33% | 114,000 |
| 2010 Outback | 94 | 26% | 94,000 |
| 2009 Outback | 8 | 8% | 34,729 |
| 2008 Outback | 12 | 5% | 57,523 |
| 2007 Outback | 9 | 7% | 26,000 |
| 2006 Outback | 17 | 6% | 114,702 |
| 2005 Outback | 17 | 6% | 46,000 |
| 2004 Outback | 10 | 11% | 30,000 |
| 2003 Outback | 13 | 14% | 74,000 |
| 2002 Outback | 20 | 14% | 50,000 |
| 2001 Outback | 23 | 13% | 25,750 |
| 2000 Outback | 42 | 20% | 58,000 |
| 1999 Outback | 29 | 26% | 65,000 |
| 1998 Outback | 19 | 15% | 69,000 |
| 1997 Outback | 8 | 10% | 139,469 |
| 1996 Outback | 5 | 11% | 87,696 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (11)
Power train:automatic transmission:park/neutral start interlock switch
Model years: 2021, 2022, 2023
Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.
Risk: An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.
Power train:driveline:driveshaft
Model years: 2023
Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Outback, Legacy, Ascent, and Impreza vehicles. The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, resulting in the disconnection of the front end of the driveshaft.
Risk: Separation of the front end of the driveshaft increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will clean the bolt mounting surfaces of the center support brace and install new bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 20, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRN-23.
Power train:driveline:chain/belt; power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Model years: 2020, 2021
Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Outback and Legacy vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.
Risk: An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will reprogram the TCU, inspect TCU data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide. If evidence of chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 24, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRK-22. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 21V-955.
Power train:driveline:chain/belt; power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Model years: 2020
Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.
Risk: An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will reprogram the TCU, inspect TCU data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide. If evidence of chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 19, 2022. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855. Vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855 will need to have the new remedy performed for this recall once available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRK-21.
Power train:shift linkage/cable/rod
Model years: 2021
Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2021 Outback and Impreza vehicles. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) select lever cable nut may not have been tightened properly, allowing the nut to loosen.
Risk: A loose nut can lead to a lost of retention in the CVT select lever cable and the gear selector not functioning properly, increasing risk of crash.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and, if necessary, tighten the nut, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRA-21.
Power train:driveline:differential unit; power train:driveline:driveshaft
Model years: 2016
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Power train:automatic transmission; power train:driveline:driveshaft
Model years: 2015, 2016
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Power train:automatic transmission
Model years: 2014
Problem: Subaru of America is recalling certain model year 2014 Legacy 3.6R and Outback 3.6R and 2013 Tribeca vehicles manufactured June 12, 2013, through June 28, 2013 and equipped with 5-speed automatic transmissions. In the affected vehicles, the parking rod may come loose inside the automatic transmission.
Risk: As a result of the parking rod detaching, the transmission may not be able to be moved from the "park" position preventing the vehicle from being moved or driven. Furthermore, even with the transmission shifted into the 'park' position, the parking mechanism may not engage, and the vehicle may roll away while in the "park" position, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission, free of charge. The recall began during August 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's recall number is WQJ-46.
Power train:manual transmission
Model years: 2010, 2011
Problem: Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010 and 2011 outback and legacy passenger vehicles manufactured from april 28 through june 23, 2010. Due to a programming error, a lubrication hole within the 6-speed manual transmission was omitted.
Risk: If the transmission gears are not properly lubricated, a groaning sound may begin to develop alerting the driver of a problem. If the sound is ignored and no action is taken, the gears will eventually break and this condition will lead to vehicle power loss, possibly resulting in a crash.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles by drilling an oil lubrication hole and, if necessary, replace the internal parts with new ones free of charge. The safety recall began on july 28, 2010. Owners may contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
Power train:automatic transmission
Model years: 2001, 2002, 2003
Problem: Certain sport utility and passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions were produced with an improperly manufactured transmission parking rod. When the transmission selector lever is placed in the "p" (park) position, the transmission park mechanism, that is intended to hold your vehicle, may not engage.
Risk: The vehicle could then move/roll without prior warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the automatic transmission parking rod assembly. Owner notification january 8, 2003. An interim owner notification will be sent during november 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
Power train:automatic transmission:gear position indication (prndl)
Model years: 1997, 1998
Problem: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. Due to poor welds, ignition keys can stick, shift levers/linkages can break and shift levers can move.
Risk: This condition can cause unexpected movement of the vehicle increasing the risk of a crash or property damage.
Fix: Dealers will replace the automatic transmission shift lever assemblies (except the handle grip).
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
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…
Subaru Outback 2019 - Transmission CVT and Clutch failed at 6 years 103,000 miles. Transmission Slipped while driving (safety issues) and also clutch lurched/jumped (safety issue) when shifting eg reverse to drive. Common issue for 2010-2018 in manufacturers TSB. My car is 2019, and this was not…
The contact owns a 2025 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving on the freeway in stop-and-go traffic with the automatic braking system activated, the vehicle erroneously reversed and failed to immediately stop while depressing the brake pedal. The contact shifted out of drive(D) and…
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…
July 4, 2025 car had about 4100 miles Severe dangerous phantom braking on highway CA 280 N just prior to foothill expressway exit at about 7:30 pm. Suddenly while traveling 60+ MPH on mid lanes of freeway car auto braking caused car to brake/slow to 1/2 speed with no visible obstacle seen by any of…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Subaru Outbacks have power train problems?
No. NHTSA has 988 owner complaints about power train for the Subaru Outback. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Subaru Outback power train?
Yes: 11 safety recalls list power train. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix power train problems on the Subaru Outback?
Owners report a typical cost of $4,600 (half paid between $2,300 and $10,150), from 80 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about power train problems on the Subaru Outback?
The most frequent phrase is “torque converter”, in 157 of 988 complaints, followed by “cvt transmission” (57).
Other Subaru Outback problems
- Electrical System problems (2,285)
- Visibility/wiper problems (1,760)
- Engine problems (718)
- Air Bags problems (693)
- Vehicle Speed Control problems (530)
- Service Brakes problems (431)
- Steering problems (366)
- Exterior Lighting problems (335)
See all Subaru Outback problems.