Power Train Problems of Subaru Legacy - part 1

Cvt failed at 85,000 miles. It started slipping and squealing and had to be replaced by the dealership. The car was never driven rough, in mountainous terrain, etc. Very disappointing.

See all problems of the 2019 Subaru Legacy 🔎.

Cvt transmission failure. Failure occurred at approximately 66,706 miles on 5/16/25. The check engine and at temp lights appeared in the instrument cluster. The driving conditions when this happened were a safety concern. First, the vehicle would crawl, shutter, and almost stall with high rpms when attempting to climb a hill. Second, on a level surface at any given time the vehicle would not respond then lunge forward unexpectedly. The vehicle was inspected by a Subaru dealership and the diagnosis was "internal failure of transmission". The transmission needs to be replaced. The same driving conditions and error codes were experienced by an aamco transmission repair facility. The diagnosis was codes p0843 and p0867 present prompting the transmission to be replaced. This repair was completed on 6/4/25. The failed transmission is no longer available.

See all problems of the 2021 Subaru Legacy 🔎.

Believe the torque converter in the cvt transmission is causing the vehicle to stall. Happened multiple times going through an intersection and was almost side swiped. Was an extended warranty on cvt but no recalls for it yet.

See all problems of the 2014 Subaru Legacy 🔎.

My Subaru ran perfectly fine until the water pump and cooler lines got replaced after these were replaced it was tried to be driven and the car then had no idea what gear it was in drive is drive neautral is drive and reverse does not work at all paddle shifters won’t work at oil temp light check engine light brake light flashing cruise control light all came on and the car will only go forward and it’s making some crazy shutter noises when you start it and sometimes it shuts off after it was started.

Na.

The contact owned a 2015 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact opened and closed the trunk, triggering the alarm system. The alarm system failed to deactivate immediately. The vehicle then failed to restart as needed, and the "shift to park" message was displayed while the transmission was in park(p). The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the brake fuse was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact replaced the brake fuse for a second time, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer, where an unknown repair was performed. The contact later sold the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 175,000.

See all problems of the 2015 Subaru Legacy 🔎.

The coolant bypass valve was defective. You would have to ask the dealership to inspect it, they kept it when they changed it out. It is unsafe because the engine could have overheated and exploded. The problem has been confirmed Subaru of little rock. They replaced the valve and some other parts. The check engine light came on when I started the car the night of Dec 22, 2023. At this time, the heat was struggling, the vents were barely blowing, and the thermometer would only work sometimes. I want to upload the Subaru dealership paperwork I received when I picked up the car, but the upload function is not working. Please send me an email if you would like a copy.

See all problems of the 2020 Subaru Legacy 🔎.

At approximately 30k miles we had noticed the vehicle sounded loud, like a turbo. It got worse and after returning from our vacation trip to maine, it was noticeable louder but couldn’t place a finger on the problem. We brought the vehicle in to victory Subaru in morristown and they diagnosed the two rear failed wheel bearings. My question is how can both wheel bearings fail at only 20k and is there a potential for a system wide recall? thanks.

The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact stated that all of the warning lights illuminated on the control panel and the gear shifter was inoperable and would not shift. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,738.

The cvt failed and the axle 12.

Cvt transmission issues persist beyond the limited warranty extension that has now expired from Subaru. Vehicle rpms regularly drop from 1000 to 500 when coming to a stop, causing engine to knock as it tries to stall. Vehicle then occasionally hesitates when attempting to move under power. Knocking and near stalling occasionally results in a sensation of vehicle being hit from behind while stopped with vehicle in drive and brakes applied.

See all problems of the 2012 Subaru Legacy 🔎.

On may 16, 2023 I was driving a friend home. We were stopped at a red light and felt an impact. My friend said, "you've been hit. " I went out to check. No one had hit the car. It had lurched forward while my foot was on the brake. On 6/1/23 I pulled out of a driveway, car was in drive, foot on brake, paused to set gps, car lurched forward. I brought to the dealer. They said they drove it for seven miles and could not duplicate the problem. About a year prior, the car had also lurched, but at that time I was in drive doing approx 30 mph, and I used the brake to slow it back to my speed. At that time the dealer found some leak in the transmission and, I believe, changed a gasket. These problems are intermittent and did not register on the car's computer, according to the dealer. Have you had any such complaint? is my car safe?.

See all problems of the 2017 Subaru Legacy 🔎.

Check engine light came on at 55,500 miles on exactly the third anniversary of purchase. Local mechanic determined the code related to thermo control valve failure. Apparently an ongoing issue with many Subarus since replacing the thermostat with this in their cars. Lost all eyesight features, including cruise control and high beams, as well as cabin heat in the midst of winter in the northeast. A simple google search reveals many instances of this subpar part falling on Subaru cars. $1,066 later, I feel a recall or coverage under powertrain warranty is warranted.

There was a recall for my 2016 Subaru Legacy transmission issue (cvt), I got a letter from Subaru on 9/23/2018 which extended warranty for 2016-2017 Legacy/outback cvt from 5 years/60000 miles to 10 years/100000 miles, started from 9/30/2019. The transmission of my Subaru started making noise half year ago which was still under warranty, at that time I didn't think it was a big deal and totally forgot the letter from Subaru, however, the noise is aloud and unbearable now, the mileages of my car is about 5000 miles exceeding 100000 miles warranty, which I need to pay $8200 to replace transmission per Subaru client service USA. After browsing online, I have noticed that the issue of cvt on Subaru Legacy is common, in this case, Subaru should replace such defective cvt for free, at least for the part.

See all problems of the 2016 Subaru Legacy 🔎.

The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated before accelerating. The contact stated that there was a lag in the vehicle while driving and attempting to accelerate above 65 mph. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start immediately, and several attempts were needed to start the vehicle. The failure was intermittent; however, the failure was persistent while using the remote start feature. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the failure might be related to NHTSA campaign numbers: 19v297000 (electrical system) and 13v336000 (power train); however, the VIN was not included in the recalls. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000.

Driving to work in the morning I began slowing down for a red light. When the vehicle get to ten miles an hour there was a loud bang and felt like the car downshifting. I stopped and checked nothing was abnormal , no warning lights or and signs of damage or failure and the vehicle continued to function normally. So I proceeded to work roughly 20 miles. About 30 minutes later as I was on the off ramp and at about the same speed of 10 miles per hour the vehicle had multiple loud bangs followed but screaching and metal grinding. I was at my job so I pulled into the parking lot as to not get stuck in the road. The vehicle made one more louder bang and all the warning light illuminated and the vehicle lost all ability to drive. Underneath was a puddle off oil. This vehicle has 89,000 miles and to have thus happen to the transmission for no apparent reason was a shock and disappointment. I felt my heart drop as this morning could have ended alot worse while I was on the road and express way surrounded by other motorist. Transmission should not disintegrate or complete fail at this mileage unless they are defective. This was not what was expected in safety and durability from this manufacturer.

Faulty torque converter. The car will unexpectedly turn off when coming to a fast, sudden stop. The 1st time it happened, I was in a left-hand turn lane and didn't realize my car had turned off and I had to quickly restart it to complete the turn. A transmission repair shop confirmed that the torque converter and valve body would need to be replaced. No warning lights, messages or other symptoms appeared before the incident. There is a safety bulletin from Subaru on this issue but because my car has a salvage title, it would need to escalate to a recall in order for Subaru to complete the repair free of charge.

Faulty transmission, erratic gear shifting and now it seems the transmission is no longer working, mileage on vehicle is not even 130,000.

See all problems of the 2013 Subaru Legacy 🔎.

I had a transmission failure on my 2016 Subaru Legacy and there were no warning signs before this incident occurred. I was on a road trip driving at highway speeds and suddenly without warning I heard a loud bang. Then the "at oil temp" light came on, then the "check engine light", smelled something burning and also felt some slipping in the transmission. I pulled over as soon as I could. I towed it to the nearest dealer and they diagnosed the problem as being a bad valve body based on the code "p0712: transmission temperature sensor circuit low" without test driving the vehicle. The valve body was replaced. Since my car's mileage was outside the extended warranty for this issue, Subaru only contributed half the cost of the repair. After the completion of the repair, the dealer told me they heard loud transmission noises and they recommended that my transmission may have to be replaced I test drove the vehicle with the service manager, except for the noise, the car had no warning lights and the car was shifting smoothly and was reassured that the car would not stall. After leaving the dealership, I drove 25 miles before the car started jerking and violently shaking. Then at a stop light on a highway, the car stalled. When I press the accelerator, the engine would rev but the car would not move. The vehicle was towed home, my car still would not move when I pressed the accelerator and the check engine light came on. I towed it to my local dealer, they checked the vehicle and said the transmission had an internal failure and replaced the transmission. The bad transmission was sent back to Subaru per their policy. Subaru did a goodwill warranty repair that covered a significant portion of the cost. This sudden transmission failure was a huge safety risk to myself and others. I could have rear-ended both times my car stalled.

In August & September 2022 , 4 times I was stopping at stop signs & red lights and my car shuttered & stalled. No warning lights showed on the dashboard. I contacted my mechanic & he said he was aware of this issue on certain Subarus, possibly a torque converter defect but thought there was an extended warranty & I should look into it. My car was purchased 7/30/12 & had 103,000 miles on it when this issue started in August. I wrote to Subaru of America explaining the problem. They told me that my car was out of the “warranty” since it expired at 100,000 miles or on 7/31/22. They said I’d need to take my car to a dealer & have them diagnose the car, & if it was this issue then it would be reviewed to see if they would offer any “good will assistance”. After reading many blogs I’m noticing many Subaru owners complaining of similar dangerous stalls. Why hasn’t Subaru been forced to recall all these vehicles? this is a dangerous situation. I also read an article in forbes magazine from 2017 by chris jensen that Subaru was allowed to offer extended warranty on this faulty transmission part instead of a recall being issued. I. Don’t understand how you can overlook this safety issue. I would like to know what recourse I have since this started happening just outside my warranty limits. Subarus comment “ it would be reviewed to possibly offer some good will assistance” is just not good enough. I would appreciate a response and some assistance in this dangerous situation. I have a date set in October to have my mechanic check it thank you.

Please see odi#11486236 & request # 562681 “ part 1” I wrote complaining about a 2012 Subaru Legacy torque converter issue. It was “ out of warranty 7/31/22 or 100k miles. At the time it started stalling it was at 103k miles in August 2022! I did not feel comfortable driving it. On 10/19/22 my mechanic drove my car & it shuddered & stalled at intersections for him also. I did not feel comfortable driving it 25 miles to a Subaru dealer to have them check it, diagnose it & repair it. My mechanic replaced the torque converter as well as the appropriate fluids. It cost about $1500 for parts & labor. Since this is a faulty part installed prior to purchase I feel Subaru needs to recall all these vehicles affected. I emailed you multiple emails online multiple complaints about this faulty part which causes a dangerous situation stalling at lights & intersections requiring one to stop & start. I was almost broadsided a few times. Subaru should do the right thing and recall all vehicles involved & your agency should do the right thing & demand it for the safety of the public.

The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while in a parking space with her foot on the brake pedal and the transmission in drive(d), the vehicle independently accelerated without warning. The contact stated that the vehicle drove over the parking median; however, she managed to stop the vehicle before accelerating up a hill. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer but the mechanic found no defect with vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a complaint was filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated while driving at 35 mph and coming to a stop, the vehicle shuddered and shut off. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving. The contact’s husband, an independent mechanic, replaced the spark plugs, coil springs and the fuel filter. However, the failure reoccurred several times while driving. Upon investigating the failure, the contact became aware of Subaru technical service bulletin number: 16-90-13r for transmission failure. An unknown dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not eligible for the technical service bulletin repair due to the vehicle mileage. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

Sometimes as I'm coming to a stop, such as at a red light or a stop sign, just before I stop, the car lurches and then stalls. This is an automatic transmission car, but the best way I can think of to describe what is happening is it is acting as if it is a manual transmission, and when you come to a stop and don't press in the clutch. If this happens at an inopportune time, it could cause an accident. Possibly you're slowing down as you turn through an intersection and it lurches and stalls. You would then be stopped in the middle of the intersection. There are no warning lamps or messages before this happens.

See all problems of the 2011 Subaru Legacy 🔎.

The contact owns a 2016 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle the vehicle suddenly accelerated crashing a small tree causing the contact to reverse the vehicle. When placed in reverse the vehicle accelerated and crashed into another vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. There was damage done to both the tree and other vehicle. The vehicle was towed and deemed total. A police report was filed. The contact had received a bruise to their knee and sought out medical attention. The contact dealer was not made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 17,000.

It's a 6mt. Randomly reverse stopped working. Seems like it wants to go in reverse. But when any bit of gas pedal pressed it grinds and pops out of reverse. I have no reverse. 1st thru 6th gear works shifting wise. Shifter has some play though.

Vehicle had significant amount of oil pooled in the battery case holder back approximately Jan 2022 or earlier. Contacted Subaru of las vegas and they offered to clean the vehicle believing it was a careless oil change. Next oil change Subaru said I had a minor oil leak. Took it to an outside vendor to have them look at it and they said I didn't have an oil leak. Every oil change after that Subaru continued to say I had a leak. But, my oil levels never changed enough to show low oil. Took it to the same vendor again and again they said no oil leak. Took it to another vendor and they changed the gasket cover and leak, but mentioned there was a leak with the cam carrier that needed to be revealed. They recommended taking it to their neighbor vendor that specializes in Subaru and they looked at it and confirmed, but mentioned to contact Subaru and that it should be a covered repair as it is a known issue with Subaru and that they were currently working on one with the same issue. While recently driving it, I noticed what smelled like burning oil. When I looked online I can see numerous years and models of owners reporting the same issue with their Subaru. Contacted my dealer and they said it wasn't covered. Contacted Subaru of America and they are currently investigating it. If your camshaft seal is leaking oil, you need to get it replaced right away. The leak can lead to a fire, and your engine could seize up. It can also damage your timing belt which can cause bent valves, cylinder head damage or camshaft damage. Prior to this, I actually have already repaired the timing belt. I want to ensure that no injury or damage comes to another Subaru vehicle owner having the same issue. I have also just had to repair both axles and my Subaru is a 2016 with 90,000 miles on it.

The vehicle will on occasion stall when coming to a complete stop. It is a known issue that has a service bulletin. Has something to do with the internals of the torque converter failing. Depending on where the vehicle stalls this could create a serious safety concern. Happens more when the vehicle is cold.

Continuously variable transmission (cvt) chain may slip and/or break. Nhtsa recall 21v955000 Subaru recall wrk21 a software issue in the transmission control unit (tcu) may allow the continuously variable transmission to engage before the drive chain is properly secured, the automaker says. This could result in the chain slipping and breaking, leading to a loss of power and a risk of a crash. Component has not been inspected by the manufacturer. Nhtsa reported this recall Dec. 9th, 2021. Received Subaru recall notice in mail Feb. 2022, stating the remedy is expected to be available in April 2022. I have contacted the Subaru dealer 3 times since April 2022 and each time they say "waiting for parts, we will notify you". It is now oct. 9th, 2022 with no response or resolve. Driving 10 months since NHTSA reported this issue should be considered a huge safety violation by the manufacturer.

Battery drainage problem, transmission jerking.

The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 mph, there was an abnormal noise coming from the transmission. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician informed the contact that the failure was the transmission. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the cvt transmission needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 117,000.

Torque converter failure - car stalls/shuts off when braking hard. This is a huge safety hazard. Car has 114,852 miles on it and was just recently purchased from a private owner. There should have been a recall for these vehicles from Subaru.

See all problems of the 2010 Subaru Legacy 🔎.

When driving on interstate, all at once, dashboard lit up with lights, one of the lights being the check engine light. Towed car to dealership and found there was a problem in the cvt valve body which was replaced. I think this should be a recall because it's dangerous to be driving down an interstate with dashboard lit up. Have no idea what would have happened to engine or other parts of car if I wasn't able to get off highway in time.

The contact owns a 2010 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated while driving 25 mph, the traction control, transmission overheating, service brakes, and check engine warning lights were illuminated. There was an abnormal bubbling sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, a cause for the failure was not found. The dealer informed her that the vehicle was drivable. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 170,918.

The cvt transmission has a known problem where the torque converter causes stalling. This issue is well documented on Subaru forums. I took my vehicle to Subaru about the problem and they said the fix for the stalling is to replace the torque converter. , it is not yet covered for a recall despite being such a large issue with these vehicles.