Three problems related to automatic transmission have been reported for the 1998 Subaru Outback. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Intermittently, automatic transmission will not shift into second gear. It goes into neutral and will continue to rev up to anywhere between 5500 rpm and redline before it shifts. This has been an ongoing problem for the past year. It usually happens at least once each time it is driven. We have taken it to Subaru of santa cruz in the past and they could not identify a problem. When the 'check engine' and 'at oil temp' lights came on, we took it to Subaru of santa cruz. The diagnostic computer indicated that the speed sensor needed to be replaced. Once replaced, the problem did not occur for about 5 days, but then began occurring again.
I was parking my car to go to the video store with my son. It appeared to lurch forward, speeding up, and did not come to a stop until it hit four other cars, and finally plowed into a large 4x4 broadside, with enough speed to push it into another car. My airbags deployed, and my disabled child fell out of the passenger side onto the pavement. Paramedics where called and he was determined to have minor injuries. I had previous problems with the key sticking, and sometimes unexplained minor speedups int he transmission, but didn't realize how severe it was. Now I understand this is a possible, serious problem with my vehicle. The car is considered totalled, but hasn't been disposed of as yet. Police took pictures at the scene. Please help me figure this out.
On 1/15/01 beard Subaru diagnosed and repaired my engine for an oil leak. I paid $654. 50 for them to remove the transmission and reseal baffle plate as well as reseal oil pump, questionable cam seals (referring to paperwork from dealer). On 3/23/01 while driving on the highway, check engine light went on and simultaneously car completely died. Beard Subaru diagnosed engine seized due to drop in pressure w/in engine. Upon several contacts w/ Subaru of America, they have offered to pay 50% to rebuild engine, which has been verbally estimated at $2,500. Beard Subaru unable to explain cause of engine seize, but denies it is related to recent repair of engine leak. Subaru of America requires me to accept or deny offer to of "courtesy for my patronage" 50% by wed. 4/4/01. I bought my vehicle brand new at beard Subaru and have maintained it faithfully. I question a defect within my vehicle, or a direct correlation to the recent work conducted by beard Subaru. I requested written documentation. They diagnosed my vehicle on 3/27/01. On 3/30/01 I received a message from beard Subaru they would have to get back to me "next week". They are aware I begin a new job on 4/2/01 requiring me to rent a vehicle until my situation is resolved. Subaru of America has offered to pay 50% car rental fee for 5 days. Is there a way to have a second opinion before I am required to respond to Subaru of America's deadline by 4/4/01? I am weary to accept an agreement that no one has provided a second opinion, they have failed to provide a written estimate of what I will be required to pay "after just paying $654. 50 for an engine leak" and I am being told I must respond to the offer by 4/4/01 or I will not be assisted.