Subaru Outback owners have reported 138 problems related to automatic transmission torque converter (under the power train category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Subaru Outback based on all problems reported for the Outback.
My 2011 Subaru Outback has stalled out several times this summer, but the event that I can recall most objectively for reporting purposes occurred on August 17, 2019 when my vehicle stalled completely after applying the brakes suddenly to stop due to being flagged by an oncoming driver on my neighborhood road while traveling about 40 mph. I had to turn over ignition switch to get the vehicle going again. When I reached home, I researched online for causes of stalling in 2011 Subaru Outbacks, and I found numerous complaints by other owners of the same issue. According to people who have had their vehicles repaired it is the torque converter. Subaru issued an extension to the vehicle warranty to cover the cost of repair up to 100,000 miles which does me no good because at the time of the incident, I was well over the 100,000 miles. Cost of the repairs on average is $2200. 00. It is my understanding that if there is a known problem with a vehicle where driver/occupant safety is at risk, the car manufacturer has to recall the product. I would think a car stalling completely while in operation/motion in traffic/ road travel would qualify as a potential safety hazard.
See
all problems of the 2011 Subaru Outback
🔎.
When coming to sudden stop vehicle stalls. It's due to a faulty torque converter.
My 2012 Subaru Outback engine will shut off when coming to a complete stop when exiting a freeway, coming to a stop on a side street. Speed does not play a factor in this. This happens intermittently and clearly, is a safety issue! I never received a notification on this matter from Subaru that there is a known defect with the torque converter in the transmission. This is something that should have been and still should be a recall. Fatalities could be a result of this! Subaru needs to be held accountable and not just by extending the warranty. Again this is a huge safety isuue!.
See
all problems of the 2012 Subaru Outback
🔎.
When driving the check engine light/traction control light came on and stayed on while the cruise control and the parking break light began flashing. Lately I've noted the vehicle shuttering when slowing and almost stalling out. This is at stop lights/stop signs or driving out of the driveway. After taking it to the dealer they confirmed the valve body needed replacement. . . And that this is a known issue with over 1. 5 million Subarus affected. Could also be a torque converted issues, however, my dealer didn't mention this. I've contacted Subaru as there was an extended warranty to 100k miles however, my car has just slightly more than that. It sounds like this is a known issue and creates anxiety to drive in traffic not knowing if your car will simply stall out and have someone hit you. This issue has been happening for a little bit of time (maybe 6 months?) with no lights showing issues. The car has been maintained consistently and on time since I bought it new.
Engine will abruptly stall due to low idle when coming to a stop or starting from a stop. Additionally, when starting from a stop, vehicle will shudder and lose power as if the transmission is not shifting. Dtc codes 2762, 2764, and 0700 are present indicating a problem with the unlocking of the torque converter. Vehicle has 152,000 miles. This is a serious safety issue when the car stalls unexpectedly in traffic. It is a known issue to Subaru, and it is only a matter of time before someone is injured or killed because of this manufacturing defect. A recall needs to be issued!.
Tl- the contact stated their wife owns a 2012 Subaru Outback. When attempting to come to a stop the vehicle would shut off completely. The contact would have to place the vehicle in park and restart in order for the vehicle to operate correctly. The contact took the vehicle to the dealership (miller hill Subarulocated at4710 miller trunk hwy, duluth, mn 55811 phone number (218) 722-5337) who diagnosed that the torque converter in the transmission failed and needed to replace. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000. Gl.
Vehicle stalls when coming to a rapid stop. The rpm plumets during the stopping action and does not recover in time, therefore causing the engine to stall. The vehicle does not have to be traveling particularly fast either. 15mph or above will cause this to happen. It does not occur all the time, but the frequency does increase over time. It is believed that this is a problem with the cvt torque converter.
Under sudden breaking vehicle stalls. Engine stops and has to be restarted. This has happened at stop lights or in intersections if another vehicle in front stops suddenly. Have had this diagnosed as a faulty torque converter. This could be very dangerous if the car needs to get out of the way and is stalled! Subaru has known about this for years yet does not consider it a safety issue. I understand this has to do with their cvt transmission. A recall should be issued.
Vehicle stalls intermittently when coming to a stop or attempting to accelerate from a stop. This is an extremely urgent safety concern. This also seems to have caused inconsistent starting issues. I have replaced the starter and still have issues. Seems to be a torque converter problem. This issue has been reported by many owners and has not been adequately addressed by Subaru with an available fix in a recall.
Vehicle occasionally stalls while stopped at a street light. Dealer says it is probably torque converter lockup. Has happened 3 times while waiting to make a left hand turn. Vehicle has 135k miles on it. Seems like a legitimate safety issue to me.
Vehicle shudders when coming to a stop and will stall when going from stopped to motion. Subaru replaced the torque converter 2 years ago and told us this would fix the issue and it did for a little while. The vehicle is now doing the exact same thing--stalling out is a safety issue. Subaru determined that it was once again a faulty/bad torque converter--so this seems like an issue with Subaru torque converters. The first time, they admitted their mistake and paid for the repair. I asked them again to cover it and was even told on the phone by a Subaru representative that the torque converter in a vehicle should not have gone bad the first time, much less the second time. . . But since my mileage is over their "goodwill" limit for the warranty extension, they will not fully cover the repar/replacement of the torque converter a second time (after having the new one for 2 years, only 45,000 miles. ) I know that we are not the only consumers that this is happening too and as it is a known problem with their torque converters and a definite safety issue, my hope is that this will prompt a recall or in some way, have Subaru fix their mistakes and not put it off on the consumer, as if we just happened to purchase a lemon or something.
My 2011 Subaru Outback stalls when I attempt to reduce speed at intersections. The problem is related to a manufacturing defect which requires repairs to torque converter and valve. My car was purchased used in 2017 with 94,000 miles, and started demonstrating shuddering and occasional stalling within weeks of purchase. I took the vehicle in for service in December 2018 and was told the problem was related to a known issue with that make and model, but �unfortunately the extended warranty we issued has expired and we can't do anything. � I never received notice of the extended warranty and believe I was sold a lemon, which I'll take up with the dealership. Soa corporate acknowledged the nature of my car problem as being a manufacturing defect, but in an email response to my petition for a goodwill repair, I was told again �unfortunately because the extended warranty expired we can't help you�. So soa knows it made cars with faulty transmissions but expects the unknowing consumer to pay for it or else be out of a car?.
The vehicle has experienced a shuddering feeling intermittently when coming to a stop. The issue has been ongoing and my vehicle currently has 87,000 miles, although the issue has occurred since around 50,000 miles. I have taken the vehicle in to a Subaru dealer in 2017 and the issue was recreated however was not fixed since the problem is still occurring. It is my understanding that Subaru issued a technical service bulletin covering more than 1. 5 million vehicles for what appears to be known issue with the torque converter in the cvt transmission. However, the problem is sporadic and intermittent and every time the vehicle goes in to re-check the problem, the technicians cannot replicate it. This is very much a safety issue that should be elevated from a TSB to a recall if the issue is known. The feeling of a shuddering almost to a vehicle stall is not safe. Why Subaru has not issued a full on a recall is a little concerning, especially with the several Subaru forums indicating from many other owners of the same problem. I have talked to Subaru of America and they were not very accommodating of the issue and said if they cant recreate the problem, then they wont fix it. Apparently the word of thousands of Subaru owners is not sufficient enough.
My car is stalling very dangerously due to a faulty transmission that subary acknowledged is defective in its public release from 1/6/2014 subject-"design change to lock up type torque converter. " while it extended the warranty for this problem, I no longer qualify because my mileage was exceeded by a few thousands. I can not afford the repair which is estimated at around $4400 and this is my only vehicle I own and need it for work. Driving the car is very dangerous because it stalls in unpredictable situations. I was almost rear ended a few days ago and I am very concerned about my safety. The Subaru dealer is refusing to make the repair even though the problem is widespread, widely reported and conceded by the company. I have no where to turn and I ask you for help to get Subaru agree to fix my car under the terms of the extended warranty. Thank you very much.
Tl the contact owns a 2010 Subaru Outback. While driving approximately 25 mph and approaching a stop sign, the vehicle started to hesitate and made a clunking sound. The contact also mentioned that the vehicle stalled twice when attempting to stop. The contact had to depress the brake pedal with force to prevent the vehicle from stalling. The contact drove the vehicle to ganley Subaru of bedford (123 broadway Ave, bedford, OH 44146) where it was diagnosed that the torque converter failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 139,000.
See
all problems of the 2010 Subaru Outback
🔎.
The vehicle began stalling following a hard stop and now has accelerated to the point of stalling out even with a soft braking. Very dangerous as the vehicle shuts off when traveling in traffic. Have been notified by my repair shop that the torque converter needs replaced. There are 124k on vehicle now. Subaru apparently covered this repair up to 100k miles or by June 2018 with unlimited miles. Why won't Subaru cover this now? I am responsible now for a large repair that is a known safety concern by Subaru that they will not take care of as there is 24k over their warranty replacement mileage. I am disappointed.
My dash lights came on suddenly. . After researching states type torque converter for transmission needs to be replaced. . Subaru wants me to purchase whole new transmission, loss of power and gas mileage. The car was running when these lights came on.
Bulletin number 16-90-13r. Subaru is aware that 2010-2012 Outback and legacy models have a faulty torque converter which causes the car to shut down/stall whenever you are braking. I found this out the hard way when braking on a major highway and the car shut off while in stop and go traffic. I was braking and the car shuttered and then turned off completely. I almost got rear ended. I also found through research that it could ruin my cvt transmission. When contacting Subaru they stated that because the part is not a recall part there is nothing that can be done and I will have to pay for the part out of pocket. This is a dangerous problem as the part was known to be faulty and to cause the car to shut off. Had I gotten hit whose fault would it have been. . . . .
Tl- the contact owns a 2011 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving and coming to a stop, excessive forced had to apply to the brake pedal to bring the vehicle to a complete stop. The contact stated that the failure intermittently occurred. The cruise control, overheat, brake and check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that when at a stop sign if the brake pedal not steadily depress the brake will engage and the vehicle would accelerate independently. The contact also stated that the electronic emergency brake failed to operate. The vehicle was take to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the torque converter and valve body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called continental Subaru dealer at (907) 562-2722, located at 4900 old seward hwy, anchorage, ak 99503, and was recommended to replaced the transmission and was to schedule an appointment. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000. Aw.
Slowing down to under 10mph the car will drop to around 500rpm and will shudder as though it is going to stall. On a few occasions it has actually stalled. I am aware there was an extended warranty to fix the torque converter since Subaru has changed them, but I did not have a warranty on my vehicle and even if I did it is still over 100,000 miles.
While slowing down the vehicle has pulled (feeling like it is not shifting down , for years, thought it was the nature of the beast) so had to brake harder. Since the summer of 2018 the car pulls and sometimes stalls or almost stalls when decelerating fast. This happens on highway and also city (between streetlights). I looked online and see that Subaru has had a bulletin since 2014 knowing about a thrust washer wear problem inside the torque converter . 1-27-2019 I took the Outback in for service and the diagnosis was torque converter replacement. Estimated cost for repairs $1715. 00. My wife and I not only had the standard Subaru warrantee but paid extra for the extended warrantee,. All service was done at the Subaru dealership ( stanley Subaru ) and the last service before warrantee expired in 2017 I specifically asked for the car to be gone though with a fine tooth comb (at that time we was concerned with noisy wheel bearings. No mention of the bulletin on the torque converter was mentioned.
Engine stalls while pressing break pedal rapidly. Was told by the dealer that torque converter is a problem and extended warranty is available to fix this issue. My car has salvage title related to minor flooding and is not covered by this warranty. Manufacturer faulty design should result I recall so all the cars are covered( like faulty air bags). Thyis is potentially more danger problem then faulty air bags and I guess Subaru is waiting for causalities as result of this negligible approach.
When coming to a gradual or sudden stop, the torque converter locks up and stalls the engine. This happens quite frequently and has almost caused me to be rear-ended several times due to the sudden stopping of the vehicle several feet before the limit line. This known failure goes beyond a mechanical issue, but should be considered a safety issue.
Tl-the contact owns a 2010 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that every time the vehicle comes to a complete stop the ignition turns off and immediately turns back on. The vehicle was taken to a independent mechanic where they stated that the torque converter and transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not yet been repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 153,000. Am.
Vehicle stalls when coming to a stop due to faulty torque converter.
When driving and in motion and while applying the brakes, the car makes a shuddering noise and has stalled on numerous occasions at junctions, traffic lights etc. , and have had to take diversion tactics to get out of the way of other cars. I have seen this is a common fault with Subaru and apparently has to do with the torque convertor.
Car stalls at low speeds, all lights are flashing, code reads transmission control system and torque converter failing , when coming to a stop it stalls out which is dangerous for my wife and kids.
Complaint: Subaru powertrain extended warranty is meaningless because my southern California dealer will not even look at my car to determine whether or not my frequent engine stall problem upon braking is due to a defective torque converter. Or some other cause. My 2010 Subaru Outback has had all recommended services and has only 53k miles. No check engine or other warning lights have turned on. Yesterday, the engine stalled at ten stops in a row and then every other stop til I got home. So far it has restarted but because the problem began only one week ago and is rapidly worsening, I am afraid the engine will soon fail to restart or will die while moving in traffic. My local mechanic will not look at the car because of the Subaru extended warranty since they cannot fix it if it is the powertrain. I don't want to be the first fatality that eventually leads to a recall. Is there any way to have Subaru recall for inspection cars experiencing frequent engine stall problems or other symptoms of bad torque converters to at least confirm or rule out a powertrain defect as the cause?.
As many other owners have reported, I have been told that the torque converter on my 2012 Subaru Outback has to be replaced (at a cost of nearly $1800). This is because of the shuddering and/or stalling of the car when coming to a stop. This issue is, and has been, very inconsistent which is why I never brought it to the attention of the service department before the end of the revised warranty option provided by Subaru (100,000 miles or 7/31/2018 cutoff date). My car currently has 110,000 miles on it. The problem with the way this whole matter has been dealt with by Subaru is that, despite the fact I brought the vehicle in for regular service prior to the mileage/date deadlines, I was never asked if I was experiencing any of the problems related to the torque converter. Had the issue been explained to me, I would have said that I was indeed having issues and would have had the part replaced under the warranty. This sort of behavior clearly demonstrates that Subaru is not "dedicated to customer satisfaction. " Subaru should be more proactive than reactive to dealing with the torque converter problem. In fact, Subaru should replace the torque converter whenever it becomes a problem. It is absolutely shameful that Subaru and the NHTSA has not done more to address the matter. I guess it is going to take someone getting injured or killed before the problem gets escalated to a point that there will be a recall or Subaru voluntarily replaces the torque converter regardless of time or mileage.
When having to come to a hard stop the engine will die. It has happened 3 times now. Our shop ran a diagnostic and it showed a problem with the torque converter.
My vehicle has had transmission related issues since I purchased it. I have taken it to the dealer numerous times to have it addressed and was always told it was nothing. In Dec. 2017 my car broke down while on vacation in FL, it had 131,500 miles at the time. After having it towed it was diagnosed as a valve body failure. 10 months and 7k miles later it is now stalling and shutting down when I brake and I have been told that I need a new torque converter. I never received the letter about the cvt transmission issues and extended warranty, nor was this covered when I had the valve body replaced. The car stalling when braking is a huge safety issue and should be a recall. I luckily have not had to brake to the point of the car shutting down when driving on a road with higher speed limits, it has only happened in town when approaching stop lights or stop signs.
The car is having issues at idling and shuts off / stalls while at the traffic light or stop signals. Dealer replaced the torque converter but the issue still persists.
2011 Subaru Outback only driven by myself, 93000 miles mostly highway. Stalling regularly when coming to a sudden or fast stop. Slow stopping and pumping brakes would avoid the stall. Rpms would suddenly drop after going below 1200. Out of warranty. Valve body and torque converter replaced. This issue has been noted for many Subaru cvt between 2010 and 2012 and should have extended warranty to cover and repairs should be made at no cost to owner due to obvious fault in design.
Cvt transmission shudders & stalls after braking while in motion due to torque converter failure. Upon stopping at stop sign, slowing down to make turn, or starting from a stopped position the vehicle shudders then drifts into intersection and stalls while facing oncoming traffic. Failure of torque converter while at intersections is dangerous and frightening. Subaru refuses to assist in cost of significant repair as it was diagnosed 3 weeks out of warranty despite their pledge to customer satisfaction. This issue should be strongly considered for a recall as a known safety issue to Subaru.
Occasionally the 2. 5 l engine with cvt will appear to almost stall upon decelerating and coming to a stop (at a traffic light, stop sign, etc. ). The engine will shudder, the rpms will drop below 700 and then quickly return to normal idle (about 800 or so). Have not yet experienced a stall but have come close. Our car has about 87000 miles and is otherwise in good condition. Our mechanic has been unable to diagnose the problem because this is an intermittent issue, it cannot be duplicated and there are no codes. Other similar posts have indicated that the torque convertor may be the culprit. Considering the quantity of posts, an investigation should be undertaken. Stalling can be a safety problem.