8.7

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$7,600
Average Mileage:
79,350 miles
Total Complaints:
3 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. replace transmission (3 reports)
2010 Subaru Outback transmission problems

transmission problem

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2010 Subaru Outback Owner Comments

problem #3

Jun 222017

Outback Premium 2.5L H4

  • CVT transmission
  • 30,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My transmission failed on the highway, Had the car towed to the dealership. They stated that the transmission had to be replaced. Subarus WERE known for their reliability... not so much anymore!! I have had several other Outbacks before this one and non had such major issues. My paint is also cracking to the metal but subaru wont do anything about it. Subaru does not care about keeping existing loyal customers! My last Subaru.. I have lost faith in the brand.

- Alex G., Magna, US

problem #2

Oct 012016

Outback 2.5L

  • CVT transmission
  • 126,000 miles

Recently the car would make almost like a belt squealing noise when cruising highway speeds above 40 MPH and giving it a little gas. My wife said it sounded like her tires screeching, but I thought that it was the drive belt squealing. I took in the car back to my local Subaru dealer where I recently had torque converter replaced. The Dealer called me and advised that the belt squealing noise is caused by the CVT slipping and that the only remedy is to replace the entire transmission. He then quoted me $11,000 to replace the transmission which is more than what the car is worth. He was really honest and mentioned that he hasn't seen a 4th gen outback CVT with this problem before. The service manager's advice was since the problem wasn't very noticeable, I should consider trading it to another Dealer and buy another car. So that's what I did.

I bought this Subaru because they are known for being reliable. I took really good care of it. I always replaced oil with fully sythentic at 5K, I had shocks replaced, new tires, new brakes, and timing belt recently done. I thought this Subaru was going to run for for another 100K or longer. I invested a lot in taking care of my Subaru and considered myself as a proud owner. I made sure it was always running in top shape and never ignored a rattle or noise that it made. I am extremely disappointed with Subaru at this moment.

- Christopher M., Lanham, MD, US

problem #1

Jan 062016

Outback 2.5i

  • Automatic transmission
  • 82,000 miles

I have a 2010 Subaru Outback (@82,000 miles) which needs a new transmission. I had no warning of a problem with the transmission there was no hestitation on startup there was no indication what so ever that my car had a problem. I went the other day to get new tires and after that there was a whining noise. That noise got louder the faster you drove. I took it back to the tire place and they changed out the tires (all 4). But the noise continued. Well after taking car to four different places I have been told the transmission is gone and I need a new one. That sucks. I guess Subaru is all about safety and they forget that cars are mechanical. The mechanical parts are very expensive I was quoted $7600.00 for transmission repairs. Now I can't drive my car and I can't afford the fix. What a dilemma!!!!!!!!!!!!

Subaru sucks - they should pay more attention to the mechanics of the car. By the way this is my second Subaru Outback the first one needed the engine replaced at 55,000 miles that was covered by warrenty and I traded it in for this one, that was a bad idea.

I suggest if you have a Subaru outback get rid of it in 5 years before warranty expires..

- Sue D., Providence, RI, US

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