Ask the Car People.SM


Subaru Legacy/Outback Transmission Problems

580 messages,  Last post on May 14, 2013 at 12:13 PM

You are in the Subaru Legacy & Outback Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Legacy, Subaru Outback, Transmission, Sedan, Wagon


Go to NHTSA to file a safety complaint.
Or call Monday-Friday (8 am to 8 pm ET) (888) 327-4236 TTY: (800)424-9153

Messages Page 54 of 59

#525 of 580 2012 Subaru Outback 3.6...Serious Transmission issue by toasted2

Jan 20, 2012 (6:34 pm)

My wife and I recently bought a brand new Subaru Outback with pretty much every option we could think of....Unfortunately, within a very short period of time, we began to experience a very significant "clunk" in the transmission when accelerating from a rolling stop. I can't tell you how our hearts sank as we looked at one another...Since then it has happened a number of times over the past few weeks, but due to our busy schedules and being out of town much of the time we have not yet had the opportunity to get it into the dealership. When I spoke to the service guy at Subaru, he claimed it was normal...I can honestly tell you having owned vehicles for 25 years...I have never felt this type of a clunk in a transmission downshift ever...
 
Long story short...They said to bring it in and that they would check it out and make it right...Hopefully, I get a chance to get it in in the next couple of weeks...I'll let you know how it works out...This is our first Subaru, having recently changed from an Acura MDX...and thus far, I hate to say it...The vehicle has not lived up to its reputation.

#526 of 580 Re: 2012 Subaru Outback 3.6...Serious Transmission issue [toasted2] by tgl3

Jan 21, 2012 (12:04 pm)

Replying to: toasted2 (Jan 20, 2012 6:34 pm)
i had the same exact problem. i heard about "Service Bulletin # 11-104-11" on this thread. (it's an updated set of computer settings that they can flash onto your car's computer). it solved my problem completely. Ask you dealer if the flash ROM on Service Bulletin # 11-104-11 is appropriate for your car.

#528 of 580 2011 3.6 Legacy Transmission Issue by sobolol1

Jan 23, 2012 (8:02 pm)

I have 3500 miles on my 2011 Legacy 3.6 automatic, I am having what I believe is a transmission issue. When slowing down, then accelerating the car feels like it is getting hit from behind! I have had cars before with transmission issues and thats what it felt like, but when I take to the dealer they say its fine and cant feel what I am talking about. From reading some of these posts I see some people have the same issue, but how can I get it fixed, when the dealer wont even help me? Thanks in advance

#529 of 580 2012 3.6R limited by dinoman

Jan 28, 2012 (12:11 pm)

We bought a 2012 3.6R limited 4 months ago. We first noticed the same transmission issue at 1500 miles. The dealer reset the computer and it was good for a few months. The car has 6000 miles on it and it just started doing it again. My wife and I are very busy, so we are going to trade it for something else. I'm done with Subaru forever...which is sad because we really love this car.

#530 of 580 Re: Subaru Outback transmission problem [dianesnow] by tranny_pain

Feb 01, 2012 (10:15 am)

Replying to: dianesnow (Jan 04, 2012 8:38 am)
Are you satisfied now?

#531 of 580 Re: 3.6 transmission issue [carteach] by tranny_pain

Feb 01, 2012 (10:24 am)

Replying to: carteach (Jan 06, 2012 11:08 pm)
My friend, please do not purchase the Outback 3.6 Limited. This is my first and last. The transmission rots and what can you do when at best they have a temporary fix? They should have a recall on these and a major fix. I even commented on the tranny when I bought it and sales said they just have to be broken-in. I've never been less than thrilled with any new car I've bought, am sick that I ever bought a Subaru. It's hard to believe they can get away with it, act like they've never heard of it when you bring it in. I pointed out an article on it to them that described it perfectly and the manager of service made it out like the author didn't know what he was talking about. Mine's better for the moment, but I'll be expecting the return of the thunk. The transmission is as rough as can be even without it.

#532 of 580 Re: 2011 3.6R Transmission [subyturtle] by dianesnow1

Feb 02, 2012 (6:37 pm)

Replying to: subyturtle (Jan 04, 2012 9:25 am)
Hey subyturtle,
 
I wish we could have been so lucky. How's the new one? I was reading that the 2012's are having the same issues with jerky trans.

#533 of 580 Re: Subaru Outback transmission problem [joeinco] by dianesnow1

Feb 02, 2012 (6:56 pm)

Replying to: joeinco (Jan 10, 2012 11:27 am)
Hi joeinco,
 
Your reply had a profound impact on us. We decided that what you and your wife did was the smartest and most hassle-free decision, and decided to copy you.
 
Just bought a silver 2012 4runner SR5 last night.
 
Like you, we lost confidence in Subaru. We didn't want to take a chance that it MIGHT get fixed. I don't think it will be long before "the cat is out of the bag" and when it is....nobody will get a good trade-in value because the dealerships won't be able to get rid of a defective car very easily. We got out while we had a good chance.
 
FYI.... Just in case you weren't aware......If you purchased an extended warranty you can cancel it and get some money back for the unused portion of it. We had the cost of ours added to the loan when we bought the car, so we will see a refund check from the bank in about 6 weeks.
 
Enjoy your 4runner! I know we are!

#534 of 580 Re: Subaru Outback transmission problem [tranny_pain] by dianesnow1

Feb 02, 2012 (7:10 pm)

Replying to: tranny_pain (Feb 01, 2012 10:15 am)
Well...yes, but only because we just traded it in and bought a 2012 4runner.
 
The 3rd time I had it in the shop they downloaded the latest computer program and that was suppose to fix it, but actually made my car worse. The harsh jerking happened more frequently and also started harsh jerking during downshift. I was told to call 1800 SUBARU3 and start a claim. I did and their customer care department was great! They were in the process of trying to resolve the issue when we made the decision to buy a different car. We didn't want to deal with the problems anymore. We also were not comfortable with the uncertainty of it getting fixed. Even if they had chosen to give us a new car, I have been reading that some buyers of the 2012 OB 3.6 are having the same problems.

Messages Page 54 of 59

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement