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Subaru Legacy/Outback Transmission Problems

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Comments

  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    1500rpms for 10-15 seconds on cold startup is 100% normal on any car. So long as it settles down you are ok as far as that goes. There is no idle adjustments on these cars it should idle between 500-700 when warmed up.

    -mike
    Motorsports and Modifications Host
  • carol2008carol2008 Member Posts: 9
    Hi, and thanks for the response.. However, my Subaru is not a turbocharged vehicle. The sticker says "2.5L Horizontally--Opposed SOHC Engine" We just had a heavy snow, and after driving about 10 miles, as I was pulling into the driveway, I depressed the clutch, down shifted into 2nd gear, engine raced and I slid into the drive. (I did not have my foot on the gas) ........
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Definitely should not be revving when you hit the clutch.

    Check to make sure the carpet isn't laying on the pedal. I had this the other day and had the exact same symptom.

    If that doesn't do the trick it could be an ECU reprogram or idle air controller.

    -mike
    Motorsports and Modifications Host
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I thought about an ECU reset, by disconnecting the battery.

    That should give her a clean slate. What do you think?
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    That could be a good start. Disconnect battery and hit the brakes for about 2-3 min.

    -mike
    Motorsports and Modifications Host
  • carol2008carol2008 Member Posts: 9
    Mike,
    Thank you very much for the information! We will do what you suggested and let you know if it works. We did check the mat and it was no where near the gas pedal. We had removed the carpets and put in the winter mats which are a bit thick, but when you mentioned it we checked it out immediately and it was clear. So, tomorrow we will disconnect the battery and hit the brakes. Thank you !! (If this works, I can't wait to call the Dealer and MySubaru and tell them that "Edmunds" fixed the problem.)
    ~Carol
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Well it's a start, not sure if it'll work. But definitely report back and we'll see where to go from there.

    -mike
    Motorsports and Modifications Host
  • orangelebaronorangelebaron Member Posts: 435
    I have had the cold transmission lurching issue since new. I have a 2005 Outback Limited. In the winter, the tranny lurches and shudders for the first 3-5 minutes of driving.
    Annoying.
  • ccfayccfay Member Posts: 1
    This morning I found out that the radio, front and back windshield wipers, mirror adjusters, and hazards stopped working. All the other electrical stuff works fine. I checked the fuses and don't see any that are blown. Any idea what the problem might be?
  • shabe1shabe1 Member Posts: 2
    Has Subaru given you any kind of explanation or do they just tell you this is "normal"?
  • carol2008carol2008 Member Posts: 9
    Hi! It's been one week since we did what you suggested. I wanted to drive it awhile since it didn't do it all the time. Yesterday, JUST when I thought what we did may have fixed the problem, it revved up! My husband drove it about 6 miles, and when he turned into a parking lot, downshifted, it did it. :( We had tested it all week by downshifting everytime we could, and it was ok. Back to the drawing board.. :(
    ~ Carol
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    My next guess would be to see if you can get your dealer to perform an ecu re-flash. I really have a feeling it has to do with the ECU, or a sensor but try the easy things first.

    -mike
    Motorsports and Modifications Host
  • carol2008carol2008 Member Posts: 9
    Thank you. We will try that next. I will keep you posted on the results. Many thanks.
    ~Carol
  • bondryanbondryan Member Posts: 4
    Just purchased a new Outback 2.5XT and my car now experiences a hard shift between 2nd and 3rd gear. I did not notice this during the test drive. The "jerks" when the car accelerates b/w 2nd into 3rd. I've brought the car to the dealership 4 times now and they say that the car is performing "normal". Anybody out there experience the same thing or have a solution. Can't get anywhere with the dealership. Thanks!
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Call 800-SUBARU3 and at a minimum have them record the issue in a "customer says" case. That way you documented the issue early on if it gets worse.
  • ssemansssemans Member Posts: 2
    I just bought a used legacy with about 130k on it. when it idles in neutral and clutch is out it has a chattering noise coming from the front, as soon as I press the clutch in it goes away. The drive train under load seems a bit louder than any of my previous cars (similar noise to a car running in reverse with a little more rumble than whine). This rumbling reverse noise is loudest in lower gears, and under acceleration, and seems to disappear in the hight gears (or muted by road noise?). The vehicle shifts and down shifts smoothly through all gears. I have no problems at a stop going into 1st or reverse (no apparent syncro issues). The clutch feels good and engages and disengages smoothly. Am i just looking at fluid changes to the tranny, and diffs? Or is there something else I should be looking at?
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Throwout or Pilot bearing for the noise. Fluid change for the noise once in gear.

    -mike
    Motorsports and Modifications Host
  • ssemansssemans Member Posts: 2
    Mike,
    Thank you for confirming my suspicions. I am wondering though what kind of failure scenarios am I dealing with concerning the throwout bearing. I have read on this and other posts that this was a weak link in the Subaru clutch assembly. I am somewhat cheap and feel that I will replace clutch with bearing. This just seems logical. The thing is my clutch seems fine right now and I am just wondering if I can postpone the repair to "use up" the current clutch a bit more. Can the throwout bearing fail and damage the trans. or drive line in anyway? Or will it just continue to make noise and contribute to a quicker demise of my clutch? I already have an appointment for the drive line fluids to be replaced, do I need to ad the clutch and bearing as well?
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    The throwout bearing will continue to get worse over time. You can probably drive it for another 10k miles maybe more w/o issue. I'd definitely get the clutch done at the same time as the labor is the same cause the trans has to get pulled.

    -mike
    Motorsports and Modifications Host
  • orangelebaronorangelebaron Member Posts: 435
    I've given up asking them or the dealer. I haven't been driving my Outback lately because my Volvo gets better gas mileage and doesn't give me hip/back problems from the painful seat.
    Thinking of selling the Outback.
  • mudnyreymudnyrey Member Posts: 2
    I just recently moved from Colorado to Oregon. Prior to this move I had the trans fluid flushed for a regular scheduled maint. early and before it was due for the first time at about 60k+ miles, the car now has just turned 90k this past year.

    After the flush and still in Colorado, I drove up to the ski resorts many times prior without any issues. After the flush I took my vehicle up and seemed to have issues? The trans spued its fluid out of the dip stick which then onto the exhaust causing some smoke. I am car sauvy at most and know my vehicles well, but knew something wasn't right after. I took it back to a well known mechanic who told me that it may have been over filled (who originally did the flush). This persisted for a while until it cleared up and after I brought it in to have it double checked as well.

    I then moved from Colorado to Oregon pulling my racing bike and trailer, and a Thule rack and bag on top, and with the car with just about empty exept for me and my dog. Another trip to Colorado a month or so after my initial move, I heard a weired noise and felt some odd shifting issues fron 4th to 3rd and back and forth agressively while hitting the high passes on Hwy70
    near Vail.
    With concern i brought my car back to my well known and highly trusted mechanic who refered me to a trans specialist who took a look at my car.
    I don't trust many people with my vehicles, but I trust this shop over any dealership at most and their referal! These guys are master mechanics.
    The guy stated to me after his evaluation, said the the fluid is burnt and that there may be a problem with the torque converter rather than internally in the transmission?
    With that in mind I decided to get a second opinion and dropped it off to the Subaru dealership who then, after evaluation told me that not only is my trans fluid burnt but my line pressure is reading "Zero" and that no codes are being pulled up from the ECU. The service rep proceeded to tell me I needed a new trans and that it would cost me 6k. ( I just about chocked!) Then the price lowered to 2500 to 3k to rebuild or replaced with a remanufactured one.

    The car seems to drive fine! I have been told to never replacing the trans filter...??? I'm not sure if there is damage to my trans or if I should just wait until something major happens? At this point I have trust issues with most shops trying to clean me out of excuses. I am smart enough to know who is telling me the truth or who isn't with a load of garbage to make some money on verbal fabrication.

    Heres some questions I have...

    1) I was thinking of another trans flush and adding Lucas as an additive to regain the life of the bands etc. Thoughts for adding Lucas trans treatment?

    2) Subaru says never to replace the trans filter? When a transmission breaks down with metal "Sludge" or "Breakdown" who is to say that my filter isn't congested with such breakdown that filtering right now may be dificult?... Change the filter?

    3)Torque Converter issues? I'm interested in knowing more!

    Thanks,
    Mud
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    If your fluid is burnt then you have either internal clutch issues or torque converter issues. Unfortunately it isn't cheap or pretty to replace either of them.

    -mike
    Motorsports and Modifications Host
  • mudnyreymudnyrey Member Posts: 2
    Mike,

    I appreciate your reply.
    I know this isn't going to be cheap to have this taken care of should either or both be the cause. I'm also wondering if I managed to burn the fluid on one of my long drives possibly pulling my race bike? The car doesn't slip nor does it seem to pose any additional problems when driving it that I have noticed.

    Any body have any responses to my other questions that I had?

    Thanks
    Chris
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    It is strange for it not to slip with the burnt fluid. Perhaps it wasn't burnt completely and didn't damage the clutches or torque converter. In general, and I've burned up many an AT, once it starts to slip it'll continue to get worse and worse even with a proper fluid change.

    Sorry for not having a better answer for yah.

    -mike
    Motorsports and Modifications Host
  • carol2008carol2008 Member Posts: 9
    Mike
    We brought the car back to the Subaru dealer and they made some calls to Subaru. Apparently there is nothing that can be done at this time, however it seems to be a problem with the 2008's right now. They expect something to be done about it as soon as Subaru can figure the cause. We are to call back in two weeks to see if they have received anything on this problem. Will keep you updated.
    Carol
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    The only thing similar I had was when I hooked up an Ecutek to my car and changed the idle on my 05 LGT. Whenever I'd hit the clutch it would race to 1500 rpms. My guess is that it might be an ECU programming problem.

    -mike
    Motorsports and Modifications Host
  • lordchuckylordchucky Member Posts: 1
    ok here is the deal i was trying to put in a cd player in my 96 subaru legacy L and well i was doing the stuff that has to be done well here is the flip of it all ok i start to connect all the stuff and i had it all done well the back speaker didn't work and i noticed that have i turned the car on the doors would try and lock and then i noticed the overhead light wasn't on have the doors was open and then i was just bout to take my friend home and the dash light didn't come on so i unhook everything and then the doors stop trying to lock have i started the car and the overhead light works but the dash light still dont work what do i do
  • corriewolfecorriewolfe Member Posts: 1
    I am having the exact same problem with my 08 Legacy GT. Only the 2-3 upshift is harsh, all other gear changes are fine. I've had it to the dealer 3 times already and opened a "subaru case" with the customer service line, but all they can do is tell me it's normal. It seems to be something wrong with the "learning" function because every time I take it in, they would "reset" the TCU and it's fine for a while, but comes back in 3,000 miles or so. I'm getting pretty frustrated at this point because it goes away when they reset the TCU, so I think it's a programming issue and not a problem with the hardware. Therefore it should be easy to fix without having to tear open the transmission. If only they could just "turn off" the learning function then I would be happy.
  • bondryanbondryan Member Posts: 4
    That is unbelievable! It sounds like we have the same issue. I have brought my 08 2.5 XT Outback in 4 times now and I was referred to a Subaru "Field Representative" and he told me the same stuff about that it is a "learned behavior". I was very upset with his conclusion, so I wrote Subaru Corp. and got a response from someone who read my letter. I am now being presented with two options: (1) an extended warranty (7 years or 100K miles on Power train) or a possible trade-in with "financing help" from Subaru Corp. I am going to bring up the fact that other customers are experiencing the same thing with the field service guy I met with. I agree that it is a software issue and I tried to explain that to them but they were not listening. There definitely seems to be something wrong with the S/W code. Let me know if you find anything else out and I will do the same.
  • marc_ilmarc_il Member Posts: 1
    Hi Shabe1, I bought a 2005 Subaru Outback Limited Wagon with automatic and sport shift transmission in July 2007 with about 26,000 miles. I've put 12,000 miles on it. This winter (my first winter owning it) it started downshifting very hard when cold and approaching a stop sign. The transmission also slips sometimes going from third to second (around a corner for example). I took it to a reputable transmission shop. They said a complete rebuild would be around 3,000 and they wouldn't recommend it, just wait and see. Yesterday, the check engine light came on and the Cruise light is flashing so it is going back in tomorrow. I'll let you know what happens. I'm thinking of trading it back in at the dealer where I bought it. I love the car and it does everything else great, but the transmission makes me very nervous.
  • snowbeltersnowbelter Member Posts: 288
    Downshifting hard when cold is a "known" problem. There's a Technical Service Bulletin out. If your transmission is slipping when cold, it may be related.

    Ask your dealer about TSB 16-69-07.
  • cmccartcmccart Member Posts: 9
    1995 Subaru Legacy Wagon with 156k miles has always had problems shifting into reverse. On and off over several weeks have been smelling a burnt plastic smell, but had a garbage sack fly under the car and thought it was bits of the bag although never could find evidence of it. Two days ago could not put in R unless engine was off and started having difficulty shifting up/down in 1st and 3rd. Adjusted the clutch and had no problems for a couple days, but now has gotten to the point that it will barely shift at all. Do you think this is a clutch or a transmission problem? Need to get an idea of cost to eval options for fixing or retiring our Subie for a newer vehicle. :sick:

    Thanks!
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    hmm, burning plastic could have been the reverse gear, IIRC they use plastic gears for R.

    When did you have the clutch last replaced? If it's original at 156k miles I'd say it may be the clutch.

    Also have you drained/filld the transmission to see if there is any evidence of metal etc in there?

    -mike
  • cmccartcmccart Member Posts: 9
    Clutch is not original...had a lemon that SOA covered under warranty just a few months after we got it brand new. Clutch replaced again at about 90k miles and our mechanic said shaft/plate was dinged up from first replacement.

    We haven't drained/filled the transmission. Hubby says that he has no doubt there will be metal in there due to the grind we've always had with R gear and the little bit of grinding from the recent issue prior to parking it. We haven't moved it since.

    -cindy
  • cmccartcmccart Member Posts: 9
    The fan that blows heat/air inside our 1995 Subaru Legacy only runs on high. It just quits blowing when the knob is turned to low or medium.

    Is this fan under the dash or under the hood? I would like to replace it because I have lived with the high setting for almost a year and cannot take it any longer. :mad:
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Fluid should be changed every 30-60k miles and certainly by the milage you have on it now should have been changed several times!

    Are you at a complete stop when putting it into R? R sometimes needs you to put it in 1 and then R to get into R because it's a straight cut gear.

    I wouldn't be suprised if you need a trans replacement, luckily they are about $500-600.

    -mike
    Motorsports and Modifications Host
  • cmccartcmccart Member Posts: 9
    Husband says the trans fluid has been changed.

    We have always had problems with R...even when it was brand new. Must be at a complete stop and shifts into R easiest if engine is off. Now recently have had a hard time shifting into 1st unless motor is off and VERY hard shifting into other gears over a week ago when I quit driving it.

    The mechanic who replaced our clutch last time...about 8 years ago believes it is the clutch again and husband does not want to attempt to change it out, so we are taking it in to a shop tomorrow. This mechanic said that part of the clutch mechanism...pressure plate or shaft got dinged up when SOA replaced the original clutch under warranty less than a year after we bought it new.

    We will ask the shop we are taking it to to check out the trans prior to replacing the clutch.

    Thanks for the reply.

    Do you know anything about the fan that blows A/C and heat into the car? Is this under the dash or the hood with the engine?
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    8 years and how many miles since the clutch was replaced? They only last about 80k miles so it may be due anyway. Whenever we do a clutch we do the whole "kit" which is the clutch plate, pressure plate, pilot and throwout bearings.

    Reverse you always have to be at a stop to engage, on any stick subaru. 1st gear you also need to be stopped as well to engage it smoothly.

    I believe the blower is under the dash for the HVAC.

    -mike
    Motorsports and Modifications Host
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,747
    I believe the blower is under the dash for the HVAC.

    Yes, that is the case. It is located above and behind the glove box.
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
  • cmccartcmccart Member Posts: 9
    Do you have to pull the dash off or can you go through the glove box?

    Car is at the shop for the clutch so I cannot go out and look.

    Thanks!
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,747
    What year is the car again? On the 95-99 models, you only need to remove the glove box and then have very easy access to the blower. I would expect the same in the following generation (00-04), but after that there is an optional cabin filtration system, so that may have caused the blower to be relocated.
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
  • cmccartcmccart Member Posts: 9
    It is a 1995. Since we don't have to pull the dash, my husband could probably fix it, which is great!

    Thanks so much for your responses! I really appreciate it. :)
  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 16,747
    Yes, it is incredibly simple to do and takes very little time. Mine (on a '96) went out when the temps were around zero (F), and I would estimate it took me about an hour total (not counting the aggravation and wasted time due to the parts store selling me the wrong unit the first time around). I purchased my replacement unit at NAPA; it was about $135 if I remember correctly. I would have to check my records to know for sure.
    2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100, 1976 Ford F250
  • jeh6jeh6 Member Posts: 1
    This might be similar to an earlier posting but unfortunately there wasn't any reply postings to their problem. 110K miles. Problem is the transmission/AWD system feels like it grabbing like the front end on a manual 4wd will do when you are making a tight turn. Just had the CV joints and axles replaced on both front wheels, one boot had been torn, thinking that was causing the problem. Problem continues but doesn't show up until the vehicle is at operating temperature. Have taken the vehicle to the best transmission shop in our area and they can't find the problem. The only other thing different is I had the new set of tires "sipped"(cuts made into the tire) when we replaced them last November. Would the extra traction be causing the problem? Thanks for any advice as the major player tire and repair business where the vehicle sits now doesn't have any ideas.
  • cmccartcmccart Member Posts: 9
    Thanks! We got a quote of $80 for the part and we will repair at home now that we know we can go through the glove box to get to it. :)
  • heelsheels Member Posts: 2
    Bondryan,
    What was the outcome of your issues? If you did "swap" out your car, I may now have your old one! I have an 08' OB 2.5XT that has 8K miles on it and it shifts hard between 2nd and 3rd. I just purchased it used from the dealer............they said the previous owner had a problem with a "clunking" noise when shifting from 2nd to 3rd and that the dealer could never duplicate the problem. I test drove it and it was fine, now it has the problem, I may take the car back.................Does anyone else have this problem?
  • bondryanbondryan Member Posts: 4
    Heels,
    I sold the car to Subaru of Santa Cruz. Where did you purchase the vehicle from? I originally bought it at Cypress Coast Subaru in Seaside and that car started to have a "HARD" shift b/w 2nd into 3rd gear. I fought with Seaside for over 3 months to get them to fix the problem, but they said that it was operating normal, BS! I then got referred to a Subaru Field Rep, Mike Pelky, who was suppose to represent Subaru Corp and handle the issue, but he told me the same garbage as the dealership, "it's operating under normal condition". I even thought about taking this to court by I don't have that kind of money. I then wrote a letter to Subaru Corparte (with a very frustrated tone) and worked with a sweet lady and her name is Jodi Cullen from Subaru Corp. After 3 more months of dealing with her, SUbaru Santa Cruz said that they could "sell the car" and I said fine just get me a new one! The new car DOES NOT have this problem. I could NOT stand the damn hard shift b/w 2nd into 3rd and trust me if you've only had the car a few weeks or so, it can get worse at times! Also, the car makes makes a weird noise up by the left windshield (like a clicking noise) when you make soft turns. Sorry I would contact Subaru Corporate, Jodi Cullen and tell her of this problem (trust me she will remember my case, since I dealt with her for over 3 months) her number is 856-488-3290. Also, talk with Bruce or Evan at Santa Cruz b/c they know that I had issues with the car but they were willing to make the trade.
  • heelsheels Member Posts: 2
    Thanks for the reply! That was your old car that I HAD from Subaru of Santa Cruz! I took it back yesterday and canceled the whole deal, I only had the car for one night. They are selling the car under the pretense that it was brought in with a shifting problem but the dealers could not duplicate it. The car test drove fine but after bringing it home the shift was very hard, just as you mentioned. From comments made by Andreas at Subaru of Santa Cruz it was apparent that they are resetting the computer and putting the car back on the lot for sale. The sales manger told me that he, nor anyone from subaru thought there was anything wrong with the car....which was obviously garbage. Needles to say I am back in the market for an outback, thanks for the information and the insight. I can't believe Subaru would put that car back on the lot............I believe that is a dishonest move on their part. Thanks again Ryan.
  • bondryanbondryan Member Posts: 4
    Man I am I relieved to hear you say that you were able to return the car! That's great. In fact, now that we've had this conversation on Edmunds, I hope the next potential customer will see this blog and NOT purchase this car. Good move on your part to see what was out there on the web regarding "subaru shifting problems". Good luck on your OB purchase.
  • slapproslappro Member Posts: 1
    I recently bought the 1996 subaru legacy outback.
    I had auto transmission work done on it to replace the timing mechanism that engages the clutch (it looks kind of like a wagon wheel... can't remember what it's called). The transmission light is still on, according to the mechanic, because of an electrical issue not effecting the performance of the transmission. I'm not sure I believe him. Also I at the same time had some brake work done because the ABS light was on.

    The problem is that this car is getting 14 mpgs! I have no idea why. It should be getting 20 mpgs city and it is not even close.

    I have run fuel system cleaner through with no results.
    Help!
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