This bulletin announces the service manual correction regarding clutch master cylinder reservoir service procedures.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2010 Subaru Outback powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2010 Subaru Outback have filed 86 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 106,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
86
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2006 Outback | 12 |
| 2007 Outback | 8 |
| 2008 Outback | 9 |
| 2009 Outback | 10 |
| 2010 Outback (this page) | 86 |
| 2011 Outback | 208 |
| 2012 Outback | 107 |
| 2013 Outback | 57 |
| 2014 Outback | 25 |
1crash
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 86 powertrain complaints filed for the 2010 Subaru Outback, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 86 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 19 model years of Subaru Outback in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin has been developed in response to a small number of customer concerns regarding fluid seepage found coming from the CVT assembly.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin announces the availability of a countermeasure torque converter assembly to address a customer concern of very low engine RPM when coming to a stop.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Service Information Bulletin provides an updated diagnostic flow along with an IMPORTANT caution to follow for certain CVT solenoid related DTCs as listed.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin has been developed in response to a small number of customer concerns regarding fluid seepage found coming from the CVT assembly.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2010 Subaru Outback powertrain complaints center heavily on CVT transmission failures, particularly torque converter wear. Starting as early as 50,000 miles but clustering around 80,000–120,000 miles, owners report the engine stalls or near-stalls when braking to a stop at traffic lights and stop signs. The sensation feels like driving a manual car without depressing the clutch—RPMs drop sharply, the car shudders, then either stalls completely or recovers. Transmission disengages momentarily (you press the gas but the car doesn't move), then re-engages after shifting to neutral or park and back to drive. The problem worsens over weeks or months and occurs randomly but frequently, especially in stop-and-go traffic.
Subaru issued Technical Service Bulletin 16-90-13R identifying a thrust washer design flaw inside the torque converter that restricts oil flow and prevents proper lock-up release. Subaru redesigned the part and offered extended warranty programs (TSB 16-107-17R), but did not issue a recall. Owners out of warranty typically pay $1,200–$2,000 for converter replacement. Many report Subaru denied claims for vehicles with salvage titles despite the acknowledged defect.
Manual transmission models (6-speed) have separate issues: engine stalls when the clutch is depressed during deceleration or the transmission is in neutral, particularly with air conditioning on and temperature above 85 degrees. One owner had the engine stall eleven times in a row at consecutive stops. Dealers cited pending ECU reflash software as a fix but remained incomplete months after diagnosis.
Complete CVT transmission failure—chain slippage and loss of motive power—occurs at higher mileage (100,000+) and triggers replacement quotes of $6,000–$9,000. Owners describe dealers calling it the "throw away transmission" because repair cost far exceeds used vehicle value. Dealers offer no rebuild option.
Same Subaru Outback powertrain reports on nearby years: 2009 · 2011 · 2012 · 2013
Failure modes owners describe
Torque Converter Thrust Washer Wear / Lock-up Failure
Thrust washer inside the torque converter wears or restricts oil passages, preventing proper lock-up clutch pressure release. Results in engine stalling or near-stalling at low RPM, particularly when braking to a stop. Subaru TSB 16-90-13 / 16-90-13R redesigned the thrust washer from solid bushing-type to needle bearing-type.
When: Typically 50,000–140,000 miles; often emerges early in ownership (first month to 3 years)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shudders and stalls when coming to a stop at traffic lights or stop signs; Low RPM near-stalling (engine RPM drops below 700); Stalling when braking suddenly or gradually; Stalling more frequent when air conditioning is on; Transmission disengages momentarily in Drive (gas pedal depressed but car doesn't move); Hazardous hesitation upon acceleration from stop; Loss of power steering and brakes during stall events
Codes mentioned: P2762, C0057, C0045, C0231, C0232, C0282
Repairs/costs cited: Torque converter replacement with redesigned part: $1,200–$2,000 (owners' cited costs). Subaru issued TSB 16-90-13R but did not issue a recall; owners out of warranty typically bear full cost. Some owners received extended warranty coverage (TSB 16-107-17R) if still within period; denial reported for vehicles with salvage history.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru TSB 16-90-13 (2012) / TSB 16-90-13R (later revision) announced redesigned torque converter assembly. Subaru issued extended warranty coverage programs (2017 onward) for affected models but have not issued a mandatory recall. Owners report Subaru denies coverage if out of warranty or vehicle has salvage title.
CVT Transmission Chain Slipping / Overall Failure
CVT chain slips or transmission loses motive power entirely. Owners report squeaking noises and inability to maintain power delivery, sometimes progressing to complete transmission failure requiring replacement.
When: 80,000–160,000 miles; in some cases as early as 3,750 miles or around 2,600 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Squeaking or squealing noise at 40–60 MPH; Loss of power while driving at various speeds; Transmission jerks forward when creeping in parking; Engine warning lights flash with power loss on hills; Car stops dead on freeway or in intersections
Codes mentioned: Multiple brake and transmission-related codes (context-dependent)
Repairs/costs cited: Complete transmission replacement quoted at $6,000–$9,000+. One owner noted the "throw away transmission" design—repair cost exceeds vehicle value for many owners. No rebuild option offered by dealers.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall. Extended warranty programs offered but limited in scope. Subaru of America offers minimal assistance; dealers state no known fix for some intermittent issues. One dealer advised owner to continue driving home despite active warning lights and power loss.
Transmission Valve Body Failure
Transmission valve body malfunction, sometimes resulting from metal shards produced by torque converter thrust washer wear. Valve body controls fluid pressure and shift timing.
When: Often secondary to torque converter wear; discovered during diagnosis around 88,000–120,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stall and warning light flicker (oil temperature, brake, vehicle dynamics control lights); Transmission hesitation and bucking during acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: Valve body replacement estimated at $1,200. May be required after torque converter replacement if metal debris damages the valve body; total repair cost then $2,400–$3,200.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall. One owner reported dealership replaced valve body as part of transmission repair; extended warranty denial occurred on this component for salvage-title vehicles.
Solenoid Open Circuit (Early CVT Failure)
Transmission solenoid fails with open circuit, disabling the car entirely in early ownership. This occurred at extremely low mileage in at least one documented case.
When: Early failure: ~2,600 miles (first month ownership)
Symptoms owners cite: Car disabled (no drive)
Codes mentioned: P2762
Repairs/costs cited: Repaired under warranty; specific cost not stated by owner.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Repaired under warranty at dealership. No broader recall action mentioned.
Manual Transmission Stalling in Neutral or During Clutch Depression
On 2010 Outbacks with 6-speed manual transmission, engine stalls when clutch is depressed to slow for a stop or when transmission is in neutral. More frequent when air conditioning is on and temperature exceeds 85 degrees. ECU reflash was the proposed fix; stalling occurs without warning lights initially, then brake and A/C cut out when imminent.
When: Within first year of ownership; recurring daily for about 12 occurrences in 3 months on one vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls when clutch depressed for deceleration; Engine stalls when in neutral; Loss of power steering and braking during stall; More frequent in warm weather (>85°F) with A/C on; No check engine light warning before stall
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership proposed ECU reflash/upgrade. One owner was waiting for software update (August 2010) after dealer confirmed awareness. Another case had to swap vehicles with dealer; they stated a fix was under development but owner remained hesitant.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru dealer acknowledged awareness of problem. ECU reflash software was being prepared but delayed. One dealer offered vehicle swap and indicated fix was being worked on. Corporate (mentioned in one case) denied the issue existed for automatics, contradicting dealer assessment for manuals.
Manual Transmission Stalling on Downshift During Turns
2010 Outback with manual transmission stalls when downshifting from 3rd to 2nd gear during rolling turns, or when shifting to 1st approaching a stop sign. Problem emerged after 3 months of ownership, then recurred within 1–2 miles of driving after overnight rest.
When: Began ~3 months after purchase; recurred repeatedly within first month of issue onset (~early ownership mileage)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls on downshift during turns; No power, all dashboard warning lights illuminate; Stalling pattern repeats after overnight or all-day vehicle rest
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer could not initially diagnose. Corporate headquarters sent engineer; found other cars with same problem and began developing a fix. Vehicle swap offered to owner during repair attempts.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Corporate investigation launched after multiple dealer visits. Subaru acknowledged finding same problem in other vehicles and began working on a fix. Vehicle swap option offered.
Transmission Shift Linkage / Park Engagement Failure
Transmission shifter indicates Park but transmission remains in Reverse. Loose ignition/transmission communication connection. Vehicle rolls unintended when parked and ignition off, causing collision damage.
When: Shortly after purchase and delivery in 2010
Symptoms owners cite: Shifter in Park but transmission not actually in Park; Vehicle rolls when parked; Loose ignition connection; Engine will not restart (related to ignition lockout failure)
Repairs/costs cited: Unrepaired in complaint narrative; vehicle caused estimated $9,000 collision damage when it rolled backward into a tree.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response detailed. Owner notes "no sympathy from Subaru" after repeated visits.
Transmission Hesitation / Acceleration Delay After Braking
When decelerating to 5–15 MPH and then applying accelerator, vehicle hesitates 1–2 seconds before accelerating. Then bucks or accelerates faster than intended due to delayed initial response. Occurs every time vehicle is driven at these speeds.
When: Recurring every drive cycle
Symptoms owners cite: 1–2 second delay before acceleration after braking/deceleration; Bucking upon delayed acceleration; Nearly caused multiple accidents in city traffic
Repairs/costs cited: Two TSBs issued (one engine, one transmission) but neither resolved the issue. Multiple dealers confirmed it is a known issue with no known fix.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Two TSBs issued but acknowledged by dealers to be ineffective. No fix available.
CVT Bearing / Internal Noise (Early Manufacturing Defect)
Rattling or squeaking noise emanating from transmission at very low mileage (3,750 miles). Dealer diagnosed noise as coming from new transmission and noted the problem is known but no fix is available.
When: 3,750 miles (brand new vehicle)
Symptoms owners cite: Rattling/squeaking noise from transmission area; Jerking forward when creeping in parking
Repairs/costs cited: No fix available per dealer and company representative; car returned without repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru rep instructed dealer to reassemble vehicle; stated problem is known and no fix available.
Manual Transmission Clutch Replacement (Burning Smell, Stuck Shifter)
Clutch failure with burning odor, smoke from hood, and stuck shifter unable to engage first gear. Emergency brake warning light illuminated. Occurred at 83,000 miles.
When: 83,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Burning smell; Smoke from hood into vehicle; Shifter stuck, will not engage first gear; Emergency brake warning light on
Repairs/costs cited: Clutch replacement needed; quoted $1,800. Owner declined repair and vehicle was not fixed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer contacted but provided no assistance. Case number assigned (1-373-484-69104) but no follow-up support given.
Synthesized from 86 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
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…
2010 Subaru outback, 3750 miles. Took to the dealer when rattling noise seem to come from instrument cluster. Dealer had it for a week. Dealer service isolated the noise as coming from Subaru new transmission. They called the company rep in southern calif. Who instructed the dealer to put the car back together and stated the problem is known, and no fix is available. Since than I also noticed…
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Subaru outback. While driving 25 MPH, the engine stalled while approaching a stop light. The contact applied the brakes and the vehicle stopped. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and reverse out of traffic. The contact drove the vehicle to the dealer (john howard Subaru, 1730 mileground rd, morgantown, wv 26505) where it was diagnosed that the transmission…
Car has stalled unexpectedly while driving straight at slow speeds, 4 times over the past year. It shudders, then stalls completely. Restarting immediately has caused another stall when shifting from park to drive. Waiting several minutes has allowed a normal start, although twice this has happened in dangerous, high-traffic spots without an easy shoulder to pull on to.
CVT was given a warranty extension. Subaru is aware that this is a KNOWN issue, otherwise they would not have given a warranty extension. A loud squealing occurs and a the RPMs increase when driving. This occurs in slower speed areas as well as on the highway. This is a dangerous problem as the transmission could give out while driving on the highway or interstate. The driver would then be forced…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2010 Subaru Outback?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2010 Subaru Outback?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 86 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 69 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 80,000 and 126,171 miles, with the median around 106,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 80,000; a quarter make it past 126,171. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2010/Subaru/Outback.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.