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 powertrain problems
moderate 86 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
86
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
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.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
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.