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ProblemsByVinSUBARU / POWERTRAIN
84 model-year entries · 2005–2025
Subaru powertrain problems
1,884 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Subaru vehicles for powertrain issues.
1 active recall campaign. See powertrain across all makes →
Complaints
1,884
Recalls
1
Year-models
84
Avg fix
$2,500
87crashes
12fires
32injuries
1fatality
Editorial perspective by Shop Foreman · Lead technician
At the shop, Subaru transmission and driveline issues have a recognizable signature. 1,884 documented complaints across 84 year-model entries from 2005 to 2025 is consistent with what we see come in. Complaint volume is spread across the lineup rather than parked on one bad year. That's the signature of a platform or supplier issue, not a single-year flub. 1 fatality report on file with NHTSA tied to this category on Subaru vehicles. That elevates this from nuisance to safety-critical. Across the 1,007 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 79,299 miles. Repair exposure averages $2,500, which is meaningful money outside warranty. Pull a transmission fluid sample if you can. Color and smell tell you more than mileage alone. If the fluid is dark or smells burnt, walk.
Worst-affected Subaru model-years for powertrain Top 25 by complaint volume
A loose nut can lead to a lost of retention in the CVT select lever cable and the gear selector not functioning properly, increasing risk of crash.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and, if necessary, tighten the nut, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRA-21.
Common questions
How many Subaru powertrain complaints are on file with NHTSA?
1,884 complaints across 84 model-year entries from 2005 to 2025. 1 active recall campaigns cover powertrain issues across the Subaru lineup.
Which Subaru model has the most powertrain complaints?
The 2011 Subaru Outback leads with 208 complaints in this category. Next: 2012 Outback (107) and 2015 Forester (90).
What does it cost to fix Subaru powertrain problems?
Independent shops average $2,500 for powertrain repairs across the Subaru lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Subaru powertrain recalls?
Yes — 1 active recall campaign covers powertrain on Subaru vehicles. Recall fixes are free regardless of mileage or warranty status. The list below shows current campaigns with their NHTSA numbers.
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database.
Editorial commentary written by Shop Foreman, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin
and not affiliated with Subaru.
Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record.
Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.