Clutch failed catastrophically while driving at highway speeds on the Pennsylvania turnpike. The vehicle was repair, however the dealer refused to honor the warranty, they claimed the clutch was considered a wear item. The consumer has retained a lawyer.

- Chagrin Falls, OH, USA

Clutch prematurely burned out. Prior to this incident, the clutch would chatter or disengage in cold temperatures. The clutch was replaced, but failed again. This was a common problem, but the manufacturer did not acknowledge it. There was no solution for the problem. The replacement clutch hadn't failed completely. It started exhibiting the same problems as the first one but at an accelerated pace. Consumer noted many other Subaru owners in the bay area experienced the same defect and are not riding the clutch.

- Oakland, CA, USA

Especially during cold or damp weather my 1999 Subaru Forester's clutch shudders strongly when shifting gears. This occurs primarily when starting in first gear and in the upshift to second gear. It also occasionally ocurrs in the upshift from second to third gear. It does not ocurr on the downshifts. This problem first appeared at about 45,000 miles. The dealer said I needed a new clutch. I have been driving manual transmission cars since 1969 and never had to replace a clutch before 100,000 miles, and on my 1986 Honda Accord I sold it at 260,000 miles and never had to replace the clutch. I did not replace the clutch on my 1999 Subaru Forester. It now has 83,000 miles, cold weather has returned, and so has the clutch shudder

- Van Meter, IA, USA