8.3

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$2,200
Average Mileage:
98,450 miles
Total Complaints:
6 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (4 reports)
  2. replace torque convertor (1 reports)
  3. torque converter replacement tsb #16-90-13r (1 reports)
2011 Subaru Outback engine problems

engine problem

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2011 Subaru Outback Owner Comments

problem #6

Mar 252019

Outback 3.2L

  • CVT transmission
  • 140,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My car began stalling on me, and shifting really roughly. When I talked to Subaru, they were some of the rudest people I have ever encountered, and could care less about the issue I was quoted by 3 different shops will cost me over $7000 (including a Subaru Service and Dealership). The first time I called on the transmission warranty extension, the guy actually told me it did not apply to my car. 2 year and a broken transmission later, I am told it WAS part of the extended warranty, but its too late now.

First I emailed with Danielle, who said to me :You did not get your maintenance work done at a Subaru dealership, so we won't extend any goodwill to you. We also don't have record that you called on the warranty in 2017 (when I called them previously and was told my car was not part of the extended warranty). When I talked to Barb (who told me she was the ONLY one at Subaru I would be allowed to talk to), she was EXTREMELY rude, and basically said "too bad" to me, and refused to acknowledge that they have had to fix 1.5 million transmissions on these cars in the past few years.

- Miranda M., Jackson, WY, US

problem #5

Dec 292018

Outback 2.5i Premium Cvt

  • CVT transmission
  • 79,000 miles

Engine sometimes falters and dies when coming to a stop; usually only a concern in the first few miles of driving. Similar to what a manual transmission would do if you don't put the clutch in, except this is an automatic. Giving it a little bit of gas when it falters can sometimes abort the stuttering, but not always. Today, for the first time, the engine would not immediately restart after it died. Turned over but didn't engage through a half dozen tries, then wouldn't turn over at all. A minute or so later, it fired right away and I was able to continue on.

- Amy B., Hubertus, WI, US

problem #4

Aug 152017

Outback Limited 4 cyl

  • CVT transmission
  • 81,000 miles

After climbing hill before transmission warms up, the engine will stall at the stop sign at the top of the hill. Car has to be put into park and restarted. Does not do it after the transmission is warm. We intend to get the new improved torque converter installed described in TSB# 16-90-13R. Thank goodness we are still under 100,000 miles and covered by the recent extended trans warranty. This could be a serious safety hazard depending upon the situation.

Update from Jan 17, 2018: Torque converter replaced under warranty. Dealer insisted they had to witness problem, even though I had videoed the failure. After several trips to dealer, they finally witnessed the stalling. This fixed the problem.

- kindacreeky, Nashville, US

problem #3

Feb 102017

Outback

  • Automatic transmission
  • 92,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Yikes! A car that stalls for no apparent reason? When's the last time this happened in a car I've owned? This is my first Subaru and it's likely to be my last. Honda, here I come!!!!!

- Meredith J., Belfast, ME, US

problem #2

Aug 152016

Outback 2.5I 4

  • CVT transmission
  • 58,409 miles

2011 Subaru Outback great condition just owned a year ago. started to stall at braking in inclined position not sure about the problem. I've been reading and everything suggests catalytic converter anyone had that before? and if anyone got that fixed, how much was it? And if this is a common problem with Subaru why isn't it recalled by Subaru. I am thinking of calling Subaru and make a complaint and l think all with same problems should call a complaint until the problem gets a recall. thank you.

- Ahmad S., Toronto, Canada

problem #1

Apr 012016

Outback 4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 140,000 miles

So my family has own Subaru's since the early 1980's. I purchase my 1st one in 2011 and outback. Recently about a month or two ago i started to have a problem. When i would come up to a stop sign or light and hit the brake the car would stall out. This is very dangerous because of the possibility of accidents. My family loves the Subaru's and have never really had a major problem with them but this makes me wonder whether i will ever buy another one. They use to build great cars that would last a long time and back up their product with recalls on items that they know are dangerous. I believe the government may need to step in and make Subaru make the recall before someone truly gets hurt.

- David R., East Hampton, CT, US

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