The clutch on my Subaru Outback 2000 it's been a problem since day one I purchased the car in 2000. At times randomly it would slip or the pedal would not return up. Slipping of the clutch or the pedal being stuck multiple times almost caused me to get into accident when changing lanes or merging into traffic.

- Chicago, IL, USA

There currently has been several technical service bulletins regarding 2000-2002 manual transmission Subaru Outbacks. These bulletins refer to a defect in the clutch that causes a premature wear of the clutch and yoke due to an imbalance in causing the car to "judder" or shudder when engaging into gears. I have had an independent mechanic, glen owner of oakland auto works state that he could not warranty the repair of clutch because the recommended repair by Subaru does not reliably fix the problem and many people end up having to have the clutch replaced numerous times in a short time span. Subaru is aware of this problem because they have changed the clutch kit several times and the method of repair to address the problem yet have failed to perform a recall. I am currently unsure on how to proceed in the repair of my vehicle as the repair cost is $1350 and if the unit fails outside of warranty I may be subject having to pay this amount again. Some other problems which errupt from this defect include the clutch catching fire. The clutch pedal sticking and not releasing due to the yoke being worn for the clutch "judder". last, premature of the clutch with only having a lifespan of 30,000 miles or less.

- Walnut Creek, CA, USA

Clutch shudders & required replacement. Hindsight being 20/20, I realize the clutch appears to have been defective from date of delivery. My own review of automotive websites indicates that others have either heard of or have had this problem and Subaru of America has been of no assistance. I have had numerous discussion in the last few months with soa about this and they refuse to acknowldge they have a problem.

- Fairfield, CT, USA

Premature clutch failure on Subaru Outback wagon 2000. Original clutch replaced at 7500 miles and found to have a manufacturers defect, bent forks.ew clutch placed in car. Shortly after, smell of burning, esp. When backing up or in cold weather, which lasted for 1 month. Clutch then failed prematurely after 40,000 miles. My hypothesis is that the clutch lost a substantial amount of its lining and life span when burning up in the first month of use. Numerous posting on edmunds.com regarding premature clutch failure, burning smell, and clutch shudder in Subaru Outbacks. My experience, and the experience of other owners, suggests that there is a general defect present in Subaru clutches from 2000-2002. Lease investigate this defect and consider a recall.

- Edina, MN, USA

Clutch and flywheel caught fire while driving on the freeway. Car has 36000 miles on it and is serviced by the dealer regularly. Dealer charged me $1200 to replace the clutch and said that it was my fault, that I must "rife the clutch" or habitually overload the vehicle, neither of which is true. I suspect the clutch was flawed to begin with.

- Seattle, WA, USA

The clutch system appears to be unable to handle san francisco (extreme) driving conditions. I know of 4 other people whose clutches have all failed at 13,500 miles or less. We are all experienced clutch drivers in san francisco. Other cars don't have this problem. While I was told by the dealer mechanic that there was nothing wrong other than that I burned out the clutch, my friend was told a month later that the clutch needs to be readjusted more frequently in S.F. - every 7.5 months. This implies to me that someone has looked into this and determined that the clutch system is problematic. My clutch needed to be fixed an additional 3 times before it was working correctly. However, I do not want a car that will need a new clutch every 2 years, or that needs to be brought in for a clutch adjustment every 7.5 months. I think this vehicle should be recalled for drivers in S.F. or similar extreme environments and replaced with a car that can handle normal driving.

- San Francisco, CA, USA

The clutch system appears to be unable to handle san francisco (extreme) driving conditions. I know of 4 other people whose clutches have all failed at 13,500 miles or less. We are all experienced clutch drivers in san francisco. Other cars don't have this problem. While I was told by the dealer mechanic that there was nothing wrong other than that I burned out the clutch, my friend was told a month later that the clutch needs to be readjusted more frequently in S.F. - every 7.5 months. This implies to me that someone has looked into this and determined that the clutch system is problematic. My clutch needed to be fixed an additional 3 times before it was working correctly. However, I do not want a car that will need a new clutch every 2 years, or that needs to be brought in for a clutch adjustment every 7.5 months. I think this vehicle should be recalled for drivers in S.F. or similar extreme environments and replaced with a car that can handle normal driving.

- San Francisco, CA, USA

This is the 2nd clutch on the vehicle. Car still under warranty, dealer will not admit problem!!

- San Diego, CA, USA