7.3

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$2,020
Average Mileage:
66,850 miles
Total Complaints:
6 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. replace clutch (6 reports)
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problem #6

Sep 042012

Outback

  • Manual transmission
  • 75,000 miles

Every 75,000 miles it appears. I am at almost 140,000. No slipping but the pilot bearing was getting noisy. I like to fix stuff asap. The mechanic showed me the bearing and it was shot! 1/2 the bearings were missing from the race. Oh well. This is what happens living in a big, hilly city like SF. After reading these complaints it seems consistent with other owners. High performance comes at a price. Especially trying to propel a +5000lb automobile with a 4 cylinder engine and 250 hp.

- Bill H., Sf, CA, US

problem #5

Feb 062007

Outback XT 2.5L Turbo

  • Manual transmission
  • 28,000 miles

Flywheel and clutch assembly replaced by dealer at 28k miles and the clutch is slipping and stinking again at 53k miles.

- James B., Dripping Springs, TX, US

problem #4

Nov 252011

Outback XT 2.5L

  • Manual transmission
  • 56,720 miles

I take excellent care of this vehicle and drive highway primarily. I have smelled something like burning rubber if I have been in stop and go traffic or start from a steep incline. I definitely do not ride the clutch and have had it checked by Subaru several times. Now clutch needs to be replaced at 57000 miles! Just had to replace right front lower control arm and wheel bearings!!!! Think I am done with purchasing Subaru's.

- spindrifter, Weymouth, MA, US

problem #3

Mar 152010

Outback Limited 2.5L

  • Manual transmission
  • 139,000 miles

THIS CAR IS GOING ON ITS 5 TH CLUTCH IN 139000 MILES

- Robby C., Boiling Springs, SC, US

problem #2

Jan 272010

Outback XT 2.5L

  • Manual transmission
  • 61,000 miles

This is the 6th Subaru wagon I have owned and it has had several problems. The clutch though was really annoying. All the other Subarus we have owned were driven over 100,000 miles and we never had to replace the clutch.

This one is highly suspect as I pamper the car.

I believe that either I just have a lemon or this is a design flaw in this year and model.

- Edward M., Oakton, VA, US

problem #1

Jan 152008

Outback 2.5L Xt

  • Manual transmission
  • 41,135 miles

I had a 2002 Impreza with 175,000 KM on it and original clutch when traded in for my 2005 Outback 2.5 XT. Subaru cheats building the Outback with the same 2.5 litre engine as the Impreza except mine is Turbo Charged. I was very surprised I had burnt out a clutch with this few kilometers. The clutch started slipping on the way to Whistler. I had to drive really carefully to make it lasted to getting back home. Typically, the motor would jump by 500 RPM against the clutch when giving gas and come back down. It was $2443.81 at the the dealer (Don Docksteader Subaru in Vancouver) to change. I have always tried to maintain my vehicle at the dealer. It was the friction plate that had major heat spots on it and could not be machine. A new was $855 cdn alone. Labor was $575. The other incidentals added the difference. In light of this premature wear, I will think twice about buying another Outback and/or Subaru. In light of the excessive cost to replace, I will think twice about my exclusive dealer-maintained policy.

- John F., Nirth Vancouver, BC, Canada