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Subaru Outback repairs by problem area

Engine (30%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (13%)

Brakes and Traction Control (4%)

Suspension and Steering (19%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (21%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (8%)

Other (5%)

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Chart based on 4377 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the Subaru Outback.

Subaru Outback transmission repair cost distribution

$2500+ (4%)

$1000 - $2499 (17%)

$500 - $999 (20%)

$100 - $499 (33%)

< $100 (25%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 511 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2021 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 260hp 2.4L H4 8-speed shiftable CVT AWD

4600 mi Erratic shifting, transmission chatter/warble on tip in. Dealer Replaced rotors, break pads, front half shafts - did nothing with the transmission. Did not fix the issues. After two similar issues with late model Crosstreks, the car found a home at CarMax. Last Subaru ever. 

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2018 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

175-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD

38000 mi

US $5100
transmission replacement 

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2016 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

256-horsepower 3.6L H6 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD

110000 mi Requested diagnosis of occasional brief "slipping" sensation in transmission while driving - momentary increase in rpm accompanied by short "chirp" sound. Was not reproduced during service visit, still occurs occasionally (not every drive). 

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2016 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

175-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD

24000 mi Recall for sensor 
31000 mi Complete transmission failure. Could smell rubber burning while driving, clunking noises during turns, erratic rpms, dashboard lights came on, almost all of them. Car remains at the dealership service department. Successful repair remains to be seen. New transmission had to be ordered. 
32000 mi After returning from the January transmission replacement, the car just never drove the same. When performing a left or right U-turn the front wheels would shudder on acceleration. We lost confidence that it would ever drive as it should, so decided to trade the car in. 
8200 mi Both front axles were replaced to correct a drive line shudder while accelerating from a stop. 

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2015 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

256-horsepower 3.6L H6 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD

11300 mi vibration from front axles on take off. They switched axles and it took care of problem. 
39000 mi Both front axles replaced due to excess vibration on take off. 

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2015 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

175-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD

83000 mi

US $1100
Loud noises when turning [replaced CV joint] 
35000 mi Heard a strange noise from under the front of the auto when putting into reverse in the garage at home after sitting overnight. It would last about a second. It was intermittent, not every time and, of course, would not do it at the dealer. 
35000 mi An area under the engine compartment was making a noise before engaging reverse after being parked overnight in the garage at home. This happened intermittently. The dealer could not find the problem after several days. During the time it was in the garage, the 2018 Outback Premium 2.5i they loaned us had a smoother and quieter transmission. It also did not lurch when first engaging the accelerator in drive like our 2015 Outback Premium 2.5i does. 
34000 mi

US $9081
We dropped transmission and dealer said caused by rear differential, that was proved wrong. Then said front differential caused - that has been proven wrong also. Now tech from Subaru HQ to dismantle transmission. Should have been under warranty since we had 33,600 miles at time of failure. CVT trans suck. 
51000 mi Both rear wheel bearings were bad 
6000 mi Shifter lock mechanism malfunctioned. Could not shift from Neutral up to reverse or park. Could not remove key, or lock doors. Dealership found the retaining clip missing under the console, replaced new clip and works perfect again. 
49000 mi Started hearing clicking sounds at the front left wheel while turning left a couple months ago. This was from starting from a stop, like turning onto another road with medium to hard acceleration. I lived with it while it progressively got a little worse, and then I started hearing when turning right as well. I visually inspected the CV boot and found no rips. So I brought it in to the Dealer, and they replaced the worn axle under warranty. No Charge. 
36000 mi

US $400
Drive axles damaged due to loose motor mount (missing bolt) resulted in heavy vibration under acceleration. Loose mount likely due to an engine swap by a previous dealer, but car was purchased used so true history is unknown. Ride axle seal on diff also leaking. Heavy vibration persisted. Took it back and the dealer put it on a lift and loaded the wheels to simulate loaded suspension and notice the rear carrier bearing was out of round and the rear driveshaft was binding under load causing the vibration. Dealer replaced the rear driveshaft and carrier bearing. Rear axles (from differential to wheels were not replaced). 

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2014 Subaru Outback

Engine not specified

8000 mi The car lags or stalls for several seconds when accelerating from a rolling start last time about 7 sec. The dealer told me it was a common complaint and was an engineering problem with the CVT trans., they did nothing! Major safety issue! 

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2014 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

256-horsepower 3.6L H6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD

11000 mi Car shudders periodically. 
13000 mi Car shuddered occasionally. Dealer replaced torque converter under warranty. 

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2014 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

173-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD

66000 mi Transmission failed on highway. Transmission replaced under extended warranty. 
60140 mi Had to replace the transmission after the dealer overtorqued the drain plug, causing a leak. 
14600 mi This car has a very jerky, rough transmission and the dealer keeps insisting that the jerkiness is normal. Let me put it this way: It is an automatic transmission that feels like a manual. 
60000 mi leaking transmission. diagnosed as bad gasket, dealer did a mickey mouse repair using a sealant. did not replace the gasket or the leaked fluid. 1 week later it is back at another dealer. this model has an extended warranty on the cvt transmission because of problems. 
9000 mi CVT Transmission started making raspy whirring sound. After the transmission was replaced, the car would shudder noticeably when making tight turns. Took it back to the dealer and traded it in for a 2016 WRX. 

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2013 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

173-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD

128000 mi

US $650
CVT is failing. The dealership recommends replacement of the entire CVT unit, which is estimated to cost over $9,000. We will not do this. This car is effectively finished at 128k miles. 
86000 mi Transmission Shudder 
1000 mi high frequency vibration noticed on steering wheel and armrest between 50 and 60 mph 
3000 mi My vibration between 50-60 mph was resolved by replacing the drive line. 
76000 mi

US $600
CVT transmission massive failure; undriveable 
138000 mi

US $5000
CVT and computer replacement. Trans would stop shifting. 
85000 mi

US $600
replace CV joints 
15000 mi grabing between front axle and rear axle, pulled off transfer box/case and replaced clutches inside, 5 hr job and gave us a rental to run a round in 
154000 mi

US $5400
Total CVT Rebuild. Transmission completely shot after 154,00 miles. Yes had to have Outback flat bedded to trans shop for rebuild after local mechanic identified it as a trans problem. Shop gave me 3 options, a partial rebuild for $3400.00, full rebuild for $5400.00 and $7200.00 for new trans plus installation. If this had happened closer to 100,000 miles probably could have qualified for new Subaru CVT warranty. 95% of all mileage done on highway and I had trans fluid changed at 100,000 miles. Engine is still strong so I will keep it a while longer but not happy that Subaru is not being up front about servicing trans more frequently to live up to durability of non CVT transmissions. 
52080 mi

C $300
Replaced cv joint boot 

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2012 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

256-horsepower 3.6L H6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD

14000 mi low oil warning light- false alarm 
12800 mi low oil light- dealership cannot reproduce the problem. 
15000 mi low oil light- third time- car towed to dealer. could not duplicate. told there is no low oil level and oil light is normal. now working with subaru of america. 

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2012 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD

40300 mi

C $400
Reverse Interrupt Switch failed. Car thought it was in reverse gear all the time and would not start. 
64 mi Replaced Transmission and Drivetrain due to warranty. Warranty covered entirety of repairs/replacement. Particular symptoms were grinding during normal turns and stalling after stopping traffic lights. Stalling would occur upon acceleration from a stop and between 500-1000 RPM. 
58000 mi Drivers side front axle leaking, slinging grease. Replaced under warranty. 
57000 mi Transmission intermittently feels like it is binding. Dealer was unable to replicate the issue. 
86000 mi

US $1800
Car was jerky when starting from idle. Replaced Torque Converter and Valve Body. Subaru USA assisted with $1,500, which was less than half of repair cost. Update, July 2017: Have been notified that Subaru is extending the CVT warranty on my model and I will be able to claim my repair costs from this repair. 
69100 mi Third trip to the dealer for a "ratcheting" sensation after coming to a stop and turning left or right only. Previously, the driveline clutches and the transmission valve body was replaced. This trip, the transmission was replaced. 

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2012 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed manual AWD

64200 mi

US $300
Failure of 6 speed transmission clutch was OK 
1000 mi Excessive noise from engine between 2800 to 4000 rpm. on manual transmission. This is an additional rattling sound that is throaty and quite annoying. 
29000 mi I found a gear tooth stuck to the magnetic drain plug in the rear diff. Subaru replaced the differential assy at 80k, still under extended warranty. 
141360 mi Clutch make squealing sound when depressed. Burnted smell coming out from the car. This is after the trip where the car overheated the second time. 
65000 mi

US $1000
Clutch/flywheel/throwout bearing early failure due to 1st gear/reverse ratio too high. Warranty covered throwout bearing only. 
63240 mi Car was leaking oil, took to dealer and diagnosed as forward crank seal leak. Car had recently had timing belt replaced by same dealer, they used aftermarket seal originally which was the cause. Replaced seal with Subaru part this time 
82000 mi

US $1200
Clutch was slipping. Shop replaced clutch, pressure plate, and rear main seal. Check transmission oil 

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2011 Subaru Outback

Engine not specified

1000 mi Nasty vibration from torque converter going in and out of lock-up. Dealer had car several times unable to replicate. I took off from work to take service manager and tech for instrumented ride, had no problem recreating problem. Replaced valve body. 
1000 mi Valve body suffered major failure a month or so after replaced (lit up dash big-time), limp-home mode. The second valve body started acting up within a day or two, needed to be replaced when I traded it. 
7000 mi Transmision shifting problems from first day,new trans after 3 weeks of hassle,and one tow in and two times delivery by me. 

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2011 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

256-horsepower 3.6L H6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD

155620 mi

C $86
Extremely low outside temperatures (-30°C), engine block heater and battery warmer (new battery) plugged in all night. Drove short distance and parked. Upon engine restart, ATF temp warning light is flashing, as well as VDC and brake warning light. No trouble codes. While driving, transmission shifts into manual mode without gear lever being moved, had to move to manual position and back to drive to clear. Dealership failed to find cause. Replaced battery with good quality one, no more issues since. 
78000 mi

US $1400
Rattling AWD component replaced. 
53320 mi

C $1400
Valve sticking. Replaced. 
104780 mi

C $700
Lock up clutch judder. Removed the torque converter and had it rebuilt with excellent results (at 25% of the price of a new one). The first repair other than consumables: pretty impressive! 
171120 mi

C $800
Prop shaft u-joints were bad. 
17400 mi Transmission is slipping into passing gear going uphill at high speeds. Also, transmission is having a hard time going from 2nd to 3rd gear going uphill. 
41000 mi The torque converter was replaced due to severe vibration between 1500 and 2000 rpm under light loads. 

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2011 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD

112000 mi Torque converter was slow to release. Replaced under warranty. 
127000 mi

US $1550
Multiple indicator lights illuminated or blinking; trouble code P0743 Torque converter solenoid circuit low. Dealer diagnosis recommended replacement of valve body assembly. 
43000 mi

US $576
CV boot. Replace left front outer. 1. Recall WTK71. [wiper motor] cover assembly bottom. 2. 30,000 Mile Service 
135000 mi

US $250
Valve Body was replaced, $1,300 covered by service contract. 
20800 mi

US $2300
Malfunction solenoid in transmission valve body. Needed new valve body and transmission fluid flush 
111600 mi Replacement of the universal joint in the drive shaft to the rear wheels. 
88800 mi

US $350
Replace rear axle bearing 
78000 mi Instrument panel started looking like a Christmas tree. Cruise and auto emerg. brake release not working. Error code indic. bad CVT valve and/or harness, but code cleared okay. 
146000 mi CVT transmission pan was leaking VERY slowly. I brought it in to the dealer for an inspection, and they did not recommend any repair work due to how minor the leak was. Because my vehicle is covered by Subaru's extended CVT warranty that expires 08/2018, I insisted that the source of the leak be identified and addressed, because leaks do not tend to get better with time. They pulled off the pan and found minor corrosion to the transmission fluid pan seal, so they replaced the seal. Pan has not leaked since the repair. 
39000 mi Car randomly shudders front to back after coming to a full stop, like waiting at a light. Also riding very rough at times, like it is off-roading. Poor acceleration when need it most. No error codes, computer updated, still a problem. 
59400 mi rough handling and shifting. It was checked during the maintenance of the car. it was riding rough, parts were replaced in the transfer case 
84000 mi I was told it was the CVT going that many Subarus have. there is a roar coming from the unit, I have complained many times. Service managers just shrug their shoulders. the entire unit has to be replaced as "the box containing the CVT can't be opened for repair". Update: it turns out it was the serpentine belt(s) on the engine that were slipping and cracked at 84K and I am careful driving so it was a shock. Helps when you get a service person who actually knows something. 
125000 mi

US $1880
Torque Converter replaced due to occasional stalling when braking. 
70000 mi

US $1000
Control arms replaced. 
20000 mi shifts hard out of park when on any incline. Dealer stated this was "normal." Nothing was done... 
204645 mi CVT valve body was replaced under a special extended warranty from Subaru of America. 
114000 mi

US $2100
Transmission failure, car hauled to Dealer. Dealer replaced transmission valve assembly 
31600 mi Reprogram transmission computer because car would shudder and nearly stall when climbing very steep hills at low speed (parking garage ramps) 
11160 mi

C $500
Drive shaft 
70060 mi

C $700
Had the front left axle replaced as it had a rip in the CV boot Had to have the axle that was replaced...replaced again due to it being defective. Had to have this axle replaced a third time due to a problem with the replacement for the replacement... 
86800 mi

C $1300
The propeller shaft had started to seize up causing the car to shake at high speeds and under hard excelleration 
91000 mi Transmission oil pan had a tiny leak. It didn't warrant repair as it wasnt dripping but I had the seal replaced to avoid future issues. 
182000 mi

US $1942
Transmission valve body replaced. $900 part, 8q T fluid, 5 hr labor. 
51000 mi Engine would stall when coming from high speed to a stop. They replaced the entire transmission. 
106000 mi

US $9800
The car would slow down to almost stopping, and then would resume speed. The dealer determined that the CVT trans. was at fault. the CVT was back ordered and I had a free loaner car for about 32 days. 
11000 mi Front differential fluid is BLACK. They do not know what is causing it, drained & replaced fluid now tracking at next oil change if it is turning black again. 
108650 mi

US $397
Front right wheel bearing was making a grinding noise. Noise began in December 2014 as a rubbing noise on curves. Within one week of repair grinding noises began front front right area. Entire assembly was replaced. 
62000 mi

US $399
Numerous dash lights, car was shifting harshly when engaging reverse or drive. Diagnosed as a faulty valve body which was replaced. Problem continued, transmission controller replaced, problem solved. 
2000 mi Have a metal clanking sound that appears to be coming from the transmission when slowing to a stop...dealer hasn't been able to fix it as they have not been able to replicate the sound. 
7000 mi On going problem of metal rattling under transmission when slowing to a stop. Level of noise ranges from loud to soft and is intermittent. Dealer heard it once but then could not replicate the problem. 

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2011 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed manual AWD

135000 mi

US $1300
replaced clutch. pedal stuck down at a stop light on way to work but was stilll in gear, allowed me to start out and switch between 1 and 2 on last mile to work.. could lift the pedal to up position but if touched, it went back to floor no tension. 
156000 mi

US $110
check engine and cooresponding cruise, slippery when wet and flashing brake lights on. code read p0420 catalytic converter, but tech indicated car running rough and ck age of spark plugs. 
165000 mi

US $327
clutch fork failure just under 1 year after main clutch pressure plate and other pieces replacement. entire trans and stuff had to be removed again, was not happy about the labor recharge, garage negotiated a discount $18 part $600 labor. 
170000 mi pulsing brakes, brakes checked - not replaced transaxle leaks not repaired tire tread low - not replaced 
250000 mi

US $350
old age 
78000 mi

US $1300
Replaced clutch throw-out bearing; while inside transmission, also replaced clutch pack and machined flywheel. 
136000 mi

US $800
Knocking when turning after driving 20+ minutes; replaced passenger front axle half. After picking up the vehicle, I drove it for 20 minutes, discovered the knocking, and returned to dealer. After another day of diagnosis, dealer stated transmission needed replacement and quoted $8000. 
76000 mi

US $2000
New clutch. Throw out bearing .flywheel resurfaced and pilot bearing. 

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2011 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

165-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD

93620 mi

A $3500
Tranny fault P2762 TQ clutch pressure control solenoid circuit range/performance, cant purchase solenoid separately, valve pack $3300 aust 800US. rang three tranny specialists none would repair a CVT tranny. Subaru advised replace tranny at cost of $7500. Replaced tranny with a secondhand tranny from wreckers(65000kms). This is poor service from Subaru Australia, there is an obvious fault with this tranny when Subaru USA increased the tranny warranty from five years to TEN years 100000 miles. In Aust THREE years warranty.This is a very expensive failure on a non serviceable component that Subaru Australia should acknowledge and fix, Beware all Australians owners of Subarus with CVT transmissions. 

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2010 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 148hp 2.0L H4 Diesel 6-speed manual AWD

111600 mi

A $2500
Replaced binding centre differential 

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2010 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

256-horsepower 3.6L H6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD

17000 mi Transmission software TSB 
130200 mi

C $400
CV joint boot split. Whole passenger side axel replaced as a precaution. 
2000 mi Hesitation on acceleration from slow speeds, then sudden power surge. 

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2010 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed shiftable CVT AWD

97000 mi

US $100
CVT converter needed to be replaced. Extended warranty covered 
25000 mi Vibration in front end. Not tire issue as thought. Right Front Axle needed replacement. Part Ordered. Right Front Axle replaced. Vibration issue fixed. 
77500 mi

C $1500
Hanger bearing failed, needed new drive shaft. 
4000 mi CVT transmission sometimes locks in 2nd, 3rd, or 4th. Will not automatically return to drive. Also, periodic low groan from right rear when making a left turn from a stop. 
4340 mi The car was test driven by Subaru rep. Observed the vibration at highway speed. He thinks this is a road feel or normal performance of the CVT transmition. Very frustrating experience. Will not recommend this model to any potential buyers. 
17980 mi Tires, one rim and drive axles replaced. Unsuccessful repair, sold car. 
255200 mi

US $600
At time of front rotor replacement, grease was noticed on inside of wheel. Further inspection showed small cut in outer CV boot. Part is too new to be supplied by aftermarket , so an OEM replacement was installed. No mechanical failure. 
99000 mi Reprogramming of TCU to fix 1-2 flare / harsh shift. 
131000 mi

US $150
Transmission slips in highest gear 
156000 mi

US $600
slipping trans and not properly shifting. Would have to use paddles to down shift or upshift many times. Engine would lug along because of trans being in high gear. can't make it up steep inclines at low speeds, engines go to stall "no fix" 
65000 mi shudder at 1200-1500 rpm, at 20-30-40 mph, is when problem can be experienced always mechanic and shop can feel shuddering but will not acknowledge----they do not know what is causing shuddering,therefore they feel problem is normal--problem can not be reproduced in same vehicle with same engine,trans,and year 
117000 mi

US $1400
axle cv boot 
147000 mi torque converter replaced under warranty. lot of stalling, etc starting from a stop 
6200 mi Vibration 

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2010 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

170-horsepower 2.5L H4 6-speed manual AWD

89700 mi

US $2100
Clutch and throw out bearing replacement. This is a 6 spd manual transmission 
51000 mi Car vibrated and shook upon low speed turns such as parking. Replaced front center differential. 
40000 mi Small vibration in the front end when cruising on the expressway. After time it got worse and would hear a clicking in the front from a acceleration from a stop. It was a front impeller shaft. Returned 2-3 weeks later. 
51000 mi Had a whining noise. Ended up getting a new transmission. 
49640 mi Manual transmission was sticking and resisting going into reverse. Car was just out of warranty, but dealer advocated and transmission was basically rebuilt (four synchros replaced) at manufacturer expense. 

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2010 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

131000 mi CVT replaced 

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2009 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 243hp 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD

49000 mi

US $100
both inboard CV joints ripped and were replaced under warentee 
50300 mi

US $100
Dealer re-repaired CV. joint, bad repair, axle slipped out, new axle needed. New axle installed. 
148000 mi

US $1100
replace two front axles due to torn CV boots and replaced drive shaft to eliminate vibration form bad u-joint 

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2009 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 148hp 2.0L H4 Diesel 5-speed manual AWD

120800 mi

£275
Cv boot split 

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2009 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

170-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD

38000 mi Deterioration major transmission part. Dealer repaired. But afterwards still felt iffy, sold car. 
45000 mi

US $225
CV joint covers replaced due to rips in them. 
50202 mi

US $894
Replaced passenger side drive axle due to torn boot on upper end. 
63300 mi

US $500
Both front CV boots had split. Notice burning smell that turned out to be grease from the joint dripping on the cat. It was cheaper to replace the whole axle rather than just the boots. 
97000 mi

US $1500
The clutch went out. This might be considered a wear item, however normally I get ~150k out of a clutch easy. It turned out that the throw out bearing went out, and that is what trashed the clutch, so it was not really a maintenance trip. Clutch cost $500 just for parts. I took it to a hot-rod shop rather than a dealer but that may have been a mistake. They ended up draining the transmission oil, which is not supposed to be necessary, and they had to remove the front drive shafts, which I am not sure is necessary either. 
2000 mi A "humming" noise was detected at 40-45 mph during new car test drive. Driveshaft, bearings, and finally the (manual) transmission replaced under warranty. Noise was eliminated. 
56000 mi Noise from engine compartment area under low torque, not knocking noise but more like rumbling noise, worse with time. Dealer has not been able to locate the source. Drivetrain? 
109000 mi

US $1193
Replaced left front axle, new CV shaft Clutch hose leaking, repaired Replaced timing belt, cam belt/pulleys and tensioners Right front inner axle and boot replaced, 
124900 mi Replaced right front axle and boot, warranty repair 
139700 mi

US $2000
Viscous coupler had failed, damaged the transfer gears and bearings 
144300 mi

US $200
Left front axle and CV 
250000 mi Car must be warm after being driven over 1 hour, happens when warm, during sharp turning only. Transmission transfer case shutters very abruptly. Diagnosed as sticky clutch in awd, recommend 1st change transmission oil. 

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2009 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

170-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD

74300 mi

US $248
Took vehicle to dealer for left front doj boot replacement, oil change, and rear window wiper replacement. 
76000 mi

US $248
Right front doj boot separated on the way to the dealer. Grease was slung onto the exhaust system causing smoke to pour from under right side of car at red lights. Dealer had it fixed within 2 hours. 
91000 mi I had to change an axle due to a torn inner CV boot. I replaced it with a non-Subaru axle. It was from A1 Cardone. Feburary 2012: I am going to replace it again because of vibrations from the axle from time to time. 
67000 mi

US $330
axle boot cracked, replaced 
67000 mi other axle boot may be in danger of cracking - not sure. 
152500 mi

US $600
Left front CV axle was replaced. 
110000 mi

US $2300
AT at temperature indicator light flashing. subsequent diagnosis revealed transmission failing per mechanic. recommendation is to replace transmission with a used transmission. 
53000 mi

US $140
Both CV front boots (inner and outer) were leaking and needed to be replaced. These were not covered under extended warranty. Dealer quoted $720 for repairs. I didn't have $720 at that moment, but dealer indicated I had time, but not much. I ended up doing it myself for all-in about $260 and pretty much all of a Sunday. It would not have been that bad on the time but one of the axles REFUSED to come out without a lot of effort and swearing. 
50900 mi

US $800
Boots on both axles ripped near engine. This is a design flaw: heat gets them. Both axles were relaced 
17000 mi Leak from left axle side O-ring and axle seal. Replaced left axle retainer O-ring and axle seal under warranty. 
87700 mi

US $350
cv boot 
31620 mi

C $1711
front R boot torn; front L boot weeping. Replaced both axles complete. Also did rotors and pads on all 4 corners (included in cost) 
33480 mi

C $350
CV joints causing severe vibrations. Replaced both front axles with aftermarket HD axles, and I paid an upcharge for the price difference ($300) 
85801 mi

US $743
Car ceased to shift in gears and froze/died. Shop car was towed to said front axle repaired one side and upon pick up their was a noticeable vibration in front end. Return=hard acceleration&vibrations safe to drive left side axle rear Vibration on front end estimate and finding was spark plug issue say fixed same issue front axle replacement forward -estimate 
86000 mi this shop took out drive axle and replaced found no difference in vibration on acecleration, took out replaced drivetrain , put old one back in and was at loss as to cause 
48140 mi

C $250
Clunky shift when cold. Flushed tranny. 
62000 mi clunk on first shift when engine cold 
104000 mi

US $350
Found inner drivers front CV split at end of 1300 mile trip. Had dealer replace CV boot and service joint. Had only been split for short time no additional damage noted. 
109800 mi

US $300
Front passenger side inner CV boot failed 
127000 mi

US $470
Brakes, tires, and rear cv boot 
163700 mi

US $300
Replace Drivers side front axle, boot torn, sand ingress. 
63500 mi Right Inner CV Boot torn. Replaced. Left Inner CV Boot Torn. Replaced. 
103000 mi

US $500
I went in for an oil change, found the CV shaft boots were torn, had both shafts replaced with remanufactured Subaru half shafts. 
142000 mi

US $250
Left inner CV joint had a tear in it, replaced the boot and new grease in it. 
107000 mi oil leaking from passenger side front boot. Not brought for repair yet. This car continues to have repair issues. Undecided as to what to do - car is a lemon. 

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2008 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 243hp 2.5L H4 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD

82000 mi CV Boots both torn 

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2008 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 243hp 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD

70680 mi

C $1800
changed rubber parts - cv boots and other 
118300 mi

C $2
drive shaft replaced 
90000 mi Clutch wore out. Something else broke so extended warranty covered that part and the labor. I had to pay for the parts only for the clutch. 
127000 mi

US $25
CV joint boot cracked and needed to be rebooted. 

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2008 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

245-horsepower 3.0L H6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD

50000 mi

US $620
CV Joint boot cracked due to heat from catalytic converter. 
51000 mi

US $550
Replace passenger side front inboard CV boot 
89000 mi

US $300
Right front CV boot ripped open. 
134300 mi

US $1100
Smelled burning oil was CV fluid on catalytic converter replaced front CV and shafts 
100400 mi

US $700
Both of my cv boots tore open on a cross country trip. In all fairness, all of the off-roading I have done probably helped dry them out more than the avg user. The dealership in Knoxville Tn, did the work. Replaced boots only, not cv joints. 
28520 mi

¤1000
Axle boot 

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2008 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

170-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD

C $2000 Bearing in center differential ceases due to incorrect install tolerances. Bearing failed, damaging center diff case, assembly and associated bearings. 
2480 mi Diagnosed as either second failure of center differential assembly (which was replaced already in Feb 2008) or related transmission failure. Further diagnosis / repair planned for December 2008. 
2480 mi Bearings replaced in transmission case due to oil starvation; same failure mechanism as earlier center differential assembly failure. 
3100 mi Front differential bearings failed. New diagnosis for all failures is oil starvation given shared lubrication oil supply for all three parts that have failed. Full transmission replaced. 
94200 mi Driver side front axle replaced. 
84620 mi

A $300
replace drive shaft boot (split) 
78000 mi

US $2200
clutch pedal stuck to the floor, bearing was the problem, new clutch installed rather than repaired because of mileage 
80300 mi

US $1800
Needed a new clutch kit including flywheel and throw out bearing. Difficulty changing gears. Problem with hydraulic mechanism.  
98600 mi

US $700
Both front inner CV boots torn, CV's contaminated, could not be cleaned and lubed, both CV's too worn. Both front axles replaced with re-man'd axels 
120000 mi

US $1001
Clutch release bearing failure, requiring complete clutch job. Replacement bearing was defective, but shop redid the entire job at no cost. 
122000 mi

US $1001
Clutch release bearing failure. Repair included a complete clutch job. 
122800 mi Repeat clutch release bearing failure. Replaced with another Subaru bearing, which failed a month later. Replaced that with a Six Star kit which includes an oversize Timken release bearing and a stainless steel sleeve for the input shaft. 
127000 mi

US $160
Torn CV boot. Replaced whole CV shaft as the 'long-term' solution. In other words, I hope to get two years out of it. 
97000 mi

US $1188
This vehicle has a manual transmission. The throwout bearing failed and damaged the clutch fingers. The bearing, the pressure plate, and the clutch disc needed to be replaced. 
116200 mi

US $2400
Bearing failure in transmission and  bad universal joint in driveshaft. 
91200 mi

US $250
Right front CV driveshaft was worn/loose. Replaced. I was having difficulty shifting into reverse so the mechanic lubricated the shift linkages 
58000 mi

US $1000
Not sure of details. Wife dealt with dealer. 

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2008 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

170-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD

118100 mi

US $1100
Axle replacement 
129500 mi

US $430
Drive axles were replaced 
65900 mi

US $100
Slight leak from the front differential. Problem was fixed with a new seal. 
67000 mi

US $68
Replaced inner small axle clamps due to minor leak 
84200 mi

US $350
Replace driver side axle due to to torn axle boot 
93000 mi Replaced front passenger side axle due to torn CV boot Vibration at idle when in drive after replacing front passenger side driveshaft. Shop is investigating cause. Repair not successful yet. Still investigating 
104300 mi Front right axle replaced last April 2015 with brand new after market axle. That axle failed and replaced with Subaru rebuilt axle 
114301 mi

US $109
Replace left front differential oil seal Repair oil leak on front right differential oil seal 
211367 mi Replace front axles 
87000 mi CV boots torn. 
42000 mi

US $50
Hard shifting from low to second gear with a noticable sound but it coud not be duplicated at the dealer 
103700 mi

US $700
CV boots on both front driveshafts had split. I could have waited longer but decided to get it done before winter. I elected to replace both front driveshafts, at a cost of $460 with a lifetime parts/labor warranty. 
100117 mi

US $33
Found code for Neutral switch system. Possible issue with inhibitor switch failing. Would need shift cable as cable adjuster is rusted/siezed. 
106148 mi

US $16
Rubber transmission cooler line leaking at radiator. Replaced clamp and cleaned area. 
93300 mi

US $1300
Replacement of cv joints and boots 
99000 mi

US $3800
Front right differential bearing had to be replaced, was told ( by dealer repair shop) it was cheaper to replace the entire transmission than to dismantle the transmission to replace the individual bearing. 
99000 mi Right front wheel bearing began to make a low noise, traded car for 2014 Outback 
108000 mi

US $300
torn axle boot 
69800 mi

US $295
Front inner axel boot split and leaking grease on exhaust, tons of black smoke coming out from under hood on the freeway. Dealer replaced axel boot. 
74700 mi

US $600
Driver side front wheel axle boot cracked and leaking grease. 
78000 mi

US $1460
Replaced cracked front driver's side CV joint that was identified in Dec. 
136723 mi

US $1021
Left front inner CV boot 
93000 mi

US $1776
Replace front cv joints. 
79500 mi

US $391
RF inner axle boot torn. Axle shaft removed and CV boot kit installed after shaft and related parts cleaned 
90000 mi

US $550
Replaced torn front axle boot.  

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2008 Subaru Outback 4-door

4-cylinder manual AWD

60000 mi 3/4 transmission syncro replaced. 

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2007 Subaru Outback

Engine not specified

118000 mi

US $2700
The car is 2007 Subaru Legacy 2.5 SE 5spd manual. The transmission housing and fork need to be replaced on 118,000. SOA does not want to admit manufacturing defect on the housing. The original clutch outlived the housing 
115000 mi

US $650
Both front drive shafts had to be replaced due to split rubber boots 
123000 mi

US $950
replaced one front axle again due to rubber boot split 
119000 mi

US $150
Stabilizer bar bushing, CV axle & boot 

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2007 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 243hp 2.5L H4 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD

Replace front right CV joint 
60595 mi

US $700
Replaced control arm bushings (torn) and sway bar bushings (torn). 
52000 mi

US $250
Right front CV boot ripped, CV axle and boot replaced. 
96000 mi

US $235
Replaced drivers side front CV axle/boot 

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2007 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 243hp 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD

104300 mi

US $500
Front left DOJ boot torn and leaking grease 
172000 mi

US $3500
Clutch replaced - had not failed, but replaced as part of a larger project 

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2007 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

245-horsepower 3.0L H6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD

100120 mi

C $300
along with a CV joint boot. 
84000 mi

US $600
CV joint torn, so they replaced the right front axle. as it comes in a unit with the CV joint. 
102000 mi

US $800
CV joint torn. 
45000 mi

US $950
CV joints 
42000 mi Torn CV boot replaced. 
50000 mi Replaced torn CV boot. 
66200 mi

US $655
Inner CV joints boots leaking grease. Both axle assemblies replaced with remanufactured parts. 

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2007 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

175-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD

116000 mi

US $900
Replaced front axle shafts 
143000 mi

US $900
Boot torn, axle replaced 
73160 mi

A $400
replaced inner CV boot 
67000 mi

US $100
CV joint on LF axle was tearing. 
82000 mi

US $580
Replaced left front axle 
88500 mi

US $800
Yet another CV axle 

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2007 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

175-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD

101000 mi

US $1200
Replacement of two halfshafts due to boot tears, lube loss 
68200 mi

C $300
fluid change, belt replacement, CV boot,  
20000 mi hard shift 2nd to 3rd, engine runaway then slam in to gear 
52000 mi

US $700
Leaking transmission cooler line replaced. Rear brake pads and rotors replaced. 
53000 mi

US $400
Front right CV Joint Boot failed, grease everywhere. Replaced both front axles. 
132060 mi

C $370
torn CV boot on passenger side 
125000 mi

US $921
two new front axles 
70000 mi

US $540
Shift cable failed, 
87000 mi

US $350
Replaced axle due to perished boot. 
110000 mi

US $1500
Half-shaft replaced. 
175000 mi Transmission began to moan louder and shift sluggish stop to 1st. Cut my loses and sold it. Lots of problems through years. Expensive timing belts. Glad to be gone. 
108000 mi

US $90
Replaced transmission filter and flushed transmission. Unsuccessful attempt to fix a problem with jerky upshifts when transmission cold. 
174000 mi

US $160
Replaced axle shaft 
32300 mi Replaced front axle because of torn CV boot. 
40000 mi CVT Transmission exploded. Replaced under warranty eventually. 
68400 mi

US $214000
front right C/V shaft/axle booting held C/V joint. grease had hole and grease was sent everywhere in engine compartment and on front exhaust system pipes. Replaced assembly with aftermarket product. This is bad unit/need to use OEM. 
71000 mi

US $200
replaced after market junk cvjoint/axle on front driver side with used excellent OEM unit. Now car runs like new and problem solved, but will have to sue original shop to get my money back. 
88000 mi

US $125
front CV joint boot broke and heavy grease released. Replaced boot and grease with factory rebuild kit. Typical Subaru issue in hot climate. 87,000 miles on car. Front C/V joint boots known tofail around 60-100 thousand miles in hot climat. 
39060 mi Since the car was new it was hesitaing and then jerking into motion on acceleration from a stop sign as if the rear wheels were trying to catch up. Now it got worse. Dealer has never heard of this problem but sais it's normal! 91 gaz helps 
40300 mi

C $35
ATF small leak. ATF was leaking from ATF radiator inlet hose and pan gasket. Hose is no longer on warranty, but gasket is. Clip on hose was tightened and gasket replaced. I had to pay for ATF refill, fluids are never covered by warranty. 
77580 mi

C $800
both rubber boot on the front drive axles cracked at the same time. The mechanic did not recommend keeping the old axels so new boots and new axles were installed. 
96100 mi

C $4000
the drive shaft went bad. it has to e replaced as a unit. 1000$ for a new shaft. plus work. 
105000 mi AWD problem, trouble moving forward while turning sharply. Changed fuse to FWD with some improvement. Transmission warning light remained on. Quote to fix quite high. 

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2007 Subaru Outback 4dr Sedan

245-horsepower 3.0L H6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD

132000 mi

US $700
transmission cooler failure 
145700 mi

US $650
Extreme vibration caused by drive axle problems unique to Subaru. Engine mounts replaced along with r/f axle. 

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2006 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 250hp 2.5L H4 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD

71000 mi

US $5285
Replace damaged CV Joint boots with new boots 
86300 mi

US $360
The passenger side CV joint was broken. This required a new CV joint and axle replacement and alignment. 
61700 mi

US $1591
Had the car inspected prior to buying, several things came up. Had them fixed after I purchased the car. Needed new CV joint,  
67000 mi

US $582
Brakes and CV joint boots 
77000 mi Throw out bearing and clutch replacement 
135000 mi Replaced front driver side CV Boot 

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2006 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 250hp 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD

85100 mi Adjustment to improve drivability of recently installed clutch 
89000 mi Leaking inner front CV boot. Replaced boot. 
91000 mi

US $600
Replaced other front inner CV boot. 
89000 mi

US $1100
Clutch again. Lining wore out within about 30k miles. I think there was something wrong to cause such rapid wear (shuddered a lot even when new), but mechanic couldn't find an obvious cause. Clutch fork was cracked but they didn't think that did it. 

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2006 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

250-horsepower 3.0L H6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD

52700 mi

A $140
Cracked LHS inner CV boot expelled grease all over LHS catalytic converter and LHS exhaust pipe. 
62000 mi

A $130
RH Front inner CV boot leaking. Replaced with after market brand. 
70060 mi

A $120
Transmission vibration for a few seconds or short rough shudder of transmission mostly in a straight ahead direction. ATF oil changed at 100,000km to Dexron 111. This had to be swapped to Castrol ATF 'J' to stop the problem. 
71920 mi Shudder continues in transmission even with new Castrol J fluid. ATF fluid changed to Idemitsu ATF-HP 8-litres on recomendation of independent long term Subaru repair shop. 
83700 mi

A $338
Drive system variable vibration under load problem for over a year. Thought it was transmission. But solved with replacement of LHF CV joint shaft assembly with new genuine Subaru (NTN) unit. Old unit had worn inner CV only from lack of grease due to garage fitting wrong boot at 85,000km. RHF CV is fine and had genuine boot change at 100,000km not loosing any grease.. 

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2006 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

175-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD

116560 mi

$200
CV boot torn to pieces. Boot replaced. 
106000 mi

US $697
also had passenger CV boot replaced. 
142000 mi

US $301
I had the driver's side half shaft replaced. The CV boot was torn. 
83000 mi

US $1200
inner right half shaft boot 
78000 mi

US $500
replaced front transaxles 
89500 mi

US $369
Replace axle 
96000 mi

US $1863
Replace center differential bearings and transfer case 
67200 mi

US $355
inner cv boots almost worn through 
81000 mi

US $875
Clutch fluid bled and flushed. 
117000 mi

US $4800
Transmission stuck in 5th gear (even when shifter was in neutral). Used transmission replaced the damaged one. 
66700 mi

US $690
left side CV joint boots cracked and leaking grease. Replaced left side drive shaft, CV joints, and boots. 
70000 mi

US $300
Right side CV joint boots cracked and leaking grease. Replaced right side drive shaft, CV joints, and boots. 
75000 mi

US $185
Replaced right front axle seal 
88000 mi

US $720
Left and right front CV joints, half shafts, and boots replaced with new new Subaru parts. 3 years ago the same work was performed at a Subaru dealer using remanufactured parts.They began to fail a year ago. 
940775 mi

US $240
replace RF axle shaft  

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2006 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

175-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD

68000 mi

US $1400
One front CV joint damaged. Replaced damaged, and replaced other side as preventive maintenance. 
91000 mi transmission oil filter leaking 
92200 mi transmission oil filter leaking again 
55100 mi

US $2000
60K Service done including passenger side CV booth leak repair.  
78410 mi

C $1752
right front drive shaft 
105026 mi

US $81
Replaced Front Passenger CV shaft. 
114500 mi

US $636
Replaced both front CV shafts 
72000 mi

US $850
Burnt oil smell after long drives. Replaced axle and boot to stop burnt oil smell (original boot was torn and spraying oil). 
93200 mi

US $2500
CV boot. Recall check on bearings. 
123000 mi

US $38
Driver-side driveshaft needed to be replaced. 
61000 mi

US $1040
Replace front axles. Also replace battery (8yo) and light bulb. Also wiper blades and oil change. 
14000 mi

US $107
Shifting bushing replaced. Car wouldn't start because sensor didn't know it was in Park. Paid extended warranty deductible. Again, dealer said the problem was because I don't drive the car enough! This is my 4th Subaru, this is BS. 
115000 mi

US $533
Newly purchased vehicle. Clicking noise when turning rt. & Lt. Steering wheel vibration between 15-25 mph. Replaced remanufactured front axles with 2, NEW front axles. Problem eliminated :) 
67000 mi

US $500
Replaced Front passenger side axle due to leaking CV Boot 
69000 mi

US $140
Ripped DOJ boot. 
82000 mi

US $520
Inner pass side boot split. Had both pass and driver side boot replaced. DS was about to split also. 
85000 mi

US $480
CV joints/boots leaking grease onto exhaust. 
110400 mi

US $300
replaced rear brake pads and installed new rear cv boot 
114300 mi

US $136
Replaced front right CV boot 
127700 mi

US $180
Clicking noise when car was making turns. Replaced right front axle. 
59520 mi

C $310
cracked CV boot resulted in replacing CV joint and axle assembly ($160 parts, $150 labor) 
79700 mi

US $300
Replaced torn right front inner axle boot. 
103000 mi

US $2300
Axle replaced 
111600 mi

C $2300
transmission fluid pan dinged and very rusty. was changing transmission fluid so replaced pan. 
169000 mi

US $2300
transmission failed to engage anything above 2nd gear. suffered hesitation and jerking for 1 week prior to trans failure. 
61000 mi

US $325
Axle Both front DOJ Boots replaced. 
117000 mi

US $3000
Both CV joint boots damaged. Remaining grease contaminated. 
78000 mi

US $200
Passenger-side inner CV joint boot torn, grease lost, replaced drive axle with high-quality rebuilt unit. 
85000 mi

US $190
Replaced front driver's side axle due to damaged inner CV joint boot. 
114000 mi

US $382
Replaced driveshaft to fix bad carrier bearing (mid-driveshaft support bearing) 

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2006 Subaru Outback 4dr Sedan

250-horsepower 3.0L H6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD

153800 mi

US $720
Removed and replaced both front axles. 

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2005 Subaru Outback

Engine not specified

64300 mi

US $4000
the flywheel failed, taking out the clutch and the transmission in the process 

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2005 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 250hp 2.5L H4 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD

86000 mi Right side CV joint boot split and leaked. Tech replaced boot and axie. 
101500 mi

US $263
Right front CV joint boot was torn. Had CV and Boot replaced. 
94500 mi

US $600
Front driver and passenger axle boots ripped, replaced with new Subaru axles. 
115000 mi Drive shaft carrier bearing bad. Drive shaft replaced. 
68000 mi

US $300
replaced torn CV boots bilaterally. 
67000 mi

US $40
CV boot needed replacement. 
74000 mi

US $250
CV boot ripped and leaking fluid. Replaced boot. 
120000 mi

US $500
Both Left and Right Front CV Joint Boots were torn. Replace Both Left and Right Axel Assemblies. Work done by Les Schwab's 
151280 mi

C $165
Driver's (left) CV-joint. It was clicking for about 6 mo. Didn't get any worse, but I wanted it done. Fixed it with my son... about 3 hours total time. (Edit March 2022... started clicking again !!!) 
136400 mi

C $225
Replaced the front, right CV joint because of a broken rubber boot and subsequent clicking. Also replaced a whining left, rear wheel bearing assembly. RUSTY bolts and ceased rear emergency break drum had to be well soaked with penetrating oil for several days. Rounded off one 14mm hex bolt head but bought myself some of these socket extractors... they work GREAT. Still have to tighten up the emergency brakes with that toggle adjuster. 
92000 mi

US $1100
Right front CV boot 
86300 mi

US $910
Replaced Rt Front Axle and oils seal. 
99000 mi

US $1700
Replaced front CV joint, boots 
107000 mi

US $700
Needed a CV joint boot replaced, replaced entire axle as it was about the same price. 
70800 mi

US $658
driver's side inner cv boot cracked, replaced 
107000 mi

US $2000
cv boot 

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2005 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 250hp 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD

91000 mi

US $150
Torn front inner CV boots. Rebuilt joints and replaced CV boots. 
90000 mi

US $179
Replaced inner CV Boot Assembly 
64000 mi

US $100
Replaced Driver side Inner CV boot 
81000 mi

US $100
Passenger side CV joing boot shredded. Caused CV joint to wear prematurely. Both replaced 
78000 mi Replaced Passenger side half shaft. Inner CV joint torn 
94000 mi

US $100
Replaced Driver side inner CV boot 
126700 mi

US $400
Passenger Side Inner CV joint leaking grease 
115000 mi

US $400
Replaced Passenger side drive shaft AGAIN, due to torn boot. 
31620 mi 3rd replacement of front axle due to loud clicking sound upon hard acceleration when cold 
95000 mi

US $550
Blown right front CV boot. Replaced with remanufactured axle assembly 
47000 mi

US $700
CV boot torn. Replaced axle shafts. 
56200 mi

US $1600
Clutch replaced. It was worn out, but also there was heatspots on the flywheel and damage to the throwout bearing. 
67000 mi

US $170
Passenger inner CV boot was torn. Believe to be caused by excessive heat from turbo/exhaust manifold which is in very close proximity. 
98000 mi

US $300
Noticed torn boot on driver's side front axle when changing oil. Had shop replace axle 
105000 mi

US $1700
Whirring sound when depressing clutch. Throw out bearing failed, and output shaft was worn down. New clutch kit: Replaced flywheel, throw out bearing, clutch, as well as a snout kit with bigger T/O bearing to remedy the worn output shaft Passenger side axle CV boot slowly leaking. Replaced axle while transmission was out for clutch job 

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2005 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

250-horsepower 3.0L H6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD

138000 mi

US $45
Replaced drivers side CV axle with low mileage used OEM axle. 
106020 mi

C $200
A homocinetic joint boot had to be replaced, front driver side. Been done at the same time as oil change. 
69300 mi

US $216
Replace front right axle. 
160000 mi

US $1600
U-joint lose, likely from towing too much weight. 
117000 mi

US $565
Replace drive shaft and left and right CV Joints 
91000 mi

US $571
Nipple on radiator for transmission cooling line broke off, spewed transmission fluid for 1.5 miles. Car was undriveable needed to be towed to dealer. Radiator had to be replaced, fluids replaced. Second time car had to be recently towed, t. 
76000 mi

US $1200
Error code p1844 with engine light and vdc lights on. Dealer advised that vehicle would require a valve body replacement for approximately $1200. About 76,000 miles on vehicle, all maint. done at dealer. 
76700 mi Contacted Subaru main office about prior repair. They have been silent on covering this repair despite an expired extended warranty that would cover out to 80K miles (expired on time). Very displeased with Subaru at this point. May sell. 
80000 mi Contacted Subaru a second time and told them I reported their lack of response here. Subaru claimed they never received the first complaint. I sent them all info they requested about a week ago. I am requesting they honor the time expir 
80200 mi Subaru offered to pay $500 of the $1200 estimate. They declined to honor time expired but not mileage expired ext. warranty I had purchased for $1K. I declined and plan to purchase a more reliable vehicle with a 10 year powertrain warranty. 
90300 mi

US $300
CV joints cracked and leaking. Replaced. 
74500 mi

US $400
front inner cv joints 
150000 mi

US $800
Mechanic found failed Front passenger drive shaft boot,  
167000 mi

US $320
Failed inner CV boot - Half shaft replaced. 4 wheel alignment done 

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2005 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

168-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD

138000 mi CV boot ruptured, spraying grease all over the engine compartment. Thought it was a blown head gasket, had it diagnosed and a new CV boot was packed and installed. 
148700 mi

US $550
Other front cv joint boot ruptured. Replaces and repacked. 
66440 mi

C $720
Manual transmission shifter seal leak; Manual transmission shifter yoke worn out (stiff, estimated repair cost: $380). Interior CV joint covers cracked; estimated repair cost: 365$ Interior CV joint covers changed 
71400 mi

C $950
Front drivetrain binding when turning tight at low speed; problem getting worse since first identified 5 years ago. Manual gearbox and rear diff fluids changed. Situation improved somehow. Suspecting problem with viscous coupler 
73880 mi

C $1914
Central differential assembly has to be changed - vicous coupler did not work anymore. The transmission stick (lever) seal joint has been replaced also since oil was leaking. 
155000 mi

US $2000
Clutch replaced. The clutch (or I suspect the throwout bearing) had started to bind a bit, making shifting difficult, so our daughter got it checked out. The clutch needed replacing, they said. Soooo, they replaced the clutch and I'm assuming the throwout bearing). The dealer did it. 
137640 mi

C $400
Right Front Inner CV boot split, and CV joint worn. Replaced complete axle assembly and replaced Left Front CV boots at same time 
144000 mi

US $750
Replaced both front drive axles, cv joints and boots. 
145000 mi

US $1250
Clutch fork and slave cylinder failure. Hydraulics replaced, new clutch kit installed. 
70000 mi

US $100
Rubber boots were torn on CV shafts. I replaced both front shafts. 
59520 mi Ripped front right CV boot. Just bought car last week and she covered repair under 30 day warranty. They changed the right axle. Sounds like a typical issue. 
90000 mi

US $600
Torn CV boots. Design leads to early failure. Aftermarket axles cause horrible noise & vibration, three tries before trying Subaru rebuilt parts (new unavailable), which are still not as smooth as the originals. No shop would reboot them. 

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2005 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

168-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD

176000 mi

US $500
replace front cv joints and axles. going back to show, think c/v was defective or damaged upon installation. 
39300 mi

US $1840
Replaced front passenger side CV/axle assembly. 
88000 mi

US $250
had to replace worn out CV joint. 
81000 mi

US $953
Replaced both front half-shafts due to leaky CV joints. Replaced both front half-shafts. Seals on both were leaking. 
169800 mi

US $3000
Replaced leaking seal in front differential 
83000 mi

US $20
The front passenger side axle boot was cracked and leaking grease. The joint was not bad yet, so I just had the boot itself replaced. After returning from the dealer, I raised the car to work on a bearing and noticed that the cv boot on the drivers side had the clamp removed and was losing all the grease. 
128000 mi

US $290
Replace front axle shaft...performed by local NTB Replace front axle shaft...performed by local NTB 
35000 mi Four-wheel-drive system was binding during tight, low speed turning. Transmission shifting problems when cold. Ordered complete transmission/center differential component. 
37000 mi Four-wheel-drive system was binding during tight, low speed turning. Transmission shifting problems when cold. Subaru replaced the complete transmission/center differential component. 
53000 mi

US $1064
Right front CV axle boot busted, installed new axle assembly Left rear wheel bearing failing. Removed wheel bearing hub, installed new hub assembly. 
79460 mi

C $600
Replaced transmission shifter cable and bushing 
79980 mi Torn front passenger side cv boot 
88000 mi

US $200
CV boot split, replaced axle front passenger. New battery. 
112000 mi

US $75
Replace driver side CV joint boot cracked 
136000 mi

US $600
Front axle shafts were noisy. Got them replaced with after market parts but those parts transferred vibration to rest of car. Returned to shop to have shafts replaced with OEM rebuilts. 
82400 mi

C $45
Torn inner passenger cv boot. Cleaned, lubed and reboot 
86800 mi

C $45
Torn inner cv boot drivers front 
128380 mi

C $850
Drive shaft replaced. 
155000 mi

C $175
Replaced left front cv axle 
47000 mi

US $350
Inner front CV boot required replacement. 
53000 mi

US $250
Rt front CV boot replaced. 
106000 mi

US $350
Replced front passenger-side axle half shaft with new OEM axle due to broken CV boot (inner). 
136000 mi

US $200
Driver side front half shaft replaced due to torn boot and left turn "clicking". 
92000 mi

US $40
Front right, inner CV boot ripped. I repaired it myself for $40. 
89000 mi

US $400
Broken CV boot front driver side, replaced with new axle due to mileage and previous failure of passenger side boot ~75K miles 
145000 mi

US $350
Passenger CV axle replaced 

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2005 Subaru Outback 4dr Sedan

250-horsepower 3.0L H6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD

122000 mi

US $650
Transmission cooling lines detached from radiator causing complete loss of transmission fluid. Fittings were completely stripped requiring new radiator. 
116200 mi

US $500
CV Boots (both front drive shafts replaced) Sway Bar Links 

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2004 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

212-horsepower 3.0L H6 4-speed automatic AWD

115500 mi

US $390
torn CV boots 
97540 mi

C $260
Scraping noise on the front left side when the brakes were heated. Investigated and noticed scrape marks on the top brake pad retaining clip. Brought it to my mechanic and replaced the Front left wheel bearing & hub. 
75000 mi

US $500
Front boots on axle were bad. Axle was replaced. 

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2004 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

165-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD

137000 mi

US $700
CV joint replaced. 
146000 mi

US $230
Passenger front axle was making noise. Replaced axle 
149000 mi Front passenger side axle failed again. Strong clicking noise when turning right while accelerating, then as it got worse, louder noise while accelerating straight as well. Covered under warranty from prior visit. 
153641 mi

US $2724
Replaced shift shaft oil seal. The dealership noticed it while they were diagnosing the bad head gasket. Given how weak this vehicle is it wouldn't surprise me to find that it had also sprung a leak in the blinker fluid gasket. 

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2004 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

165-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed automatic AWD

105400 mi

C $80
Replaced left front boot 
117580 mi

C $120
replaced cv joint 
127300 mi

US $322
replaced CV joints causing vibration at idle. 
181700 mi

US $500
rusted and leaking transmission oil lines 
165000 mi

US $250
new cv joints and axle 
170000 mi

US $275
cv joint failed 
170800 mi

US $1600
repair front transfer case. carrier bearings shot 
73000 mi

£500
slow to engage drive. transmission overhaul new filter and oil. 
158000 mi

US $220
Cracked CV Boot. Replaced entire half shaft to be safe. 
167000 mi

US $300
CV boot failure. Replaced entire half shaft. 
185000 mi

US $339
inner cv joint seized. 

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2003 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

212-horsepower 3.0L H6 4-speed automatic AWD

145680 mi

C $300
front left UJ was starting to make alot of noise wan turning 
150660 mi

C $62
Front driver cv joint wase making alot of noise. 
129000 mi

US $600
Frozen pulley  
150000 mi

US $600
c/v joint boot replaced 
177000 mi

US $270
Shaking continued after last trip to shop. Noticed axle boot was torn. Took car back to shop, and they replaced right axle. 
125860 mi

C $50
diagnosed leaky transmission. Not fixed in this trip 
43000 mi

US $800
had to replace 2 cv joints. 
82460 mi

C $40
Right front cv boot started to leak grease, found boots starting to crack, installed new cv boot kits on right front axle. 
95000 mi

US $300
Inner CV boots on both front axles split open. 
119000 mi

US $63
Leaking transmission fluid 
122000 mi

US $200
CV joint failed. Was replaced 
128000 mi

US $200
Axle and CV joint replaced. 3rd time. 

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2003 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

165-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD

74200 mi Right front half shaft replaced. Inboard boot split, spraying grease all over. 
190000 mi

US $1900
Bad clutch, right after a new clutch (defective) had been installed. 

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2003 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

165-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed automatic AWD

138000 mi

US $500
Replaced cv axles 
147000 mi

US $300
Front left axle replaced 
136000 mi

US $500
Replaced 2 front axles due to vibration when braking 
155000 mi

C $1200
Replaced the transmission 
165940 mi

C $350
Shifting cable broken 
150700 mi

US $200
Front CV boot leaking throwing grease up under the car causing burning grease smell. CV Boot replaced and car underbody cleaned. 
160300 mi Left front outer CV boot is also damaged, recommended to replace entire front axle due to play in wheels. 
139000 mi

US $350
Rear axle differential needed replaced (replace complete axle).  
135200 mi

US $600
One new front axle. 
137000 mi

US $65
Right front CV joint boot deteriorated due to heat from nearby cat converter Poor design. 
86124 mi

US $469
Replace right side front axle shaft 
127000 mi

US $1445
Transmission and oil pan leak. Replaced gaskets. 
155890 mi

US $90
Service rear differential 
303100 mi

US $1565
Ring & Pinion failing. Replaced w/used transmission at 327,750 mi. 

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2002 Subaru Outback

Engine not specified

104000 mi

US $700
Needed a new driveshaft. 

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2002 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

212-horsepower 3.0L H6 4-speed automatic AWD

115000 mi

US $775
Right front boot completely split. Sprayed grease on catalytic converter -nasty smell. 
137000 mi

US $750
Axle boots torn. Replaced axles.  
139000 mi

US $250
Replace CV axles driver and passenger side 
176200 mi

US $700
CV shafts both bad. 
143800 mi

US $220
Cracked CV boots. Had boots replaced and joints regreased. 

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2002 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

165-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD

143000 mi

US $600
replace warranty CV 
153000 mi

US $190
Axle replaced 
152000 mi

US $600
Both left and right front axles need to be replaced. Car was making a lot of noise when pulling into parking spots. 

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2002 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

165-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed automatic AWD

155500 mi

US $800
Ripped CV boots - both replaced 
127000 mi

US $2200
Transmission pan gasket leaking - replaced. 
162000 mi

US $250
Replaced a front halfshaft. 

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2002 Subaru Outback 4dr Sedan

212-horsepower 3.0L H6 4-speed automatic AWD

154000 mi

US $120
Replaced transmission fluid, and transmission spin on filter. 
131000 mi

US $1500
I had driver front axle replaced with a rebuilt unit.  
102300 mi

US $150
Inner CV joint boot broken on right front wheel. Replaced entire half shaft with new for $ 120 and had transmission oil changed. 
120000 mi

US $140
Replaced Left CV drive shaft due to busted boot.  
149000 mi

US $900
CV boots busted on both front axles. Replaced both front axles, 
138000 mi

US $125
The passenger side front inner CV boot split. 

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2001 Subaru Outback

Engine not specified

176000 mi

US $2800
Transmission, first gear slipping, first estimate at $2800, car has 176K miles... Not worth it, going to attempt a flush and filter replacement in hopes this temporarily resolves slippage... 

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2001 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

212-horsepower 3.0L H6 4-speed automatic AWD

112000 mi

US $1350
Bent driveshaft, replaced wheel bearing replaced 
138000 mi

US $108
The transmission line leading to the radiator had a hole in it. It was replaced. 
97960 mi

R 24000
Auto Transmission failed two weeks after engine repairs (engine was removed from vehicle in order to replace head gaskets). New transmission cost is more than vehicle's second hand value!! Had to opt for second hand transmission. 
117300 mi

US $175
CV joint failure driver side 
145000 mi

US $150
Rear drive shaft vibration. Replaced rear drive shaft with one from junk yard Dealer want $700.00 for new part. 
120000 mi

US $168
Replaced front outer CV boots both sides. 
114000 mi

US $485
U-joint went bad, but entire driveshaft had to be replaced, because the OEM unit has the u-joint as part of the driveshaft, replaced with after market that allows u-joint to be replaced separately. 
75020 mi

C $1472
transmission fluid leak detected nov 10 by Kal Tire missed by subaru technicians in oct 10 120 km inspection and service cost was $545. Subuaru service reps made excuses for their failure to notice the leaks. O-ring replaced. 

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2001 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

165-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD

129000 mi

US $85
Front-right CV boot split, causing a burning smell through the heater vents. Made appt.; fixed in a day. 
140000 mi

US $1200
Transmission was replaced with used one of similar mileage. There was a bearing failure in the old transmission, causing a clicking sound. 
153200 mi Bad CV joint. Junction Auto in New Haven, VT promised loaner but said on day of repair I couldn't have one, so CV joint wasn't repaired due to time constraints. Will find different shop. 
154000 mi

US $60
Viscous coupling binds after it's warmed up. Mechanic replaced fluid. Problem not gone but improved slightly. 
160300 mi

US $122
AWD system binds in front in sharp corners once driven out of town. Dealt with this for two years now. Dealer replaced transmission fluid but did not fix it. 
162000 mi

US $575
Replaced transmission with one that had 88K on it. Mechanic put in synthetic tranny fluid. Waited about a month to get it done due to scheduling problems on their part. 
172200 mi

US $526
Half shaft needed replacing, plus a CV boot 
76000 mi

US $394
Replaced Rt inner axle boot (DOJ boot) 
113000 mi Mechanic also recommended replacement of both front axles shafts and CV boots. 
142000 mi

US $1700
Leaking fluid, shop claimed cracked pan of some sort connected to trans and not rear seal. However replacing trans has different gear shift set up that now needs replaced because of different style and possibly still has leak, just got car back so trying to test it out. Shifter very loose till parts come in to fix it. 
243000 mi Transmission seized. Needed replacement. 
186000 mi

US $1800
clutch pedal fell into firewall. rpl master and slave. fail again because of clutch rubber hose. rlp master cylinder again and clutch pack... 
70900 mi

US $400
CV joint replacement 
167000 mi

US $1200
New axles. 

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2001 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

165-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed automatic AWD

241000 mi

US $250
replaced right front axle. 
143000 mi

US $150
one CV joint on each front half-shaft had a torn boot, both half-shafts replaced ($150 in parts). 
105000 mi

US $425
Replace driver side inside boot 
119040 mi

C $250
Torn axle boot above cat. and front bearing making noise. 
142600 mi

C $850
Front wheel boot torn wheel bearing replaced 
123000 mi

US $713
several gaskets leaking, both transmission fluid 
169200 mi

US $300
Front axle and serpentine belt replaced. 
319500 mi

US $1839
Driving back from a 7 hour trip noticed the transmission starting to slip. The AT fluid level light began to flash. The trans went out. It had been whining louder and louder so it's no surprise. Flat bed home. Local shop rebuilt trans. Also replaced the spindle and drive shaft. 
205100 mi

US $70
replaced cracked CV joint boot 

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2001 Subaru Outback 4dr Sedan

165-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed automatic AWD

32000 mi

US $450
Manual transmission failed to stay in "reverse" when needed. Transmission rebuilt with replacement gears and plastic fork, along with addition of shim material. 
115000 mi

US $1100
New CV joint 
130000 mi

US $2500
Cracked axle boot replaced. 
130500 mi

US $395
Half shaft replaced. This was in addition to the other side axel boot replaced in January. Two down, two to go. 
119000 mi

US $440
Replaced passenger-side CV Boot. mechanic says that it is always the "right" CV boot that fails, because it is mounted directly above the (hot) catalytic converter. 

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2001 Subaru Outback 4-door

4-cylinder automatic AWD

58900 mi

C $995
Bearing in Transmission noisy. Changed transmission oil and added additive, and the noise disappeared. 

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2000 Subaru Outback

Engine not specified

120000 mi

US $91
Front differential fuel low, transmission noise, recommended transmission replacement, got second opinion (same), sold the car. 

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2000 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

165-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD

162000 mi

US $900
Clutch replaced, as well as clutch hydraulics 

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2000 Subaru Outback 4dr Wagon

165-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed automatic AWD

120000 mi

US $2400
Seal leaks and slippage from first to second when "cold" 
115000 mi Worn prop shaft joint 
168000 mi

US $1550
Replaced left front axle and CV. 
172000 mi Right front axle replaced due to faulty part from previous repair. 
95000 mi

US $140
replaced left axle boot 
105000 mi

US $1600
Replace CV boots 
115000 mi

US $2500
Automatic transmission replaced. Had been delaying in shift into gear from P. 
101800 mi

US $300
Both front inner CV boots leaking, both replaced. 
204000 mi

US $500
Cracked universal joint boot on driver side front axle. Fix is to replace axle.  
255000 mi

US $1100
servo controlling locking torque converter was bad. Replaced servo pack. Torque converter would not disengage at stop which caused engine to stall.Otherwise car runs great. 
297500 mi

US $500
Front axle boot torn, replaced axle 
106200 mi

US $250
Both CV joint boots on one axle were split. Replaced entire axle. 
140000 mi

US $1750
Water pump, timing belt, valve cover gaskets, both front halfshafts, halfshaft seals, . 
145000 mi

US $2400
Transmission seals leaking into transfer case, diluting transfer case grease, transfer case seals leaking diluted grease onto exhaust, bad burning grease smell. Transmission was also slipping a little. Inspected transmission while out, did complete rebuil 
185000 mi

US $500
replaced both front cv joints (total axle assemblies) 

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2000 Subaru Outback 4-door

4-cylinder manual AWD

80000 mi

US $400
Half axle boot covering split, spewing grease on exhaust system and causing contamination of bearings, so entire boot was replaced. 

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2000 Subaru Outback 4-door

4-cylinder automatic AWD

167000 mi

US $385
knocking/clicking sounds coming from left side while in a turn and accelerating. Replaced both axles and stub shafts. 

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1999 Subaru Outback

Engine not specified

190800 mi

US $500
Bad cv joint; axle replaced. 

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1999 Subaru Outback 4-door

4-cylinder manual AWD

237000 mi

US $400
Clutch slipping, worn out, due to maladjustment on previous clutch job 4k miles prior. Replaced along with flywheel under 50/50 warranty. 
237000 mi

US $350
Clutch started slipping, mechanic replaced. Prior clutch replacement at 232000 was done by them, pedal return spring not correctly installed. 
240000 mi

US $325
Clutch slave cylinder failure rendered transmission inop; replaced, flushed, filled. 
157300 mi

US $40
Clutch pedal stays on floor when engine hot (pop back up with toe). I replaced clutch slave cylinder. $40 for new part. Simple repair job took at most an hour. 

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1999 Subaru Outback 4-door

4-cylinder automatic AWD

210000 mi

US $350
Inner rubber boot split, leaking grease. Probably was OEM part. Replaced with aftermarket. 
257000 mi

US $200
Trans delayed 30 sec to 3 min before going into 1st gear. Replaced filter and used Castrol Dexron III Mercon AMSoil with a quart of Trans-X. Problem gone. 
152000 mi

US $600
Was leaking transmission fluid and causing smoke. Transmission serviced including new filter, flush and fill.  
78000 mi

US $300
Left front axle replaced. 
225000 mi

US $37
leak at front differential fluid at passenger side half axle 
225500 mi

US $68
Car shifts with a jolt. Replace aftermarket AT spin on filter with OE and topped trans fluid with TranX 
228700 mi Leak at front differential appears to have stopped, may have been related to weather, cold temps, and high humidity??? 

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1998 Subaru Outback

Engine not specified

100000 mi

US $900
Failed R front CV joint 
101000 mi

US $400
Replaced other CV joint. 

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1998 Subaru Outback 4-door

4-cylinder manual AWD

117000 mi

US $140
CV joint had made some noise on right turns, garage looked at front while changing oil and spark plug wires. The rubber boot was torn. I believe CV was original to the car.Replaced with a lifetime wrnty. unit. 
132000 mi

US $215
Front drive axle replaced due to worn CV joint  

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1998 Subaru Outback 4-door

4-cylinder automatic AWD

184000 mi

US $1800
Tranny/Diff seal blown, replaced seal and other wear items in transmission during repair. 
227000 mi

US $1500
Chattering when turning under power, Front diff fluid and transmission fluid flushed and replaced 
200000 mi

US $500
Replaced front CV shafts 
175460 mi slippy transmission... 

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1997 Subaru Outback 4-door

4-cylinder manual AWD

181000 mi The clutch wore out fast, The carrier bearing always chirped. Something in the shifter gave out making the knob feel like dead weight. Sold it before it was looked at. 
254000 mi

US $220
clutch rubber hyrdraulic line broke 

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1996 Subaru Outback

Engine not specified

US $1450 The center differential went out before I bought it. I didn't notice the problem until I drove it in a tight circle which makes the center diff really work to keep all the wheels turning in sync. 

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1996 Subaru Outback 4-door

4-cylinder automatic AWD

128200 mi

US $250
Right front axle. 
128000 mi

US $18
Left front axle replaced. 2 year old axle failed due to not enough grease from re-builder. New axle when inspected did not contain enough grease. Packed in more CV grease installed w/new ball joint. Got a full 92.00 refund. Keep receipts! 

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See TrueDelta's information for all Subaru models.

Subaru Outback Transmission Problems

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