Subaru Outback transmission and drivetrain problems, 2018–2027
92 of the 3,820 complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Subaru Outback 2018–2027 name the transmission and drivetrain (NHTSA’s “Power Train” heading — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts, axles and differentials — NHTSA files them under one heading). The loudest years: 2020 (51), 2022 (18), 2021 (12). Filed under the same heading across these years: 2 manufacturer bulletins, 5 recall campaigns. Every figure is a linked federal record; none is a failure rate, none a repair cost, and none a verdict on one car.
Subaru Outback transmission and drivetrain problems by model year
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communicationsOne row per model year on file, newest first. A year marked in depth has its own page: the complaints, the owners’ words and every document under this heading for that year.
| Model year | Complaints naming the transmission and drivetrain | Share of the year’s | Typically at | On file under the heading | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 0 | — | — | — | the year → |
| 2026 | 0 | — | — | 7 TSBs | the year → |
| 2025 | 0 | — | — | 14 TSBs | the year → |
| 2024 | 6 | 6% | — | 26 TSBs | the year → |
| 2023 | 5 | 6% | — | 46 TSBs · 2 recalls | the year → |
| 2022 | 18 | 4% | — | 50 TSBs · 1 recall | the year → |
| 2021 | 12 | 4% | — | 67 TSBs · 3 recalls | the year → |
| 2020 in depth | 51 | 6% | — | 80 TSBs · 2 recalls | the record → |
| 2019 | 0 | — | — | 45 TSBs | the year → |
| 2018 | 0 | — | — | 51 TSBs | the year → |
Two things the counts carry that are not the car: how many of each year were sold, and how long each has been on the road — an older year out-counts a newer one before anything is wrong with it. The share column is the honest comparison across years: what part of that year’s complaints named the transmission and drivetrain. Nothing here is a rate.
When the transmission and drivetrain complaints were filed, and at what mileage
Source: NHTSA complaint databaseFiled per calendar year, every model year together: 2020: 1 · 2021: 8 · 2022: 26 · 2023: 11 · 2024: 14 · 2025: 10 · 2026: 22
Across the model years, half of the 32 owners who gave an odometer reading reported the transmission and drivetrain problem between 7,000 and 34,000 miles. A median of reports, not the life of a part.
In owners’ own words
Source: NHTSA complaint databaseFiled with NHTSA by the people who own these cars, about the transmission and drivetrain, from the model years with the most to say. Quoted as written, with anything identifying removed; unverified reports — what was said, not a finding that it was true.
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Outback. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V955000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue.
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Outback. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V955000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not available.
The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and coming to a stop, the vehicle then failed to accelerate or drive forward. While depressing the accelerator pedal, the engine revved excessively to approximately 7,000 RPM, but the vehicle failed to respond.
I have a meticulously maintained 2022 Subaru Outback LTD that has now had 3 out of 4 OEM installed wheel bearings replaced due to failure with less and/or near to 40,000 miles on the vehicle.
Good Day! I bought my 2021 Subaru Outback XT Onyx in Jan 2021. I had waiting 6 yrs for Subaru to use the Turbo Motor in the Outback again. I've had this car for 5 years with my warranty running out Jan 2026, but I only drive 5000-7000 miles per/yr. Current odometer is 29,901 miles.
What is on file about the transmission and drivetrain, across the years
Source: NHTSA recalls, investigations and manufacturer communicationsRecall campaigns filed under this heading, any model year
- 23V755000 HighNov 9, 2023 · 95,830 vehicles
- Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.
- 23V647000 HighSep 21, 2023 · 4,311 vehicles
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Outback, Legacy, Ascent, and Impreza vehicles. The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, resulting in the disconnection of the front end of the driveshaft.
- 22V485000 HighJul 8, 2022 · 182 vehicles
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Outback and Legacy vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.
- 21V955000 HighDec 9, 2021 · 198,255 vehicles
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.
- 21V024000 HighJan 26, 2021 · 383 vehicles
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2021 Outback and Impreza vehicles. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) select lever cable nut may not have been tightened properly, allowing the nut to loosen.
2 manufacturer bulletins filed under this heading, any model year
- SubaruNet Announcement (T Other 2025Sep 28, 2026
- This announcement provides information on an enhancement of the TechShare CVT diagnostic assitance application.
- SubaruNet Announcement (C Other 2018Aug 21, 2026
- This Announcement provides diagnostic assistance for CVT issues.
Every one filed under the heading is listed. Quote the document number at a service desk — it is a diagnosis the maker has already written down.
Other systems with a record on the Subaru Outback
Source: the same filesEvery system, every model year: Subaru Outback problems by year →
Common questions
Source: NHTSA complaint database, recalls and manufacturer communicationsWhich Subaru Outback years have the most transmission and drivetrain complaints?
2020, 51; 2022, 18; 2021, 12. Raw counts, and an older year has had longer to collect them; by share of each year's own complaints the loudest is the 2024 (6%).
Is there a recall for the transmission and drivetrain on the Subaru Outback?
Yes — 5 campaigns are filed under this heading across these model years: 23V755000 (2023), 23V647000 (2023), 22V485000 (2021), 21V955000 (2020). A recall is matched by VIN, and applies to specific years; check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
When do transmission and drivetrain problems show up on the Subaru Outback?
Owners who gave an odometer reading reported it at a median of 23,000 miles across the model years; half of them between 7,000 and 34,000. That is when reports cluster, not the life of a part.
What does NHTSA's "Power Train" heading cover?
The transmission, transfer case, driveshafts, axles and differentials — NHTSA files them under one heading. Owners choose the heading when they file, so it says which area of the vehicle the complaint is about, not which part failed.