2010 Subaru Outback Transmission & Powertrain Problems
NHTSA lists 94 transmission and powertrain complaints for the 2010 Subaru Outback, 26% of all complaints filed for the year. Owners mainly report stalling near stops with the clutch depressed and a related recall covering the 6-speed manual transmission oil lubrication hole. Median mileage at failure is 94,000.
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints
- 94
- 26% of 360 complaints
- All complaints this year
- 360
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 94,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical transmission symptoms owners report
- Vehicle stalls or nearly stalls when the clutch is depressed while slowing to a stop, with RPMs dropping sharply before the engine compensates.
- Stalling in manual-transmission cars occurs repeatedly when shifting down through gears (third to second, or into first) during a rolling turn or approach to a stop.
- When the engine stalls or RPMs drop near zero, drivers report losing power steering and brake assist at the same time.
- Some owners describe a severe shudder combined with near-stalling that developed over months of ownership.
- One owner reported a rattling noise traced by the dealer to the new transmission, with no fix offered at the time.
- A separate incident describes the engine failing to restart after being placed in park, requiring multiple tow and restart attempts.
When 2010 Subaru Outback transmission complaints were filed
First complaint Dec 23, 2009, latest Jun 15, 2025.
Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2010 Subaru Outback
- NHTSA 10V326000Jul 20, 2010Transmission & Powertrain809 vehicles
Power train:manual transmission
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010 and 2011 outback and legacy passenger vehicles manufactured from april 28 through june 23, 2010. Due to a programming error, a lubrication hole within the 6-speed manual transmission was omitted.
Risk: If the transmission gears are not properly lubricated, a groaning sound may begin to develop alerting the driver of a problem. If the sound is ignored and no action is taken, the gears will eventually break and this condition will lead to vehicle power loss, possibly resulting in a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles by drilling an oil lubrication hole and, if necessary, replace the internal parts with new ones free of charge. The safety recall began on july 28, 2010. Owners may contact subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Outback model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many transmission and powertrain complaints does NHTSA have for the 2010 Subaru Outback?
- NHTSA lists 94 complaints in this category for the 2010 Outback, which is 26% of all 360 complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a transmission recall for the 2010 Subaru Outback?
- Yes. Recall 10V326000, reported July 20, 2010, covers a programming error that left a lubrication hole issue in the 6-speed manual transmission. Subaru's remedy is drilling an oil lubrication hole and additional repair if needed.
- At what mileage do 2010 Outback transmission problems typically show up?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 94,000 miles for transmission and powertrain complaints on this model year.
- What is the main transmission complaint pattern for the 2010 Outback?
- The most common pattern is stalling when the clutch is depressed while slowing down or shifting, sometimes accompanied by loss of power steering and brakes.
- Did the 2010 Outback's transmission issues cause any crashes or fires?
- NHTSA records show 1 crash and 1 fire linked to complaints in this component area for the 2010 Outback, with no reported injuries.