1999 Subaru Outback Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 29about this part
- Share
- 26%of 111 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 65,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 29 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1999 Subaru Outback, 26% of the 111 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“99 Subaru legacy Outback /w automatic transmission. The automatic transmission dos not engage when placed from p to d, or disengage from gear when vehicle stop. I was on a slight hill stopped. Car disengaged from gear and I could not move. In d - when I released brake the car rolled backwards causing contact with the car behind me.”
NHTSA complaint #10402856, filed 2011-05, 100,000 miles“Approximately 6 months ago automatic transmission started having trouble shifting from reverse to drive. Car would hesitate and finally lurch forward. Took it to the dealer and was at first told they couldn't find anything, then was told I needed a new $3400 transmission. I was told to baby the car for as long as I could. 4 months later car became stuck in reverse and would not shift to drive. Took it to another service center (not the dealer) that specializes in Subaru's and was told this was a common Subaru problem with automatic transmissions. …”
NHTSA complaint #10108188, filed 2005-01, 70,000 miles“Only three months after my purchase the car developed a noise. I took it to my mechanic who recommended replacing the clutch release bearing. I was shocked that this piece had gone bad so early, and I couldn''t understand why. I authorized the repairs, and as they began working on it they discovered why it had gone bad prematurely. One of the clips on the clutch release bearing had broken, causing the bearing to sit crooked. This then allowed the clutch release bearing to wear a groove on the snout that the bearing rides on. …”
NHTSA complaint #10007852, filed 2003-02, 68,105 miles“I bought a 1999 Subaru Outback 30th anniversary limited edition in june of 1999. Within six months, the car began to exhibit clutch and transmission problems. I brought this to the immediate attention of the Subaru dealer. For three years they denied that there was anything wrong with the vehicle, always saying they were unable to duplicate the problems. Finally in june of 2002, I was able to get a regional service supervisor to admit that the car definitely had problems. His first solution was to suggest that I trade the car in on a new one. …”
NHTSA complaint #10070684, filed 2004-01, 3,000 miles“I bought a 1999 Subaru Outback 30th anniversary limited edition in may of 1999. Within six months, the car began to exhibit clutch and transmission problems. I brought this to the immediate attention of the Subaru dealer. For three years they denied that there was anything wrong with the vehicle, always saying they were unable to duplicate the problems. Finally in june of 2002, I was able to get a regional service supervisor to admit that the car definitely had problems. His first solution was to suggest that I trade the car in on a new one. …”
NHTSA complaint #10033124, filed 2003-08, 70 milesTransmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 5% |
| 2025 | 5 | 6% |
| 2024 | 6 | 6% |
| 2023 | 5 | 6% |
| 2022 | 18 | 4% |
| 2021 | 12 | 4% |
| 2020 | 48 | 5% |
| 2019 | 16 | 2% |
| 2018 | 14 | 2% |
| 2017 | 47 | 5% |
| 2016 | 45 | 7% |
| 2015 | 37 | 7% |
| 2014 | 25 | 12% |
| 2013 | 60 | 20% |
| 2012 | 108 | 37% |
| 2011 | 216 | 33% |
| 2010 | 94 | 26% |
| 2009 | 8 | 8% |
| 2008 | 12 | 5% |
| 2007 | 9 | 7% |
| 2006 | 17 | 6% |
| 2005 | 17 | 6% |
| 2004 | 10 | 11% |
| 2003 | 13 | 14% |
| 2002 | 20 | 14% |
| 2001 | 23 | 13% |
| 2000 | 42 | 20% |
| 1999 | 29 | 26% |
| 1998 | 19 | 15% |
| 1997 | 8 | 10% |
| 1996 | 5 | 11% |
Other parts of the 1999 Subaru Outback
23 complaintsSuspension
13 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsAir bags
7 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
5 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 Subaru Outback
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology