2000 Subaru Outback Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 42about this part
- Share
- 20%of 207 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 58,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 42 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2000 Subaru Outback, 20% of the 207 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 58,000 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was advised by a mechanic on 4/20/15 that the rear cradle is very rusty, enough that I should avoid carrying heavy loads. I just noticed on this website that there was a recall in 2003 for inadequate rustproofing of that part; however, we never received notice of a recall. Can this be repaired or replaced now? There was no incident associated with this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10872273, filed 2016-06, 147,138 miles“The clutch on my Subaru Outback 2000 it's been a problem since day one I purchased the car in 2000. At times randomly it would slip or the pedal would not return up. Slipping of the clutch or the pedal being stuck multiple times almost caused me to get into accident when changing lanes or merging into traffic.”
NHTSA complaint #10144727, filed 2005-12, 1,000 miles“Clutch and flywheel caught fire while driving on the freeway. Car has 36000 miles on it and is serviced by the dealer regularly. Dealer charged me $1200 to replace the clutch and said that it was my fault, that I must rife the clutch or habitually overload the vehicle, neither of which is true. I suspect the clutch was flawed to begin with.”
NHTSA complaint #10010914, filed 2003-03, 35,500 miles“Driver side front cv joint boot tore for no apparent reason, 62,289 miles. Neighbor who is a former Subaru mechanic said should not happen unless I ran over something and punctured boot, I did not. Subaru would not replace under warranty out of warranty at 36k. A possible fire hazard due to cv grease leaking onto exhaust system as well as a potential mechanical failure if problem is not caught in time.”
NHTSA complaint #10142956, filed 2005-11, 62,289 miles“There is a delay in the transmission when shifting from park or reverse to drive. The car has already been involved in a minor accident because of the problem. The car was taken to a Subaru service center and I was told I needed a new rebuilt transmission at $3600.”
NHTSA complaint #10170614, filed 2006-10, 67 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11005624Jul 24, 2024This annoucement provides parts personnel information about remanufactured transmissions that will no longer be available.
- 10186364Jan 12, 2021This bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing.
- 10150949Oct 26, 2018This Service Information bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing used on the models as listed above. During assembly of the bearing, a different type of…
- 10150924Oct 26, 2018This Service Information bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing used on the models as listed above. During assembly of the bearing, a different type of…
- 10089957Jan 15, 2014Repair procedure for high-pitched sound from extension housing area using latest generation production parts - this bulletin provides production change, repair procedure and…
- 10141537May 22, 2013This Bulletin provides production change, repair procedure and parts information to address a customer concern of a high-pitched sound coming from the transmission extension…
- 10079980Jan 3, 2013This bulletin provides production change, repair procedure and parts information to address a customer concern of a high-pitched sound coming from the transmission extension…
- 10234258Dec 11, 20125MT Transfer Driven Gear Bearings
- 10093967Dec 11, 2012This bulletin reviews a change to the part numbers used for the transfer driven gear bearings. These revised bearings are to be used to enhance durability.
Transmission 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 2000 Subaru Outback
35 complaintsTires
30 complaintsSuspension
24 complaintsVehicle speed control
14 complaintsBody and structure
13 complaintsBrakes
12 complaintsFuel system
12 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsAir bags
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2000 Subaru Outback
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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