2004 Subaru Outback Transmission and drivetrain Problems

“I purchased a new 2004 Subaru Outback (manual transmission) in may 2004. I have been very happy with the vehicle, have maintained it per manufacturers instructions and have had no problems with it. On june 30, 2006 I took the car to my local dealer in response to a notice stating there was a recall on 2004 outbacks for an engine control module reprogramming (reflash). Since that reprogramming the rpms are sluggish in returning to normal in between shifts and at idle. …”

“My Subaru, forester xt has had numerous problems since it had 5000 miles. The engine performance is inconsistent. The car has an intermittent miss at idle, cruise control that disengages at will, is difficult to start intermittently; spitting and sputter for 30 seconds, acts as if it will stall occasionally while braking, and the clutch does not grip the flywheel properly. While passing on 2 lane roads, I have nearly had numerous head-on accidents; the car does not accelerate consistently. The cruise control defect has nearly caused many other accidents in distinct conditions: 1. …”

“The automatic gear shift had been locked in park, which never happened previously. It eventually was released by putting the tip of a key into the area of the panel. Advised for this problem in the drivers manual. After driving the vehicle twice more , it was parked again. When the key was put in the ignition, there was a whirring sound and when it started, it surged forward very rapidly and could not be stopped by using the brakes.. The vehicle was out of control. It was off the road and rocks punctured a tire. It stopped. …”

“Auto started running rough. Transmission shifting abruptly. Throttle would remain open after foot taken off accelerator. Car would maintain last speed before foot off accelerator. This would continue on level ground and even uphill to a large extent speed would be maintained with no input from driver. Cruise control was off. No codes generated and no check enging light. Dealer notified. Could not duplicate. This occurred on three separate occasions before dealer replace throttle positon sensor.”

“Blown headgasket at only 40k. Car has been maintained on a regular schedule with extra care car when needed. Took to dealer and complained of smell of coolant in the interior of car when driving and after shutting vehicle down or at a traffic light stop. Took to dealer complaining of a noise coming from the bottom of engine. After the dealer examined vehicle nothing was found as per report. I took the car for brake repair and the mechanic noted a coolant leak from the left bank of the engine block. He stated that he car has a blown headgasket on the left bank of the cylinder block. …”