2008 Subaru Outback Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 5%of 226 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 57,523miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2008 Subaru Outback, 5% of the 226 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 57,523 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I purchased the 2008 Outback 2.5 limited used with 32k miles. At 41k miles the right front wheel bearing went out. Was making a very loud rubbing noise when turning and on the highway. The bearing was replaced under powertrain warranty. Yesterday I was informed that my left front bearing has gone out, now at 80k miles (all highway mileage). Now it is out of warranty. The 2 shops I spoke to regarding the issue stated this is actually very common on these Subaru models and they generate quite a bit of business. …”
NHTSA complaint #10484613, filed 2012-11, 80,000 miles“Transmission failure. Dealer has replaced the transmission three times so far. None of the repairs have lasted more than a day or two. Vehicle works fine, then starts slipping out gear. This has been going on now for two months. Manufacturer silent on guidance. Suspect transmission and/or transmission control module failure or incompatibility. The transmission/control module is a split model year build.”
NHTSA complaint #11062886, filed 2018-01, 95,000 miles“Airbag replaced as per recall, but not long therafter, the airbag light went on and won't go off. Apparently, this is a common problem, and Subaru should cover it. Also, rear wheel bearings failing at 48k, very low mileage for them to need to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #11035894, filed 2017-10, 48,000 miles“Carpet had bad spot upon purchase, told by dealer defect and nothing could be done. That spot is now a hole in the carpet. Seat material is very cheap and low quality started to wear before 1k. That too has left a hole in the seat. At 37k passenger cv boot went due to thin rubber boot followed by driver boot at 38k. Boot rubber is extremely thin compared to other manufacturers. When they go, they go quickly without warning the smell is horrific and the sticky residue left behind under the hood visually unappealing. …”
NHTSA complaint #10587339, filed 2014-05, 25 miles“Vehicle started running bit rough while idling at intersection; upon acceleration, check engine light and other instrument lights started flickering and car stalled. Restarted normally.”
NHTSA complaint #10447686, filed 2012-02, 63,046 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11033056May 4, 2026This announcement provides information on the remanufactured CVT transmission program.
- 11032040Apr 24, 2026This bulletin announces the service manual correction regarding clutch master cylinder reservoir service procedures.
- 11022305Aug 11, 2025Subaru Service Technical Support Newsletter special edition.
- 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…
- 10234840Jan 29, 2014Correction to Diagnostics for 5AT-Related DTCs
- 10067835Jan 29, 2014This service information describes 2 corrections to the service manual diagnostic procedures for the dtcs listed above. The information is only applicable to vehicles equipped…
- 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…
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 2008 Subaru Outback
104 complaintsElectrical system
34 complaintsBrakes
31 complaintsExterior lighting
15 complaintsEngine
14 complaintsSuspension
12 complaintsOther or unknown
10 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsSteering
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Subaru Outback
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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