Subaru Transmission Problems by Model
By CarWhere Research · Updated
Owners have filed 2,083 transmission complaints with NHTSA across the 7 Subaru models we track that have at least 50 each. The most come from the Subaru Outback (778). Per 1,000 sold, the highest rate is the Subaru Forester at 0.22 and the lowest is the Subaru Impreza at 0.08, against a 0.28 median across all 53 rated models.
Subaru models by transmission complaints
| Model | Transmission complaints | Per 1,000 sold | Share of all complaints | Worst years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subaru Outback | 778 | — | 9.7% | 2011, 2012 and 2010 |
| Subaru Forester | 389 | 0.22 | 7.4% | 2015, 2016 and 2017 |
| Subaru Impreza | 214 | 0.08 | 12% | 2008, 2009 and 2012 |
| Subaru Legacy | 200 | 0.13 | 13.1% | 2010, 2011 and 2012 |
| Subaru Ascent | 191 | — | 18.3% | 2019 and 2020 |
| Subaru Crosstrek | 165 | — | 11.4% | 2013, 2015 and 2019 |
| Subaru WRX | 146 | — | 34.1% | 2008, 2009 and 2015 |
Per 1,000 sold appears only where published U.S. sales exist for at least three model years. Data fetched July 2026 to November 2026.
Subaru transmissions
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Frequently asked questions
Does Subaru have transmission problems?
Owners have filed 2,083 transmission complaints with NHTSA across the 7 Subaru models we track that have at least 50 each. The most come from the Subaru Outback (778). Per 1,000 sold, the highest rate is the Subaru Forester at 0.22 and the lowest is the Subaru Impreza at 0.08, against a 0.28 median across all 53 rated models.
Which Subaru models have the most transmission complaints?
the Subaru Outback (778), the Subaru Forester (389) and the Subaru Impreza (214), by owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Raw counts favor high-selling models, so compare the per-1,000-sold column too.
Which Subaru has the fewest transmission complaints per 1,000 sold?
The Subaru Impreza, at 0.08 transmission complaints per 1,000 sold across its rated years. That is a complaint rate, not a failure rate.
Sources
- NHTSA complaints by vehicle (owner complaints API) — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- NHTSA recalls by vehicle — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- Report a vehicle safety problem — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration