Diesel Clutch Issues
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Yes use search there have been a few Austrailia and UK owners who reported this issue with the early models. Haven't heard or read any comments for some time now about this though. I recall a couple of them ended up getting a new clutch from Subaru or partial cost covered etc.
In the US the clutch issues more or less are caused by user error very few American's these days know how to drive a MT car as a result Subaru sees lots of fried clutches at very short mileage intervals. Which case many of those dealers and shop managers highly suggest to said owners that they need to simply get an automatic given they clearly can't drive a MT correctly. ;-)
Good luck use search you may find some good info in the older threads and comments from the diesel guys.
In the US the clutch issues more or less are caused by user error very few American's these days know how to drive a MT car as a result Subaru sees lots of fried clutches at very short mileage intervals. Which case many of those dealers and shop managers highly suggest to said owners that they need to simply get an automatic given they clearly can't drive a MT correctly. ;-)
Good luck use search you may find some good info in the older threads and comments from the diesel guys.
yes riding the clutch pedal will shorten life on any car "easy do do on newer cars as so soft and smooth" it is a service item though and needs replacing after 5years or so depending on driving style and city or hwy ks, just like brakes etc..
Stig
Stig
Definitely don't ride the clutch and can drive a manual. It slips really bad when cold and its not something I'd expect from a car thats only done 40k and been cared for with kid gloves. I'm confident to say its not an operator issue but mechanical. I've head stories of other diesels having clutch issues and would like to hear from others who have dealt with Subaru over this issue.
I have a 2012 Subaru outback Diesel, 2 year old and has done less than 49K
the clutch started to slip, producing burning fumes and the gear would not change easily from 1 to 2 or 2to 3. My car was not drivable and had to be towed back to the repair centre. The Subaru Service center advised me that 99% of the time this would be treated as "wear and tear" rather than "warranty repair". Approx $4,000 cost to fix the clutch and the Flywheel.
I cannot believe this!!! 2 year old car that was purchased brand new and has done less than 49K to have a complete clutch Failure! Surely the cost of the repair should be categorised as "warranty Repair" NOT "retail repair". I should not be paying for this. I have driven manual gear cars for over 20 years and never had a clutch damage.
so annoyed!
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Going through exactly the same problem myself - 50,000 miles (three years old) and the clutch is deceased, had to be towed home - local garage have just advised me that the fly wheel looks faulty - I've been complaining to the Subaru dealer for about two years and they've fobbed me off every time. Like you, I've been driving extensively for nearly 30 years now and have never, ever had a problem with a clutch & so I am sure it is not my driving style. The biggest issue I now have is that I'm one week past the warranty certificate - guess I have to shout very loud if I'm going to be taken seriously!
I have a 2010 Diesel Outback from new. 125km, a high majority being motorway. I have driven this car with love & care. I first smelt clutch burning 3 years ago and Subaru said there is no problem. Today the clutch went, awaiting a bill or Subaru to support this.
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Probably a good reason Subaru only sells the diesel with a CVT now. I suspect they didn't get the clutch and gearing right with the power band you get the wrong combo with the diesel and the clutch is getting some major torque at the really low engine speeds - wrong gearing and you have people stalling it and having to bring the revs up to avoid stalling yet putting big torque on the clutch pads and plate in low gears.
I am truly concerned about the clutch. My wife and I live in regional Austand drove non-automatic cars for many years and could get about 150k before any repairs to clutch were needed. We have travelled 120k and yesterday I smelled that burning sign and arranged to have it towed. This is the third time! The first time was after only after 10k! Any advice would be appreciated.
I really wish they offered diesel Subaru in North America so I could have clutch problems too. 
...welll, not the problems
I drove Diesel VW for over 160K miles and LOVED the 50+ MPG. I would be one of the first people in line to sign up for a diesel Outback.
...welll, not the problemsI drove Diesel VW for over 160K miles and LOVED the 50+ MPG. I would be one of the first people in line to sign up for a diesel Outback.
Our Outback has 120k. The clutch went first at 10k Subaru accepted responsibility,but the second went at about 70k and yesterday it has happened again. We have driven non automatic cars over many years and do not live in a major city. I am so upset because we are otherwise happy with the diesel Outback. I have no mechanical knowledge but would appreciate advice as to my approach to the Company
You could try and get a heavier, pressure plate when it gets replaced. Not to heavy though as you may end up breaking something else inside or outside the clutch.
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Subaru Diesel Clutch problem - Me too!
I bought a second hand Subaru Turbo Diesel (2012 Model) Manual. It had 60,000 k on it when I bought it. It has now only done 84,000 k and the clutch is completely gone! My mechanic cannot believe it either. So I agree there is a problem with this drive set up. My suspicion is that the low range gears, and odd feeling ratios when driving around town (1 to 3 mostly) despite there being 6 gears leads to clutch heavy driving.
Either way I am upset too. The clutch repair just cost me $3444.00.
I bought a second hand Subaru Turbo Diesel (2012 Model) Manual. It had 60,000 k on it when I bought it. It has now only done 84,000 k and the clutch is completely gone! My mechanic cannot believe it either. So I agree there is a problem with this drive set up. My suspicion is that the low range gears, and odd feeling ratios when driving around town (1 to 3 mostly) despite there being 6 gears leads to clutch heavy driving.
Either way I am upset too. The clutch repair just cost me $3444.00.
Clutch problem - not me
120,000 km on the MY10 Premium Diesel Manual and no problems yet. I have towed a reasonable amount with it as well.
I got 160,000 km out of the clutch on the MY04 2.5i petrol manual Outback that I had before that. That MY04 petrol did a lot of towing too.
I find that the clutch on the 2010-2013 diesel feels heavy and my partner hates driving the car because of that. I find that I get a bit of shudder through the clutch first thing on cold mornings, but that disappears after the first couple of changes and the clutch warms up.
120,000 km on the MY10 Premium Diesel Manual and no problems yet. I have towed a reasonable amount with it as well.
I got 160,000 km out of the clutch on the MY04 2.5i petrol manual Outback that I had before that. That MY04 petrol did a lot of towing too.
I find that the clutch on the 2010-2013 diesel feels heavy and my partner hates driving the car because of that. I find that I get a bit of shudder through the clutch first thing on cold mornings, but that disappears after the first couple of changes and the clutch warms up.
2010 turbo diesel clutch
Hi. I have a MY 2010 manual turbo Diesel Outback. Two clutches gone (first at 20,000kms; second at 77,000kms. Vehicle now at approx 110,000kms). I am an experienced manual driver (this is my third manual Subaru wagon). I do not tow often or heavy loads. First time Subaru Australia said "won't cover under warranty but will cover cost of replacement and hire vehicle". Second time Subaru Australia said "in the absence of any other indications, it is fair wear and tear and therefore excluded from warranty". I now have the threat of debt recovery re the second replacement (which is being billed at approx AUD$1,800). I still have the occasional "burning metal" smell from the clutch. Would be interested in any same or similar experiences. Anthony
Hi. I have a MY 2010 manual turbo Diesel Outback. Two clutches gone (first at 20,000kms; second at 77,000kms. Vehicle now at approx 110,000kms). I am an experienced manual driver (this is my third manual Subaru wagon). I do not tow often or heavy loads. First time Subaru Australia said "won't cover under warranty but will cover cost of replacement and hire vehicle". Second time Subaru Australia said "in the absence of any other indications, it is fair wear and tear and therefore excluded from warranty". I now have the threat of debt recovery re the second replacement (which is being billed at approx AUD$1,800). I still have the occasional "burning metal" smell from the clutch. Would be interested in any same or similar experiences. Anthony
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