There is a TSB for judder when accelerating in a sharp turn, involving the center clutch. While your clunk when reversing is probably something else, you could try to see if accelerating in a sharp turn also produces something. In a sharp turn, whether forward or reverse, the center clutch needs to slip, because the front wheels travel much more than the rear ones. The front and rear differentials are both open differentials so it's not likely to be caused by either of those.

Gen 6 - 2020-2022 Outback 2.4L Turbo: Vibration &amp...

Here's a new one for the turbo models... vibration/judder during acceleration on turns. Replacement of the multi-plate transfer clutch... the instructions are to test drive the car, if the condition is noted, using the subaru select monitor, switch the AWD mode off (front drive only) and see...

www.subaruoutback.org

On the other hand, a loose suspension part can also clunk in a turn, or even a loose subframe bolt.

 

I find clunks in outher cars to be cracked, or worn out bushings. Depends where you live. In PA bad roads, ice melt rip cars up fast.

 

FWIW, I get a 'random clunk' out of my 2021 Outback every time I turn the steering wheel to the left while backing out of my garage over a rubber garden hose.

 

2020 Outback Limited here and same issue. I've been noticing this too. Reverse, turning left, clunk in front left wheel. Sounds like I'm going over and breaking a large branch or something.

 

When I replaced my rear sway bar my clunk came from a loose sway bar bushing bracket (not the end-links). If you're a DIY kind of guy you can check the torque values for all the related suspension components including subframe bolts etc.

 

2021 Ascent owner, I too have an unusual sounds when accelerating into a turn and also when going from reverse to drive. Happens enough to give me concern, but not consistent enough to help diagnose! I thought it had to do with traction control- but not sure that makes sense with the reverse to drive. Each time it seems to relate to movement from a full stop.

 

Any word on this? Mine does it too.

 

Check under the seat for a lost coffee tumbler or wayward baseball.

 

...or anything in the door pockets or center console...

Bill

 

2022 outback 2.5i..... when slowly backing up and turning the steering wheel I get a "clunk" or it has been described as a "binding"... it's not terrible, but it does concern me... dealer seems not to be concerned about it, but it is warrantied for 60k or 5 years as part of the drive train, so I am certainly keeping my eye on it and will get more insistent about it if it gets worse..... interesting to hear others have this issue....