Subaru Outback jerking issue during deceleration and acceleration after highway driving on Subaru Outback

Submitted by Vehicle Owner · Jun 23, 2025
Published by RepairPal

Problem overview

Some Subaru Outback owners report experiencing jerking issues during deceleration and acceleration after highway driving, which may be attributed to several factors. These include faulty spark plugs, clogged fuel injectors, a failing fuel pump, transmission problems, or a dirty MAF sensor. Additionally, owners of 2020-2022 models have reported transmission judder, particularly when accelerating through turns, often linked to bad shifting logic affecting the transfer clutches; this issue has been resolved for many through clutchpack replacement and software updates, while others required a new transmission. Misfires, frequently caused by spark plugs or coil packs, are also a common reason for acceleration jerking, necessitating spark plug replacement. Furthermore, problems with the torque converter, valve body, and solenoids in the transmission can contribute to these jerky driving experiences. It is advisable for owners to inspect and address these potential causes to ensure a smoother driving experience.

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