Read also:
where to buy trimplex elite australia piu 12 air conditioner f1 hoover heritage 5210 harvey norman mitsubishi multi drawer fridge review contempo stick mixer with beaker george foreman mix and go vs nutribullet
Subaru Liberty 5GEN (2009-2014)
rideroSydney, NSW
Transmission problems
Purchased 2010 Liberty GT Sedan Auto with 90k on the clock. The car has always been looked after and serviced on schedule. It's been a great car. But, now at 142K, the 5 speed auto transmission has failed (apparantly a well known fault with the GT). Not happy with Subaru, anyway there goes my plans to updgrade a new wrx.
Purchased in September 2021.
1 comment
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Cliff30MACQUARIE
- 3 reviews
Awesome until the Torque convertor fails!
Absolutely loved this car which is a 2010 always serviced on time and then it started to stall when coming to a quick stop. Did some research and found it is a know fault with the torque convertor. Took it to subaru and they have quoted $5000 to replace. Most of that is labour. The car is hardly worth that. So it is the end of the line for our much loved libby and she will be traded in. And not for a another subaru.!!
2 comments
SubaruSubaru Australia
Hi @Cliff30, We’re sorry to hear of your concern with your Liberty. Vehicles for the Australian market are not subject to issues that affect the US as they are built in different countries and specifi... Read more
cations. We’re also saddened to hear that you will no longer be with Subaru but wish you all the best!So are you saying the Australian spec torque converter is different to the american so should not have the same issue? should i take it back to the dealership and tell them they got it wrong and to look again ?
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Paul T.Wide Bay-Burnett, QLD
- 2 reviews
Great until the CVT fails
My 2012 Liberty has been a fantastic car, now that the torque converter/ cvt appears to have failed, any long term economy of owning a Subaru is out the window. Subaru Australia will say how sorry they are to hear it, and act like they know nothing about this being a big problem with these cars. This is a major safety issue as the car stalls when you brake.
They will also say that American cars are different from ours; the bottom line is that when Subaru of America were faced with an identical issue they extended the drivetrain warranty to c...Read more
Purchased at Subaru Dealers.
11 comments
SubaruSubaru Australia
Hi @Paul T., it’s unfortunate to hear of your experience with your Liberty. We appreciate any frustration you may feel however, it's important to keep in mind that vehicles for the Australian market a... Read more
re not automatically subject to issues that affect the US market as they are manufactured in different countries to different specifications. The age of a vehicle, kilometres travelled and number of previously registered owners of the vehicle should also be taken into account. Our Customer Relations Team is currently reviewing your case further and will be in touch with you ASAP.Thanks for being so predictable in response Brooke. My point regarding Subaru America is not about the fact that the problem is absolutely identical even though the cars are manufactured in different ... Read more
countries, my point is that Subaru America realised that there is a serious issue with the torque converter in these cars, and extended the drivetrain warranty to assist owners of the cars even out of warranty. Yet Subaru Australia chose not to issue a recall on these Liberty's and Outbacks with faulty torque converters, instead leaving owners to deal with the hazardous stalling, and expensive repairs. As you know, my car has 200,000k's on it, I am the second owner, bought it at a Subaru dealer, and it has full service history from new. I expect a Subaru to be good for many more kilometres yet, I don't mind paying for things that wear out as I go, I don't mind paying for the expensive timing belt services, but if I need to shell out for a major CVT issue that isn't wear and tear. just prior to a round of big services, then I lose interest in keeping the car long term. This CVT is an item that isn't ever scheduled for service, how can wear and tear be the problem if Subaru reckon it doesn't need a service or fluid replaced?SubaruSubaru Australia
Hi @Paul T., Thanks for your feedback. We will be sure to pass on your details to our Customer Relations Team.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Find out how Subaru Liberty 5GEN compares to other Sedans
Know better, choose better.
Yellow KnightMunster
Reliable car
My Wife said to buy any car as long it was a manual as she didn't like automatics.
The only standard family type car I could find at the time was the 2010 Liberty wagon.
A manual in other makes would have been a sports/performance, diesel or smaller car which was not an option
I would never buy the first series car of a new model but I had no choice as I needed to accommodate 3 baby seats in the rear due to baby number 3 on the way.
The liberty is my first new car and has been very reliable and cost effective to service. Being a Mechanic I ...Read more
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
smart cookieSydney, NSW
- 4 reviews
Excellent Car - Poor Dealershp Service department
The Good:-
I have owned my 2010 year Liberty GT from new.. I have been very happy with all aspects of the car, it runs perfectly well, it has excellent road grip in all weather conditions and feels safe and comfortable.
The Bad:-
Definitely no "bad" with the Liberty, the problem is with the Service Department at the main dealership,
I had a minor oil leak from a seal in the mid drive box, the mechanic said "don't worry mate that will be OK"
Then I had the clutch plates replaced at 65,000Ks, which is a straight forward job, the dealers...Read more
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
robinMetropolitan Adelaide, SA
- 28 reviews
love this car.
i brought this car used, and this is my 9 th car in 9 years. and i ll have to admit that i found my match.
its a beautiful looking car with great driving. i have the Sports Premium model and its looks great inside and out.
interior is just perfect and every switch is exactly where is should be, EXCEPT Eparking brake switch, for some reason the decided to put it on the right hand side of the steering near boot release button and i accidentally press it some times.
apart from that it has been a perfect car and haven't had a single issu...Read more
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Ashley
- 2 reviews
Perfect car, couldn't be happier!
Excellent driving experience, powerful yet quiet and fuel efficient which is ideal. Interior and exterior is comfortable, tidy and modern. Only thing I would change is having a rear window wiper for cold mornings, other than that I couldn't ask for much more. So far it has treated me very well, reliable is an understatement.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
DanielAustralia
- 8 reviews
Liberty GT is an Outstanding SLEEPER!
The Liberty GT is a dream to drive! Couldn't have asked for more!
Handling: Wonderful and predictive, throw it into a corner at 90km/h and it simply pushes through, grip is class leading with the Bridgestone Potenza RE003's as can be expected with Subaru's AWD system.
Performance: Best part about the car, 0-100km run of 4.9 seconds, 195kw and power that will thrill anyone. The power is just amazing, torque is always there and the pull from 3000rpm is just amazing! Fuel economy is around 12l/100km in the city, so for what it is and the ...Read more
power numbers efficiency is great! 6 speed manual too is a dream, why buy an automatic for such a sporty car when there's such a brilliant manual available. Interior: In short nice, soft leather and logically placed controls are easy to reach. The navigation system and infotainment could be improved, but overall very happy, it is a luxurious interior for the price point, very very well put together and comfortable as ever! The McIntosh 10 speaker stereo is brilliant lovely treble, could be louder with a bit more bass but quality speakers that outrun some brands audio systems including BMW and Lexus. One of the best. Exterior: Some may not like the exterior as it's boxy and slab, but I quite like it, ours is the Galaxy Blue Silica Metallic and it's a gem of a colour and in my opinion the best colour out of the pick. The wheels could be better, black would suit nicer, but still match the car fine. Overall extremely happy with the car, looking forward to getting many more years out of the car!Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Karen BakerCentral Coast NSW
2010 Subaru Liberty, we bought a Lemon....
I was an avid lover of the Subaru until recently. My 5yr old 2010 Subaru Liberty, it was recently serviced at a Subaru Service Center only 9 days later it blows a head gasket and now the torque converters need replacing due to the continued stalling problem that has developed so much so that it is unsafe to drive. This car has caused us nothing but problems and the Customer service we received from Subaru Australia is appalling. I question their Customer Promise and slogan 'All for the driver" I have now been without my car for over a month. I am told the NEW Subaru Liberty's have an improved torque converter as a result of the number of problems in earlier models. This does not help me.
Very disappointing.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Find out how Subaru Liberty 5GEN compares to other Sedans
Know better, choose better.
q812475Greater Melbourne (Outer), VIC
- 17 reviews
Subaru Liberty GT Premium
I have Subaru Liberty GT Premium 2010 Satnav MY11. Bought it brand new. One word to describe it: UNREAL. Very happy with it. If you want High Performance car that can double as a family wagon, than you just found the right car. Dependable 2.5 L Boxer engine with TURBO means insane amount of power and quick response to throttle. Safety rivals that of Volvo - 5 star rating on safety. Has all thinkable and unthinkable controls to keep all 4 wheels on a ground at all times. I never lost control of it, even at speeds over 240 km/h it handles OK. It ...Read more
has great street appeal, good manoeuvrability, good usability. It is not too big, not too small - just right. I was surprised how inexpensive maintenance was at Subaru - roughly the same as Ford Falcon I had before. Although I am mechanic myself I do service at Subaru first 3 years (Novated lease). Nothing ever got broken. Just drives. I found Air-conditioning is not very effective, just OK. It is because of the locations of outlets - they been shifted aside off center console - sacrifice made to position beautiful large colour Satnav screen. This is my 8th car and it is the best car I have ever had. Everybody is jealous of it - that is for sure. It was described often as an expensive, luxurious oversized WRX for adult kids. Lots of power and quick response to throttle 1. Air-conditioning is not very effective, just OK. 2. Expensive to fill up use RON 98 petrolSimilar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
mikemini1977Sydney, NSW
- 6 reviews
Great quality built, stylish wagon. MY06 2.5l. Automatic
As a mechanic I'm picky with what I buy but you can't go past the reliability and all round performance. Stylish for a wagon. With the back seats down you can fit half a house in it. I bought a 11/05 but MY06 premium pack in pearl white with black leather seats (easy wipe clean when you have kids) in February 2010 from the original owner who paid $45,000 for the premium pack new and I paid $21,750 for it 4 years later. It had 72,000kms on it at the time and now has 135,000kms on it and it has taken the family on holidays up and down Australia o...Read more
n roads you wouldn't think possible without a proper 4WD and apart from servicing it I.e oil changes and timing belt kit (obviously myself being a mechanic) I can say that next to nothing goes wrong with these. I have lots of customers with these and other subaru's and apart from regular servicing I don't have to do much. Due to the extra ground clearance over the liberty you will be surprised what sort of shoddy pot holed country roads they will make it down and I regularly get 7.2l per 100kms on the highway and 9.5-10l per 100km around town. Simple engines to work on but the 4 speed auto box isn't the smoothest (they never were) and the 5 speed auto box in the 6cyl is better. As a mechanic I get to see/drive and fix every make and it may sound biased but I chose a subaru outback for my wife for a reason. Smooth drive, quality build, safe 5 star NCAP rating, good looks (not like the current model), great leather seats although the plastics do scratch easily, great economy and the 2.5l 4 cyl engines are pretty bullet proof as long as you change the oil regularly with a quality 10w30 or 15w40 grade. Buy a low km 03-08 model and you won't be disappointed and take that from an honest mechanic who owns one. Stylish, comfortable, reliable, luxury, economical Interior plastics scratch easily, 4 speed auto box isn't the smoothest but is reliable3 comments
You would't be a mechanic by any chance would you Mike? I mean, you only told us 3 times in one paragraph.
Correction: make that 4 times in one review you tell us you are a mechanic.
you must have nothing better to do with your time if you actually counted and feel like commenting on how many times I mentioned mechanic. I hope the factual review helped you Nicho58.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
able 01Sydney
- 2 reviews
Excellent Performer
2011 GT Wagon since new. Handling and performance is perfect, especially around corners. I can't fault the car. The interior has all the creature comforts you could wish for. My only complaint is the turbo lag or lack of throttle response around 1200rpm. It's a bit annoying when you're in traffic. I added a body kit and sports grill, tow bar and tinted windows. The new appearance is a head turner.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
CameronGosford
2010 Subaru Liberty Sport - Excellent
My 2010 Liberty is a sporty and classy middle sized sedan that offers excellent comfort, reliability and most importantly performance. With constant All-Wheel Drive in place which handles all conditions, and many other safety features, it is rated at a 5/5 Safety rating. This car offers vast leg room, many useful features and variability. The Sat-Nav and Blue Tooth operations work well, and the sound operating system out performs many competitors. The xenon headlights provide excellent eyesight for the driver, and the dual climate control work...Read more
s a treat. It could go on further, but in essence this car is sporty and sleek in design, and stands out of from the crowd for all the right reasons. I would highly recommend this car type and its manufacturer for future consideration in the purchase of a new car. Performance, reliability, comfort, design and brand. Despite the good looking metallic paint, blemishes are easy to make and cleanliness is hard to maintain.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
BrianjamesMelbourne
- 2 reviews
Performance & safety
I have a 2010 GT Premium Liberty, owned from new and have now done 107,000 kilometers .
Regularly serviced, the only issue a front left shocker replaced under warranty, probably due to rural roads after the floods!
The original set of Potenza tyres did 97000 kilometers so even at $500 a tyre I stuck with the Potenzas
Fuel consumption on hwy runs about 8.9 l/ 100kls, put the foot down and it flies in sport# good for 200 kph, if it was legal to do that of course!
Looks, not the prettiest and very Toyotaiss, but with STI grill looks better
Power, handling safety grip in wet build quality
Looks could obe better, see what they did with the BRZ!
Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Richard ABrisbane
Quality and practical for good price
I research products to death before purchasing, I was looking at Audi A4, VW Golf, Mazda 6 and the Subaru Liberty wagon Heritage.
The Subaru became my choice as it was practical (space for camping gear) and my family.
It is rock solid on the road with excellent grip, the all wheel drive Audi was $90k!
The quality is second to none for a reasonable price, plus Subaru hold good resale value.
After 4 years owning the car, I only have one criticism that the drivers seat is bit firm, the car is perfect
Fuel economy City driving I get 9.2L/100 and the best run was 6L/100 being very gentle on the throttle.
Handling, space, quality, reliability and price
A firm drivers seat
2 comments
the engine is a gamble if it is a 2.5 litre. They can blow head gaskets without warning around 180000 k.
As a mechanic who services all makes and models and has a lot of customers with 2.5 liberty/outbacks and owns a 11/05 2.5 outback himself finds the thing about these motors blowing head gaskets fairly... Read more
regularly a bit of a myth. I've had one customer blow a head gasket on her 2001 2.5 outback which had 265,000kms on it and having mates with workshops they rarely find this as well. Look after it properly and you have to be unlucky to blow one.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Find out how Subaru Liberty 5GEN compares to other Sedans
Know better, choose better.
StevenJ29CANBERRA
Wont buy subaru again
Bought a 2011 year subaru liberty wagon, start hearing cracking noise from front and rear, squeaky noise from windows, dealer fixed windows issues after I reported, but never be able to fix cracking noise completely, I can still hear it from rear of the car. Guess what, the front cracking noise is because the weldered joint was broken. what a joke. hope the car won't fall apart when I drive, 1 years passed, contact Subaru Australia, no answer yet. its not your baby, do you care?
Comfortable to drive
Defect parts or weldered joints used inside the car, cracking noise not completely fixed after a year
1 comment
1 year and 8 months passed, no resolution, after 4 fixes(2 majors, 2 minors), still not fixed, Subaru Australia refused my same-value replacement and warn me, local dealer might charge me for noise d... Read more
iagnose. They never admit issue with the car even after 4 fixes, nor they admit I demonstrate the noise to them LOL. If nothing wrong with car, all happy; If any issue happened, you will know what kind of people you are dealing with.Similar opinion? Write a review on ieatwords.com.au!
Questions & Answers
Gareth T.asked
I've a 2013 Liberty GT Prem Wagon. There is an issue whereby the gear selection at between 1200rpm and 1800rpm shudders. Is this related to the torque converter or a separate issue altogether.?
No answers
Anna Rasked
Looking at buying a 2011 liberty for my son. I’m a bit worried about the torque and CVT issue, especially since we have just gotten rid of a dodgy VW Golf. Are there known issues with this model car and should we stay away?
1 answer
Hi, Gen 5 2011 Liberty does have a cvt issue, the torque converter fails causing the car to stall when you come to a halt, like a manual when you stop without the clutch in. It is not something you can see coming, mine happened suddenly. I have just received the quote for $4550 to fix - I am 2nd owner of the car and every service has been by Subaru since new. I love Subies and mine is great to drive and otherwise excellent, but this repair bill is ridiculous. I used to laugh about VW reliability but now the joke is on me.
Tomasked
What engine series is in the 2014 gt premium?
Other Sedans
Toyota Camry
4.2(368)Lexus IS
4.4(55)Honda Accord
4.3(63)Volkswagen Passat
4.1(78)Chrysler 300
3.8(55)Lexus GS
4.8(17)Hyundai Sonata
4.1(25)Kia Optima
4.0(27)BMW M3
4.7(15)Subaru WRX
3.8(26)Honda City GM
4.0(21)Volvo S60
3.9(14)Other Sedans
Toyota Camry
4.2(368)Lexus IS
4.4(55)Honda Accord
4.3(63)Volkswagen Passat
4.1(78)Chrysler 300
3.8(55)
Listing monitored by Subaru Australia representatives.
ieatwords.com.au has affiliate partnerships. These do not influence our content moderation policies in any way, though ieatwords.com.au may earn commissions for products/services purchased via affiliate links.
SubaruSubaru Australia
Hi @ridero, We’re sorry to hear of your experience with your Liberty. We completely understand your frustration with the repairs. It’s best to ensure that your vehicle is inspected by one of our Subar... Read more
u service centres. Our Customer Relations Team is also available if you would like to discuss this further on 1800 22 66 43 or [email protected]. The Subaru Team.