My 2012 Outback has the C0045 code and under 100,000 miles. Is the repair covered by Subaru?

Possibly. The most common cause for C0045 is an internal transmission fault. Subaru issued a CVT Warranty Extension (TSB 16-107-17R) to 10 years or 100,000 miles for these vehicles. If the diagnosis confirms a covered component like the valve body is at fault, the repair may be covered. You must have a Subaru dealer check your VIN for eligibility.

The dealer wants to replace the entire CVT valve body for over $800. Is there a cheaper fix for C0045?

Yes. While the official Subaru repair is to replace the entire valve body assembly, the actual failure is often a single solenoid. Aftermarket solenoids are available for as little as $50, allowing for a much more affordable repair if you or an independent shop can perform the work.

Why are my ABS, VDC, AT OIL TEMP, and BRAKE lights all on at once with code C0045?

This is a common symptom known as the 'Christmas Tree' effect. On this Outback, the C0045 code in the ABS/VDC module is usually a 'sympathy code' triggered by a fault in another system, most often the transmission. The primary fault causes a cascade of warnings across multiple modules.

I got code C0045 right after my battery died. Could a bad battery be the cause?

Absolutely. These Subarus are very sensitive to low voltage. A weak or failing battery can cause communication errors between control modules, triggering C0045 and often C0042 (Power Supply to VDC) simultaneously. Replacing the battery frequently resolves these codes.

What other trouble codes should I look for when diagnosing C0045?

It is critical to check the Transmission Control Module (TCM) for codes first. Look specifically for codes like P0971, P2764, or P2763, as these point to the common transmission solenoid failure. If no TCM codes are present, check for C0042, which points towards a battery issue.

Does the CVT warranty extension (TSB 16-107-17R) that causes this issue apply to other Subarus?

Yes. The TSB and the underlying CVT issue also apply to the 2010-2015 Legacy, 2014-2015 Forester, and 2013-2015 Crosstrek, as they share the same TR580 or TR690 CVT.

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C0045 on 2010-2014 Subaru Outback: Understanding the 'TCM Malfunction' Code

On a 2010-2014 Outback, C0045 is a 'sympathy code' that almost always points to a problem in the transmission, not the ABS system. The ABS module is simply reporting that it's receiving invalid data from the Transmission Control Module (TCM). Before replacing any parts, check for transmission codes (like P0971 or P2764). The fix is often a specific transmission solenoid or the entire valve body, a repair which may be covered by Subaru's 10-year/100,000-mile CVT warranty extension.

20 minutes to read 2010-2014 Subaru Outback

Most Likely Cause

Faulty Transmission Component (e.g., Solenoid, Valve Body)

Difficulty

2/5

Est. Time

2.5 hrs

DIY Doable?

🔧 Shop

Shop Labor

$300 – $1500

Parts Price

$150 – $800

⚠️ Drivable, but... — Yes, but with extreme caution. Your Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) will be disabled, increasing stopping distances and reducing stability in emergency maneuvers or slippery conditions. The vehicle may also exhibit transmission-related symptoms like hard shifting.

Key Takeaways