How problematic is the AWD Viscious Coupling?

[tsubaru]

I currently have a 1999 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport with 200,000 miles on it, and am thinking about a newer car. I don't trust the 1999-2003 2.5 liter Subaru engines (before my OBS I had a '01 Legacy Outback; the head gaskets went on it.$$$) AWD is a must.I am wondering really how prevelent the Vicious Coupling problem on the AWD models really is. Has there been a recall? A letter from the company in the past? I am really favoring a 2003-2004 Vibe AWD as my next car, and would like some realistic advice. How would I check one out when test driving one? Do you Vibe AWD owners trust them enough to recommend one to a many-year Subaru owner?My questions come out of the other posts here under "all wheel drive". People report their vicious coupling breaking and being really expensive to fix.

[northvibe]

I dont think its a issue at all. There was maybe 1 awd issue I remember reading about a while back. But the awd system in the 1zz vibe is very solid. awd vibes from that range is soooo hard to find up here! I couldnt find one in MN that was in a reasonable price range.I test drove a 2010 forester a couple months ago...I did not like its awd system. I think you will like the vibe it will just not be as fast as your subie's

[zionzr2]

I bought mine new in may '04 and now have 62K miles and zero problems with the awd system.

[mspalmer]

I have an '05 AWD with 65,000 miles on it and have had no problem. However, I changed the fluids in the rear transfer case and rear differential at 45,000 miles so that could only have helped. So far, I've only had 1 warranty repair (oxygen sensor) in the 5 years.

[keithvibe]

No issues at all with mine