Strange noise when releasing clutch on 2011

[ElVerde]

Hey folks, I'm new to subaru with my new 2011 WRX, so forgive me if this is a common problem or something that has been addressed elsewhere before.

When my 2011 WRX has been sitting (i.e. 9 hours in the parking lot at work, or overnight in front of my house) I am encountering a problem I've never experienced before.

I start the car, put it in first, and start to pull away. As I'm rolling and just as I fully release the clutch in 1st, the car makes a sound that could maybe be best described as a light "bang"...almost a sound like someone was lightly hitting a thick steel beam with a hammer, kind of like a driveline shock but without any nasty vibration or anything.

This occurs about 75% of the time after the car has sat for a few hours regardless of how gently I let out the clutch or use the accelerator...it never occurs during normal driving...has anyone else experienced something like this or has an idea of what it can be?

I was thinking maybe it could be the hill start assist disengaging...but I haven't heard the same sound when starting on a hill in traffic during normal driving, or any other time during normal driving...

any opinions or suggestions are appreciated.

[Trunkmonkey56]

There is a clunk noise when u start the car after long periods of time. I read it's the car checking the abs or something. I've heard it on mine, but don't remember if it happens before or after its put in gear.

[ElVerde]

There is a clunk noise when u start the car after long periods of time. I read it's the car checking the abs or something. I've heard it on mine, but don't remember if it happens before or after its put in gear.

"clunk" is definitely a good way to describe the noise...but in my instance it is occuring when the car is rolling only, so only after the car is in gear and the brakes have been disengaged.

I suppose that could be the abs though...that's a good idea I hadn't thought of.

[Trunkmonkey56]

Pretty sure that's what it is. U could always check with ur dealer. Everytime I start the car cold, the music is on so it's hard to hear. Also I reverse slow out of my spot, so it may happen before I really roll

[ElVerde]

I think I will follow-up with my dealer, but I do think you're right. That makes a lot of sense.

I back into my spot at work so I'm always leaving right away in first.

[jd92677]

Hey folks, I'm new to subaru with my new 2011 WRX, so forgive me if this is a common problem or something that has been addressed elsewhere before.

When my 2011 WRX has been sitting (i.e. 9 hours in the parking lot at work, or overnight in front of my house) I am encountering a problem I've never experienced before.

I start the car, put it in first, and start to pull away. As I'm rolling and just as I fully release the clutch in 1st, the car makes a sound that could maybe be best described as a light "bang"...almost a sound like someone was lightly hitting a thick steel beam with a hammer, kind of like a driveline shock but without any nasty vibration or anything.

This occurs about 75% of the time after the car has sat for a few hours regardless of how gently I let out the clutch or use the accelerator...it never occurs during normal driving...has anyone else experienced something like this or has an idea of what it can be?

I was thinking maybe it could be the hill start assist disengaging...but I haven't heard the same sound when starting on a hill in traffic during normal driving, or any other time during normal driving...

any opinions or suggestions are appreciated.

You are correct, it is the hill assist dis-engeging. Mine does it every morning and every evening when I leave for work. the brake engeges, then it sits engaged for hours, it'll unlock suddenly and that's the clunk noise you hear.

[ElVerde]

You are correct, it is the hill assist dis-engeging. Mine does it every morning and every evening when I leave for work. the brake engeges, then it sits engaged for hours, it'll unlock suddenly and that's the clunk noise you hear.

I think I commented on your thread when you got your 2011 DGM hatch...good looking car You got yours a few weeks before me. Any surprises when you de-badged it? I've been meaning to do mine for a while and just haven't gotten around to it.

Glad to hear another 2011 owner who has noticed the same thing! I knew I wasn't doing anything wrong...but that sound is a little frightening to hear on a brand new car.

I'm relieved