Subaru CVT Reliability: Worth Your While?

Feb 23, 2021

Closeup of Subaru logo on model

In the market for an all-wheel-drive car, truck, or SUV? Subaru has equipped their AWD vehicles with a CVT transmission. As a driver, it’s key to understand how a CVT transmission may be different than the transmission in your current vehicle so you can decide whether switching to a CVT is the right move for you.

How reliable is the Subaru CVT transmission?

The 2020 Subaru CVT lineup offers mediocre reliability ratings according to experts and owners. We’ve compiled information from both drivers and automotive industry experts to help you decide whether a Subaru CVT transmission makes sense for your needs.

We’ve compiled data from both our Vehicle History database and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, as well as recall information and insider tips from Subaru drivers to help you decide whether a Subaru with a CVT transmission is the right choice for your next vehicle.

The CVT Transmission: What You Need to Know

While a continuously variable transmission, or CVT, is a new idea to many drivers, it’s actually been around since 1879, when the mechanism was first used in a sawmilling engine. A CVT was first used in a car in 1896 and has moved in and out of popularity over time.

The CVT offers a compact design, a smooth ride with stepless acceleration, maximum torque provided by an immediate engine rev, and a cheaper price point than other types of transmissions.

Ford, Fiat, Nissan, and Subaru have all heavily used CVT transmissions in their vehicles. This type of transmission has undergone many improvements over time and is now used by many car manufacturers in budget vehicles with automatic transmissions.

What Drivers Have to Say about the CVT Transmission

Subaru has recognized some problems with its CVT transmission vehicles. In many cases, the company has offered an extended warranty to drivers, providing them with further protection in the event that their transmission fails.

Some drivers cite issues with acceleration and engine idling, as well as the feeling that the car drops into neutral randomly.

Other drivers report that their Subaru CVT transmission has caused issues as soon as 2,500 miles. A common complaint is a jerking as the transmission shifts. This can be so severe that items fall off the dashboard of the car. Lurching and bucking have also been reported once the vehicle hits high speeds.

The CVT transmission can have some advantages (such as a smooth ride and efficiency), but it’s not the most reliable transmission option.

Before You Purchase a Subaru CVT, Get a Vehicle History Report

You’re putting in the necessary research before buying a car. Now, take it a step further. Get a report from Vehicle History. You’ll get all the information that you need to decide whether a CVT is the right next car for you.

Owner Reviews

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Raul R. on December 28, 2023

Ascent 2020 Performance and experience

I have owned different Japanese cars such Honda and Toyota. I have dreamt of having a Subaru and finally got one. However, my experience is not one of those of a Cinderella ending. Right from the beginning I had issues. All started with the front engine hood loose and after several attempts to get it fixed; Subaru attempted to fix it with a body shop with intention to see if I had the car in an accident. They could not fix it and could not figure out the misalignment of the entire body. Subaru kind got it to where it does vibrate as much and after that also I gave up. Within the first year I also reported issues with the transmission with heavy shaking while driving at slow and high speed. The dealer keeps attempting to fix it by replacing parts and reprogramming. Back in June ‘23 I was told the entire transmission but they said it was not necessary to do so that it was a CVT component. The vehicle continues to have issues and today I find myself with a decision of just getting a different brand vehicle as I have been told that the transmission needs parts again to be replace but this time I have to pay nearly $5,000. So, would I recommend Subaru to others? I would be hesitant and cautiously advice to think about it and ask others owners with a better experience.

Paul S. on October 29, 2023

40 years a Subaru owner and with my 2nd Outback with a CVT.

I've owned and driven multiple Subaru and other vehicles everything from manual to automatic and now have my 2nd Outback with a CVT. The 1st was a 2017 Outback with 3.6 engine which I would say is one of the smoothest driving a operating transmissions. I traded for a 2020 Outback Touring XT after my 2017 was rear ended at a stop light. The only thing I've noticed with the 2020 is if I have the adaptive cruise control set at low speeds (ex: 25) on a perfectly flat level road some very slight feeling of the car going slightly faster than the transmission and I feel very slight jerk motion. Nothing alarming other than nothing out of the ordernary. I'm pleased enough to order a 2024 Ascent which of course has the same drive train. By the way I've driven almost my vehicles including the 2 with CVT in varying weather conditions dry, windy, heavy rains, freezing rain, freezing fog, and snow the CVTs performed extremely well in all conditions.

Amanda T

Amanda T. is a freelance writer, mom, and health nut who refuses to drive anything other than a Nissan. She has six years of automotive writing experience, and loves providing drivers with well-researched information to help them make informed decisions.