Subaru CVT Transmission Problems You Might Experience

Mar 5, 2021

Subaru Models

Subaru is a fantastic automaker that has created cars that have won the world over. That being said, their CVT transmission, or continuous variable transmission, has had some issues over the years. Learning about those issues can help you decide if you want to purchase a Subaru or not.

What are some common problems with the Subaru CVT transmission?

Subaru Forester: Severe lurching and very hard shifting that caused jerking hard enough to knock things off of the dash
Subaru Crosstrek: Erratic shifting and occasional slipping of gears that causes grinding noises and occasional hesitation
Subaru Outback: Total transmission failure, groaning of gears, power loss, improperly lubricated gears

A Bit about Subaru

While Subaru has had CVT technology since 1989, it was not commonplace in their cars until much later. In the early 2000s, the company began to offer the CVT as an option before eventually switching to the inclusion of a CVT in most, if not all, vehicles. The CVT is not relatively standard, and if you want a different option, say a manual transmission, you have to pay more and have that transmission put into the vehicle. While CVTs are not the common option with other car makers, they are very popular with the Subaru family of vehicles.

What Is a Continuously Variable Transmission?

Taking the time to learn about the transmission that has had so much trouble for Subaru helps us learn just what the transmission is and why it might not work properly. A continuously variable transmission is one that is continually seeking the best gear for the type of driving that you are doing. Unlike a typical automatic transmission, a CVT shifts smoother and reduces the overall gear ratio. This means that instead of a very pronounced shift from first to second gear and on, the shift is meant to be so smooth that you do not even notice it.

A CVT is meant to be more fuel efficient, it is meant to be better for your car in terms of wear and tear, and it also has off-road or all-wheel drive capabilities. It is the all-wheel drive capabilities that make it such a popular option with Subaru as a transmission option. This sounds like a lot for a transmission to do, and this might be why some CVTs have trouble in Subaru vehicles.

Subaru Forester CVT Issues

The most common complaint with the Forester was that the transmission jerked and shifted hard enough to knock things off of the dash. These drivers reported issues with the CVT in both the 2014 and 2015 models and even the 2017 model. Drivers stated that the transmission would shudder, jerk and lurch, which caused them to feel unsafe while driving as they feared that the car might lurch forward into another vehicle. The Subaru Forester is a smaller wagon-style SUV that is affected with a few transmission problems, but that is an overall reliable option within the Subaru family.

Subaru Crosstrek CVT Issues

The Crosstrek is a small crossover vehicle that has not had a ton of transmission issues even with the CVT transmission. The main complaint with this model is that the transmission occasionally slips or that the gears will grind or make strange noises. The transmission will occasionally slip gears, but this does not seem to be a big enough problem to have warranted any sort of recalls. The Subaru Crosstrek is still relatively new, with the model having been in production for less than 10 years. There are sure to be continued improvements with this car and with the transmission options that are in it.

Subaru Outback CVT Issues

This is possibly the worst model for CVT issues within the Subaru family. This model reported total transmission failure, a fix that costs as least $4,000 and puts the car totally out of commission for several days. This model also has issues with groaning or grinding gears, power loss, and the potential for a crash if the transmission slips while driving. Some drivers also reported that the transmission hesitated, that the vehicle shuddered, and that there was rough transitioning through the gears, which made for an unsafe and scary drive. The years most affected by the CVT issues was the 2010, 2011 and 2014 models. This is one of the worst years for transmission issues within the Subaru family overall.

What to Consider Before Buying a Subaru

While the CVT has had some major issues, Subaru continues to prefer this model of transmission in most of their vehicles. Taking the time to learn about possible issues that you might deal with if you do purchase a Subaru can help you determine which vehicle is going to be right for you. Vehicle History is a wonderful resource that can help you find out more about your vehicle or the vehicle you intend to purchase so that you can make the most informed decision possible.

Owner Reviews

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TAS on September 19, 2023

Faulty transmission

L purchased my 2019 Subaru Crosstrek brand new, last year the car began to shudder and there was a slight burning scent. I took my car in to have the symptoms checked was told by first dealership I would need to return during service hours for more complex issues being reassured it was safe to drive. Was able to get my car into another dealership, who informed me the transmission was bad and would need to be replaced, costing me upwards of $3,000. Now here we are a little over a year later and the symptoms are back which lead to my returning to the dealership. I paid over $900 for services was told transmission was fine and the symptoms are still there with additional sounds, a slight grinding and pinging. (Brakes were replaced during this last visit, fluids flushed and replaced). The worst part was after all of this my driver side window buttons are barely intact, they were not like this before service. Took the car back immediately and was told the entire switch would need to be replaced. Side note there is a YouTuber from Australia who speaks to the transmission issues of this particular vehicle, appears to be global issue. I wish I would have listened to my stepfather who was a Toyota engineer and purchased a Toyota.

Busker on March 19, 2023

2022 Outback CVT Issues

I bought a beautiful new 2022 Outback Touring and began having CVT issues within 350 miles during the break-in. With gentle, continued use, there was a jolting bump anytime I backed off slightly on the gas pedal, accompanied by a loud thunk sound. The dealer tried to blame it on bad fuel (I was using good fuel) and the car "learning my driving style," while the Subaru Corp. Rep pretended not to know about CVT issues, recalls or lawsuits until I emailed them their own service bulletins and other data. At just 1,200 miles, the jolting became downright intolerable and Subaru kept playing games, so I sold the car for a loss to a wholesaler that was willing to take it on.

Joe P on July 18, 2022

2016 Crosstrek transmission

It’s been a great car to drive but has had way more issues then I would’ve expected from buying a brand new vehicle. A/C condenser replacement, 2 wheel bearings, arm bushings all at under 84,000 miles, timing chain cover leak ($2k estimated repair) @114,000 miles, internal components of transmission failing resulting in need for new transmission ($8,150 est repair), front axle failure ($875 to repair) @ 119,900 miles. Spent $4,800 on scheduled maintenance to hopefully ensure a long life that Subaru claims it has such a great reputation for. Time to junk it & buy another brand.

Gee B Helms on May 12, 2023

2016 Subaru Crosstrek

At 87,500 miles, the transmission began to fail but wasn’t showing codes. Subaru paid for new one under extended warranty they offered after purchase. Drove another 40,000 and had another failure. This time Subaru only offered 1/2 of the replacement price ($9500) so I paid $4000. Now, 12,000 miles later I have another failed transmission but this time it’s under warranty. I have 143,000 on the vehicle and looking at my 4th transmission. Something is wrong here

VSurfn on December 19, 2021

Crossturd

2014 Croosturd, rear wheel bearing failures, front axel failure, AC compressor and condenser. Various engine pullies. Boxer engine burns 1 qt oil every 5000 miles. CVT transmission is designed not to cost (engine breaking) drive the car to 40 mph and just let off the accelerator, the car starts bucking and surging (started at 12K miles, Subaru says "WAD" working as designed) no good in traffic. I sold the turd at 80K miles never buying another Subaru or CVT again.

Jaye G on October 21, 2022

2015 Outback

Second Subaru Outback with transmission issues. My 2011 went thru two O2 sensors before coding for a new transmission at 166k. Traded that one for the current 2015. I have 161k and am starting to feel the slipping. I’m done with Subaru and CVT transmissions! I am not a person who likes wasting money on cars. My 2001 Honda Accord gave me 359k miles with no major issues.

Meekmore on April 16, 2021

Crosstrek Transmission

It's funny they say that about the Crosstrek because I bought mine 2016 Crosstrek XT brand new, have only had it for 5 years and the transmission needs to be replaced already. Although I I have racked up over 110k miles from bein an Uber driver, I had my 2009 Forester for 7 years with over 120k miles and didn't have any major issues.

Diane Carlson on February 11, 2022

Subaru Forrester

Own a 2016 Forrester. Now need a valve body for CVT transmission. $1700. Found out that Subaru extended their warranty for CVT problems rather than issue a recall. I’m out of this extended warranty. No afterparts allowed thus must pay dealer prices. New transmissions are $7000. Never ever buying a Subaru again. Unethical company!

MP on March 19, 2021

2017 Crosstrek transmission is failing

At 58,000 miles the rear wheel bearings failed and now at just over 60,000 the CVT transmission has a part failing. In other forums I read about the wheel bearing issue but I'm not seeing other people with CVT issues for this model year. It started with a clicking that increased and decreased with acceleration.

Elijah on April 22, 2021

Wintering in your 2014 Subaru Outback

I don't like the continuous transmission in it. It has stood up to everything I have tested it against and I live in Northern Pennsylvania so it has seen some tough winters during which it has performed amazingly. This is in part to the AWD feature that kicks in whenever it feels a tire start to slip.

Kris G on July 6, 2021

I really love the size and shape of the 2014 forester

I am disappointed with the number of problems I have had at only 50,000 miles, including needing a whole new transmission. I always thought that Subaru was such a reliable car, but that has not been my experience so far.

Steven Black on July 4, 2023

Sblack33741

I have a 2017 Legacy with 115k miles and my transmission just crapped out with chain slippage. I have serviced it regularly and this SHOULD NOT happen at 115k. I will not buy a Subaru again and I will return to Toyota.

Donna B on July 12, 2021

Afraid my 2014 Forester will leave me stranded.

I now have almost 34,000 miles on it and they tell me I have a transmission leak . I am now venturing into the process Subaru has established with its "extended CVT warranty". I don't trust Subaru anymore.

Gee on October 10, 2023

2016Crosstrek

Not only did I replace transmission 4 times, I also replaced front right wheel axle twice, driveshaft and right rear wheel bearing. This car now has 150,000 miles on it. Subaru refuses all accountability

Michael M on May 18, 2021

The 2016 Subaru Outback has basically no blind spots!

The majority of problems are ones from the manufacturer that Subaru owns up to and replace for free, the only real problem I have is my transmission but I have put about 200,000+ miles on it.

Andy D on June 29, 2021

2017 Crosstrek - Transmission failure with 20k miles.

Transmission went with less than 20k miles. It does not drive the same way it used to after they put a refurbished transmission in it. The CVT is not as smooth as other manufacturers.

Jaqueline H on May 11, 2021

2015 Forester second transmission and still not working great

I always wanted a Subaru forester and I love it very much, though I seem to be having some bad luck. It is on its second transmission and still has a hard time accelerating.

Katherine T on September 24, 2021

Extremely reliable and safe 2014 Outback

The one thing I would complain about is that maintenance is expensive because it takes top tier fluids and oils. A transmission fluid exchange is $500, which was unexpected.

Lee Y on September 18, 2021

A 2017 Subaru Crosstrek is a fantastic vehicle.

The only issue we have is with the CVT transmission. It would be great if Subaru would make an automatic without a CVT transmission. Other than that it works perfectly.

John Levis on April 18, 2021

Failed transmission 2014 Outback

131k miles and transmission failed. $11,000 in repairs per the dealer. Obviously very disappointed, my second Subaru. First one, 2006 Outback, blew the engine at 150k.

Doc on May 20, 2021

Crosstrek TRanny

I have a 2013 crosstrek and the transmission started slipping at the 90k mark. Subaru did a warranty repairby replacing a valve. 10k miles later it is slipping again.

CJ P on September 28, 2021

Reliable and quirky 2014 Forester

The transmission is a little inconsistent. There is a lot of little variances in acceleration if you sit around the 2k rpm mark. But it has never broken down.

Dave B on March 10, 2021

2016 Subaru Outback is sluggish

The CVT transmission coupled with the 175 hp four-cylinder is relatively adequate when you’re up and moving. However off the line it is slow and sluggish.

Garrick H on June 13, 2021

The 2015 Outback handles well in the rain

The car is fun to drive. It's gets good gas mileage. The engine noise is a little loud. I recently had to have the transmission changed.

Amy C on April 23, 2021

2015 Outback Owner Loves Her Vehicle!

Very Comfortable, sturdy and well made car. Make sure you service your transmission every other oil change or shifting gears is slow.

Amy G on July 10, 2021

The 2014 Forester is super dependable.

I did have 1 transmission issue but the dealership got me taken care of with super friendly and professional service.

Shirley G on June 18, 2021

The 2015 Forester jerks when it goes from one gear to the other.

I dislike the way the transmission jerks particularly when i first start the car from a standing still position.

Kelley L on March 8, 2021

2015 Outback is a good basic vehicle that will suit your mom needs.

Only problem is it is a bit slow on the get up and go on the transmission. All in all a great car though.

Megan G on March 12, 2021

I love my 2017 Subaru Outback!

My only complaint are that the variable transmission takes some of the fun out of driving.

Chris M on May 1, 2021

2014 Subaru forester- my personal review!

I had transmission issues. They are very expensive to repair.

Andy B on March 23, 2021

I love the awd and space inside the 2016 Outback.

I do not like the new transmissions Subaru is using now.

Tre C on June 20, 2021

2016 Outback - good-small family SUV.

Had an issue with the transmission shifter.

brian on May 7, 2023

2010 outback... Over 200K and still kicking it.

CVT still does wonders!

Subbyguy on June 7, 2023

Good car

I like my car

Lauren K