Subaru Forester CVT Transmission Problems: Explained

Cathleen V
Jan 22, 2021

If you’re thinking of buying a Subaru Forester, it’s likely due to its strong reliability ratings. In most cases, you’ll get many years of dependable service out of a Forester. However, it can have some issues arise, especially with its CVT transmission.

What problems has the Subaru Forester had with its CVT transmission? 

  • Valve body solenoid locks up 
  • The transmission suddenly shifts out of gear 
  • Sudden unexpected acceleration 
  • Reverse gear does not engage 
  • Brake light switch issue causes loss of power 

Green 2020 Subaru Forester From Passenger Side

In this piece, we’ll look over all of these CVT transmission issues and many more. You can use this data to make an intelligent decision when shopping for your next vehicle.

What You Need to Know about the Subaru Forester CVT Transmission

With the introduction of the fourth generation of the Subaru Forester, the vehicle came equipped with Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT transmission, a continuous variable transmission (CVT).

Lineartronic CVT transmissions use two graduated pulleys with a pair of cone-faced plates on each one. When the plates shift away from each other, it changes the diameter of each gear. As well as the overall gear ratio.

This setup allows the transmission to operate at the same rotations per minute from the engine while changing the gear ratio to speed up or slow down the vehicle.

This type of transmission tends to be more efficient by avoiding the accelerate-shift pattern in many traditional transmission systems. Still, it has not been without its issues during development and real-world usage, including its usage in Subaru Foresters from the 2014 model year onward.

Common Subaru Forester CVT Transmission Problems

CVT Transmission Valve Body Solenoid Locked Up

Subaru offers coverage up to 100,000 miles for their CVT transmissions, a common cutoff for many manufacturers. However, when the customer’s valve body solenoid failed and locked up, the transmission, which Subaru claimed never needed service, had dark, thick, dirty transmission fluid inside. The transmission had to be replaced in this case.

Transmission Failure Causes Car to not Turn off

Car Transmission Closeup

Though you’d expect a vehicle to turn off when the key or power button is exercised, in this case, a faulty transmission kept the car from shutting off. The owner had to pull the battery to stop the car from running, even though the transmission was not engaged. A local mechanic said it was an issue with the transmission failing and that it needed to be replaced.

Transmission Suddenly Shifts out of Gear

In both instances of this problem, the driver was going at about 75 mph with cruise control on when the transmission suddenly shifted out of gear. This caused the engine rpms to spike and the vehicle to rapidly decelerate as if it had been unexpectedly put in Neutral.

In one instance, this problem nearly caused an accident as a tailgater did not expect the sudden change of speed.

Sudden Unexpected Acceleration

In several instances, the Subaru Forester’s CVT transmission seems to accelerate, either continuously or in phases, causing problems with controlling the vehicle.

In one instance, it caused the driver to crash through a car wash garage door. In some instances, the vehicle will shudder, going between near-stalling and high-acceleration states, making it difficult to expect how quickly it will take off.

Reverse Gear Doesn’t Engage

On several occasions, when put into reverse, the Forester doesn’t actually engage the reverse gear. This can cause serious problems when trying to back into a parking space on busy streets, including accidents.

When reported, it happens both on flat ground as well as on slight downhill grades, but even with several trips to dealerships, finding the cause of the problem remains difficult.

Failure of Brake Switch Causes Power Loss

In at least a couple of instances, a faulty brake switch causes the Subaru Forester’s transmission to go out of gear, causing a sudden loss of power and in some cases, rapid deceleration.

In some situations, the loss of power was complete, similar to shifting into neutral, while in other situations, it limits the vehicle’s power, putting it into a “limp mode” whereby it can be driven at slow speeds to reach safety.

Vehicle Shudder, Left Veer Linked to Faulty Transmission

You’d expect a shudder in your vehicle that causes it to veer left to be linked to either the suspension or engine, but in this instance, it was the transmission at fault.

At normal highway speeds, the vehicle began to shudder and veer to the left, while power was lost as though the vehicle has shifted to neutral. Upon inspection, it was determined that the vehicle’s transmission had failed and required replacement.

Vehicle Fails to Quickly Accelerate

When in stop-and-go traffic situations, the Subaru Forester may have issues with accelerating quickly, causing problems with hesitation that could lead to a traffic accident.

Linked to this situation is slipping in the CVT transmission, where the vehicle has problems going from reverse to drive, causing significant problems when trying to maneuver the vehicle in tight spaces.

Short Overall CVT Transmission Lifespan

In several cases, the Subaru Forester’s CVT transmission fails well before its warranty has expired, including failures and issues sometimes arising as early as 10,000 miles, in several instances within 20,000 to 40,000 miles, and in many cases before the 100,000-mile warranty has expired or very shortly afterward.

This caused Subaru to issue an extension on the warranty; however, dealership scheduling issues caused at least one owner to have to come in after the extension expired.

All vehicles have some problems, so don’t write off the Subaru Forester just because of these issues. The extended warranty offered by Subaru to help handle these issues will cover many potential problems.

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Scott P on March 5, 2022
2015 Forester CVT failures
Bought used, and right at 115,548 miles, the "Christmas tree" of dash lights occurred and the CVT was done. Valve body replace (gasket, o-rings & fluid as well) - $1523 USD at the dealership. Car ran fine for 3,476 miles, when started to shake very rough at idle. P0841 and P0700 codes. Electric continuity check found green/white wire to main connector atop transmission was not attached to connector. Re-attached to connector, drove fine. At 145,000 miles, car would rev to 6,000 RPM with little acceleration on occasion, nearly causing accidents on interstate hwy. At 145,060 miles, car was moving on local road when all drive failed, reverse failed and "Christmas tree" on dash lit up. Towed home. Plan to light on fire and roast hot dogs on car this weekend.
accountCircle Aurelio on July 1, 2022
2014 Forester
I bought my 2014 forester used with roughly 68,000 miles within a few month started noticing hesitations. I took it in to the place I bought it because they were giving what is called the Forever Warranty with select used cars. Well thank God for that because two years later and about 20,000 miles I am now on my second transmission. The warranty company does not replace transmissions with new ones. I really like our Forester and originally bought a Subaru because they were supposed to be a quality vehicle. Now I am pretty much stuck with this Forester, with todays prices it would cost me about $10,000 more and my trade in just to get a Rav4 . Never will buy another Subaru again.
accountCircle Gary on November 11, 2021
Owner of 2014 Forester Premium
At 130,000 miles the "Xmas lights" went on without warning. That is, the A/T Oil Temp, the CEL, the ABS and two more. Car drove and shifted just fine on 25 mile drive to dealer. The Subaru dealer diagnosed the codes and says it needs a new transmission valve body and new seals for the Trans oil pan, which is seeping/leaking. Cost is $2500. There is no A/T oil dipstick to check fluid level. Subaru manual says no maintenance needed.
accountCircle Jason on May 26, 2022
CVT is expensive
Original owner of 2014 Subaru Forester. At 155,000 miles the torque converter ( CVT transmission) quit working. Car is only 8 years old and will require a repair of approximately $4,500. Reached out to Subaru and was told that because of my mileage they have washed their hands of any responsibility. My Toyota has more miles and has never caused me this kind of headache. I can not recommend this vehicle to anyone
accountCircle Tammi. on February 21, 2024
Transmission Valve Body problems.
Wish I had looked all this up, but, our old 2015 Foresters' transmission went toast, and we just traded it in for the 2019. Big mistake, apparently. Now at 114,000, have to have a new Transmission Valve Body. The stories I am now seeing, what can happen, scares me to death. The part is on back order, will take a month to even get it. I'll never buy another Subaru, and we have had 4. My family won't either.
accountCircle Gina L on February 7, 2022
Blinking lights
My 2014 Forester panel's blinking lights (ABS, oil temp, hill assist, traction control) kept coming on. My oil was fine and the car was running fine. Took it in, the Subaru tech determined a Valve Body replacement was needed with a $2200 estimate. Would an extended warranty be worth it now before I get the work done? I do want to keep the car for my teenager (when I get an electric Subaru)?
accountCircle Jim Lotfi on July 8, 2021
Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid Replacement
I have a Subaru Forester 2015 with 195000 miles. Check Engine light and all other lights lit on the screen. Diagnostics shows that Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid must be replaced. Unfortunately Subaru does not sell that part, instead the Valve Body must be replaced. The price of the part is$810.00. I think it will cost me about $1400.00!
accountCircle AJ on December 19, 2021
2020 Forester CVT Failed
My 2020 Subaru Forester is a great car EXCEPT the CVT transmission. At 16,000 miles I started having problems with stalling, turns out the Dealer found the CVT the problem so replaced it under Warranty. Now I don't trust this car because I'm wondering when the CVT will fail again. I'm told its just a matter of time, anytime.
accountCircle Meg B on December 22, 2022
I love my ‘14 Forester until…
It got stuck in reverse, even though the shifter was in drive. Thinking I would be going forward, The vehicle lurchingly accelerated going in reverse taking me into parked cars even tho my foot was on the brake, and the shifter was in Drive when I came to a halt. No one was hurt fortunately.
accountCircle Sarah on January 13, 2024
Forester transmission
Bought a used 2019subaru forester with 42k miles. Recently reached 80kmiles, now I have a clunk sound coming from transmission. Past the warranty and im told its my issue now. Can't even drive it until I get it replaced, and while still paying the loan, now add 4k for a new one. If.
accountCircle J S jr on September 10, 2021
Shudder
We have a 2020 Forester Sport with increasingly frequent shudder events. Under light throttle and incline with more than 2 passengers it is worse. No dash lights to indicate an issue. Going to get it to the dealer soon. Hopefully they can updat the transmission shift computer.
accountCircle AnnMarie on October 5, 2022
Shudder
We have a 2019 Forester Sport and have been experiencing shuddering lag in acceleration and it’s only getting worse. It’s been into the dealership 7 times Now with no resolve. We no longer feel safe driving it. Has anyone found resolution to this issue?!
accountCircle Christopher Marts on June 9, 2022
Subaru sucks!
2017 Forester with 118k miles. Transmission takes a s**t. $8,000.00 for re-built transmission. Never again! Scumbags!
avatar Cathleen V
Cathleen V is an exceptional freelance writer covering hot topics in the automotive world from a gearhead’s perspective. Whether it’s the Mercedes-Benz A-class economy and Jeep ruggedness to Challenger Hellcat and Tesla semi capabilities, you’ll discover outstanding intel and research.
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