If you’re looking for the perfect Subaru, you have plenty of reliable vehicles to consider. The manufacturer takes great effort to provide high-quality parts to continue its reputation of providing high-quality vehicles. Unfortunately, problems can still arise in different systems of various models, including the transmission.
Some major Subaru transmission problems include:
- Transmission shudder
- Grinding noise
- Shift hesitation
- Sudden forward surges
The following information about transmission failures and other information can help when searching for a future Subaru or if your current vehicle may be affected.
Subaru Transmissions Through the Ages
In creating all of its models, Subaru has employed a wide variety of manual, automatic, and CVT transmissions. The 360 was the first model imported to the United States and it used a basic three-speed manual transmission.
As Subaru rolled out other models in the 1970s, the company quickly upgraded to a four-speed manual transmission. The five-speed manual followed to kick off the 1975 model.
That was also when the 3AT transmission made by Jatco emerged. Subaru continued using Jatco automatics until the early 1990s when the car company elected to build its own 3AT.
As Subaru engines grew more powerful, the company added gears to their automatic and manual transmissions for improved performance. Their manuals went from four gears to six, giving drivers much more control. For automatics, Subaru moved to the continuously variable transmission (CVT) design that improved durability, fuel efficiency, and performance.
A Primer on Subaru Transmission Problems
Across all models and years, Subaru’s automatic transmissions do tend to have more issues than manual transmissions. Those problems are most often reported in the Outback, Forester, and Impreza models, but all models can be affected.
Common problems can include:
CVT Shudder
The CVT constantly adjusts gear ratios to best match the power output from the engine. On the 2015 Subaru Outback and similar models, the transmission shudders as it adjusts the ratios, especially at low speeds. Eventually, the torque converter stops working and requires replacement.
Repeat Clutch Failure
The clutch used for the manual transmission in the 2007 Subaru Impreza is well known for its tendency to fail. Many National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints have come in, such as ID 10578338, about having to replace the clutch after less than 5,000 miles.
Grinding Noise
Both the manual transmission and CVT on the 2013 XV Crosstrek may emit grinding noises during normal operation. The manual transmissions’ problem link back to a bad throwout bearing. In the CVT, it’s an internal issue that’s not repairable. The replacement CVT unit makes the same noise as well.
Slips into Gear
The automatic transmission used in the 2015 Subaru Forester may start to slip as it shifts between gears. The problems can be subtle at first, only marked by a light hum. Then, after a while, the transmission fails, resulting in the need for a new one.
Shift Hesitation
The CVT transmission should smoothly switch gears without any delay between the changes. Sometimes, the fluid does not flow correctly through the internal parts and causes hesitation.
It’s especially noticeable when going from reverse to drive and back again. In most cases, any hesitation is reduced as the fluid warms up.
Unexpected Forward Surge
While traveling at low speeds, it’s common for the CVT to suddenly lurch forward without pressing down the gas to accelerate. If this happens while close to another car, like in heavy traffic, it could lead.
