Cruise Control Issue

OK, just how much money do you want to put into a 2001 model? Question- do your RPMs go UP and Down just driving the car without cruise control??

No that has never happened. It only happens when you are in cruise and it has kicked into a lower gear on a hill and then not all the time.

OK, how steep is the hill your climbing and have you noticed that it doesn't do it on more moderate grades? I think the problem is with the calibration of the cruise control system... Again, how much money are you willing to spend on a 2001 vehicle.... When you think of it in terms of technology, a car that is almost 16 years old has ancient safely features, no vehicle dynamic control, side air bags, superior fuel economy, modern CVT transmission.... newer head gaskets technology, etc.... I don't know how many miles are on your , but, it's more TIME than mileage.... I would consider turning this around now..... Perfect time....

I have a 2018 forester with now 1100 miles when in cruise rpms increase 400 to 500 rpm driving on flat ground they all do it. Supposedly it will take time for the car time to learn how to drive that’s what I was told by Subaru. Seems pretty goofy to me but I tested another new forester and it did the same thing.

The CVT is running in a lower gear ratio which is bad for fuel economy. Car computers do have a learning curve. If the car continues to do that have Subaru take a look at it under warranty.