CVT TRANSMISSION FAILURE

Hell I'm an old (64) year man and drive very easy. I guess Cadillac is my next purchase......LOL !

Bonjour Monsieur Breyette! Ca va? CVT failures are starting to pile up, but it's early yet. Both the early manual and 4EAT boxes are pretty durable, but I do rarely see the latter wear from lack of clean ATF. Usually the AWD transfers get sticky, or a dried seal causes unsafe drivability from throttle-lag. I've seen a few torque-converter lockup failures in the 2.5i CVT, but only one screwed up, loudly buzzing 2.0 Imp CVT. How did your fail? I've a couple of 2011+ Legs w/ 125k on their CVTs with no issues; indeed the great majority of them are fine. I change the CVT fluid prophylactically. I don't think that idiosyncratic failure is about wear (mileage), but I do hear that there may be a "soft" bushing that's causing CVTs to bind up at idle. I'm hoping we're not trading old HG failure frequencies for CVT horror shows. The efficiency and drivability of the system is so good that I'm still recommending them (despite the 2.0 being a bit weak to wind it up; the 2.5i CVT is a FAR more optimized drivetrain). Tennis: Didn't know Indiana was a foreign country....

My Subaru dealer does all the service and assured me that this CVT was sealed and did not require any maintenance for 100,000 miles. Mileage at failure was 55,500......???????

My Subaru dealer recommends changing the CVT fluid regardless of what Subaru says. If you plan on keeping it then maintain it! My 2003 Forester automatic had 200,000 miles on it when I sold it and it worked perfectly.

Stephen - what kind of driving do you do? Did your other cars fail at low miles?

I asked the dealer about changing the CVT fluid when I had the differentials done, they said it didn't need any servicing until 100,000 miles. I went with their expertise and now this! I'm 64 and drive city/highway about 50/50. No jackrabbit starts, I store it in a heated garage. Drive moderately but I do run 80 on the highway if it's a long trip. Car is always warmed up. My 2002 WRX had a recall which replaced the flywheel, pressure plate and clutch disc with STI parts under warranty @ 60,000. My 2007 Impreza had to have the auto tranny rebuilt before 36,000 miles, then my 2012 Impreza Limited had the CVT fail at 55,500 miles. Don't know what else I could do, all are always serviced according to schedule at the local Subaru Dealer??

I would love to hear from our resident Subaru cheerleader on this one.

Salut, Stephan. Be assured that there was NOTHING you could've done to prevent your CVT failure. It probably just had a goofy throttle body...which is the expensive electromechanical internal "brain". Somehow you've been extraordinarily unlucky. I'm not as familiar with the WRX driveline foibles, but suspect that the tranny couldn't handle the boost. That the '07 Imp 2.5i cooked a 4EAT is also idiosyncratic...fairly rare. But the CVT crapping out after 3 years scares me indeed. We'll see what the future portends. My understanding is that the actual CVT drive is ok, but only TB's are failing. probably typical Toyoburu cost-cutting. Sigh....

Extended warranties for CVT's are probably a good idea.

I suspect that Subie will have to offer "soft" goodwill warranties for 8yrs/100k to "juicy" customers. Not good enough for me, as I need to have these be 200k trannies.

I define a "good "car as being able to go a minimum of 200k with few if any major repairs if maintained properly and not abused. Most of my cars have been "good". Toyota's, Ford's and Subaru until the new lemon I got last year.

At $7,500 a pop, these had better be 400k tranmissions. If you have a CVT go out at 150k you might as well scrap the car.

I would hope that the market settles in at about $1500 for a good used one so that replacement could sit just under $2k. 4EATs are much less than that by now, but we'll see what the demand curve looks like soon enough!

Just a follow up here: The "new Reman CVT tranny" that Subaru installed failed catastrophically at 75 MPH after 8 days and less than 200 miles. This last CVT tranny mishap almost killed me. Subaru now has a brand new CVT trans coming for me. I have traded the car and once I finally get it back (it's been another 2 weeks without my car), hopefully the car will at least make it to the dealership where I have my new car ordered.

Ha! Here comes the CVT failure curve...it's interesting to note that the prior indie SOA used for rebuilding 4EATs is no longer contracted to them. Hmmm.... An indie in Maine has successfully replaced throttle bodies in errant CVTs, as I would think that the mechanical drive system itself is robust...but I guess yours wasn't! Yech....

We just had the "clicking" sound in our 2014 Impreza Sportwagon with 48K miles. Dealer replaced the tranny under the warranty, and then the "new" tranny bit the big one 10 miles down the road. The differential locked up all four wheels at speed in the high speed lane of the interstate during high traffic time. Luckily my wife didn't get rear-ended, but the newly installed CVT tranny was locked completely, so she couldn't even move out of the high speed lane of travel. Towed back to the dealer.....now trying to decide if we trust this particular Subaru, as I'm concerned that the sudden lock up of the transmission may have damaged other components in some manner.

I wouldn't be overly worried about peripheral driveline damage, and suspect that any such involvement would be audible. I'm fearing that CVT failures will follow the dastardly HG history. Still early....

My 2012 Subaru Impreza hatch back has been one GIANT headache. We are a 5 subaru family, but this one has been a nightmare. First we had the oil consumption issues and (after about a years worth of oil consumption checks every week or so) the engine was rebuilt. How could anything else go wrong? Well at 90K the CVT has failed and the rear suspension needs to be replaced. The Subaru corporate says they will give -$2000 off of the estimated $9200 in repairs.... So DISAPPOINTED. When is the class action lawsuit going to start!?!?

I'd push SOA on the CVT. By rear suspension do you mean simply the sway bar bushings, perhaps a noisy wheel bearing (like the one I just replaced), or actually the struts (which would be much less common...so far). If SOA won't help further you can find a used CVT and have it swapped in for $2-2.5k. Curious: SOA replace the short block or actually swapped out the rings?

I have a 2012 Subaru Outback with 73,000 miles and 5 years old. The car was working fine until I turned into my neighborhood and heard a noise. I made it home and then had to have it towed to the dealer. They said it failed internally and will cost $8900 to replace. No reason given why it failed. I called SOA and I am waiting to hear if they will pay. It is out of warranty. If they only offer $2000 I will have to put in a used one and sell it. I am not buying a Subaru again.

2013 Subaru Legacy Premium with 2.5i engine. Car well maintained, has had all its service checks completed at the right intervals. CVT Transmission failure at 58,300 miles. I was driving on the highway when I noticed the front left wheel felt like it was shaking. Then a minute later the entire transmission locked up while I was going 70 mpg. Car has been towed to my local Subaru dealer and I am waiting to hear what they say.

To all you CVT-plagued users: just keep pushing, as SOA will have to cave and extend warranties sooner or later.

Was just told today by dealer that my 2012 Impreza CVT transmission has to be replaced. Just under 68K miles on it. Transmission hasn't failed yet, but it was making a bad winding/grinding noise. I believe it's covered under an extended warranty I reluctantly purchased. Any guidance on how to ensure I'm getting the right solution from the dealer? I'm also concerned about continuing to drive it on the highway for 2-3 weeks while the dealer gets a replacement. Thanks.

Travis - I would not settle for anything less than a new transmission. Then you can sell it with a clear conscience which I would do ASAP after getting it back from the dealer..

CVT noises are almost always worn inner bearings; the noisy result doesn't actually effect the operation of the tranny, but of course will eventually fail. I don't know of anyone who waited that long, though, as it's a very annoying big-cat whine, eh?

Replacement of a failed torque converter (stalling, etc) is possible, and reasonable. But drive bearing friction-noise requires tearing the entire CVT down, which so far we've learned should NOT be done; hence full CVT swap is indicated.

They replaced my original at 52,000 mile with an "official" Subaru rebuild with failed catastrophically at 80 mph just 200 miles into it. Replaced that with a third "official" Subaru rebuilt CVT tranny which was also probably junk but I traded the car immediately after the third was installed. 55,000 miles and 3 CVT trannies and I'll never own another Subaru AGAIN! Each time I INSISTED on a NEW CVT tranny and they said they would only warranty a rebuild swap. FU Subaru !!! Car ran and shifted like crap after the swaps.......

Well...that's why they replace them whole now.

Anyone have CVT issues with their 2016 WRX?

2013 impreza 2.0 cvt 140k. Some kind of whistle noice coming from the car when driving, gets louder when let of gas. Noice go away when put in neutral while driving??? Any clue what it could be?

I'd guess a CVT bearing. If fluid is original DEFINITELY drain and refill pronto, and hope for the best.

Newer Subaru cars with the CVT are garbage. I have a Crosstrek that vibrates and shutters since new and has gotten worse at 50K miles. Three dealer service centers say its normal. Subaru Of America is no help. No more Subaru cars for me

Anyone test drive it with you? Happens at what speeds? Try to have differentiation between wheel bearing ($200), bad half-axle ($200), and inner CVT bearing (ouch!).

2015 WRX with 42k miles is stalling when coming to stops after being driven long distances. On a drive from SLC to Boise yesterday cruising at 80mph the AT OIL TEMP light came on. Pulled over and let car idle in park for a few minutes to keep the fluid circulating and cool down. Happened several more times. I suspect the torque converter locked up and stayed locked up causing extra stress on the trans. After the car stalled, it started right back up. Put in gear and immediately stalled again. I "powered braked" the car and got it to move but it was slow to pull. This basically confirmed to me that the TC was still locked up and is failing.

Update- getting a used transmission installed this week under the extended warranty. They would not cover a rebuilt transmission at ~$7500, only a used one at ~$2500.

You're better off with a used one, as they do NOT suffer a "rebuild" successfully!

Sorry Dan. I suspect that the CVT simply can't handle the WRX's boost.

Update- used transmission was installed today by the dealer. Before they even pulled it out of the garage it failed due to a cracked casing that resulted in transmission fluid leaking everywhere. The dealership is now arguing with the extended warranty company (First Warrant - purchased through the Subaru dealer at the time of purchase) about replacing this one. I've been without my car now for nearly four weeks. This is so disappointing. Any advice on how to approach SOA about this?

The source of the used trans should have a usual 6 mo wty?

I bought a new car. One without a "snowmobile transmission" but a REAL automatic transmission.........That solved my problem with Subaru CVT trannys......

So what'd you get? The new CX-5 is so far my favorite, excellent handling, AWD 'cute, as I'm still put off by the Audi Q5's cost and poor serviceability. I'm still "off" any new Subie because of compromised handling, but maybe the new 2017.5 Indiana-Imp could be a winner...but of course it uses sliding cones too.

Mazda 3 hatchback with automatic transmission

Good for you! My favorite FWD ecobox. I semi-race a supercharged Miata, and still regard Mazda as my favorite manufacturer. Though poor, now ell-separated from Ford, I hope they can survive, as handling, efficiency and reliability are their primary motivations. I think the new CX3 is perhaps overpriced, but it must be a fun AWD driver...did you consider it?

Considered the CX 5 actually.......

I've got a 2012 Impreza Sport. With a CVT Trans. I'm still paying it off (had a 6 year term for my loan). It has 94,400 miles on it. And I was just told that it needs a new transmission. Cost will be a minimum of $7,000. Which I don't have. At all. I called Subaru Headquarters and they are looking into seeing what they can do for me. Since I'm still paying it off does anyone here recommend anything specific? If I trade it in will I be limited to trading it into Subaru? Should I risk another CVT Transmission or move over to Manual? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

If you trade in a car that can't be driven you will get almost nothing in return. Installing a used CVT with warranty might be what you want. Install it and then sell while it is still under warranty. Pressure Subaru to do the right thing by you. Let us know what their response is. I personally would avoid any CVT and you have first hand knowledge of the reasons!

Payment status does not affect your freedom to trade your car anywhere. Continue to push SOA to "participate" strongly in covering your CVT. Note that used CVTs can be installed for about $2k, so it's not fatal. Do NOT "rebuild" your CVT, as that rarely works, as these are assembled new in "clean rooms"...conditions not replicable in the aftermarket. That said, newer CVTs...especially for the Imp, are supposed to be more durable. Their extraordinary efficiency can be weakly (I can see FOR's eyebrows rise!) seen as an unfortunate, but not ridiculous payback...but perhaps only in the expensive fuel environments for which they were made. At under $3/gal for fuel the payback equivalence is very weak, but at $8-10/gal (2- 3euros/liter) replacing a CVT for $2k every 100k mi approaches parity, and is certainly not a reason to regress toward a thirstier antiquated manual trans. OTOH the small Imp 2.0 motor struggles to wind up the CVT, and feels great with the 5 speed stick! Only with the larger Legacy/OB 2.5i does the CVT mate seamlessly. That this CVT's failures seem to be related primarily to either its torque converter ($$) or inner drive bearing (cheaper part) indicates that more robust engineering should be successful. But what a pain, eh? For three decades I've complained that Fuji should step up and spend more and damn the necessary 10% or so increase in list price. Now that AWD has succeeded in getting into mainstream acceptability they needn't give it away for the same price as FWD competitors. It's my understanding that SOA can be easily pushed to cover CVTs under 100k, just as they had to do so back in the nasty head gasket era. Nonetheless, I specialize in sorting pre-owned young specimens for their second 100k, and the creeping CVT failure rates do scare me. Sigh....

Good post Guru ;) lol

Thanks for the quick responses- F_O_R and TheSubaruGuruBoston. I did talk to my dealer and already asked them about used CVTs and they told me they don't handle them or use any used parts. My non-dealer mechanic can get his hands on a used CVT that has 40,000 miles on it- but the price was about 4 grand. And I don't know if that can be guaranteed. I think at this point I need to wait and see what SoA comes back with and go from there. I'm really hoping they come back with something good..

Well, SOA just called me and they are comping me a new transmission. So I'm back to being a happy girl right now! I just hope this new tranny will last me at least just as long.

Ta dah!

Good job Basianj!

My 2011 Outback CVT failed at 150,000 miles. I guess I'm lucky but I want to keep the car for now. After reading all the helpful posts I concluded that the car needed a transmission transplant but I would not pay the dealer $6k. SOA said they would only consider helping with cost if I submitted ALL maintenance records. Well that wasn't going to happen. I finally found a shop that would do the transplant. When the mechanic emptied the CVT oil he said it was full of crap that shouldn't be there. I found a 72k transmission from a rear end totalled outback at Butler Used Auto parts for $1400 plus $85 overnight freight, 6 mo. Warranty. My mechanic is planning on doing the transplant tomorrow. Hopefully back in the car by Friday. I am a bit nervous about taking a 150 mile trip this weekend without driving the car for a few days around areas that I'm familiar with. Some of the posts above about failures after transmission replacement are scary. Any thoughts about how to break in the used transmission to reduce my anxiety? I may delay my trip for a few days. I realize failure is not predictable. Just need to feel that I've taken a reasonably safe approach to drive testing the replacement. Typical suburban driving and 79 mph on highway with cruise control.

Good luck. A used transmission is already broken in.

Subaru of America caved in and is replacing CVT transmissions for free and providing 100,000 warranty. All of you who paid before for tranny repair work can submit your receipts for payment. My wife's 2014 Forester 2.5 at 71,000 miles needed to be replaced. The day after picking up the car my wife was driving on the freeway when the wheels locked up and began to jerk, the car skidded about 90 yards. Thankfully she was able to pull to the side off the freeway. We returned the vehicle back to Subaru of Glendale and they refused to repair it. Basically they don't know how to repair it. I spoke with a representative from bureau automotive affairs today and he said CVT transmissions are his number one complaint... he's desk is stacked with claims. Keep you posted.

CVT's really cannot be repaired, only replaced at huge costs. People need to demand reliable transmissions.

Incidentally the CVT issue is because car manufactures are desperately trying to comply with outrageous government demands for ever increasing fuel economy. You - the consumer are the guinea pig are footing the bill. Is it worth all this trouble for a fraction of a MPG?

F_O_R It's rare that we disagree, but on this one I'll argue that increasing fuel efficiency on internal combustion engines is almost always a step away from their horrendous heat:power ratio. I agree that many manufacturer attempts at marginal increases in or der to get that "rounding up" +1mpg are almost comical...and at the expense of durability, but Subie's CVT is a terrific success in boosting real world efficiency a whopping +13-15% (closest apples-to-apples comparison is with the Legacy Sedan, where aero differences don't muck up the results, as with the too-tall OB or smaller motor Imp.

Let's try not to conflate baby and bathwater here: the failure points of Subie's CVTs have to do with internal CONVENTIONAL parts like valves and torque converters and simple bearings that are simply not durable enough...NOT the actual CVT power transfer "heart". The solution is simply to spec sturdier parts that drive the price up 10% or so...something Toyoburu is loathe to do. Now it's biting them in the ass...like the failed CrossTrek Hybrid. They're not used to such egg on the faces in Japanese boardrooms, eh?

A CVT failure is a failure, is a failure. The average owner doesn't care about the reasons, they are sadly stuck with the results. This all goes directly back to the manufacturer and engineers (Subaru) this is all on them. For whatever reason we suffer. I personally (after 5 Subarus) will NEVER own another one. Mazda still makes real automatic transmissions while so many others have gone to the dark side (CVT's). This is nothing more than a big snowmobile clutch in an automobile weighing 3300 + pounds.

I agree, Stephen, except that a DURABLE, intelligently programmed CVT will eventually mimic the efficiency of an electric motor in linear power delivery...someday? Note that my Mazda (2006 MX-5) uses the excellent AISIN 6AT (as also used in Subaru's BRZ). Doesn't make sense for a manufacturer to make EVERYTHING....

Agreed, a manufacturer doesn't need to make everything but then the ONE thing he does make & offer has to be nearly indestructible (don't you agree)?

CVTs are great in theory and hopefully the reality will move a lot closer to the theory. I I do think that a manual transmission with a wider spread of gear ratios should be able to match the CVT fuel economy but Subaru is hell bent on pushing the CVT so that will never happen.

I have driven both the CVT and the 6 speed Foresters and I was actually impressed with the CVT's operation. I drove the CVT cars for several thousand miles and the fuel economy in the mountain driving I do was identical to the 6 speed. Out on the highway the CVT did have better fuel economy at speeds over 70 and the lower engine speed was nice. I bought the 6 speed because I knew that the CVT problems would be surfacing and they did.

Just for fun I ran the EPA combined fuel economy (2015 Forester) for 100,000 miles and assumed $3 gas which is around what I pay. The fuel savings would be $889 which is less than the additional cost of the CVT when I bought mine ($1,000). You would save less if you pay less than that for gas.

Indeed, the problem is that in North America fuel is absurdly cheap...except for the planet, mass transit, etc. The 2.0 CVT Impreza is clearly comes into its own in a crowded euro environment, for example.

SB, you bet!

I would not mind a diesel Subaru but I know nothing about opposed 4 diesels. I wonder how the CVT would handle the diesel torque.

Subaru produced diesels that apparently succeeded beyond expectations in German taxi fleets (40mpg!) in the late noughts. Then Toyota took over and quelched plans for US certification and pushed their hybrid down the Cross-Trek's path. More egg on faces after the ill-fated hybrid only garnered +3mpg! A safest bet would be to marry the 2.0 diesel with the meatier 2.5's CVT, but Toyota won't pay for it....

My 2016 Forester CVT has to be replaced at 68K miles due to bad bearings I was hoping to keep this car for at least 200K. Thank God I purchased the extended warranty. Really Disappointed and guess I will be trading for a Rav4 or Mazda CX3 now.

If you really like your Forester (and I don't!) SOA will replace your CVT under the extended warranty. Stating that the F'ster is a better vehicle than the RAV/CRV/Rogue/et al is not saying much. But if your taste is spoiled I'd strongly consider the new CX5 unless the sportier CX3 is big enough. Either Mazda will have "soft" rear brakes and wheel bearings, but these are cheap by comparison. If the smaller CX3 is big enough then you might consider the new Impreza.

I was on the way to the hospital for a very important procedure, and my whole car locked up and we lost complete control on the main highway near Boston. This was 3 days after I replaced the cat transmission due to a recall!! We almost died today! And I almost missed a very important, time sensitive, procedure at the hospital. We couldn't get car completely off the road. We had to call Subaru roadside assistance and I had to call a taxi to take us to hospital, leaving my car near side of road! We are lucky we did not die. I am shocked that there have been a couple posts like this after a transmission was replaced.. how can that happen so frequently! These are people's lives on the lines.

Oh geeze, that sucks! I had my CVT replaced two and a half to three months ago. And this past Monday morning my car started doing all sorts of weird crap- took it back to the dealer and lo and behold the CVT that was put in there months ago was "defective" and it now needs a new one. Third CVT now- and I won't be finished paying off my car until December. W. T. F. I'm not happy about this and am really hoping the third time's a charm. Was told by the dealer that there's a back-log on the replacement cvts and it will take 3-4 weeks to come in. They've got me in a loaner car until then.

By the way my car now has 97,700 miles on it. This third transmission had better last me a few years. I'm assuming when I go over 100,000 if there's a(nother) problem I'll be on the 12 month 10,000 mile warranty of the new tranny.

Again, rebuilding the CVTs has been a low success rate endeavor. Insist on a NEW one when replacing one.

My dealer told me they won't/don't use rebuilt parts for anything and that cvts aren't able to be rebuilt. Regardless, the one they installed two months ago was brand new...and so will this one be. This is very disappointing.

My dealer gave me 2 rebuilds. EVEN after the second one locked up at 80 mph on the highway (I have that on my dash camera) I could have been killed! My 5th Subaru and I'll NEVER own another ever again !! They REFUSED to give me a new transmission! Just rebuilds. I got rid of the car with it's 3rd tranny at only 56,000 miles total.

Since SOA stopped rebuilding these in NJ I'm not sure they have a solid option to using new CVTs yet.

Got a New 17 Rav4 with a real 6spd Automatic to replace my Forester after the CVT failed at 68k miles. And even got a lifetime power train warranty and two years free maintenance. I drive 50k a year for work so at least I have some peace of mind now. Rav4 is not as peppy as the Forester but rides better is quieter on the highway so far gas milage is very close to the Forester at 28mpg

My rec for a new sport cute is the CX-5...or maybe even the baby Chevy. Both handle better than Rav4/CRV/For and even the BMW X1.

I had to replace the CVT on my 2012 Subaru Impreza at 129k miles. 2 years later Subaru extended the CVT warranty to 100k... they gave me a credit for any receipts I could find as a good will gesture... this was about 50% of my out of pocket costs, awesome. One month after getting the good will gesture check, my check engine light goes on. The Subaru dealer says it's an issue with the transmission and cost to fix is $1600. The car is crap. Any cost savings you think you're getting by purchasing a fuel efficient all wheel drive vehicle goes out the window once you've spent thousands getting repairs.

Sorry to hear about your troubles. My 2015 Forester has a 6 speed as I did not trust the CVT but this will be the last Subaru I buy unless they make some serious changes. I am looking and the Mazda CX-5 and 9 as a replacement for the Forester. I was told by a Mazda salesman the the CX-5 transmission is not a true auto but an auto-manual 6 speed which I will be researching.

The Mazdas use "true" automatics. At least in the past they were super-reliable Aisin units (as in my MX-5). I think the newest CX-5 is still too bulbous, leaving me recommending the much sportier CX-3 (despite being perhaps a tad overpriced) and the very much bigger CX- 9 for cavernous utility.

Guru - From what I have read the Mazda's use a dual clutch auto with torque converter. I don't know if it is hype or just a variation on traditional automatics. http://www.mazda.com/en/innovation/technology/skyactiv/skyactiv-drive/

I looked at all three cars and the CX-3 is tiny at least to me. The CX-5 is a bit smaller than the Forester, the styling does not bother me but I won't be driving it. ;) The CX-9 would be my choice as I like roomy cars. The interior of the CX-9 appears to be almost as big as my Expedition but I have not compared numbers yet.

I have a 2012 imp.. car has been excellent bought it CPO with 8900 mi... had engine block replaced at 75k due to oil consumption. Car runs excellent and is in great condition. Had rear passenger wheel bearing replaced recently as well. Other than that have performed all maintenance in book and haven't had problems.. however, my concern is CVT failure after 100k. In the event I had to replace could it be done with a manual? 6 speed ? Am I dreaming or is the price similar to the 8k to drop a new CVT in. Or should I go trade it and get a sti?

The CVT is a good 10-15% more efficient than the stick, btw, although the 2.0 feels great with the manual. Because you'd have to play with the ECM, TCM and harnesses I'd stick with a used CVT from a trusted source for $1.5k + install = $2k...IF ever needed.

Just reading these posts regarding failed Subaru CVT transmissions. I nearly had a heart attack today after being told my 2012 XV (which I believe is the Australian equivalent to the American Crosstrek) has a failed transmission and will cost $16,000 to replace. That's right 16k!. I had to repeat it to make sure I heard correctly. I thought I was buying a really reliable car that will last many many years, oh how wrong was I! I only have 84000 km with regular dealership services, drive sensibly and still have original set of tyres albeit will need changing within another 5000kms. I kept being told this won't be covered under warrenty and they are unaware of CVT transmission problems but I think they may be realising they will have a very unhappy and vocal customer if they don't come to the party with covering it all under warrenty. I presented them with the extended 100,000 warrenty SOA have offered so hope to hear positive news in the next few days. What ever happens, I am not feeling confident about keeping the car once repaired as it sounds like the problems continue.

The odds are pretty high that your new "free" CVT will hold up well. Just go get one.

So I've been bitten with the CVT bug on my '13 Impreza at 75k miles. I heard a grinding noise when driving and thought it was one of my wheel bearings. Instead my mechanic told me it was the bearing in my CVT. I nearly had a heart attack, thankfully my car falls in the 100k warranty and Subaru is going to fix this. But, now I wonder, as I am upside down on my loan, will this happen again to a new tranny in my car? I'm in a bind, should I trade this in and get Subaru to buy me out of my loan and/or trade it somewhere else and get a Honda or Toyota? I am a former Toyota owner and I left them only because I wanted the AWD living in the north east, now I'm thinking I made a huge mistake!

Relax, The new CVT will most probably be fine (SOA will NOT be "rebuilding" the old CVT; you'll get a new one, with a fresh warranty.) Although the Imp with its anemic 2.0i is only half the Subaru a similar-priced Legacy 2.5i is for the same cost, if you truly need 5 doors for mostly moderate speed use the Imp Wag is a fine winter urban guerilla, and a better choice than others' tiny crossovers...except maybe the Mazda CX3.

What is SOA? I might need a new CVT on my impreza.

Subaru Of America. The phone number should be in your owners manual.

Start by going to a Subaru Dealer Service Dept and get a confirmed diagnosis into their system. Then call SOA to get a claim number so SOA can "participate" in the repair. Then go to any dealer to get the repair done with SOA's "particiupation".

Just reading this and freaking out. 2009 impreza sport 2.5i Going 80 down the highway-loud clunk and engine revving. Could still steer so not locked up. Towed to Subaru dealer and said trans fluid "overfilled"-how by magic? Drained and changed and 100 miles into drive home did the same thing. Husband took it out of automatic and into manaul and it had jumped down to 3 rd gear and couldn't shift into 4th-eventully it did. Only does this over 65mpg and not right away when on highway (he's gone 100 miles and the first time it did it we had gone about 200 miles). It's at my local Subie dealer being "diagnosed" as we speak. Could this be sign of dreaded CVT problem?

No, as you don't have a CVT! But it does sound like you've a bad solenoid in the 4EAT trans.

Thank you for that info. So far they have no diagnosis and is still there. No error codes found either. Might suggest they change the solenoid to rule it out?

diagnosed as bad wiring harness-replacing that and solenoid. Tech found a service bulletin on it and that is what tech line told him. We will see if that resolves it.

Brought in my '12 Impreza to dealership this morning, because the cruise, at oil temp, check engine lights came on. I was truly expecting to hear the worst news, which of course would be the cost to replace the transmission. The service rep called 20 minutes ago to tell me that I was getting a new transmission, since the warranty was extended to 100k even though my car has 121k. I asked her what my out of pocket cost would be for this new transmission and she said "zero". Of course, I need new tires and a wheel alignment, as well, but I won't complain, because I narrowly escaped being covered under the extended warranty that expires tomorrow, 7/31/18. As much as I'd like to keep it for another 6 mos, trading it in now for. a non-CVT is in my best interest.

Really? You're going to trade a 6 yr old Imp just when it gets a new trans? Seems like there's a silver lining here....

I still have a 2002 Subaru Outback 2.5 LTD automatic (now 106,000 miles). I'm owner no.2--Bought in 2005 off lease. Only major repair excluding tires and brake replacement was emission exhaust muffler at 55,000 miles while still under warranty--so no cost to me. The Subie continues to be the most reliable car I have ever owned; and, I have owned a bunch, including: Toyota's (3), Mazda's (2), Ford/Mercury's (3), Chevy's (2), and an Alfa Romeo. The latter American and the Alfa were the least dependable--esp the Alfa (but really fun to drive). My favorite, and second most reliable, and quietest on the road, was a 1994 Toyota XLE V6 station wagon, which was totaled in an accident. I looked for several years trying to find another, but not many were made and Toyota stopped producing them for the American market in 1994/95 (95's apparently almost non-existent). Based on your previous responses and other research, I will definitely steer clear of CVT vehicles. Thank you.

I'll play devil's advocate here: Given that used CVT's abound in salvage yards now for well under $1k, one can make a serious argument that the total cost of replacing one ($1.5k installed) is LESS than the fuel cost savings offset from the superior eco of the CVT! It will take a fairly long time at $3/g, but when gas recovers to $5+/g the difference between the (your) old 4EAT tranny's overall 22 mpg and the 2nd gen CVT's 28mpg will swamp the cost-risk, currently at 4% per year. Since many more Subies are "lost" via serious accidents than have defective CVT's the salvage market will continue to offer CVT's cheap, making the choice of a CVT perhaps a no-brainer, eh?

Any new stories of refab CVTs? My CVT is being replaced with a refurb from SOA. Developed “shift shock” July 29th, 2 days before the extended warranty expired. SOA is comping the swap because I opened the complaint prior to the warranty expiration. However, I’m concerned about the reliability of the rebuilt CVT because of the horror stories about them locking up at highway speeds. I love my 2011 Outback, but I commute 90 miles to work. Can I rely on the current refabs to keep me going?

I was told by my dealer that they don’t refurbish or repair CVT transmissions- so double check with your repair shop/dealer. My replacement was brand new. It’s been about a year now and I’ve put well over 12,000 Miles on it. So far so good.

SOA offered you a "refurb"? Maybe it was something simple that was defective? SOA had learned many years ago with sub-contracted refurbs that had a horrible failure rate to ONLY use new auto-boxes. Again, I'd trust a nice, pre-owned, sealed one before ANY "refurb". Despite the simplicity of the actual drive system there's a LOT of stuff going on in there.

Love my 2014 Impreza - it handles nicely but the trans is acting weird. I got rid of a Saturn SL1 that had a transmission that held out till over 200,000. Granted the Subaru drives a lot nicer than my Saturn did at the end but I am still paying for this car and the trans better be OK. Otherwise Subarus are crap. So much for false advertising - I fell for it. Besides every little piece of plastic that has to be replaced in this car costs $450. Don't bother with one of these. I would buy another Saturn if they were around.

Contrarians abound! But don't forget that there's a half-world of difference between the Japanese small chassis Imps/Foresters/CTs and their sturdier and better Legacy/OBs from Indiana.

Got a question: I've got a new (used with 14k miles) tranny put in my '13 Impreza. The issue was similar to described; torque converter refusing to lock up, dealership said the valve body needed replacing, SOA was only going to give me $500 towards it, and I was advised by an independent shop that because it was making other noises too it probably wouldn't last even if I did the repair. Now I've read some of this and am a little concerned having read the completely locking up at speed posts. I'm planning on changing the fluid regularly in this one, and it's running really smoothly so far.. so hopefully it stays that way.. but.. in that situation, where a trans locks all the wheels up on the highway, are there any ways to react to mitigate the situation? Like, would shifting to neutral, or turning the ignition off (thinking to deprive the transmission of pressure), or both, help alleviate the issue and allow a controlled stop?

And TheSubaruGuruBoston: Do you still say the same thing about Legacy/OB compared to the newer Imprezas with different chassis, etc..?

The Imp/CT's 2.0 uses a smaller CVT than the more robust unit in the Leg/OB. Time will tell how the failure rates tally.

We have 100200 miles on our Outback when it starting making a funny noise. SOA said they would give us $1000 to help since it is over the 100k miles. Can’t afford $7500 to replace at dealer. Will be making an appointment at a transmission shop. I hope they can give me a better deal than 7500

Thjey can only if they purchase a used one from a salvage shop. Total cost should be about $1500 installed.

Hi all. Just a quick update on my transmission (even it looks like I'm in another topic). OB my2010 Year oct2010 Km 250.000 Just replaced the converter and fluid for a total over 2000€ Just after few km all lights were back on my dashboard. Engine, at temp, cruise etc Really pissed off. Now they told me that the valves group must be replaced, this for over 1500 € Don't remember very well the error that the check system displayed but I think was 7623 or 2673 or something like this. maybe some of you know it bwtter BTW, I'm in Italy Thank you for any of your advise Piero

i am looking to buy a used 2013 imp wagon limited for 13k with 78k miles on it, getting it inspected tomorow, what should i tell the mechanic beforehand?

Look for signs of oil consumption. If it has a timing belt have him check it for condition.

The biggest risk is that the CVT is failing. Drive until thoroughly warmed up, then again with lots of starts and stops, listening for bearing noise and struggle or stall when stopping. That said, the 2.0i is woefully underpowered with this too-elastic CVT. You'd be better off in a similar Legacy 2.5i for perhaps the same investment. The total failure rates for weird thinks like steering wheel clocksprings on these Japanese-factory Imps from 2012 forward is very annoying. I've taken them off my radar, although the 2.0i with a manual trans is considerably more fun. But that 2.0i/cvt combo is a wimp.

I will never buy a Carr with cvt transmission anymore because it does not have deepstick that shows the condition of transmission oil.

2013 Impreza with 153,000 miles. Transmission all of a sudden has a shutter and throws back in the seat. Just had recal on spring valve fixed and now transmission is acting up. Anything to do with that? Has been fine until work was done.

Complain to the dealer that did the repair.

“Spring valve?”

I have a 2013 legacy 2.5i sport with 125,000 miles. I still owe 10k being financed and I feel like the cvt isnt doing well. I lost my job so currently my only income is driving Uber. And I only have about $35 to my name so no way I can afford to bring it to the dealership or anywhere else. I have always repaired everything on this car myself after the dealer proved to be incompetent. I fear that I might have no other option but to soon sell a non- working vehicle and continue to have monthly payments for next 3 years. And would no longer have a vehicle needed to earn an income.

decided to drain and fill the cvt, when removing the check/fill plug all the inner threads were stripped out as if the plug was over torqued. I had to drop the pan drill out the fill hole and rethread to fit m20x1.5 plug. I feel I did a quality job with no metal shrapnel. It ran flawlessly for a few weeks getting almost 4mpg better than before, but now my legacy hesitates accelerating from a stop and sounds rough at highway speeds

Your is enigmatic indeed. Someone was obviously in there before, given the stripped portal. Your claimed +4mpg from fresh CVT fluid appears to be a canard unless what was in there was the wrong stuff (like motor oil or ATF). If it ran well for a few weeks, THAT is critical info, as maybe the hesitation and rough high rpm running is something else. Rarely have I seen intermittent ignition coils on the newer DOHC 2.5i, but I have replaced a few. When running rough do you see a CEL? If so, track it down. Check MAF sensor and airway for intake leaks, too. Check your plugs for the hell of it, using decent iridiums all the way around. There's indeed a chance your CVT is failing, but I'd chase the cheap stuff carefully first. Good luck, and don't ignore the CEL info.

42000 bought CPO Impreza. Month later another dealership told me that I need to change transmission. Main subaru office gave me 500$ coupon for hustle. After repair heard weird noice - there was no transmission liquid. Awesome job. 51000 engine oil leak. Another 5000$ repair performed under extended warranty. Sway bar link changed, arm bushing cracked, all under extended warranty. Dimmer stitch replaced - it’s under warranty too but it’s 1500 repair. Subaru spend on this car more than it’s current trade in value. It was my mistake to buy it but I will never get involved with Subaru again. I had another used car with the same mileage - nothing was done except typical service. Unfortunately, it was stolen and I bought this.

Funny how I recognized my writing style, then remembered that CG named me SW818 temporarily a while back. Ha! To the UPcoming post: Too little info! Year, please? CPO? Please restate with more clarity. Thanks.

I'm getting a new CVT put into my 2012 Impreza Hatchback under warranty at 88k miles roughly, and was curious: Has Subaru gotten a better handle on their CVT's at this point? Most of the horror stories on this thread are a couple years old at this point.. And I'm just hoping for some peace of mind considering i literally JUST started financing this car less than 2 weeks ago and its already getting a full transmission replacement

Let's not shade so pessimistically. The preponderance of CVT failures have been with the 2010-2014 production. That's why we're hearing less about it with newer iterations. There's nothing inherently wrong with Subaru's engineering design. It's always a question of adequate strength wrt CVT bearing failure, and of course solenoid failure in the valve body re torque converter function (inappropriate release and subsequent stalling). Rob, I would consider myself lucky if receiving a new CVT installed at Subaru and paid for by SOA. It IS true that 2012-2013 new-style Imps have lots of idiosyncratic failures, unfortunately, but they're still fairly rugged, if noisy and underpowered, AWD pups. Good luck, and hope you don't have steering wheel clock-spring issues!