CVT transmission blown

Looking at a CVT sideways can make them blow. Since the CVT is sealed and no service is recommended they should still be liable. Make them show you where the leak is.

If something else failed and caused the leak they should still owe you. A new CVT is around $8,000.

Ahh the CVT! One of these days they will either be perfected or discontinued. You got great advise above, act on it.

Mark seems to have left the building...............

Full_of_Regrets,. You know, what's really interesting about this post is that someone, and you know WHO you are said that the 2nd edition CVT transmission was built better than the 1st edition starting in 2010 with the Subaru Outback Limited. Well, well, well....I guess I need to remind you all about the guy with 290,000 see this picture. Also, just remember that it's "how you drive your car" and don't forget to service the transmission every 30,000 miles. Just because they said that the unit was sealed and didn't need to have a fluid change doesn't mean you should .

So Blame the Customer eh Mark? You must really work for SOA! You do know Subaru only recommends inspecting the CVT every 60,000 miles? No fluid changes! That service information is straight from Subaru Mark. Apparently following their advice is a bad thing?

The Lineartronic™ Continuously Variable Transmission Generation 2 (CVT G2) has been designed to provide the same type of linear acceleration control as the Lineartronic™ CVT Generation 1 (CVT G1). Lineartronic™ CVT Generation 2 (CVT G2) is a more compact design enabling the new CVT to be equipped in the smaller chassis design of the Impreza model line-up (100mm shorter and 15% lighter compared to CVT G1)

Full_of_Regrets- they recommend a fluid change under adverse conditions, define this as you will.

Apparently that means leaving the garage. Even for "severe service" they only recommend a single fluid change at around 25,000 miles.

By the way, the source for my explanation of the difference between the 1st and 2nd edition can be found here. http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums/138-gen-5-2015- present/312433-high-torque-cvt-vs-normal-cvt.html

So what is your point Mark? You claim the second gen CVT is better but this unfortunate victim of SOA had his fail in only 61,000 miles?

This doesn't help either, http://www.carcomplaints.com/Subaru/Outback/2013

NO, I actually think that the first generation was overbuilt to higher standards , a larger physical unit.

Remember, the person who went 290,000 miles had a first generation unit.

Full_of_Regrets- the 2013 Subaru Outback 2.5 CVT transmission was a second generation unit. See below, Notice that most of the troubles with transmissions are on the 2013, 2014 and 2015 .. Look, cars are like fine vintage wines and 2013, 14 and 15 are just NOT them. 2010-2012 2.5L Outback & Legacy - TR690 (Gen I) 2013-present 2.5L Outback & Legacy - TR580 (Gen II)

I don't work for Subaru and I'm going to just call a spade a spade... I definitely wouldn't recommend these particular years, 2013, 2014 or 2015 . Looks like the 2016 and 2017 are doing better so far....Time will tell.

Only because those cars don't have many miles on them. Subaru continues the downward slide.

Full_of_Regrets- YES, I agree, it's a downward slide. However, 2016 seems to have turned a corner with less problems than 2015, which was a horrible year. I think you're old enough to remember that back in the 60s, GM had many of their cars with Turbo 400 transmissions, they were really well built units. Later on, they decided to start populating many of their cars with Turbo 350 units and later still, Turbo 200 units. It's a cost cutting way of cheapening the cars for more profit. I hope this is NOT the trend with Subaru. In any event, look at the Car Complaints web site again and you will see that beginning in 2011 and later the cars had more problems and the 2013, 2014 and 2015 were the worst offenders. 2016 was a little better and we'll see about 2017. Still too early to know for sure.

http://www.carcomplaints.com/Subaru/

http://www.carcomplaints.com/Subaru/Outback/ This is definitely NOT the trend you want to see in cars, it's going in the WRONG direction.

Mark you don't know the GM transmissions. The 350's were for small block cars and the 400's were for the high performance cars, trucks and big block cars. The 350's were not a cheapened version of the 400's.

I would almost bet that Mark has never changed a spark plug.

Hi. I bought a 2015 Forrester 2.5l auto new. Performed perfectly until first service (12500km), It turned intermittently into a shuddering, confused, mis-firing dog. Nothing wrong with it was the subaru dealership response for 2 years. It had data recorders connected, computer resets, extra services but it would just die for seconds when you asked it to work or at low revs then putting your foot down to get going again. 2 years of battle. The dealership swapped me into a late 2016 Forrester auto 2.5l (plus $9k). This one went like a dream, very smooth and responsive... until... the 12500km service. Now it is the same as the previous one. Stuttering, confused and dies on occasions. Nothing wrong says the dealership. The cvt is a dog, never buy one. Brenton Australia

RubyMay - complain to Subaru corporate directly and put pressure on them to do something about your problem.

Isn't the warranty for 10 years or 100,000 miles on the transmission?

You can only use the warranty if the dealer admits something is wrong with the transmission.

I think Ruby's CVT problem may be the torque converter lockup issue.

thnx for responses. In Aust, it is a 5 year/100,000km warranty. Previous forrester problem Subaru Aust did not respond, they simply sent the issue back to the dealer. The answer is always,' within expected parameters" from them so they will never admit any problem. Once a service dept person, when I described the issue, immediately stated it was 'transmission surge' and he would see if a (computer) patch had been done for that model. That bloke wasn't there after that and no-one has conceded there were previous issues with transmission surge or any now.

Here in the states Subaru has extended the warranty out to 100,000 Miles due to all the problems with the CVT.

F_O_R-. The dealership doesn't care who pays for the repairs..you or corporate.... they're going to get reimbursed for their work ... period.... So, there's no reason not to honor the warranty repairs if the transmission is blown....no different from any other warranty item.. and, by the way, Subaru is not the only folks who do this... there's problems with Toyota cars and their dealerships do the same thing.. get reimbursed from the company..... NOW, if you are saying that this person Ruby May is from outside the USA , that's a completely different story...and he is unfortunately out of luck..... maybe...I would still advise him to call call Subaru... corporate.

That may be Mark but some dealers act like they have something personal in it. Subaru will pre-authorize the repairs so they really don't have an excuse.

F_O_R-. I'm sure that there's a lot of "jerks" out there in various dealerships...who think they are doing the company a "favor" by deflecting clients who have a legitimate reason for getting all this redressed.... they are NOT..... they're masking a real problem....and causing an image issue for the corporation... They need to be called on the carpet....by calling the national office.... They can easily get reimbursed for any authorized repairs under warranty....it's not their call.... Dealerships that do this should be sanctioned and reprimanded by the corporate office....if they continue, they could lose the ability to represent the company....this is not just a Subaru issue...any dealership... it's very UNFORTUNATE that this is limited to the USA network....I don't know about foreign dealerships in Canada.... although, it seems like they would want to be on the same playing field......

While dealers can be pre-authorized to perform warranty repairs do you really think the SOA does not also want dealers to deflect as many repairs as they can? That Subaru is no longer in Consumer's top ten for reliability probably has little to do with the dealers and a lot to do with the corporation.

My 2010 OB Limited is at 162,000 with zero problems.( no fluid changes) Till today I had a couple bird tweets and power loss for 2-3 seconds, quite possibly not a cvt issue. I’m planning a reverse over curb test as soon as I see one (snow snow snow) I’m a buy them new, run them till they drop, Subaru Fan For Life

Chuck, GREAT.... good for you.... 162,000 miles... and lots of people on this forum think I'm the only one who has had good luck with their cars....I also have a 2010 Subaru Outback Limited...H4, CVT.... I just drive the car normally..don't race or drive hard..... I've got 85,000 miles.... It's a very smooth riding vehicle... Had a complete transmission service a few years ago... planning on getting the timing belt, water pump and radiator flush later this year.... Car will be 9 years old this September.. I'm all about preventative maintenance... seems cheaper in the long run.... tell me...you had all that work done???? And, have you had any issues with the head gaskets??? I've been told that starting in 2010...the head gaskets issue of the past is NOT an issue for the 2010 and forward.. there was a change in the engine and transmission with the 2013 Outback model.... Again, 162,000 miles is quite respectable... keep up the good work....---MARK

Mark, i forgot to mention: I tow a utility trailer often, use a hitch mount 4 bike rack, and haul Kayaks (not often enough) Plan is to keep this one till 200K . I can't imagine replacing it with anything else but another Subie. I did Timing belt @ 125K, zero fluid leaks so far. Synthetic oil and filter every 7500 miles.

Chuck, if you read one of my earlier posts above, you'll notice that I know someone who went 290,000 miles with his 2010 Subaru Outback Limited ....exactly like our cars, he changed the transmission fluid every 50,000 miles or so, had no leaks and used synthetic oil as well. We have the older EJ Series Phase 2 engine, it's the old workhorse that was first developed in 1989 and refreshed in 2007 or so. In 2010 they changed the deck design with the multi layered head gaskets, much better. Don't listen to all the naysayers and people who complain about the CVT.... actually, 96 percent of all the CVT's are just fine.... yes, there were some problems which is WHY Subaru extended the warranty on these cars to 10 years or 100,000 miles. You're already at 162,000 so, I would imagine you've got a good one. And, even if the transmission blew tomorrow, SO WHAT, you've gone over 160,000 miles. Yes, I'm sure you can easily make 200,000 miles no problem. Good preventative maintenance is key, keep doing what you're doing.

As long as Toyota will own Subaru, they will never be good cars and will always have CVT. Don't you hate it when a Salesperson brags about the CVT first thing when you look at a car. NEVER BUY A TOYOTA.

The problem is not the warranty or even that the cars have a problem. Mine is at 164000, a 2012 limited, and the only repair the dealership will do is a certified subaru remanufactured transmission. That's an $8000 ticket. My family has has subarus forever, back to the 80's for a total of 7 cars between my parents and myself. Now, my mother and I are BOTH driving cars with these problems.. mine the 2012 and hers the 2014. The only decent CVT out there I'm finding is Toyotas.... My goal now is to get a salvaged transmission in it and sell it and walk away from Subaru forever. Talking to mom about selling hers and going elsewhere as well. Until Subaru has had 5 years of no major problems and has found a way to build them so they are serviceable, we'll not look back. Marc J. Wilson (yes subaru, the one who's called you multiple times.)

and again markw1952, it's not a problem if they start to go bad.. it's that you can not service them and the only option is to REPLACE the whole damned thing.....

My 2010 OB just started having a "hard" shift into 2nd gear. It has 173,400 miles...nobody ever recommended I change the transmission fluid. Is this CVT going bad behavior??

and by the way...I find Mark1952's comments helpful...he does not try to insult anyone unlike Bob...Not cool dude

Julia, what do you mean by "hard shift" into second gear.. UNLESS, you mean using the paddle shifters or manual shift on your CVT? What happens when you just let the automatic do all the shifting?? If I'm using the paddle shifters, yes, you can definitely feel the transmission shifting down especially on downshifts.... nothing wrong here... So, please explain what you mean....

Julia, thanks for your kind remarks above....173,400 miles is fantastic service on your car.... I'm thinking that you probably have a mechanic who's been servicing your car for a while? Owner's manual says that you only have to change the transmission fluid under "severe conditions" , that's a little vague.... if I'm old school and like to have it changed every 30,000 to 40,000 miles.. I just recently met someone with a 2010 Subaru Outback Limited model like mine with just over 200,000 miles... original CVT transmission fluid.... she said that she will just drive it until it quits... someone else told her not to mess with it at this point... Just use the automatic features of the car... and let it shift up and down normally... good luck to you., At 200,000 miles the car owes you nothing...

Change the fluid Julia!!! Don't be mislead by stories of the rare car that survived with poor maintenance.

Julia... just for the record...I never said that you should change it or not change it... The person I recently met was advised by "her mechanic"..to skip it at this point since it was never changed in the almost 175,000 miles of driving... If I were you... I would get an opinion from a Subaru dealership..

Hi all, writing from Italy. Today, after over 250.000 km I got what it looks like a CVT failure. My dash just became a Christmas tree with all those blinking alarm lights. Went straight to my dealer and response is that could be the pump, valves or another part I don't remember. The fact is also that, here in Italy at least, Subaru officials never recommended any shift oil change. Not even suggest to. Just another note, I drive pretty 'hard' on my Subby, snow, mud, off-road, Love to push on gas. This is what a Subaru is made for, otherwise I would have bought a Fiat :) Any suggestions on what could be the issue? Shift when put in D just makes all car vibrates then vibration goes away. When stopped at traffic lights it vibrates. Lights on dash are : engine, blinking cruise, At temp, and couple of others. Thank you all for any advice. Piero

Piero, thanks.... you know that after 155,000 miles.... anything is possible... that's a long distance.. Also, it's very difficult to gauge what "driving hard" is... exactly...means different things to many people. As far as changing the fluid, the owners manual says it's recommended under severe conditions, like towing... I just did it because it's good common sense...I really didn't tow very much at all and it was very light towing... occasionally... YES..I've known people who have and have not changed the fluid just with normal driving; some go more than 200,000 miles others less than 100,000....it varies..... And...the way you drive, in my opinion, does make a difference..I'm very easy on my cars...I want them to last as long as possible..... they usually do... especially in Southern California... where we don't have harsh winter conditions..... Good luck.... I've been to Italy.... beautiful country.... -- Mark

Subaru does recommend changing the CVT fluid when the car is used hard. Every 50,000 miles or more often is my suggestion.

I've been having issues with my 2010 Outback CVT for years. I always had vibrations/shimmers but the dealership brushed it off saying it was my tires that were unbalanced/rims crooked, but the problem persisted even after I changed the tires/rims. Then last year, it required a new torque converter at 160 000km when it stalled the engine while coming to a stop. Then in April, the CVT started slipping and juttering. Subaru replaced it with a new unit, which also made the vibration/shimmer disappear. 2 months later, the front differential grinded itself. The dealership said that it had leaked, but I didn't see any oil leak in my driveway for all that time. They replaced the transmission again. Then 2 months later, the CVT started humming between 80 and 100km/h, Subaru replaced it again. We have then bought another car, but kept the Outback as our beater. We drove it 2000km since the last transmission swap and it is starting to make that differential grinding noise again...

Can anyone tell me whether the extended warranty goes to a 2012 Legacy with 152k miles? I read this passage from a Forbes article to allow for my car, in which the transmission just went, but I had been having trouble all summer (2018) and the car was at the dealer, which, in typical shyster dealer terms, meant changing the tail lights and calling it a day: From Forbes article dated July 2017: "The new warranty extends it to 10 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. Vehicles that are already older or have higher mileage have a one-year extension, ending July 31, 2018."

Jean-François; I'm sorry you're having these problems... just curious... you mentioned this has been going on for years with the CVT? At what mileage did this start occurring..and how old was the car at the time....5 or 6 years old? Glad to hear that they changed the CVT for you.... All these problems with the differential as well...hmm, nothing like that has happened on my 2010. Just luck?

GuruBVMXZ; maybe I'm wrong... but, the July 31, 2018 probably says it all....then again...it never hurts to ask..... document all your service visits and contact Subaru of America.. be polite and see if they can assist you.... maybe they will make a goodwill gesture....I would try...

Mark 1952, thank you for your answer.

I hate to tell you, but it looks like they actually have a programming issue with the CVT. In mine, you can put it in manual mode and you will see the shift UP indicator on the dash. Start driving, and as your RPM rise, you will see the arrow turn off, then back on. It never changed gears, but the car jerks a little and you can see the rpms drop and feel it is in a different position on the pulley or the perhaps the torque converter locked. It will do this in virtual 2nd gear as well. Once I get it moving I can put mine in drive and it will continue fine... if I start out in drive, the following happens. As I accelerate in drive, the car hits the same RPM as the funny thing in manual and shutters and jerks all over the place (if I pop it back to manual, it says 1st gear) Once the car is moving it's okay. The problem started after a long trip, I went out in the morning to my car, tried to drive off and I nearly hit my head on the steering wheel when it jerked me around. TCM reset did not work as well as transmission flush and fill. They want 7500 for a reman transmission (When these are cheaper to build, go figure... I bet they are not building their own transmissions, but buying the junk from Nissan. In any case, My family and I have had 5 or 6 Subarus and they are refusing to help out in any way. They won't even sell me the new torque converter and valve pack that they have been putting on cars. This will be my, and my extended family's, last Subaru. Other cars are now good at AWD and the price they have raised these to over the older transmission types is too much. If anyone has any suggestions, I'd like to hear them. Perhaps change the TCM as the heat may have damaged an electronic gate? FOIA requests on what is going on in the transmission at these shift points? Perhaps we get together and do a class action lawsuit?

BTW, once the cooler weather hit, the car will take off fine when it's cold, no jerking.

Marc, I appreciate your response. In my case, the transmission light was coming on during the summer and I tried taking it to a number of Subaru dealers. One, AutoNation Subaru, changed the tail light bulbs, charged me $210, and told me they thought that was the fix but they were "concerned" the transmission light was on--this was seven days after the extended warranty expired on July 31, 2018. Coincidentally, Subaru Corp., as well as all the Subaru dealers to which I took the car, have shamed me because I have 152k miles on the 2012 Legacy. (My Honda Accord was 15 years old and had 365k when I traded it for this car.) I think you're right, I think Subaru should be sued for this problem, they know their transmissions are just bad.

At 197000 miles Mine is doing the same thing.(2012 outback ) I just bought a used vvt from salvage yard for 800 usd 29074 miles I have it on my lift right now to change it out and came across this thread. Btw SOA basically told me good luck when I talked to them regarding this issue

Also the local dealer when they looked at told me the fluid was dirty so they would have to change both the torque converter and the cvt This is after they they told me over the phone during the recall that if it wasn't stalling don't worry about it. Stupid me ,I believed them. 7500 for dealer to replace Basically 1000 for me to swap with salvage one. The donor was wrecked so I was able to see the mileage. Trust me this will be my last cvt I own

Update - Subaru dealer changed the converter and fluid for a total amount over 2200 €! Got the car and after less then 20 km all light were back on. So decide to replace the wirings. Results? nothing changed. Good news is that, after over 2000 km since the intervention, have no blinking lights on my dashboard, but transmission keeps vibrating when going from P to D or from D to R. Really concerned on what might happen in the near future. Piero

Trouble - 2013 Subaru Outback - cruising along on the highway. Got 2 quick stutters like someone had applied the left brakes only. Slowed down - accelerate revved engine, but no response from transmission. Smell of burning rubber. [This in fairly heavy Massachusetts traffic.] Got to the breakdown, put in Park, and IT ROLLED. Engine running fine. AAA ride to dealership, who can't look at it for 2 days due to backlog. "Free" loaner. Any predictions? "Is it dead, Jim?"

Ok so after they change transmission? how long do you have if that new transmission starts going bad also?

Subaru says the new one will have a 3 year warranty (assume there's a mileage limit too). NEWS - the transmission went because the Chain Garage I've used for years, changed what they thought was the front differential. Um, no. On a Subaru CVT - they're sort connected and fully draining the transmission and refilling the differential really BROKE the transmission. Promise so far is they'll pay for the repair - No way will they touch our cars again.

All theses issues also come from lower suspension arms the bushings go bad and causes play on transmission

OK - so I'm not feeling so good right about now - after reading the last 2 years worth of posts above mine. I've been driving for around 45 years (in 4 different countries) - have owned alot of vehicles. I bought my first Subaru a year and a half ago. '16 Forester 2l turbo Eyesight with the CVT. It had 10,000 miles on it when I bought it - and I've added 24,000. I've complained about how darn slow it is to react to quick, heavy acceleration - like when trying to pull out from an on-ramp into an open spot on the free-way. I couldn't guess how many times I've yelled profanities at the car when I would hit the accelerator as I was steering out into the open spot. I'd hit the gas - then count one, two, three - and finally, the engine would start pulling. So now, I'm 150 miles from home with my wife visiting her family just before Christmas. Saturday, the day we get there, as I'm pulling out of the hotel parking lot, the dash lights up! 7 yellow warning lights. Well, the dealerships are closed Sundays, so I wait until Monday - I'm there when they open the doors. Transmission code P2763. So, I'm told I need a new valve body. The next day is Christmas Eve day. They said they could even start doing anything with it for 3 days. I had to make the decision to drive 150 back home, fingers crossed. Made it. Valve body replaced. $1600 or 1900 (I forget) - but thank God Subaru paid for that. Now - I'm not trusting this transmission for lasting me any time at all - much less 200,000 like I originally thought this Subaru would carry me around for. I'm thinking of looking at Ford's spirited twin-turbo V6 ST. I believe that it has a 'real' transmission too!

Update I changed the fluid in my replacement cvt when I installed it last week. It was no longer green which is the Subaru color of cvt fluid it sells. I also changed the fluid in my crosstrek with exactly 100030 miles on it. It was very dirty. I replaced that fluid with Valvoline synthetic CVT fluid which is basically clear. You can only get approximately half the fluid out at each draining so I did both of them twice. The second draining on each was after running them on the lift so the new and old fluids were mixed. The second draining on each was much clearer of course. If anyone carres and reads this thread before their own CVT dies my recommendation would be change the CVT fluid often. SOA will use a lot of excuses to not pay for their poorly designed product( or at least their own service manual saying it doesn’t need changing) Good luck all

Thank you everyone for making me feel not so dumb for buying a Legacy. After trying to negotiate with Subaru to replace the bad transmission, they agreed to pay for half of it, which may be nice, but I'm going to walk away from the car. I believe that another $4,000 for something that is only guaranteed to last 3 years or 36,000 miles isn't worth it. Here is my last conversation with Subaru: Subaru rep: Thank you for taking the time to work with me through your concern. I have completed my due diligence and have reviewed your situation. I fully understand that you made attempts to have the warning lights diagnosed in a timely manner, and I do apologize for the experiences you had with the retailers. I regret to learn that you had prior issues with AutoNation Subaru, and that your appointment with Groove Subaru had complications. The appointment with AutoNation Subaru on August 7th, 2018 diagnosed the warning lights as relating to the brake lights, which were out. The retailer did replace the lights, and as you said, did not indicate that the transmission needed to be looked into further. Despite this appointment also being outside the time frame of July 2018, the diagnosis was not for the transmission. That was not made with an authorized Subaru Retailer until we started our correspondence, well beyond the warranty parameters. I understand where you are coming from, and I did review to see what I can do to help. I believe you when you say you have been a loyal Subaru owner, and I know you invested in your vehicle's well being by upgrading your Certified Added Security plan. For those reasons I was able to bring your case in for consideration. I have reviewed the situation to its fullest extent, and I am able to provide 50% of the cost for repair. I understand that you are looking for coverage of the entire repair, however because we are outside the parameters of the warranty, this is what I can provide as a gesture of goodwill. ME: While I do not agree with your assertions and conclusion, unfortunately, there is nothing more that I will put into this car as far as money goes. You're right, an authorized Subaru mechanic did not originally diagnose the condition because they [AutoNation Subaru] didn't want to. When I went to AutoNation with a transmission light on, they didn't want to check the transmission fluid because they probably knew the outcome so, instead, they charged me over $200 to change the tail lights. Prior to that, in January 2018, AutoNation had a phony assertion that the car had a $360 repair bill because they erroneously changed a recall part. You know, I bought this car with the impression, including input from your salesman, that if I took care of the car as I did my Honda, the car would last me well past my payment period. That is a decision that I have come to regret. Needless to say, I will pick up the car and have nothing more to do with Subaru. By the way, you may want to check out the CarGurus blog about Subaru and it's CVT. I am not alone in my disappointment with Subaru. Shame on Subaru, and you, for repeatedly shaming your customers for putting miles on their cars, which, incidentally is caused by driving them, and for your phony advertising about the car's integrity and dogs (the interior didn't last through one episode of my dog barking at another dog; something my mom's 2004 Ford Focus and my Ford truck have handled unscathed), for allowing your service franchises to try to rip off customers, and for your fake transmissions and fake concern for your customers. If Subaru was concerned about its customers, it would recall and replace these cheap "Nissan" transmissions--at least at cost.

Hmm... I keep hearing about how the 2013 Subarus are so much better than my 2010, yet, I'm reading more problems and the 2013 CVTs...and of course you ONLY hear about the horror stories on this forum... and mostly not from Southern California?? My 2010 Subaru Outback Limited 2.5 with the CVT has 94,000 miles... and no problems so far..... just lucky I guess. Car is technically under the 10 years, 100,000 miles transmission extended warranty until September 2019.. we'll see..... How many of you out there with the 2010 models have transmission problems of any kind? Let's hear about your experience....I have nothing to report.

I have a 2012 Outback 2.5 with 115k miles that has recently started to shudder and occasionally die when braking and often when accelerating up hill. We have had all major services done at dealership according to schedule and I've been mentioning this issue to them for at least the last 3 visits and they claim to have no idea what is causing it. I wish I would have seen this 15k miles ago. My only hope now is that they have record of me mentioning this prior to the 100k and that I can somehow turn that into a warranty issue. My wife tells me that it mysteriously started after we had the timing belt done at 110k so I'm not hopeful for a good result. Any other advice? I guess other than getting lucky I'm in for the replacement cost so that I can try to trade it in for some amount greater than the cost of repair. Really enjoyed this car but I don't think another Subaru is in the cards.

Ask a non-Subaru mechanic for an opinion. Not to work on it, just give an opinion. Could be something else out of order. Notice what happens to the Engine RPMs when it's happening. Is it a fuel supply issue?

Yesterday my 2012 Outback 2.5i transmission died (while taking my kids to school). We have a 135,000 miles on it. I have had all of my major services, and since a dealer opened in my town all minor/regular service completed at the dealership as well. They have told me that it sounds like something is broken in the transmission and that it will cost 8000 to replace the transmission. My rear wheel bearings are wearing out and need to be replaced, and we have a major service, and new tires in about 6mo. We are torn whether to replace or just move on from subaru.

FYI - Insurance totaled the 2013 Subaru Outback w. 99,898 miles. Said doesn't make sense to start with a $7500 new transmission and possible related breakage, as it's worked on. Will pay me $9250. Had to pay the $700 restocking fee because I foolishly said to order the replacement transmission before insurance spoke. ( ..ow..) I avoid the $500 rear busing replacement and $100 Serpentine belt. (Oh - and Subaru asked if I'd had the engine rebuilt...? Umm. no...? ) I'm also out $2250 for new tires, fluid changes, front/rear brakes, battery, light bulbs. So - I liked the 5* safety rating, 8" ground clearance, comfortable front/back seats. In the new Subaru Outback loaner, the useful knobs - fan, vent control make you look for them (tiny) and have a Very large display with radio, gps, [stuff wot I don't care about - need to watch the road]. If I'd gotten more miles, and less sudden expense, I'd get another. BUT - 5-6 years, 100K at a $17,250 cost feels expensive. I know average new car costs more than average american makes in a year. I just don't want to pay for it twice. Good Luck! I'm shopping other brands with my $9k.

Anyone have experience with the $2500 bumper to bumper warranty? I feel they owe me since now everyone gets a new transmission up to 100,000 miles. I am a senior expecting my 2017 outback to last. I feel my 100,000 miles on the cut should be from the point it fails for another 100,000. Anyone else notice you have to make them write word or word your complaints or they don’t record them???

So... having just experienced catastrophic CVT fail the day before yesterday on my 2012 outback with 85,000 miles: first was a faint groan from the tranny (which given that I was driving on a dirt road in winter didn’t sound at all grave), after less than five minutes the AT light, brake light and check engine all flashed. Got the car immediately over to the side as forward movement failed. Checked and saw the car was still partly blocking the road so shifted to reverse which worked for less than 20 feet. When these fail, they fail fast and hard. Presumably Subaru will replace. Car has never towed, not been driven hard, and maintained to spec or better. Luckily I was able to get the car towed quickly off the road and was less than a mile from home. The car was totally disabled, literally within a few minutes of the first warning. I am hopeful that Subaru will replace with new transmission. 85000 miles for a well maintained not abused transmission is completely unacceptable.

I think a great deal of this is LUCK...and vigilant maintenance.... remember.. your definition of "severe conditions" will vary.....we live in a major city with a lot of traffic congestion... stop and go traffic is in my mind "severe conditions".... AND... I am extremely pro-active about service.... I treat my cars like an "airplane"...they are serviced on a time/mileage schedule.....YES... I've had CVT transmission fluid changes..... I have also driven my car on extremely long distance trips... for hours on the highway...... I've been VERY LUCKY ... went almost 8,000 miles and back ... not one instance of any problems.... BUT...I've also had a complete service before that trip.. NOW.. with 94,000 miles and mostly all highway miles....my car continues to run fine......I met many people who told me that they went 200,000 plus miles on their Subaru Outback...same year as my car..... I don't know WHY people sometimes think they can just drive until something happens......? People treat their cars very differently....and unexpected things can happen as well.... My Subaru Outback Limited so far has exceeded my expectations.... even though I love my Sprinter....the Subaru is way more reliable.... your experience will vary.... If you are able to get 200,000 miles from your Subaru Outback...I think you have easily gotten your money's worth....I suppose you could complain... but should you? For those who only got 100,000 miles or less.... I sympathize with you.... very unfortunate... Look, I've had plenty of unplanned experiences with the Sprinter already...and get that serviced as well....you never know... but, mostly those issues are emissions problems... Never had any emissions issue with my Subaru Outback... don't expect that to happen.... good luck...

Hola! I have 146000 on my 2014 outback 2.5 and recently encountered brake light and at oil temp flashing lights, and solid VDC light. Dealer is charging 280 now to diagnose transmission...yeehaw... Fluid changed at 103000. All regular maintenance done. Pre-owned with 7 year/100000 mile warranty. I swear I asked them to replace the airbags last time I was at dealer and was ignored.

Go to another dealership for the airbags or better yet report them to Subaru of America....the airbags is a federal recall...they should NOT ignore that.

I also have a 2013 Subaru Outback..bad CVT transmission only 109000 miles on and I owe 10500$ we really need to unite on this issue this unfortunately is life changing for me. 7000$ to replace is ridiculous! Who has that kind of money:( so now it just sits in my driveway! Cant even find a used transmission locally with under 70000 miles on it and it is so risky!! Help

Leslie. Have you tried to see if Subaru will give you a good will repair? You are not that far over the warranty limit of 100,000 miles.

Yes..1000$ off of their 7000$ quote..no way will Subaru get a 1$ from me..!!!!DONT BUY A SUBARU!! THEY DO NOT VALUE THIER CUSTOMERS!! This is a sealed transmission that for some reason gos bad..they dont allow anyone to see the inside..its the main bearing?.why is it bad?.. hmmm..ask Subaru?..THEY KNOW..Lesson learned. Sitting in my driveway as a ornament:(

I completely agree with you. Subaru are idiots; really.

I'm glad to have found this site and could use some input. I love Subaru. This 2011 Outback is my third. It has 126,000 miles on it. My fav was the 1997 Legacy Wagon (Mighty Dog), though the GT Sport with sunroof was fun. Thanksgiving Day, driving a 1.5 hour drive in heavy Chicago area traffic my car started to 'lurch and squeak' every 2-5 minutes. Quite a scary ride! Took it to the mechanic and they were not able to replicate it, looked it over and found nothing. For quite sometime it was a rare event at about 45 mph, though I have not been back on the highway. The last couple of weeks it is happening more, always around 45 mph and now I am noticing that right before the 'lurch, squeak' the rpms go from 1500 to 2500-3000. This is just for a few seconds. I called mechanic with new info and he recommended a transmission shop. On phone he said if it is the transmission a rebuild would probably be about $5,000, but of course needs to check it, etc. Has anyone has these symptoms? Is it reasonable to expect a rebuilt or new trans to last a long time? I was also not aware the fluid should be changed - used to live in NH and took it regularly to mechanics who used to be Subaru dealership mechanics. Of course I just bought new tires during the Polar Vortex since I expect my Subarus to last a long long time.

mightydoglegacy - SO... they diagnosed that over the phone? Take it your trusted mechanic or specialty shop. I have 95,000 miles on my 2010 ...no issues. CVTs do have an increase in RPMs whenever you accelerate.... Not sure what you mean by that lurch ...? Yes, there's companies who rebuild the transmission... some have a warranty for 3 years. No matter what anyone tells you, it's almost less expensive to repair than replace the car. Think of it this way...sales tax on another car is expensive.... many people forget about this and then there's depreciation..... good luck.

The only people that rebuild that CVT is Subaru. I own a auto repair shop and talked to six different transmission shops that we have done business with. None of them will touch it. There are no parts on the after market for it to be able to be rebuildt. If you called Subaru national and went through the whole process with no luck and the local dealer won’t help me then it’s on you. to either sue them or pay for it yourself. It’s not a sealed transmission for those of you that have been told it is. It has no dipstick to check the fluid but the is a plug to check it after it reaches operating temperature.The fluid does get dirty so a change won’t hurt but when it gets changed the first drain only gets out about half of the capacity so it needs to be refilled and drained again. And possibly again depending on the color of the fluid. It’s not cheap but then again 7000 isn’t either. At some point we can hope Subaru of America engineers do a better job on the design. The track record isn’t great , head gaskets,rear support members rusting out, CVT issues, valve springs, catalytic converters, window regulators, brake calipers, the list is longer than it needs to be. Good luck to you all

Markw1952 - sounds like you're Subaru is doing OK to have 95,000 failure-free miles. But I believe that your's is an exception - and you shouldn't discount the impact of so many failures which have been happening. Also, check into it - I believe that you find that owners of failed Subarus can NOT just go down to a local trusted mechanic - because Subaru has managed things so that They have the parts and knowledge (well supposedly anyway) to get these CVTs repaired. Yes, the CVT does cause engine RPMs to increase when accelerating - that's kind of a no-brainer. As for the 'lurch' - I'm pretty sure that you are not aware of it because you've had no transmission problems. My 2016 Forester 2.0 Touring had 7 dash indicator lights to light up at once. Only had 36,000 easy miles on it. It was New Years Eve day - and I was coming home from a family visit 2 1/2 hours away. Went straight to nearest dealership. Withing a half hour they said that I needed a new battery that low voltage was causing the lights. $220 later with a new battery - still had the same codes and lights. My option - drive the 2 1/2 hours home - and let the car sit until business resumed after New Years - IF it was going to get me home! Well - it did, but made for a nerve-racking drive. My local dealership diagnosed a a "valve body" issue. I asked what part, solenoid or, ..... They said "the whole thing - Subaru only makes the whole valve body available for that kind of repair". Hmpf! Well, thank God that I fell under the extended warranty - I caught a glimpse of the work order as they were getting me checked out - and I believe that it read $1900 for the repair. Now, how much do I want to trust this car (CVT). Not much! I can just see this happening again. I mean, Why shouldn't it - the CVT seems to not be such a sound piece of mechanics. I'm gonna trade it in while it still had SOME value.

Thank you for your replies. Yes, that was over the phone with my trusted mechanic and the transmission specialist. They both have long-term good reputations in the area. But they clearly stated this is their best guess and they need to see the car to truly evaluate, which will be as soon as I can work out alternate transportation. This happens at 45+ mph when I am not accelerating, no A/C, Heat or Fan on, just driving steady. I had a friend drive it who said to him it felt like a 'belt slipping', this was months ago before the revving just prior became so apparent. I think I see your point about a large repair still being less than a new car (esp in this high tax state of IL). And if this ends up being the fix there is a warranty on the work.

Update - I talked with my very trusted Subaru guys from NH where I bought this car and had it serviced for years. They were Subaru dealer mechanics who opened their own shop about 15 years ago. They agree with what I'm hearing here about going to a dealer first and pushing for some assistance if indeed it needs the transmission. He also said they will likely have better diagnostics. So I'll take it to the dealer next.

Just payed over 4000$ for my used transmission. Took to local certified mechanics. Same day got it home and have a recall for the passenger side airbag. One of the questions Subaru asked me over the phone .. ARE YOU HAVING ANY TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS?? Uhmm..?? Really?? Yes I just paid over 4000$ for a new/used transmission to be installed!! Sure would be nice to get some reimbursement!! They KNOW!!! Should be recalled!! Sure it's only a matter of time b4 the new one has issues:( sucks I bought a Subaru for its reputation & now I have NO confidence in its reliability!! Hopefully I'll get to trade it in at end of summer right b4 my 6month warranty on transmission expires!. I'll be taking over a 6/7000$ loss over my SUBARU! SADLY Subaru needs to own up on this issue..I had to get a home equity loan for this ugly mess!! A car I still owe 10000$ on!! Thanks Subaru..Thanks

2015 Outback 2.5i Limited Owner here adding my experience, not answer. I had complete CVT failure at 52,000 last summer. They replaced the CVT under warranty and the new CVT has already started shuddering and slipping when 'cold' (I live in San Diego, so 'cold' just means not warmed up engine) I only bought a new car bc I planned on keeping it forever after having such a great experience with my 2003 Outback. The 2015 is back at the shop today so I'll have more info on their feedback tmr regarding the new issues with the tranny but I'm very hesitant to keep the car. My BF, a car guy, strongly suggests that I sell it and get a different car. I've already taken the depreciation bath for buying an new car, which I never would have done if I planned on selling in 3 years. I usually buy used one owner vehicles but this one was highly rated and great safety features. The good news is I did buy an extended warranty from AAA to 120K miles when I bought the car bc of all the 'bells & whistles' I figured it was worth it. So the question for you wonderful folks is... Do I have it serviced and cut bait and take my losses from buying a new car or do I hang in there since I have the 120K warranty? If I sell, what similar car make and model and year would you buy? I'm a hiker, camper, dog carrying girl so I prefer AWD and high clearance but SUV will work as well. Your input is appreciated!

Update again on my 2011 Outback with 126,000 miles that was hesitating and sqeaking daily at 45+ mph. The dealer suggested a transmission and differential fluid replacement, then did something to make the transmission 'relearn' (something like that). They said it was worth trying first, and that it might do it. I asked how likely it would and they said maybe 50% or more chance. It was <$400. It has been about a month now, and I have made a point to get out on the highway. I have not had any more problems. So either I dodged a bullet or put it off. But I'm thankful. I did ask when I should have the fluid changed again and they said in 45,000 miles.

Dang, I guess I will cross the outback off my list of possible cars to buy after reading all these posts.

Do not replace the CVT transmission I replaced mine and it failed within 30days 600 miles!! Class action lawsuit is needed!! Pauwels2@gmail.com if anyone wants to pursue this issue with me!! Subaru are Crooks that won't admit there CVTS are faulty!!!

If you don't get your transmission fixed, who will purchase your used car? And, you don't have to get it from the Subaru dealership..... there's shops that can install a remanufactured unit and give you a warranty for a period of time. Check it out.

Ha returned off lease after blown CVT at 40k. Will never buy another. CVT is trash. All you fan boys are on glue.

'16 Forester XT Touring with CVT (yuk, I've grown to not like that trans). At about 30,000 miles, while out of state visiting family, dash lit up with 7 warnings. AutoZone checked, found 2 codes - trans related. Into Service - replaced valve body. Afterwards performed well - until this weekend when we were out of state again! now only 40,000 miles on it. Driving in S# mode, noticed 'gear indicator' progressed up to 'gear' 8, but would not go into D at constant highway speeds. Selected S# to put it back into 'normal' I drive - rpms dropped by about 150. Tested by driving in S mode - highway steady, selected S to go back into I drive - rpms dropped by about 200. Later on - noticed that my gas mileage was averaging 2 mpg less than usual. Does this CVT have an "overdrive"? Seems like the trans isn't getting to that point. I'm not liking the CVT even more.

Jstclair99 - check out Toyota's Rav4, or Honda Pilot. These have been doing awesome, lately. Okay awd, and dependable motors. Not as good as Subarus awd, but it'll help get ya there. .. this has been an interesting thread. Does anyone know if i can mate a cvt from an outback to a 13 Impreza limited wagon?

in process of getting my 2013 Subaru Outback TR580 trans replaced. I bought the car used with 116k miles on it. I did have the trans fluid changed at 118k by my local mechanic with synthetic and then again at 123k at Subaru dealer. The car has 145k miles on it. Subaru dealer want $6200 for re manufactured trans + $900 for labor. Subaru of America is kicking in $2500. Just had short block replaced due to oil burning now this. This was my first Subaru.

My experience is that Subaru is the most over-rated car on the market. Their engine are junk (blow head gaskets) and their transmissions are junk. What's left? Oh yea, the electric windows are dodgy. I won't by another.

Update on my CVT swap approx 20000 miles ago. That CVT died also. The pump quit and left me stranded. True it was a used CVT that had 29000 on it and I put another 12000 on it. I used Valvoline synthetic fluid recommended by Valvoline after talking with them directly. I bought another used CVT with 92000 on it plus bought a year extended warranty for it for another 100. It’s got about 12000 miles on it now and still is ok. At our shop this is now the fifth CVT we have changed in the last year. All have been in the 2010-2015 year range. Honestly they are getting hard to find in the salvage market. New one is as you know 7000 which basically is worth more than the whole car is. Subaru that we deal with locally in Duluth knows there’s a real issue with these model years and have admitted it (albeit privately ) My recommendation is if possible: 1 don’t tow anything 2 sell it to someone you hate 3 trade it back to Subaru for a used manual transmission car. 4 at least change the fluid every time you can afford it. Good lick all

The CVT transmissions are pieces of junk! I have a 2018 Forester XT that I haven't even taken off-road, drive it in a low to moderately aggressive manner, have 40,000 miles on it and I'm on my 3rd transmission which is now going out again! Super disappointed in Subaru's quality. I've also had the exhaust manifold replaced, window fixed, visor replaced, rear wheel bearings replaced, all while having all the maintenance required done by the dealer. I will be utilizing the lemon law on this one which is unfortunate because I really like the car; the quality just blows!

I’m not sure who Mark is that is the salesman for SOA,all I can say is every real ASE certified mechanic (I’m one) knows these CVT transmissions are junk. Yes the quality of these cars is going down hill.wheel bearings have always been a issue with Subaru’s and a person with a brain at Subaru ought to step up and reengineer them.obviously they don’t care.wind noise is another issue from poor fitting doors and windows.quality control is lacking. This is biting them except for people like mark who have gotten very lucky. Good luck all.

Mark, there are no shops that I know of that will touch a Subaru CVT.If you personally know of any please let us know.AAmco, Jasper ,just to name two national shops won’t touch them.

Look people , just get that bottom grade japco oul out of the monster in your suburu immediately ! just pull the cooler line trans hose right now and start the engine to pump the crud out 100% . it workss right now . watch the people on utube do it . it works good and best , it works right away ! the 8= quarts leave along with all their crud with them . the vacated trans can now take in 8 = quarts . .. now , what took you so long ! by the way , it doesnt matter if you pump it empty and include some yellow jug trans x . it is great stuff ! be sure to warm it up in the mix and then send it all out . you dont need it any longer as it is not lubing any frictions , so use the valvoline as cherry red as possible to lube its best ... now , change by pump out often as 30,000 . it only takes 8++ quarts from now on now that the Subaru people arent jamming you to pour gallons of re mixed dirty old oil over and over again ... i just did a

My 2013 outback has 124k and bad transmission. Just want to find a used one to put in so I can sell it and walk away. Otherwise I’d only get 2K for a trade in at Subaru. Can’t believe I’m looking to pay between $3,400- 3900 for a used transmission. I’m feeling pretty done with Subaru. My first was a 2003 Legacy that got 300k. Any help on wear to find a decent used transmission? Julie

206k and counting on my 12 legacy with the tr690, might need to change tcc solenoid as I just got my first tran code ever. I have driven this thing like I stole from day one. I have not had a single issue other than regular maintenance. I had to replace two valves once, but that something I did myself by powering through some resistance by hand when putting on a timing belt.

Have an 11 Outback limited 2.5 that just had the cvt fail. It started shuttering and stalling when stopping, then shortly after the at oil light, check engine and brake light all came on. Was only a couple miles from home so tried making it. Then a pop, and it was like the car was in neutral. Bought the car with 70000 miles, now 134000 miles on it and it is completely disabled. I bought an extended warranty when I got the car for the fact that I didnt trust the cvt, and its sounding like the dealer isn't gonna accept the warranty because they don't like to pay. It's currently at the dealer and I'm awaiting word on if it'll be covered. I owe more than the car is worth and now can't drive it. This was my first Subaru and it has been a one thing after another with it. Really hope I'm not up shit creek with it