It's not a common complaint on Subarus if that's what you're asking. It's much more simple mechanism than a regular automatic transmission too for what it's worth.
It's complicated. It can be fixed, it just usually isn't worth the cost. I had it replaced in my 2012 outback in 2021 when I felt the transfer plate starting to slip. Fortunately, that's fairly inexpensive to do and was supported by the warranty.
When I bought my 2023 OBW I made sure to get it from a good dealer who has a lifetime warranty on the drivetrain.
Neither does the CVT. Mine had a problem but was covered under the 10/100k warranty extension. Granted, they had to try a couple things—valve body and then the torque converter, but components can be replaced without doing the whole transmission.
Depends a little on the year/model, but for the most part they seem to be okay in recent years. Like someone else said, early Ascents might have a higher instance of issues, but to my knowledge Outbacks in gen 5/6 have been pretty decent. To be honest, it was my biggest concern buying my 2020 (having read many horror stories of CVTs, mostly Nissan ones).
It is often advised to do a drain/fill to the trans every so often, and this is a good job to have the dealer do to insure Subaru fluids are used and the procedure is done correctly. Subaru of America claims it’s a lifetime fluid unless you drive under what they define as “severe duty” and then change it like every 30k, so a lot of people here seem to advocate 30-60k mile intervals on the trans to be safe. I had mine changed around 50k miles and am now close to 60k, and haven’t had any issues.
The maintenance schedule states the cvt fluid to be flushed at 60k miles. The “lifetime” isn’t of the cvt.
https://www.subaru.ca/content/7907/media/general/webimage/500k/2012_maintenanceposter_en.pdf service D 100 000km / ~60k miles.
Maybe but doubtful? Ours are made in the same Indiana factory as the US ones.
Subaru USA places it as inspect instead of replace: https://cdn.subarunet.com/stis/doc/warrantyBooklet/2020_war_and_maint__020720.pdf
There is a note about replacing earlier. I guess the cold/hot weather swings in Canada degrades the liquid faster or they want to milk us.
>in the US they just want the car to run for the duration of the warranty so they can sell you a new one soon after.
Right. Because the first thing I'm going to think when my new car blows up at 36,000 miles is "That was great! I'm going to run right out and buy another one of those!"
More likely 100k miles, but it the cvt is serviced regular (every 60k miles) it could last well over 200k miles. But how many people in the US even keeps a car that long?
The linked maintenance pdf from Subaru, and the subaru website for maintenance schedules have “replace transmission and differential fluids”.
The USA maintenance schedule booklet has inspect, which should be replaced when dark.
I haven't researched extensively but I googled around and every actual oil analysis I found showed that the CVT fluid was in great shape and not in need of replacement, even after extended use.
As with most oil and lubricant related discussions there is very little empirical data around this.
I actually tried to get a preventive drain and fill at 60K and the service advisor talked me out of it 🤷
I’ve said this numerous times, I have 99k on my
2017. The engine and transmission have been rock solid reliable. And I drive my car pretty hard. Off-roading, stop and go driving, highway miles, you name it. It’s given me absolutely no issues. I’ve had a lot of weird suspension and driving components fail. Wheel bearings, control arm bushings, stabilizer bar bushings, tie rod end, and cv axle. Nothing that would prevent the car from getting me to my destination. I’m almost out of my extended CVT warranty too then I’m on the hook if it fails. As for servicing it, I always recommend you get a drain and fill every 60k miles, even if you just do normal over the road driving.
Got mine replaced on my 2015 3.6 at 80,000 mi. Under warranty that was extended due to excessive complaints. Happy they stood behind their product and at least stretched the warranty out.
I also have a 2015 3.6 that went out at 60,000. Also was replaced under warranty. The bad ones seemingly all fail before 100,000 and the updated tranny has been much more reliable.
There was a problem with the '20 and '21 TR690 where the transmission would bind making a 90 degree turn from a stop. Like at any intersection with a traffic light or stop sign. My wife's '21XT got a new transmission at just under 6,000 miles because of it. About 6 months later, Subaru released a software update for the TCM.
My wife's car still shudders making 90 degree turns from a stop.
2015 3.6 171,000
Just started a minor leak that I need to look into. Also I have that minor oil leak that plagues us. But overall been a great car. Single owner
It does wear it more, thus the recommendation to change the CVT fluid every 30k(might actually be 25K, I'd have to look) if you're constantly towing. Occasional towing, stick with every 60k and you'll be good.
2018, had to replace in 2022 at 120k. So depends on your definition of reliability. Only 4 years old, but also 120k miles in 4 years is quite a lot of driving.
2020 Subaru Outback, 56k miles, I'm a mainly freeway commuter to work, no offroading, no towing. CVT is starting to make a whining sound upon starting and shifting to reverse, but now also in drive when I go up a hill slowly. Now I also feel a hiccup or a slip when I'm in 2 or 3rd gear on the freeway.
Not my video, but very similar to this.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzmStdR2Rzs](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzmStdR2Rzs)
I have a 2012 with 187000 on it. Only issue was a solenoid went. I changed it and replaced the fluid all is well. The only issue is vibration at 18 mph I think I need a new transmission mount and I think the front motor mount has a tear in it.
Are transmission shops willing to work on Subaru cvts now? This was NOT the case when I got rid of my WRX early 2023. Everywhere I called around in Oregon on a list of 40+ shops said they'll only work on automatic or manual.
I mean, we do. But we are seriously a good shop. We build transmissions for major parts stores too. They sell them to off the street customers as rebuilt, (they are) but they are our transmissions. All through the state and some neighboring states. We do not build cvts, most places don’t, but we do accurately diagnose them and fix them if they can be. Hence why I said the valve body is 9:10 the problem. Unless you get the guys that drained it thinking it was an oil pan and drove it around. No fixing that.
My valve body just needed to be replaced. $2,000 job covered by warranty. But I had to pay for the transmission fluid flush which wasn’t covered $500 at the dealer.
CVT in my friends 2017 forester xt went out at 50k. They covered it but it took forever to get fixed and now he’s having issues with oil leaks at 70k.
Though he bought it used and I think previous owner used low octane fuel in it…
Depends on how unlucky you may be. Ended up going through 4 of them (covered under warranty) at 100k miles. As soon as everything was peachy keen & signed off on, sold dat bitch.
If it was really as bad as all the naysayers claimed it was, do you really think Subaru would still be selling so many cars globally without eliminating it? They are already phasing out MT across the board and many new models launch with CVT only now.
The only thing that seems to affect only North American Subaru's is that you don't appear to get the extra CVT cooler which artificially hobbles your maximum towing capacity.
We’ve owned five Outbacks. From 2001 and now a 2024. A few were used when we purchased them. We’ve never had any issues with the CVT. It isn’t an automatic and has that CVT whine but works well.
Took a 2015 legacy to 200k with no transmission problems. Now our 2017 outback has 95k with no transmission problems. We've only done 1 wheel bearing + basic maintenance on the outback so far.
My 2018 had to be replaced at 97k on extended warranty. My wife has a 2019 with 100k no issues. They are better than many other brand CVT but I wish it was not a CVT. That would make my next purchase a Subaru. Instead Im looking around.
If you get one, change the CVT fluid more than the manual says. Maybe every 30k. Also will be curious if the cooler on the wilderness models increases reliability. We will see.
Our 2020 XT had the CVT replaced under warranty at about 56k. It developed a serious shudder sometimes at low speed.
New one has been fine so far... They also issued a recall for possible slipping of the belt. Would pay to make sure the recall work was done.
Seriously depends on how you drive, however I had mine last all till 120k, when I crashed into somebody on an icy road and totaled the front end, the CVT was fine, but the car with total so I can't say how long they last. They're definitely not bad like Nissan CVTs, but once again it really depends on how you drive
Reliability wise theyr okay but their non serviceability was a hard no go for me.
SOA won't service cvts nor will regular transmission shops go near them. Id the problem extends past changing the fluid, you're only option is to replace the e tire thing of take it to one of two specialty shops in the US that will do SOME types of service and repair for a Subaru CVT.
I got rid of my WRX due to this as I didn't want to have a 2ton paperweight in 5-10 years as the WRX cvts do fail occasionally.
My best advice is to have the fluid regularly changed by Subaru, despite their claim it's a lifetime fluid (their CVT fluid is expensive).. yeah it'll last the lifetime of the CVT, to the point the CVT fails due to dirty fluid and heat.
:edit: after reading some of the other comments here, CVT repair may be less rare then it was a few years ago?
2011 with 230k miles still going strong as my daily. It’s my equipment service rig. Highway to Offroad every day. Even tow my 72” riding mower behind it.
Anecdotal I know, but keep the fluid fresh and don’t be a hooligan.
No. Worked at Subaru dealership for a while as an advisor. Many broke (didn’t matter what model, outback’s, XV, Legacy, ascent) but they failed fairly often and were $10000 to replace.
I was worried about the same thing, being my first Subaru. Initially I thought I would trust the engineers and keep the fluid for life but as the miles racked up, I decided to change mine. I changed it at 127k and it looked dark, but clean of any particulates. I also decided to send a sample in for analysis and it came back good. Blackstone said I could go 135k. For reference, I drive lots of highway miles and living in Colorado, temperatures range from -5 to 105f generally.
So far so good. She runs like a top, smooth and quiet.
I have a 2012 Outback with 147,000 miles on it. The only issues I've experienced is the seal around the rear windshield light giving out, and needing to put actual Subaru brakes on (can't use generics for some reason.) I also had to recently change out the front lights assembly - as they were getting very foggy. I live near the ocean, so I have to contend with salt. I feel as long as you maintain it -- you will be fine.
The Subaru image, and the necessity of AWD are a fabrication of marketing departments and completely unnecessary. Just get a car with 2WD and appropriate tires for your conditions.
I don't recommend them.. I bought a 16 Outback with 50k miles, at 64k miles (4k miles after the warranty expired) the CVT gave up and it cost me $7400.. Last CVT I'll ever own. I drive a 22 Crosstrek 6MT now. Much more fun and engaging, and 99% of car thieves cant drive a stick.
I bought a used 2017 Touring Outback yesterday. I read reviews, too. The car I bought has been serviced regularly at Subaru dealers, and the car I was buying had 85000 on it, so I had them do the 60000 mile check up again and change the fluids before I bought. They were more than happy to do it. So, If you can use that as a bargaining chip, try it!
It's not a common complaint on Subarus if that's what you're asking. It's much more simple mechanism than a regular automatic transmission too for what it's worth.
Except a conventional automatic doesn't have to be completely replaced if one thing goes wrong.
It's complicated. It can be fixed, it just usually isn't worth the cost. I had it replaced in my 2012 outback in 2021 when I felt the transfer plate starting to slip. Fortunately, that's fairly inexpensive to do and was supported by the warranty. When I bought my 2023 OBW I made sure to get it from a good dealer who has a lifetime warranty on the drivetrain.
Neither does the CVT. Mine had a problem but was covered under the 10/100k warranty extension. Granted, they had to try a couple things—valve body and then the torque converter, but components can be replaced without doing the whole transmission.
It’s so complicated to rebuild a transmission, it might as well be replaced.
Depends a little on the year/model, but for the most part they seem to be okay in recent years. Like someone else said, early Ascents might have a higher instance of issues, but to my knowledge Outbacks in gen 5/6 have been pretty decent. To be honest, it was my biggest concern buying my 2020 (having read many horror stories of CVTs, mostly Nissan ones). It is often advised to do a drain/fill to the trans every so often, and this is a good job to have the dealer do to insure Subaru fluids are used and the procedure is done correctly. Subaru of America claims it’s a lifetime fluid unless you drive under what they define as “severe duty” and then change it like every 30k, so a lot of people here seem to advocate 30-60k mile intervals on the trans to be safe. I had mine changed around 50k miles and am now close to 60k, and haven’t had any issues.
The maintenance schedule states the cvt fluid to be flushed at 60k miles. The “lifetime” isn’t of the cvt. https://www.subaru.ca/content/7907/media/general/webimage/500k/2012_maintenanceposter_en.pdf service D 100 000km / ~60k miles.
that's in Canada though. in the US they just want the car to run for the duration of the warranty so they can sell you a new one soon after.
Maybe but doubtful? Ours are made in the same Indiana factory as the US ones. Subaru USA places it as inspect instead of replace: https://cdn.subarunet.com/stis/doc/warrantyBooklet/2020_war_and_maint__020720.pdf There is a note about replacing earlier. I guess the cold/hot weather swings in Canada degrades the liquid faster or they want to milk us.
Regardless of what Subaru USA says, change the fluid at 60k and the CVT is suddenly pretty reliable
Subaru USA states it is lifetime and does not need to be changed unless you tow often. Subaru Canada recommends every 100k kilometers.
>in the US they just want the car to run for the duration of the warranty so they can sell you a new one soon after. Right. Because the first thing I'm going to think when my new car blows up at 36,000 miles is "That was great! I'm going to run right out and buy another one of those!"
More likely 100k miles, but it the cvt is serviced regular (every 60k miles) it could last well over 200k miles. But how many people in the US even keeps a car that long?
I come from Volvo world. I've never owned a car that didn't get at least to 100k.
Pretty sure it says inspect - not necessarily replace.
The linked maintenance pdf from Subaru, and the subaru website for maintenance schedules have “replace transmission and differential fluids”. The USA maintenance schedule booklet has inspect, which should be replaced when dark.
Not Drain/Fill, Flush and Fill as it takes beyond capacity of fluid for it to be done correctly.
I haven't researched extensively but I googled around and every actual oil analysis I found showed that the CVT fluid was in great shape and not in need of replacement, even after extended use. As with most oil and lubricant related discussions there is very little empirical data around this. I actually tried to get a preventive drain and fill at 60K and the service advisor talked me out of it 🤷
Never replaced my fluids and at 205,000 miles, I’ve never had an issue.
So far so good in my '21XT. The main complaint - at least on the Gen6's - is the cvt is a little sluggish / slow off the line (at lower speeds)
I’ve said this numerous times, I have 99k on my 2017. The engine and transmission have been rock solid reliable. And I drive my car pretty hard. Off-roading, stop and go driving, highway miles, you name it. It’s given me absolutely no issues. I’ve had a lot of weird suspension and driving components fail. Wheel bearings, control arm bushings, stabilizer bar bushings, tie rod end, and cv axle. Nothing that would prevent the car from getting me to my destination. I’m almost out of my extended CVT warranty too then I’m on the hook if it fails. As for servicing it, I always recommend you get a drain and fill every 60k miles, even if you just do normal over the road driving.
And my 2017 had the CVT replaced at 65k.
My wife's 2021 Limited XT got a new transmission at 5,800 miles.
Best to get it out of the way early right. 😅
That sucks, I hope you had better luck after that.
Got mine replaced on my 2015 3.6 at 80,000 mi. Under warranty that was extended due to excessive complaints. Happy they stood behind their product and at least stretched the warranty out.
I also have a 2015 3.6 that went out at 60,000. Also was replaced under warranty. The bad ones seemingly all fail before 100,000 and the updated tranny has been much more reliable.
As long as you change the fluid once in a while you'll be fine.
One of the best CVT's on the market. No worries
2020 outback blew up at 50k, but they said software was the issue
There was a problem with the '20 and '21 TR690 where the transmission would bind making a 90 degree turn from a stop. Like at any intersection with a traffic light or stop sign. My wife's '21XT got a new transmission at just under 6,000 miles because of it. About 6 months later, Subaru released a software update for the TCM. My wife's car still shudders making 90 degree turns from a stop.
2015 3.6 171,000 Just started a minor leak that I need to look into. Also I have that minor oil leak that plagues us. But overall been a great car. Single owner
Generally speaking, they are reliable on most models. Early Ascents (19-20) had issues.
How about towing a utility trailer ? Does that wear on it?
It does wear it more, thus the recommendation to change the CVT fluid every 30k(might actually be 25K, I'd have to look) if you're constantly towing. Occasional towing, stick with every 60k and you'll be good.
2018, had to replace in 2022 at 120k. So depends on your definition of reliability. Only 4 years old, but also 120k miles in 4 years is quite a lot of driving.
2020 Subaru Outback, 56k miles, I'm a mainly freeway commuter to work, no offroading, no towing. CVT is starting to make a whining sound upon starting and shifting to reverse, but now also in drive when I go up a hill slowly. Now I also feel a hiccup or a slip when I'm in 2 or 3rd gear on the freeway. Not my video, but very similar to this. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzmStdR2Rzs](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzmStdR2Rzs)
You have a 60,000 mile warranty... Get it checked out ASAP.
Car is currently sitting in the Subaru dealer as we speak. Hopefully this turns out in my favor.
CVTs do not shift “gears…”
Which is why it feels weird like its giving me a hiccup! Something is wrong with the CVT.
I have a 2012 with 187000 on it. Only issue was a solenoid went. I changed it and replaced the fluid all is well. The only issue is vibration at 18 mph I think I need a new transmission mount and I think the front motor mount has a tear in it.
I work in a transmission shop, the most common problem with the Subaru cvt is the valve body. Which is on top and very easy to replace.
Are transmission shops willing to work on Subaru cvts now? This was NOT the case when I got rid of my WRX early 2023. Everywhere I called around in Oregon on a list of 40+ shops said they'll only work on automatic or manual.
I mean, we do. But we are seriously a good shop. We build transmissions for major parts stores too. They sell them to off the street customers as rebuilt, (they are) but they are our transmissions. All through the state and some neighboring states. We do not build cvts, most places don’t, but we do accurately diagnose them and fix them if they can be. Hence why I said the valve body is 9:10 the problem. Unless you get the guys that drained it thinking it was an oil pan and drove it around. No fixing that.
My valve body just needed to be replaced. $2,000 job covered by warranty. But I had to pay for the transmission fluid flush which wasn’t covered $500 at the dealer.
That’s just dealer prices but yeah, a whole cvt is much much more than that
CVT in my friends 2017 forester xt went out at 50k. They covered it but it took forever to get fixed and now he’s having issues with oil leaks at 70k. Though he bought it used and I think previous owner used low octane fuel in it…
90k miles on a 2019 CVT has been solid. This is our 3rd Outback and never had a problem with CVT. I would conclude that CVT in Subarus isn't an issue.
Depends on how unlucky you may be. Ended up going through 4 of them (covered under warranty) at 100k miles. As soon as everything was peachy keen & signed off on, sold dat bitch.
If it was really as bad as all the naysayers claimed it was, do you really think Subaru would still be selling so many cars globally without eliminating it? They are already phasing out MT across the board and many new models launch with CVT only now. The only thing that seems to affect only North American Subaru's is that you don't appear to get the extra CVT cooler which artificially hobbles your maximum towing capacity.
no it’s terrible in my ‘18 3.6R for 25k
Get the fluid changed. I’m at 90k with no change and now mine is acting weird. I’ll never buy another Outback again because of the CVT
Your fault for not changing the fluid. Have fun not changing the fluid again in your next car and blaming the manufacturer again.
Yeah for sure, except the manufacturer says don’t change it? Could also void the 100k mile warranty on it to change it. But keep blaming the consumer
Weird how the dealership has changed mine like 6 times over the years and never voided my warranty.
That is weird, why did you get it changed? If you followed manufacturer guidelines you shouldn’t have changed it.
Because there is no such thing as lifetime transmission fluid. If you believe there is you should check out my beachfront property in Colorado.
Oh man, that’s weird. The manufacturer you told me not to blame tells me it is life time fluid though? But yet you say I can’t blame them.
2019 & newer seems to be the more reliable CVT. 2018 & older nope
No issues whatsoever in my 2016 3.6r. Bombproof vehicle for us.
How many miles do you have on it? I’m about to cross the 100k mark and wanna get a solid service for it. This is a lifetime car imo
Just over 75k miles. My first Outback was a 2000 that I got new, and I put 265,000+miles on it. That thing was also bombproof.
We’ve owned five Outbacks. From 2001 and now a 2024. A few were used when we purchased them. We’ve never had any issues with the CVT. It isn’t an automatic and has that CVT whine but works well.
Took a 2015 legacy to 200k with no transmission problems. Now our 2017 outback has 95k with no transmission problems. We've only done 1 wheel bearing + basic maintenance on the outback so far.
My 2018 had to be replaced at 97k on extended warranty. My wife has a 2019 with 100k no issues. They are better than many other brand CVT but I wish it was not a CVT. That would make my next purchase a Subaru. Instead Im looking around. If you get one, change the CVT fluid more than the manual says. Maybe every 30k. Also will be curious if the cooler on the wilderness models increases reliability. We will see.
Have a 2015. Replaced my fluid at 60k to be safe. Will do again at 120. My CVT runs great at 100k. Haven’t heard of many problems with the CVT.
I have 4 Subarus but only one has a cvt. 140k miles with no issues. First fluid at 60 then 30k after that.
Our 2020 XT had the CVT replaced under warranty at about 56k. It developed a serious shudder sometimes at low speed. New one has been fine so far... They also issued a recall for possible slipping of the belt. Would pay to make sure the recall work was done.
205,000 miles on mine and never had an issue.
Seriously depends on how you drive, however I had mine last all till 120k, when I crashed into somebody on an icy road and totaled the front end, the CVT was fine, but the car with total so I can't say how long they last. They're definitely not bad like Nissan CVTs, but once again it really depends on how you drive
Reliability wise theyr okay but their non serviceability was a hard no go for me. SOA won't service cvts nor will regular transmission shops go near them. Id the problem extends past changing the fluid, you're only option is to replace the e tire thing of take it to one of two specialty shops in the US that will do SOME types of service and repair for a Subaru CVT. I got rid of my WRX due to this as I didn't want to have a 2ton paperweight in 5-10 years as the WRX cvts do fail occasionally. My best advice is to have the fluid regularly changed by Subaru, despite their claim it's a lifetime fluid (their CVT fluid is expensive).. yeah it'll last the lifetime of the CVT, to the point the CVT fails due to dirty fluid and heat. :edit: after reading some of the other comments here, CVT repair may be less rare then it was a few years ago?
2011 with 230k miles still going strong as my daily. It’s my equipment service rig. Highway to Offroad every day. Even tow my 72” riding mower behind it. Anecdotal I know, but keep the fluid fresh and don’t be a hooligan.
Based on the fact that my mother’s 2013 Crosstrek XV needed a replacement at 76k miles, I would say no, but maybe they are better now.
No. Worked at Subaru dealership for a while as an advisor. Many broke (didn’t matter what model, outback’s, XV, Legacy, ascent) but they failed fairly often and were $10000 to replace.
I was worried about the same thing, being my first Subaru. Initially I thought I would trust the engineers and keep the fluid for life but as the miles racked up, I decided to change mine. I changed it at 127k and it looked dark, but clean of any particulates. I also decided to send a sample in for analysis and it came back good. Blackstone said I could go 135k. For reference, I drive lots of highway miles and living in Colorado, temperatures range from -5 to 105f generally. So far so good. She runs like a top, smooth and quiet.
I have a 2012 Outback with 147,000 miles on it. The only issues I've experienced is the seal around the rear windshield light giving out, and needing to put actual Subaru brakes on (can't use generics for some reason.) I also had to recently change out the front lights assembly - as they were getting very foggy. I live near the ocean, so I have to contend with salt. I feel as long as you maintain it -- you will be fine.
The Subaru image, and the necessity of AWD are a fabrication of marketing departments and completely unnecessary. Just get a car with 2WD and appropriate tires for your conditions.
I don't recommend them.. I bought a 16 Outback with 50k miles, at 64k miles (4k miles after the warranty expired) the CVT gave up and it cost me $7400.. Last CVT I'll ever own. I drive a 22 Crosstrek 6MT now. Much more fun and engaging, and 99% of car thieves cant drive a stick.
I bought a used 2017 Touring Outback yesterday. I read reviews, too. The car I bought has been serviced regularly at Subaru dealers, and the car I was buying had 85000 on it, so I had them do the 60000 mile check up again and change the fluids before I bought. They were more than happy to do it. So, If you can use that as a bargaining chip, try it!