20-AUG-2026:

I own a 2016 Forester 2.5i with a failing transmission at 208,600 KMs (not miles). Before anyone accuses me of neglect, I kept up to date with ALL service schedules:

• Oil changes every 8,000 KMs. • CVT and differential fluids drained and filled every 100,000 KMs (as per Subaru Canada service schedule).

All the servicing was performed at a Subaru dealership here in Canada. Since I am way over the 160,000 KM or 10-year extended drivetrain warranty offered by Subaru, my only options now are: 1. Buy a new CVT transmission for more than $10,000 CAD, or... 2. Buy a used transmission from a wreck. As of this writing, the dealership still has the vehicle in their shop. Previous attempts to get a "good" used transmission have been futile because the ones the dealership sourced all suffer from noisy bearings. Right now, they are testing the 4th transmission provided by a different supplier (you read that right). Hopefully, this one will be the final one since it has less than 150,000 KMs. Even my service rep was appalled and somewhat embarrassed to let me know that they were on their 4th transmission for my vehicle, and they were frankly running out of options. On a side note, I have NEVER used this vehicle for off-roading. Most, if not all, of my driving was highway driving. Throughout the years, the only type of "aggressive" driving (if you'd like to call it that) was making road trips from the Canadian Prairies all the way to BC (British Columbia) and back. I don't care if I get attacked for this post, but Subaru really needs to take a good look at this issue. Their CVTs are delicate and prone to damage compared to conventional transmissions. I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one.

For those of you who like going on offroading adventures on your CVT-based Subaru transmissions, let me finalize with this: You are rolling the dice on a very expensive ticking time bomb. Whatever BS propaganda Subaru advertises, don't fall for it guys.

UPDATE (22-OCT-2026): The dealership confirmed that the 4th transmission that they were installing on my vehicle which was provided to them by a third-party supplier which deals with salvages was also in bad condition due to a crack in the transfer case. At this point, the dealership has given up on reparing my vehicle because they have lost confidence in the ability to source a suitable used transmission, which means that they will be reimbursing me for all the costs associated to this repair. The only problem with this is that the vehicle will now be condemned (it's either going to the junk yard or be sold for parts).

I was told to replace the transmission because the code reader showed engine lights and hill start assist comes on. Subaru dealer told me its the exhaust system. A transmission specialist told me it's the transmission to get rid of the lights that comes on and goes. This problem never went away even after the replacement used transmission was put in. 2 years later, now my vehicle is vibrating when I am pressing gas to gain more speed. The vibration stops soon as take gas away to slow. The whole front in shaking and I can feel it. Now the mechanics here say its CV (the place I replaced the transmission). The other mechanic says it' the transmission bearings or torque converter. I have to replace the transmission again second time. All my wheels/tires are balanced and aligned. I just replaced the front CV two years ago, the place where the mechanics says it's the transmission.

I was driving home on a hot day for about an hour long drive and as i was coming up the off ramp from an interstate Highway, the vehicle started shaking violently as I was coming close to the stop sign and slowing down. I pulled off the the side of the road for a moment and when I tried to accelerate the car was revving up, but wasn't physically moving. I sat for a few minutes with car turned off and restarted it and then it started to move, but then started jerking really bad and ended up not moving again. I was able to pull off to a safe space to call the Subaru help line and get my vehicle towed into the dealership. It took them two days to determine that the transmission needed replacing and a full week to get the transmission in the shop from being ordered. (This was during 4th of July week so there were delays because of the holiday).

The replacement transmission has me nervous, as the vehicle doesn't sound or feel the way it used to. I am going to contact the dealership to express my concerns. There was no cost to me as the transmission was completely under warranty by Subaru. They also paid for my rental for the entire time. I did have to front the money though. Personally, I am very disappointed to have a transmission die at 70k miles. Maybe I expect too much, but I am contemplating selling the Forester off and get something without a CVT. These things are junk. My first Subaru and probably my last. It was a pretty big hassle getting things fixed as there is one dealer in my area. I can't be worrying about crap like this constantly.

CVT transmission failure. A known issue with Subaru cars starting in 2014 to I think 2018. They refuse to accept responsibility for selling junk costing customers thousands. My bill if I am ever able to afford it, the entire tranny replacement is $7,800 before taxes.

I spent almost all the money I had because several people told me what great cars they are..

My failure was looking up known issues and spending my money on foreign trash. Should have bought American, I'm unable to afford this and customer help?? Nothing. It is out of warranty.

I would have been happy if they covered 1/2 at least.