Hello I bought I used 2016 Subaru Crosstrek with 84k. So far no problems. I hear I should change the CVT fluid. Then I hear I should not and it will make things worse. Then I hear to wait till 100k. Will the CVT eventually go bad ? I am on the fence in this….I don’t mind spending $150-$200 to have it changed as preventative maintenance.
Change it now.
I would change it now - you are long overdue. And you should be changing it every 30,000 miles if you want the CVT to last longer. CVTs had historically been Subaru’s weak links.
There is no such thing as lifetime transmission fluid, and Subaru would be happy to just get through the 100,000 miles powertrain warranty and then when issues come up after that sell you a new transmission or even a new car.
If that were my vehicle and I wanted to keep it for as long as possible, I would change it now and then every 30,000 miles moving forward.
You definitely want to change it. People disagree on interval, and you will hear everything from 30,000 miles to 100,000 miles. I would probably start at 100,000 miles and change it every 50,000 thereafter.
The main wrinkle is warranty. Changing the fluid voids Subaru’s warranty. Currently their CVT warranty goes to 100,000, which is why that is often the number recommended. You’ll have to check on 2016, it might be less (in which case go ahead and change it now, if you want.)
FYI: CVT fluid change is not a DIY service. It is a very complex operation. Take it to a dealer or dedicated Subaru shop. Might be a little over your price range, but worth it.
In the meantime, you should also change the front and rear differential fluid if that hasn’t been done. That’s simple DIY job. Probably spark plugs too (though do your homework first).
PS: when I say DIY for diff fluid and plugs, that assumes you have done that kind of thing before. If you haven’t, you should maybe get help from a buddy who has when you do it the first time. But a 2016 Crosstrek is generally a very easy car to work on yourself.
If you have it, look in your warranty and maintenance booklet. Maintenance Item # 13; the interval to check CVT is every 30K miles. Shows "I", and I= Inspect, correct, or replace if necessary. I included a screen-print and link to the booklet in case you don't have it. I would replace it if it was my car.
https://techinfo.subaru.com/stis/doc/warrantyBooklet/2016_war_and_maint_101915.pdf
