Hi there!
My 2018 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium Revs to 2000 and drops to 1500 after CVT Flush at 41000 Miles while driving at a speed of around 40 miles per hour. I have also noticed that it happens at lower speeds as well while accelerating for example when you step on gas at 20 miles per hour and start to build up speed. This also happens when I am driving on the highway at 60 miles per hour and want to speed up to 70 miles per hour. When I step on gas it feels like the car pulls forward and then the revs drop and it stabilizes. All services were done at the Subaru Dealership I have all the records. The CVT flush was recently done at 40,000 miles. All services before this were just oil changes, tire rotations and fluid top offs. I cannot afford a new car I just paid off this car after a month ago and it seems like it is going to fall apart soon. I do have powertrain warranty until 100,000 miles but this is the previous generation and I am worried if I need a new CVT it will probably be a used one and the problem might resurface again. Should I trade-in for a Traditional transmission like a Toyota RAV-4. Please Advise. Thank you.
--Jade
It’s your time to use it, as you described it - either the change wasn’t done correctly or your CVT is either damaged or toast.
If you're eligible to use your warranty - I’d demand replacement of the unit (not repair)
Remember to first read the terms or conditions of the warranty!
A new CVT costs in the mid $,$$$ so you want to be sure you do everything correctly.
https://www.subaru.com/addedsecurity
Is your warranty through Subaru? According to what I just read, they only use new or Subaru re-manufactured parts.
Have you taken your car back to the dealership to document the problem?
Just another dealership rip off.
I haven't gone back to the Dealership Yet. I just started to notice this issue. Sadly before the 600$ Transmission Fluid Flush the car ran just fine.
Well, that's the reason Scotty says to never flush...
Also $600? That's outrageous!
Did they even use the correct fluid?
$600 for a flush??????? OH MY GOD
The Dealership did the following:
1. Change engine oil, Rotate Tires
2. Subaru All Wheel Drive Transmission Fluid Front and Rear Differential Fluid Replacement. I see charges for the Fluid, Gaskets and Labor.
3. Multi-Point Inspection - They did send me a video and the technician was under the car and inspected all 4 Tires, Brakes, Joints etc and said everything looks good.
4. They said the Air Filter needed replacement and Battery Failed some test and is showing 391 CCA and is rated at 470 CCA - The dealership wanted $290 for this. I did ask if it was needed and if we could do this next time. They said it is not needed at 41000 Miles.
I feel sad, I worked my a$$ off to pay off the car next month is my last payment for the car and I feel it will fall apart in another 10,000 Miles. I haven't reached out to the dealership yet. I am reading online to find out and judge how big of a mess this is and if I should trade it for a Toyota RAV4 without a CVT.
Thanks again for all the help.
--Jade
If you cannot get satisfaction (like a factory rebuilt trans) through your warranty, with used car prices at an all-time high you may well be able to get back most of what you paid for that car. That would go a long way towards purchase of a RAV4. (However from what I've been able to find with a quick search the RAV4 currently does appear to have a CVT. It's getting tough to find vehicles without them.)
