Hello Scotty,
Wondering how you feel about the Subaru CVT transmissions. We've owned Subarus for years and have had no transmission problems with any of the cars. We are looking to buy another Subaru but have heard the CVT is having problems. You advice will be appreciated.
Thanks,
Bob
A lot of the problems are likely due to Subaru's insistence that their CVTs are "sealed" transmissions with "lifetime fluid" that requires no changes for at least 100,000 miles. That's nonsense. With regular fluid changes they would probably last quite a while as long as they are not abused and not subject to heavy-duty use such as towing. The CVTs are the weakest part of those cars though, no doubt about that, but they are not as bad as the Jatco CVTs used by Nissan.
The main Subaru model I would be wary of is the Ascent. A 4-cylinder GDI turbo running through a CVT in a large heavy vehicle is not a recipe for longevity.
They’ve been a concern. That’s why the warrant has been extended (I think most of them now come with a 100,000 mile factory warranty). That’s also why Subaru doesn’t want you to service them under warranty- they want to inspect any that do fail in their natural condition.
But the consensus seems that the newer ones are fine, especially if you don’t tow with them. FWIW, my daughter’s 2018 Crosstrek has 85,000 miles with no transmission (or any other) issue.
However, I agree with Chuck about the Ascent. If that’s what you want, get a Highlander. Others, get a Subaru and sleep well.
I agree with Check, and will add the CVT transmission fluid should be diligently changed every 30,000 miles if you want it to last longer and be easy with them (don’t drive like a maniac, or tow, or even off-road with them despite their marketing showing it’s off-road capability). I am not a fan of CVTs in general for longevity’s sake, and still weary of Subaru CVTs for the long haul (like 200/250/300,00+ miles). Definitely avoid the Ascent as Chuck mentioned.
