Last updated on July 5th, 2023 at 08:45 am
In search of more efficient vehicle parts, Subaru engineers have developed and introduced the first longitudinally paired CVT with AWD that uses pulley, belts, and chains to transmit power to the driven wheels instead of gears. So far, the Subaru CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) has no fixed gear ratios but a CVT with the equivalent number of packs.
This main characteristic feature of Subaru CVT provides merits in terms of; fuel economy efficiency, quietness/smoothness, and better acceleration. In order words, the design of the Subaru CVT has a natural feel that gives it an edge over other CVTs.
Essentially, it allows you and I (the drivers) to experience a smooth and quiet instant response. In the same vein, this article will bring to lamplight; the list of Subaru with CVT transmission, while answering the question “are Subaru CVT transmission any good”, is CVT the same as transmission fluid, how long will a Subaru CVT last, how to check CVT transmission fluid Subaru Crosstrek, how to do Subaru CVT flush, how to change CVT transmission fluid Subaru.
We will also look at the Subaru CVT transmission recall and finally Subaru CVT transmission years.
So with those in mind let’s get right into it.
Are Subaru CVT transmissions any good?
Of course, yes, Subaru CVT transmissions are good and beneficially to you and me as drivers and Subaru owners in the following ways;
- Subaru CVT does not use gears, so there are no issues in contending to switching gears; hence providing a smoother and quiet ride is assured.
- Subaru CVT provides power to its vehicle to accelerate with more responsiveness.
- It allows the engine to operate longer but at a slower speed than other vehicles with a traditional automatic transmission, thereby having a better fuel economy. This benefit is great for you because the CVT is lighter and works great with a more lightweight vehicle such as Subaru.
- Subaru CVT is more reliable because, over the decades, it has scored 4 out of 5 for its reliability transmission prediction regarding reports on-road tests on Customers.
List of Subaru with CVT Transmissions
The following Subarus have CVT transmissions;
- Crosstrek, 2013 – 2015
- Crosstrek Hybrid, 2014 – 2015
- WRX 2.0 2015
- Outback, 2010 – 2015
- Outback, 3.6 V6, 2015
- Forester (2.0 & 2.5liters engines), 2014 – 2015
- Impreza, 2012 – 2015
- Legacy, 2012 – 2015
- Legacy, 3.6 V6,2015.
- Ascent, 2021 – 2022
Is CVT Fluid the Same as Transmission Fluid?
Definitely, no, they are distinctive. In essence, the automatic or transmission fluid is a fluid that works perfectly with automatic transmissions, while Subaru built CVT fluid for CVT transmission vehicles.
Read this also: Subaru Transmission Problems Symptoms & Signs
Subaru CVT Transmission Pros and Cons
Have you wondered why Subaru continued using CVT transmissions regardless of the associated downsides? To this end, do the merits/benefits of having CVT transmissions out-weighs their downsides? Hence, the pros and cons of having Subaru CVT transmissions.
Pros
- Minor Wear and Tear: Subaru CVT transmission records minimal wear and tear compared to the wear and tear in other traditional transmission set gears with a planetary-gear set design. In essence, the Subaru CVT requires a few moving parts, thereby reducing friction and heat on the vehicle parts.
- Less Emission: Using CVT in Subaru gives better engine speed control. So far, it has complied with the environmental reduction standard of carbon (iv) oxide emissions.
- Less Weight than the Convectional Transmission: Since there are fewer parts In the design of the Subaru CVT, the weight is, therefore, less compared to the traditional when installed on your vehicle.
- Quiet and Smoother Ride: Subaru has a subtle shifting mechanism as you are driving. Thanks to its technological advancement, traditional CVT creates lurching sensations that could cause injury during sudden movements.
- High Responsiveness: Have you driven in a steep incline area? If yes, you should have every reason to appreciate the advanced technology of Subaru in its CVT development, and if not, try to have the experience. This CVT technology will quickly find the required gear ratio to provide the necessary power for driving without shifting because it has numerous available gear ratios. But, the traditional CVT has a limited gear ratio; hence, it will struggle most of the time, especially with a heavy load.
- High Fuel Efficiency: This is an essential benefit of the Subaru CVT technology; hence, it creates a high fuel efficiency. For instance, Subaru CVTs technology achieves 38 miles per gallon of fuel on the highway and does not lose momentum for hybrid vehicles.
Cons
- High Cost of Replacing Subaru CVT: Apparently, you will face a quicker failure of your hybrid Subaru CVT due to its transmission design, unlike other non-hybrid vehicles. This replacement could range from $3,000 to $8,000, including labor costs to get your Subaru back on track.
- Rebuilds are Almost Impossible: Due to the severe damage to Subaru CVT, the cost of rebuilding could be so high, and even if it is possible to rebuild the parts remain costly. Therefore, about 90% of Subaru CVTs should be changed rather than rebuilt.
- Subaru CVT Sound: Saying from experience, Subaru CVT provides an incredible and displeasing sound. If you drive it for the first time, you could misinterpret this sound because the vehicle is not performing; usually, it is the CVT make-up.
- High Cost of Transmission Fluid: Subaru CVT can operate for an extended period when the transmission fluid constantly changes at intervals. Changing this transmission fluid becomes costly and, if not, could result in pulley damage, wear on the valve or body, and overheating.
- Subaru CVT Acceleration Challenge: If you try to perform a quick pass on another vehicle, you will receive a lower speed due to no guarantee that the CVT will jump into an RMP range for acceleration.
How Long Will a Subaru CVT Last?
Indeed, Subaru CVT will last for 10years due to the facts gathered from experiences with Subaru customers with the issues arising with their CVT transmission, even when Subaru scored 4 out of 5 on reliability.
To this account, Subaru 2017 extended its powertrain warranty of 5years by 60,000 miles to almost double, 10years by 100,000 miles to counter the problems. Hence, Subaru opted for the last extension, which was not what most customers who experienced CVT issues wanted.
Finally, Subaru acknowledged the situation and decided that it would address the issue if the problem occurred higher than 10years by 100,000 miles.
How to do a Subaru CVT Flush
Flushing your Subaru CVT requires total fluid removal from the more excellent lines and other parts of your transmission. So far, doing flush might require rebuilding the CVT or total replacement if necessary. To properly do a subaru cvt flush, you may need to watch this video here and follow step by step guide.
How to Check CVT Transmission Fluid in Subaru Crosstrek?
To check the CVT transmission fluid in Subaru Crosstrek requires the following steps;
step1- Make sure the vehicle is horizontally positioned
step2- Pull out the dipstick.
Step3- Wipe it 2 to 3times.
Step4- Dip the dipstick and check the level of the transmission fluid.
You could do it more than 2 times to be sure of the transmission fluid level.
Cost for Subaru CVT Fluid Change
The overview cost of Subaru CVT fluid change is between $250 – $400, but this cost depends on three factors; labor, parts, and liquid costs for each model of Subaru stated below;
- Subaru Forester has a cost of CVT fluid between $121 – $139, the labor cost of $68 to $85, and parts at about $53.
- Subaru Outback has a cost of CVT fluid between $86 – $102, the labor cost of $59 – $75, and parts at about $27.
- Subaru Legacy has a cost of CVT fluid between $95 – $111, the labor cost of $62 – $78, and parts at about $33.
- Subaru Crosstrek has a cost of CVT fluid between $35 – $44, the labor cost of $35 – $44, and parts at about $23.
- Subaru Impreza has a cost of CVT fluid between $116 – $129, the labor cost of $48 – $60, and parts at about $68.
Note: these costs does not include taxes and other fees.
How to Change CVT Fluid Subaru Outback
You can change Subaru Outback CVT fluid if the vehicle has covered a distance of about 30,000 miles, and the procedure includes;
- Raise the car to make enough room
- Open the drain plug to drain out any fluid and close after that.
- Open the fill plug.
- Connect a pump, one hose end to the fill plug and the other to the new transmission fluid.
- Fill the CVT system and clean it with a rag
- Warm up the engine to circulate the transmission fluid.
How to Change CVT Transmission Fluid Subaru?
To change Subaru CVT transmission fluid requires you to use a dipstick if your vehicle has it, but if it doesn’t, visit your certified mechanic. The steps are as follows;
Step 1: Lift your vehicle to get enough space under-neat.
Step2- Locate where the transmission fluid pan lies when in position
Step3- Unscrew the drain bolt and drain any left-out fluid using a more significant collection pan.
Step4- Check the condition of the gasket; if bad, replace it before refilling.
Step5- Return the transmission fluid pan, then use a funnel to add the new CVT transmission fluid recommended to the vehicle. Do remember to dispose of the liquid you drained.
My recommended Subaru CVT transmission fluid
Subaru CVT Transmission Recall
The exciting part of Subaru is that it has no report on the crash or injury record, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Similarly, Subaru has deemed it to call back approximately 200,000 vehicles in the U.S.A.
This recall is due to a chain in its transmission before Subarus like the 2020 Legacy, Outback vehicles, and 2019-2020 Ascent SUVs that could cause a break or loss of power in these vehicles.
So, dealers of the affected vehicle will paramount you should know that automatic, CVT, and manual transmissions are distinctive. Hence, you should check this fluid every 30.000 miles.
reprogram the computer transmission to inspect the chain guide. Subaru will replace the CVT at no cost if any damage arises.
Subaru CVT transmission years
Subaru CVT transmission can last for 10years at a maximum and minimum of 5 years. The 5 to 10 years extension resulted from the problems or issues that Subaru customers encountered using Subaru with CVT. So far, at this duration of 10 years, Subaru is responsible for any case arising from the CVTs, and above this duration, the customers take up the responsibilities.
FAQ
What is the cost of replacing a Subaru CVT?
The cost of replacing your Subaru CVT is over $6,000 if not covered by the extended warranty, but if covered, you will pay a minor of $1000 to $2,500. These prices could be more or less on the Subaru model involved.
Does it worth replacing the transmission of Subaru?
Yes, it’s worth replacing to avoid keeping car payments on your monthly budget. To some persons, rebuilding their transmission is worth it. But I recommend you replace it since the cost of Subaru CVT and its parts are very expensive, and labor costs too.
How Much Fluid Does a Subaru CVT Transmission Hold?
The total capacity of the Subaru is 11 quarts but drains out 4 quarts, and the rest remains in the torque converter and drains out during engine rebuild.
Conclusion
Subaru CVT transmission, known as steeples transmission, creates seamless shifting and extensive gear ratios. Subaru CVT thus provides flexibility, reliability, and a smoother driving experience.
So far, the effective working of the CVT depends on its fluid which is vital for flushing the CVT. When choosing CVT fluid, the following factors are essential; compatibility, cost, quality, and brands.
As much as the vehicle with CVT transmission is reliable; equally, they have some downsides such as; high cost of replacement/maintenance, lower acceleration rate, stalling, shuddering, shaking, and knocking/jerking.
In the vein, most Subaru models affected by this CVT problem are; Legacy, Forester, Outback, Impreza, Ascent, and Crosstrek. Make the right vehicle choice, and I hopefully believe this is helpful.
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Hi dear, my name is Jeffery Ekweghi, and I am a certified mechanic and autobody parts technician. I created this site to share my expertise and experience with car lovers looking to resolve their car-related issues. I am certified in private cars and heavy-duty commercial vehicles. I have worked as a mechanic since 2015 and have experience in vehicle brands like Subaru, Jeep, Toyota, TATA, BMW, Mazda, Honda, Nissan, Kia, TVs, and Others; however, I primarily specialize in Toyota vehicles.
