Subaru CVT Transmission Reliability and Common Issues

Subaru CVT Transmission Reliability

Subaru’s CVT transmission reliability has been a hot topic for drivers and enthusiasts alike. Subaru introduced the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) to enhance fuel efficiency and provide smooth, seamless driving. While newer Subaru CVTs are dependable, early versions (especially between 2010 and 2018) developed significant problems that frustrated many owners.

Here, I’ll break down the specific Subaru CVT issues, the affected years and models, what causes these problems, Subaru’s fixes, and whether you can trust Subaru’s CVT transmissions today.

Understanding Subaru’s CVT Transmissions

A CVT eliminates traditional gears, relying instead on a belt-and-pulley system that’s designed to constantly adjust gear ratios for optimal performance. In general, all CVT transmissions improve fuel economy and deliver smooth acceleration.

Subaru introduced the Lineartronic CVT in 2010 in popular models like the Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, Legacy, and Impreza. This surprised experts in the auto industry because Subaru’s first CVT transmission in the Subaru Justy CVT was a disaster. Experts questioned whether Subaru’s engineering team was taking too big of a gamble to introduce another CVT to the market.

Although the Lineartronic has had its share of problems, compared to other carmaker’s CVT transmissions, the Lineartronic has proven itself to be a fairly durable and reliable transmission, capable of handling Subaru’s powertrains and adapting to the driving habits of American consumers.

Rack up the miles, and problems appear in the Subaru CVT Transmission

While the Lineartronic CVT is far from indestructible, it often holds up well within and slightly beyond factory warranty periods. However, now that many of those CVTs are racking up the miles, usually over 120,000, we’re starting to see common issues emerge.

In this article, I’ll break down the similarities and differences between various Lineartronic CVT variants, identify common faults, and discuss practical solutions to keep these units running smoothly.

While the technology is innovative, Subaru’s early CVTs exposed weaknesses that hurt its reputation for reliability.

Problematic Years and Models for Subaru CVT Reliability

If you’re looking at Subaru vehicles from 2010 to 2018, you’ll want to pay extra attention. These are the most problematic models with CVT issues:

• 2010-2013 Subaru Outback & Legacy
• 2014-2015 Subaru Forester
• 2012-2015 Subaru Impreza
• 2013-2015 Subaru Crosstrek

In my experience, the 2010-2015 Legacy and Outback were hit hardest because they were among the first to widely adopt Subaru’s CVT technology. Owners of these vehicles reported:

• Transmission shudder during acceleration
• Delayed engagement (a noticeable lag when shifting into gear)
• Stalling or hesitation
• Premature transmission failure

For many, these issues required expensive repairs ranging between $4,000 and $7,000 for a full transmission replacement.

A Deep Dive Into Subaru CVT Problems

When discussing Subaru CVT transmission reliability, it’s important to distinguish between the two main Lineartronic designs: the TR580 and the TR690.

TR580— This CVT transmission is a compact design used in lighter, lower-powered Subarus like the Impreza and Crosstrek. In the TR580 CVT, the chain and pulley system changes direction for reverse operation.
TR690— This larger, more robust unit was used in heavier models like the Outback and Legacy. Unlike the TR580, the chain always rotates in the same direction, while the forward/reverse selection assembly in the intermediate housing handles the direction shift.

The seemingly small but crucial design distinction affects how each unit handles stress and wear.

The TR580 and TR690 Subaru Transmissions

Subaru’s CVT problems boil down to a few key factors:

1) Chain slip and Pulley Wear— The Lineartronic CVT uses a pull-design chain with link-and-pin construction to engage the pulleys. If oil pressure drops (due to degraded fluid or hydraulic failure), the chain begins to slip, damaging both the chain and pulleys. In other words, excessive friction and tension caused wear, leading to slipping, shuddering, and eventually failure.

The Failure Symptoms Include:

• Whining noise
• Slipping under acceleration
• DTCs related to primary and secondary pulley speeds

2) Valve Body Failures— The Lineartronic’s valve body is prone to solenoid issues, particularly the lock-up duty solenoid and AWD transfer clutch solenoid. Heat-related solenoid failures cause erratic behavior or hard shifts. Unfortunately, the solenoids are built into the valve body and can’t be replaced individually.

However, the solenoid failure is fairly easy to diagnose by performing a resistance test. For the lock-up duty solenoid, measure resistance at room temperature (12 ohms) and recheck it heated to 200°F. If it opens when hot, it’s the culprit. See this youtube video from Mr. Subaru for instructions on how to test the solenoid. The fix involves replacing the entire valve body with an updated design. This swap can be performed on a TR580 from the top of the transmission, without removing the transmission from the vehicle. If you have moderate mechanical ability, you can perform this repair yourself. Watch the entire repair for a TR580 CVT on Youtube from Mr. Subaru. The valve body replacement on a TR690 transmission is done by dropping the pan under the vehicle. See this Youtube video for tips on how to do that repair.

Clean the top of the transmission, remove the upper cover and swap out the transmission.

The Failure Symptoms Include:

• Harsh shifts
• No lock-up (accompanied by DTC P2763)
• AWD system failure

3. Torque Converter TCC Issues— On 2014 and earlier models, the torque converter clutch (TCC) may fail to release due to excessive thrust washer wear. This restriction prevents proper oil flow through the TCC release passage. Subaru addressed this issue with an updated torque converter that replaces the thrust washer with a bearing. The transmission must be removed in order to swap the torque converter, so it’s a costly repair but doesn’t require a complete rebuild.

4. High Line Pressure— When certain trouble codes set, the transmission defaults to high line pressure as a failsafe. This causes aggressive shifts that can damage internal components if left unchecked. If you notice hard shifting, don’t delay. Get it into the shop ASAP to avoid more costly repairs.

5) Overheating and Fluid Degradation— Subaru CVT fluid plays a critical role in cooling and lubrication. Not changing the fluid or using the wrong fluid is one of the most overlooked contributors to Subaru CVT transmission failure. management.

Subaru’s CVT fluid isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” solution, and using the wrong type can lead to performance issues or failure.

Subaru CVT Fluid Types by Year:

CVTF C-30 (Blue) – Used until 2015 (discontinued).
CVTF II Green – Replaced C-30 fluid (2015-2019 models).
CVTF III Low Viscosity Green – For specific TR580 and TR690 applications.
High Torque Orange – Used in turbocharged models like the WRX and Forester XT.
High Torque Low Viscosity Amber/Orange – For newer models, such as the 2020 Legacy and Outback 2.4L turbo.

Rick’s Tips For Longer Subaru CVT Transmission Life

1) Change transmission fluid at the recommended intervals— Subaru originally promoted its CVT fluid as “lifetime,” but real-world use proved otherwise. Regular fluid changes became critical for improving reliability, especially for older CVTs. CVT fluid is not a lifetime fluid. Strictly follow the Subaru most current fluid change guidelines.
2) Use the recommended fluid— Using the wrong CVT fluid can cause catastrophic failure. I STRONGLY recommend using only genuine Subaru CVT transmission fluids. No “universal” or aftermarket fluids!
3) Address trouble codes and shifting issues immediately—  Fixing trouble codes and shifting issues early will save a lot of money by preventing hard part destruction.
4) Don’t ignore the software updates— Some CVT problems were software-related, with faulty Transmission Control Module (TCM) calibrations causing hesitation and irregular shifting. Subaru issued TCM software updates to improve shifting patterns, reduce transmission stress, and enhance reliability.

Subaru’s Extended CVT Warranty and Recalls

To rebuild trust, Subaru extended the CVT warranty on specific vehicles in 2017. The warranty increased coverage to 10 years or 100,000 miles for these models:

2010-2015 Legacy & Outback
2014-2015 Forester
2013-2015 Crosstrek
2012-2015 Impreza
2015 WRX

This extended warranty covered issues like valve body failures, torque converter malfunctions, and other CVT-related problems. Subaru also issued Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) to dealerships with detailed repair instructions, helping many owners avoid costly out-of-pocket expenses.

Have Subaru CVT Problems Now Been Fixed?

Yes, Subaru has made major improvements to its CVT transmissions since 2018. Here’s what Subaru did to address earlier concerns:

• Improved Hardware: Newer CVTs feature more durable belts, chains, and valve bodies that can withstand greater stress.
•Better Fluid Management: Subaru optimized cooling systems and developed better CVT fluid formulations to prevent overheating.
•Refined Software: Updated TCM software ensures smoother and more efficient performance.

As a result, modern Subaru CVTs—particularly in vehicles from 2018 onward—are far more reliable. Complaints have dropped significantly, and many drivers report trouble-free performance.
Is Subaru’s CVT Reliable Today?

The Take Aways From This Article on Subaru CVT Transmission Reliability

• Subaru’s CVT transmission has come a long way. From the 2018 model year and beyond, Subaru’s CVTs provide greater reliability, smoother performance, and better fuel efficiency.

• Subaru has taken steps to make things right by offering extended warranties, software updates, and improved components.

• If you take care of your CVT, it’ll take care of you—delivering the smooth, efficient driving experience Subaru promised.

• Compared to second-generation CVT transmissions from other carmakers, the Subaru TR580 and TR690 are more reliable and less costly to repair if you address the problems early.

©, 2024 Rick Muscoplat