The Trouble With Subaru Transmissions

Transmission issues make up roughly 10% of all Subaru owner complaints. The majority of the issues have been reported by Outback owners.

The complaint we hear about most often is shuddering and jerking in the 2017 Forester.

Common Transmission Problems

Brake Light Switch Defect

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A build-up of chemicals from scented cleaning products containing silicone can disable the brake light switch in millions of Subaru vehicles. This can prevent the brake lights from turning on when pressing the pedal, among other things, and…

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Lineartronic CVT Reliability

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Once praised for its design, Subaru's CVT is showing problems with age. It can shake occupants back and forth as it wobbles its way though gears. In extreme cases it can hesitate so much it causes the engine to stall, forcing Subaru to exte…

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Where Transmission Complaints Happen

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

Worst Models

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