2018 Subaru Crosstrek: jerking or lurching

Filed Mar 9, 2025 · Engine · CA

I have a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek, I am the second owner, the first owner bought it in 2019, I am having acceleration problems, I have already taken it to two different mechanics, they say it is a problem with the computer, they have already checked and scanned it and they tell me that you have to reprogram the ECM for DTC P1603 / Engine idle drop or stall, when the car accelerates it makes a jerky or knocking noise when I go 15 miles or stop and move forward again the car locks, this only happens when the car is already warm and has been used for about 10 minutes

Filed Dec 7, 2021 · Transmission · FL

under light throttle, car jerks at approximately 25 mph.

Filed Jun 17, 2021 · Engine, Transmission · CA

Purchased used in August 2019 - Premium 6MT. Issue has been present since purchase. There is hesitation with acceleration, not only with extremely slow acceleration, but jerking and surging at times. Dangerous when trying to pull out into traffic and driving in general. Appears to be an issue mostly between 2k-3k and then seems to rev properly after 3k, but have noticed jerking up around 4k and over. Had taken to dealer several times before issue was reproducible, then told to be issue with buildup of carbon in fuel lines. Had fuel lines blown, problem lessened, but did not resolve - this was roughly a year ago, problem has continued and worsened. Changed air filter with no change in problem. Multiple other owners on Subaru forums have this same issue, as well as have posted on this website. Subaru needs to recognize this as an issue and resolve. No dashboard lights appear, no sensor issues have been reported. There is also a "knock" or "bloop" sound that comes from the passenger rear of the car, near the gas tank input, when pulling forward from reversing. Not sure if that is part of issue, perhaps too much air is getting into system? It's a very annoying issue; if I had known, I would have kept my Jetta.

Filed Oct 4, 2019 · Acceleration · 3,000 miles · NC

Intermittent jerky acceleration combined with a significant loss in power during modest acceleration. At times I get no acceleration while the car jerks between 2,000 & 3,000 RPM. This is unpredictable as to when it might happen but occurs at engine speeds under 3,000 RPM regardless of vehicle speed or gear selected. My initial impression was that it is most frequent when resuming driving after having stopped for a short period which was preceded by prolonged high speed driving. Now it seems it can happen anytime. May be related to our high ambient temps this time of year. There are numerous accounts of others having the same problem on this forum. Https://www.subaruxvforum.com/threads/hesitation-while-modest-accelerating.163650/ I took it to my subaru dealership for service. They said they were able to reproduce what I describe and say it is "normal". I have owned 7 manual transmission vehicles prior to this one and can say it is anything but normal. "normal" apparently means it is a known problem and there's nothing my dealer can do about it.

Filed Sep 26, 2018 · Engine, Transmission · PA

Vehicle has been to the dealership twice since purchased in june 2018 due to jerky, bucking and hesitant acceleration and shifting. On several occasions, hesitancy has almost resulted in being hit while pulling out into traffic and from parking space in lot. This can occur in fwd drive and reverse. Vibration and shaking occurs at about 1700rmp and less occasionally 1100rpm.

Filed Aug 6, 2018 · Transmission · 7,600 miles · FL

The CVT transmission in this car is jerky, will often act as if applying the brakes with stopping, will have trouble shifting during stop and go traffic, resulting in jerking of the car. Will occasionally vibrate as if traveling over rough pavement. The vehicle is in motion when this happens. Can be in urban or highway traffic.