2014 Subaru Forester: complete transmission failure

Filed Sep 17, 2024 · Transmission · 86,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed a loud whining sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle had been taken to the dealer several times since November 2020 for transmission related issues. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under extended warranty or recall. The manufacturer offered to pay a portion of the cost for the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

Filed Sep 13, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · CA

After running 86,000 miles (Plus or minus), we had to bring the car to Livermore Subaru because of the noise o the middle section of the car WITH OUT any warning lights. In turns out, after extensive diagnostics testing, “the noise is coming from the inside of the CVT transmission assembly” with the estimate of $11,784.38 for a new transmission. We requested to extend the transmission warranty as NOTED Service Bulletin Number 16-107-17R dated 06/21/17 and revised on 11/09/17 for our Subaru Forester 2014. Our records show recurring CVT transmission issues, which we have consistently reported: - March 3, 2020: At 58,543 miles, Diablo Subaru noted issues with high RPM and improper shifting. Diagnostic tech notes indicated transmission problems. - November 20, 2020: At 61,023 miles, Diablo Subaru addressed a transmission valve body replacement and identified a fault in the pressure control circuit. - October 5, 2022: At 72,593 miles, Diablo Subaru found transmission fluid seepage . The oil leaks from front timing cover , leading to repairs and reseal costing $2,468.51. - August 22, 2024: At approximately 84,000 miles, Livermore Subaru confirmed the need for a CVT transmission replacement. Given our history of reported issues and diligent maintenance, The initial CVT transmission problems noted on March 3, 2020, should have been addressed under the warranty and extended warranty provisions. We have always adhered to recommended maintenance schedules and promptly addressed any issues. Unfortunately Subaru of America, insisted that because of the age will not extend the warranty for the transmission.

Filed Apr 14, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · NJ

This is one of the emails I sent to Subaru. I had just paid 425 to replace a tail light when the seal failed, the same time the wiper motor went bad 600+ to fix that. This car was in such bad shape they did not even recommend repairing. I had to buy a used car which was a financial hardship. I believe Subaru should reimburse me the cost of the transmission and tail light assembly Gentlemen, I'm writing to you to express my EXTREME regret in buying a Subaru. If I went into all the repair details, it would take forever. My new case number is 2303131700678. I m requesting that this repair be covered and paid for completely by Subaru, as well as the money I paid towards the new transmission be refunded to me. Once you review all the repair records, you will understand my frustration. This whole car is an example of poor engineering and quality control. I held up my end of the deal, I paid off the loan, I maintained the car thru scheduled maintenance at the dealership. Subaru has failed me. Have your team pull all my repair records and read them thoroughly. Note the bad bushings, note the failed back up camera, note how the entire under the hood has failed at only at 120,000 miles. Where is my 200,000 miles that you claim the car should last? Subaru sold a defective car, Subaru knows darn well that this model has transmission and oil issues. I don't care that my systems failed after the 100,000 extended warranty. If you did your job right, you would not have to have extended it. I look forward to my transmission reimbursement and the complete repairs the car requires AT NO COST TO ME. It is your turn to uphold your part of the bargain.

Filed Jan 19, 2023 · Transmission · ID

CVT transmission has very noticeable whining noise while the car is moving; car stutters and does not drive smoothly. Unsteady drive train motion almost resulted in an accident and has put my family's safety at risk. Car was taken to the Subaru dealer and diagnosed with complete transmission failure. Dealer has stated that the car should not be driven in its current condition. I asked the dealer's service representative if the car was unsafe to drive and he would not answer my question. Car has 131,041 miles. Estimated cost provided by the dealer to replace the transmission is $8,971.63. Subaru provided an extended transmission warranty; however, my car is beyond the 100,000 mile limit.

Filed Sep 24, 2020 · Engine · 107,000 miles · CA

I was at a stop light and my engine turned off. Later in the day when I was driving on the freeway going uphill, my car lunged forward as I was driving. The next day when I started my car, all my warning sensor lights went on. I took my car to the dealership and they said I need a new transmission. After doing some research, it seems that this is a common issue with my transmission that people have experienced. Subaru extended the warranty from 60,000 miles to 100,000 knowing that this is a common issue. Unfortunately, my car is at 107,000 miles and subaru won't cover it. Instead of extending the warranty, there should have been a recall on this transmission because the transmission issue is a safety hazard. I was fortunate enough not to get into an accident, but other people might not have the same luck. Please look into this issue and have subaru recall these transmissions. Thank you.

Filed Sep 23, 2020 · Transmission · 112,000 miles · CT

A few weeks ago the vehicle began to have difficulties shifting/accelerating from a stop it would feel like it was slipping and not responding to the accelerator . It has been evaluated as a transmission failure at a cost of $10,000. I purchased the vehicle new and purchased an extended warranty that would cover the power train up to 100,000 miles. The vehicle has had all scheduled maintenance performed and all of it at the same dealer service center with documentation. This includes a 90,000 mile service where the transmission was included in the preventive maintenance check and indicated as no issues. The vehicle has only been used for normal driving. No hauling or towing and no heavy cargo. The transmission should not fail only 12,000 miles outside of the warranty that I purchased and having been serviced appropriately and inspected within 20,000 of the current issue. Subaru of america is not covering the replacement under warranty for what appears to be a known safety issue that required them to extend this same 100,000 warranty coverage to all vehicles from this model year under what I understand to be a class action lawsuit settlement. The loss of acceleration and slipping in the shifting when powering away from a stop is dangerous if the vehicle stalls or suddenly slows due to loss of power and this is due to a known CVT issue. Subaru should be held accountable for all the vehicles they produced with this defect and not be able to hide behind a a lawsuit settlement that allowed them to leave vehicles like mine on the road as ticking time bombs all because the symptoms of the issue didn't show up before 2018 or a only 12,000 miles outside of their own warranty that they sold.

Filed Nov 6, 2019 · Transmission · 124,000 miles · CA

Valve body solenoid inside the CVT transmission failed and fully locked up. Subaru states that their CVT transmission never needs to be serviced but covers the CVT to 100,000 miles. Shorty after a hundred thousand miles, the valve body solenoid failed and subaru of america denied coverage. Had a third party mechanic replace the CVT and upon inspection, the CVT fluid in the old CVT transmission was dark, dirty and thick. Chunky or gooey what describe it. Subaru states the CVT transmission never needs to be maintained, yet no motor oil or transmission oil can go on forever.

Filed Aug 3, 2019 · Transmission · 56,861 miles · NY

Cvt transmission failure of my 2014 subaru forester touring 2.0 turbo model. When I put the car into park and turned off the car after driving, it did not turn off the dashboard lights, the belts were still spinning and I had to remove the battery to shut it off. 1 week later the battery was dead. I jump started and the engine light and other alerts were all lit. When I brought the car to my mechanic, he ran diagnostics and said the transmission will need to be replaced. The car is only 5 years old. Top of the line subaru and I only have 56,860 miles on the car.

Filed Feb 21, 2019 · Transmission · 110,000 miles · CA

The transmission failed completely in july, 2018. I contacted a subaru dealer on july 30 for service, but the first appointment available was on august 1st. I found out that subaru had been having some of these problems and extended their warranties. Because my actual service was on august 1st, subaru said I missed the extended warranty by one day! Corporate subaru offered to pay half of the $7,500 cost for a new transmission, but I was left to pay the rest. They said if I had been a "more loyal" customer they would have paid more than half. I left the car at the dealership for 3 months trying to negotiate the price down. Eventually I had to pay for $2,000 of the repair. I don't understand why subaru has not had to recall the vehicles experiencing these transmission failures, or at least pay for repairs once it fails. When we first felt the vehicle not responding normally, we stooped driving. It was not safe.