2015 Subaru Forester: hesitation when accelerating

Filed Jul 7, 2026 · Brakes, Transmission · 108,000 miles · NC

The contact's spouse owns a 2015 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving from a complete stop or at various speeds on several occasions, the vehicle hesitated and failed to accelerate as intended. The Hill Assist and Automatic Transmission Oil Temperature warning lights flashed, and the ABS, Traction Control, and VDC warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and turned off to cool down on each occurrence. After approximately 45 minutes, the vehicle was restarted and was driven to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.

Filed Apr 1, 2026 · Transmission · WA

Vehicle: 2015 Subaru Forester Mileage at Failure: 85,000 miles Component: Powertrain – CVT Transmission My 2015 Subaru Forester is experiencing a premature safety‑related CVT transmission failure at approximately 85,000 miles. The vehicle developed a pronounced whining noise that increases with vehicle speed, consistent with internal CVT bearing or pulley failure. This is a known defect pattern in Subaru Forester CVTs and is not related to maintenance or wear. The noise is continually progressing and the risk of sudden catastrophic failure makes the vehicle unsafe to operate. An authorized Subaru dealer and the District Parts & Service Manager (DPSM) both confirmed that the CVT has failed and requires full replacement. This failure occurred well within Subaru’s extended CVT warranty mileage limit of 100,000 miles, and matches the defect pattern Subaru acknowledged when it extended CVT coverage nationwide for this model. However, Subaru is refusing to replace the CVT due to the 10 calendar year extension expiration. Subaru’s maintenance schedule for this vehicle does not require any CVT fluid replacement interval, so there is no missed maintenance that contributed to the failure. A failing CVT creates a safety hazard due to to the risk of sudden loss of power, hesitation, or inability to accelerate. I am filing this complaint so the federal safety agency is aware of this premature CVT failure and the associated safety concerns of SOA's refusal to replace the CVT under their extended warranty.

Filed May 2, 2025 · Fuel system · NC

UNKNOWN. Often when I attempt to accelerate after stopping at a stop sign, the car hesitates, sometimes lunges ahead and then sometimes practically dying before accelerating normally. There have been times when It simply feels like a fuel pump problem and I know that Toyotas with this same Denso fuel pump have had documented problems similar to mine. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed May 1, 2024 · Steering, Suspension · CA

The vehicle is a 2015 Subaru Forester. At that time, the car had 47800 miles on it. I started to sense a shaking or vibration on the steering wheel, especially at highway speeds. I took it to a local Subaru dealer and the dealer technician found the lower control arm bushings to be work/torn. I have been driving for over 40 years and have never had to have the bushings replaced in any of my (Toyota) cars, especially at 47800 miles. I bought the car new. I live in the city and do not do any off road driving. I bought the car because of the Eyesight safety system. I didn't realize Subaru's quality was not at the same level as Toyota. According to J.D. Power, "The bushings prevent metal-to-metal contact (friction) hence safeguarding the metal joints." and "Driving around with worn-out bushings can pose a threat to the driver and other road users. Worn-out bushings may also cause damage to the vehicle when its components snap." (website: [XXX] ) I believe it may be a "lemon". I have had to take it to the dealership regarding the transmission problem of hesitation on acceleration. The technician tested it and (of course) found nothing wrong. The service advisor did inform me, over the phone, that the technician experienced the issue during testing. Subaru denied my request for reimbursement of the defective battery. They indicated that I was not eligible for reimbursement because I did not pay the dealership to replace the battery. I had bought an Interstate battery at Costco and replaced it myself. Replacing a car battery is not rocket science. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Apr 4, 2020 · Engine, Transmission · 99,300 miles · NJ

Head gaskets leaking, also the cars hesitates and jerks when driving

Filed Nov 24, 2019 · Engine · 36,000 miles · OR

Car hesitates when accelerating from a stop. Lasts 2-3 seconds, then slowly resumes speed. Very dangerous when merging, turning in front of traffic. Intermittent. Have taken it to subaru dealer and two other mechanics and they have been unable to replicate the problem. One mechanic said oxygen was low and to try premium gas. Didn't make any difference.

Filed Apr 16, 2019 · Acceleration, Transmission · 3,774 miles · NY · crash

When stopped in traffic car hesitates, stalls and stumbles to accelerate for a few seconds. Unable to shift from 1st to 2nd smoothly (stuck in 1st gear?). Was rear ended when unable to accelerate at light. Dealer did software update that did not fix problem, still ongoing

Filed Mar 16, 2019 · Acceleration, Transmission · 70,468 miles · TX

When using light acceleration such as in a parking lot or at a red light or stop sign to start going the vehicle bucks forward it will literally make you jerk back in the seat. Also while pulling onto a street it jerks forward but has hesitation which isnt to safe if you ask me when trying to get out on the road if cars are coming...

Filed Nov 10, 2018 · Acceleration, Transmission · 12,000 miles · CA

Car has jerky acceleration with hesitation, momentary power loss when accelerating from stop or at low speed.

Filed Oct 1, 2018 · Transmission · 98,000 miles · MI

Car hesitates when starting to move. Have had near misses because of the delay in moving out for a turn onto another street. Car just sits there for 2 - 3 seconds. Not a long delay but critical in city driving. Problem is ongoing. Car has 98000 miles. It has a CVT transmission.

Filed Jul 27, 2018 · Transmission · 76,000 miles · RI

Vehicle in motion from a stop on city streets is experiencing hesitation, slippage, faulty acceleration from 0-25 MPH. Afraid of making a left turn across traffic and a possible stall. Problem is exaggerated on any grade of incline. Called service company who said it sounds like a transmission issue that may be covered by a recent transmission recall. It appears my model is not included in the recall even though it's having the same reported problems.

Filed May 24, 2018 · Engine · 21,000 miles · MD

From a stop, car hesitates when turning left crossing incoming traffic. Initial coasting, then accepting accelerator pressure, taking a second or two to respond. Dealer found no codes and offered no fix, other than to leave my car for additional test driving. In three years and 21,000 miles, there has been six left turn hestitions from a stop position. Very scary event that could be fatal with a stall in an incoming lane.