2017 Subaru Forester: CVT failure

Filed Feb 21, 2026 · Transmission · OH

After traveling for unknown number of miles on repeated occasions, arriving at the destinations to the smell of burning oil. Smell was evident while driving as well. Subaru was able to diagnose this issue to a leaking CVT pump seal causing CVT fluid to leak and run down on top of the transmission pan onto the hot exhaust system. Subaru has acknowledge this is an issue back in 2016 due to the sealant us from the factory. Customer was quoted $1400 for the repair this known issue. Vehicle had 90,000 miles at the time of occurrence.

Filed Jun 9, 2021 · Electrical, Engine · ME

With engine running and shift lever in Park (CVT transmission) driver is unable to turn the engine off or remove the ignition key from the steering wheel. This occurs sporadically/unpredictably such that driver has no forewarning and cannot take proactive steps to avoid the problem, resulting in instances where driver is forced to leave the car running in situations that present safety concerns. (Examples: in a garage or enclosed area; when temporarily exiting vehicle necessitating leaving the doors unlocked; etc.). The problem is widespread in Subaru vehicles and consistent with problems exhibited/described in Subaru Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) #16-112-18R for which no recall has to date been issued for corrective action by Subaru. Driver was told by Subaru of America that a diagnostics test is needed by a Subaru dealer to verify existence of the problem (which as stated occurs unpredictably) at driver's expense (locally approximately $140), with repair coverage of defective/poorly-designed shift or electrical components not being covered by Subaru beyond the standard warranty period for the affected vehicle. estimated cost of repair for defects as listed in the TSB (per on-line sources)...$400-$650 depending on dealer and geographical location.

Filed Aug 30, 2020 · Transmission · 30,000 miles · NY

After 20k miles, transmission hesitates more and more. Be careful and try to avoid situations where you have to accelerate quickly. The car does not move or accelerate when you hit the gas pedal quickly. Cvt slips, especially from reverse to drive. At slow speeds, it jerks the car trying to find the right gear. The problem began under 10k miles, and I took it to a local dealership, they told me that is how the car drives and told me it is normal. This is not my first forester, but definitely the worst. I called subaru america, and they said there is no known problem whit their transmission. I almost got killed in a highway stop and go situation, where I had to accelerate after a slowdown, and the car decided not to. If you own one, be careful.

Filed Apr 26, 2020 · Transmission · 24,500 miles · ID

Cvt transmission failed after 24000 miles.

Filed Nov 30, 2018 · Transmission · 43,000 miles · CA

I have owned many subaru`s and have not had any issues with the transmissions. My new 2017 forester has an issue shifting gears. Although it has only happened once, the time it happened was pretty scary. As I was slowing down at a red light the light changed to green before I made a complete stop. At this point I then accelerated the car but the transmission would not switch gear. I then thought I had the car in manual mode but it wasn't. I had to slow all the way down to get the transmission to shift again. This all happened while turning. The driver behind us had to swerve around our car to avoid hitting us because I was going to slow when the light was green. This issue put my family and myself in danger when driving on the road. I spoke with subaru but they said given that the car was no longer experiencing it, they couldn't do anything. I was wondering if subaru will be issuing a recall on their CVT transmissions. I don`t want this to happen to me again and next time it does turn into a crash. Please let me know what can be done. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).'-

Filed Aug 17, 2018 · Transmission · 30,000 miles · CA

Vehicle often shudders violently at low speeds coming to a stop - stalling itself once. When merging onto freeway or overtaking on the highway the vehicle occasionally makes loud clicking noise and automatic transmission acts as if it is disengaged (like a fully depressed clutch pedal in a manual, and engine still revs). Took to subaru dealer multiple times and received the "we can't replicate it so there is no problem" feedback - dealer also claims there are no error codes. Contacted subaru of america (soa) directly and was instructed by soa to trust dealer's diagnosis. Online forums and independent mechanics believe my issue is a bad torque converter or some issue with the automatic CVT transmission - a similar issue consumer groups have accused subaru for on previous generations of my vehicle. (see forbes article describing similar issue: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jensen/2017/09/07/consumer-groups-subaru-should-recall-transmissions-not-just-extend-warranty/#352e23e0ab27)

Filed Oct 21, 2016 · NJ

Cvt transmission fluid was not filled with the specific amount from the factory. This is the second issue with this brand new car. First they didn't fill enough freon for AC so it started blowing off hot air at 1400miles a month after I bought. And at two months not enough transmission fluid. I'm worried what else they did not put enough or is thei quality checking good enough to put the cars like mine on the market