Subaru Forester whining noise problems

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 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 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 28, 2022 · Airbags, Transmission · WA

With no one sitting in the passage seat the warning light will not turn off unless the seat belt is buckled The CVT transmission is making a high pitch whining sound The dealership informed me the transmission is going out. There is a manufacturer extended warranty for up to 100,000 miles that I have not received. My car started to make the sound at 110,210 miles Subaru was fully aware of the CVT problems and are not being held accountable for the repairs. I have been quoted I’ve $7000 from the dealership for a replacement The CVT is not repairable My car is now unsafe to drive. The CVT transmission can fail and not shift or not stop while braking

Filed Apr 4, 2021 · Brakes · 34,000 miles · PA

Rear wheel backing plate design. The federal safety agency id #10185064. Occurred on my 2014 forester with 34,000 miles (garaged). Made a howling noise at low speeds. Replaced by dealer $700 parts and labor. Never had this on any other car I have owned. Clearly a design issue. Please support a recall. Not safe for cars to be making that kind of noise, even though technically passed pa state inspection. Thanks. .

Filed Jan 29, 2021 · Engine · 27,000 miles · NM

Whistling or whining noise coming from A/C system after having A/C or heat running. This condition is from the expansion valve according to subaru of america. Dealer states a new expansion valve for the A/C system is coming but not yet available.

Filed Feb 8, 2016 · Brakes, Electrical · 3,330 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 subaru forester. While coming to a stop, the vehicle made an intermittent clunking sound when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact stated that the vehicle had a lot of electrical issues. While driving 5 MPH, all the electrical components in the instrument panel failed and a whining noise was heard. The contact also stated that the vehicle was experiencing fuel issues. When the vehicle was fueled, the fuel gauge reading was inaccurate. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it could not be diagnosed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 3,330.

Filed Mar 22, 2014 · Engine, Transmission · 4,240 miles · OH

My 2014 forester has a problem with the rpms of the engine. In cold weather & after the engine warms up (dash blue light turns off) & while city driving, the engine RPM goes up 300 to 400 rpms when the climate control (heater) is turned on. Then if I stop for a traffic light or a stop sign or adjust the heater fan speed, the engine rpms will go up another 500 to 600 rpms with the cv transmission going into a lower range (transmission whines quite loud at this time). I am now driving with the engine RPM at 1000+ over normal rpms (normal rpms is considered the RPM with the climate control off). This condition will continue for close about 20 minutes of continued driving and then stop. If I turn off the heater while driving the rpms revert to normal. If I again turn on the heater, the rpms again will go up 300 to 400 rpms and not go up the additional 500 to 600 rpms until I would stop again. The 1000 RPM plus condition appears to be dangerous on slippery roads.

Filed Dec 8, 2008 · Suspension · 87,500 miles · MA

2001 subaru forester 87500 miles on it. 12/2007 had rear wheel bearings replaced at independent shop. Now it is 12/2008 with only 92k miles on it, and the driver's side rear wheel bearing is howling like a banshee. Passenger rear wheel bearing getting louder but not as bad. Might have dealer replace them this time and check hub assembly for damage etc.

Filed Sep 28, 2004 · Engine, Transmission · CA

The vehicle's transmission made noise while driving. The vehicle was inspected and it was determined that he vehicle was operating as designed. The consumer would like to return the vehicle and receive a refund for the purchase price. *nm the consumer stated that the engine is making a high pitch whining noise. The consumer was told that the noise is from the reduction gear teeth transmission and was normal. The consumer also experienced problems with her 1998 subaru forrester the consumer experienced overheating and engine damage. A faulty thermostat caused the overheating. An initial test show carbon monoxide indicating probable damage to the sleeves between the pistons and cylinders, which would require replacement of the short block. Overheated cams are warped due to the heat.