2015 Subaru Legacy: CVT failure

Filed Oct 5, 2026 · SC

My 201 5 Subaru Legacy has approximately 49.000 miles. It suffered a drivetrain failure and was towed to a Subaru dealership. The dealership found metal shavings chunks in the CVT/transmission fluid and diagnosed an internal CVT failure requiring replacement. The dealership also diagnosed a front differential failure. I'm reporting this because I'm concerned about the possibility of an unexpected drivetrain failure during operation and want the failure documented. I was going 70 miles an hour down the highway and BOOM! It felt like a bomb hit my car. I don't want anyone in that kind of danger.

Filed Mar 10, 2026 · Transmission · MA

2015 Subaru Legacy 2.5i, approximately 48,000 miles. CVT transmission failed suddenly with no prior warning signs. Vehicle was exclusively dealer-serviced for its entire life. While driving, the transmission began shuddering, slipping, and making metallic grinding noises. Vehicle could barely climb a small ramp and was locked in limp mode, making it unsafe to operate in traffic. Diagnostic codes P0841, P0700, and C1431 were stored. Authorized Subaru dealer confirmed the failure. Technician stated the valve body likely failed first — a known defect per Subaru TSB 16-107-17R — which then caused the CVT chain to slip. Dealer quoted $11,000 for a remanufactured CVT replacement. Service representative stated she had never seen a transmission need replacement at such low mileage. No warning lamps or symptoms existed prior to sudden onset. CVT fluid was never changed, consistent with the manufacturer's U.S. maintenance schedule. This vehicle falls under Subaru's CVT Warranty Extension covering 2010-2015 Legacy models due to known defects. Vehicle is well under the 100,000-mile limit but approximately 13 months past the 10-year time limit. I opened a case with Subaru of America Customer Advocacy. My dealer informed me that Subaru Corporate contacted them and communicated a decision regarding my case, but Subaru has never communicated any decision to me directly. Multiple emails, a voicemail, and a request for escalation have gone unanswered over several days. This failure poses a safety risk as the transmission can fail suddenly and without warning while in motion, potentially with passengers including children.

Filed Jul 11, 2023 · Transmission · WA

The CVT failed and the axle 12

Filed Aug 9, 2017 · Transmission · TN

Just got a notice that subaru is extending the warranty on the CVT for this car and my second subaru (2014 outback 4s4brblc0e3307363). Called them to ask what percentage of cars have needed this repair so I can make an informed decision about keep or disposing of my subarus. They told me "we do not have any data on # of repairs" and said they just did it as a courtesy to customers. Sounds like a load of bunk to me. I think that I am entitled to this data to make an informed decision and ask your assistance in compelling subaru to be open and transparent with owners regarding this issue. Thank you.

Filed Jun 8, 2015 · Transmission · 20 miles · CA

My 2015 subaru legacy has a very abrupt throttle tip-in (the manner in which power is delivered upon depressing the gas pedal). Push the throttle a little and nothing happens and then a little more and it takes off like a shot! Not safe when pulling into tight parking spaces. I called my subaru dealer and I was told it is caused by the CVT transmission design. Subaru needs to reduce the abruptness of the throttle tip-in for safe operation. This is unsafe and scary in tight parking situations.