2018 Subaru Outback: CVT failure

Filed Jun 26, 2024 · Transmission · CA

CVT Transmission failed and shut off engine. 2018 Subaru Outback Limited with only 56,500 miles. On 5/19/24 at approximately 11:30PM, my family and I (5 members) were driving northbound on an interstate highway, when all of a sudden, the engine and transmission completely shut off with all warning lights flashing on the dashboard, while travelling at speeds of 65 miles per hour. When pressing on the accelerator, vehicle would not accelerate, rather the vehicle was decelerating. Fortunately, not many vehicles were on the highway at that time and our vehicle had enough momentum to move right towards the shoulder of the highway and came to a complete stop. When engine turned on and shift to D or R, vehicle does not move. Vehicle is at Subaru dealership being inspected and hopefully being repaired under warranty, which was extended by Subaru of America. SUBARU NEED TO FIX THIS, IT IS A DANGEROUS DEFECT.

Filed Oct 11, 2023 · Transmission · MA

After driving for approximately 10 min from cold start, attempted to pass another car at WOT (wide open throttle) at approx 40-50 mph. The car began to accelerate normally, then abruptly stopped accelerating while the engine revved up to the rev limiter and bounced off it for 3-4 seconds. It seemed as though the CVT had been shifted into neutral (though it was still in drive), and almost caused an accident. I had to quickly move back out of the passing lane. The car operated normally after this singular incident - I was not able to reproduce the issue. The car was immediately brought into the Subaru dealer we originally purchased it from. After performing diagnostics, they told me that since the issue could not be duplicated, there was nothing they could do. I filed a case with Subaru of America, and they had the same response. We have only put about 5,000 miles on the car since purchasing it used in 3/2023 with 69k. We also found out that the CVT had been replaced under warranty just prior to our purchase of the car, though that was not disclosed at the time of purchase. Subaru of America confirmed that this CVT is still covered by the 10yr/100k extended warranty per [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 5, 2021 · Transmission · VA

I bought a new 2018 Subaru Outback in June 2018. It has been a very good vehicle except for the CVT which Subaru has had issues with for years. The CVT hesitates and shudders and detracts from the performance and safety of the vehicle. I have spoken with the dealer as well as Subaru of America They have extended the CVT warranty to 10 years 100k miles but only if the CVT breaks to the point where the vehicle will not operate. I do all my service at the dealer and have asked if Subaru would replace the CVT to make it run better and safely. They said that Subaru will only do that if and when the CVT breaks and does not operate. I would hope that the federal safety agency can get Subaru to replace the CVT if it operates in an inferior way.

Filed Oct 12, 2019 · Transmission · 47,000 miles · WV

Cvt torque converter failed. 2018 subaru outback, 47,000 miles. Car only 18 months old. Wife and kids in the car it was very scary moment. The car stared to shuttered accelerating form a stop. Then at 40 to 50 MPH, the rpms became erratic shifting up down, to maintain speed. It like it was confused, which gear to be in. Then came to a stopped for a red light. When the light turned green, car shuttered and loud bang, no gears. Car would not go shift into any gear. Automatic transmission would not engage. Multiple complaints, subaru need to fix this, it dangerous defect and expensive to repair.

Filed Jul 10, 2019 · Transmission · 11,500 miles · VA

The proprietary subaru lineartronic CVT on my vehicle has been defective since delivery in june 2018. It shudders, lurches, balks and creates near stall conditions on both acceleration and deceleration. I have brought it into the subaru dealer where the car was purchased new four + times since june 2018. They have been unable to fix the issue and now subaru of america tells me that the vehicle is performing as designed. I consider this a safety issue and know that many other subaru owners have complained to the federal safety agency as well.