Common Subaru Transmission Problems
Subaru transmissions, especially those built between 2012 and 2017, can have issues with slipping, stalling, overheating, and engine speed regulation.
Written by Samuel Todd
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
Some of the most common transmission problems you’ll face in a Subaru include slipping, stalling, overheating, and trouble regulating engine speed.
Though most Subarus are super reliable, some of the newer models have had issues with their transmissions. If your check engine light flickers on and your engine starts to growl at you, it might be time to take your Subaru into the shop.
Troubleshooting your Subaru’s transmission might sound like a daunting task—but don’t panic! the
Jerry
,trustworthy super app
for car insurance
, is here to break it down for you. In this
car repair
guide, we’ll go over the typical signs of a transmission problem, how much it’ll cost to fix, and what you can do to repair it yourself. We'll even show you how to save on Subaru car insurance costs
, too. How does a Subaru transmission work?
In 2014, Subaru switched nearly all of its models to a
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
, which uses pulleys instead of gears to regulate engine speed. So, if you own a Subaru that was produced in recent years, it’s a safe bet that you’re rocking a CVT.In a nutshell, transmissions are meant to optimize the efficiency of your engine. Traditional transmissions do this by shifting gears (like you would on a bicycle), which keeps a perfect ratio between engine speed and car speed. If your Subaru is 2013 or earlier, you’ve probably got a conventional four-speed automatic transmission.
Subaru’s CVT, on the other hand, uses pulleys that expand and shrink to find the sweet spot for engine speed. Though you might not feel the difference while you’re driving, your car sure does!
Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of the CVT:
- Steady power to the engine
- A lighter powertrain
- Better fuel efficiency (as much as 5 MPG!)
- Smoother acceleration
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Signs of a Subaru transmission problem
If your
check engine light
starts to glow and you notice some unpleasant sounds coming from under the hood, it’s probably time to get in touch with a mechanic. Whether you’ve got a classic Subaru Forester
with an old-school transmission or a modern Subaru Ascent
with a CVT, Jerry’s here to help.For older Subarus (2013 or earlier)
- Transmission slipping: If your Subaru is shuddering when you accelerate, you might need to replace a solenoid (wire coil) in the engine. Another possibility is a faulty front-wheel drive switch, which would require a new fuse.
- Overheating: This one should be pretty easy to diagnose! It causes your “transmission temperature” warning light to start flashing. Again, the problem might be a broken pressure control solenoid—but it could be as simple as a clogged transmission fluid tube.
For recent Subarus (2014 or later)
- Stalling: You should be able to prevent your Subaru from stalling after a long drive by replacing a thrust washer or using a CVT-friendly transmission fluid.
- Growling noise: If your engine snarls at you when you accelerate, there’s probably an issue with one of the pulleys in the CVT.
- Fluctuations in engine speed: Here’s a common problem for newer models: if your engine speed is leaping up and down when you aren’t pressing the gas pedal, you’ll need to replace a transmission solenoid.
Still not sure what the problem is?
OBD-II scanner
to the rescue! You can hook the scanner up to your car and it’ll give you an engine code that identifies the exact issue. MORE: Does insurance cover engine failures?
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4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ driversHow does a mechanic fix a Subaru transmission?
Repairing a transmission is no cakewalk—it’s a complicated machine with plenty of moving parts. Still, there are some general steps that mechanics will take to fix up your Subaru:
- First, they’ll change the transmission fluid. Most likely, this won’t solve the problem, but it’s a great starting place to make sure your engine is running properly.
- Next, they’ll check for error codes. Error codes speed up the repair process by helping the mechanic zero in on the exact issue.
- Then, they’ll test and inspect the car. The mechanic will make sure that your Subaru’s computers are up to snuff before they dive into repairs.
- Finally, it’s time to disassemble the transmission. They’ll check for components (like tubes, bearings, and solenoids) that are faulty, and swap them out for brand-new parts.
Though it depends on the specific issue you’re facing, you should plan on being without your car for at least three days and up to a few weeks—so be sure to secure a reliable rental car!
How much will it cost?
Transmission repairs aren’t cheap: they’ll probably set you back between $1,800 and $3,400, depending on which Subaru you own, what type of transmission it has, where you live, and which repair shop you visit.
It’s not all bad news, though! For models that were produced between 2012 and 2017, Subaru offers an extended powertrain warranty of 10 years or 100,000 miles (whichever comes first). If your Subaru falls within these limits, you should be off the hook for payment.
What if I get a new transmission instead?
According to Kelley Blue Book
, you can expect to spend between $2,900 and $7,300 on a new transmission. If your transmission repairs are going to be super pricey, it could be a good call to buy a new transmission instead of repairing your old one.Key Takeaway Transmission repairs don’t come cheap—you can expect to pay several thousand dollars for a repair and even more for a complete replacement.
Can I fix a Subaru transmission myself?
If you’re a grease monkey and you don’t mind a little hands-on labor, there are a few things you can do from your garage:
- If you have an OBD-II scanner, check for an engine code
- Visually inspect the transmission, keeping an eye out for damaged parts, and repair what you can
However, because transmissions are loaded with complex parts, we recommend taking your Subaru to a mechanic to have it diagnosed and repaired.
How to save money on insurance for your Subaru
If you’re like most Subaru owners, you’ve been through thick and thin with your car, and you don’t plan on parting with it any time soon. Fortunately, we’ve got a way to help both you and your Subaru—car insurance shopping with
Jerry
.If the very words—insurance shopping—strike fear into your heart, don’t lose hope just yet! Jerry’s process is quick and easy. Our top-rated app will get you the best policies on the market within minutes.
After you download the app and tap your favorite quote, we’ll even walk you through the switching process so you don’t have to handle pesky paperwork or pushy salesmen. Best of all, both your car and your bank account get outstanding protection: the average Jerry user saves $887 on
car insurance
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Is it better to replace or repair a Subaru transmission?
If the cost of repairing your transmission is in the same ballpark as a transmission replacement, you should probably opt for a new transmission. Don’t forget to get quotes from two or three mechanics to be confident that you’re getting the best price!
What years did Subaru have transmission problems?
Most of Subaru’s transmission problems were between 2012 and 2017.
Here’s a full list
of the models that were impacted.
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