Do all Subaru Legacy have CVT?
Not all Subaru Legacy models have a CVT. While the modern Legacy lineup predominantly uses Subaru’s Lineartronic CVT, earlier generations offered traditional automatics and, in some markets, manual transmissions.
Transmission history in brief
Below is a concise timeline of how transmission options for the Legacy evolved, showing where CVT became standard and where non-CVT variants persisted.
- Pre-2010 Legacy: Offered traditional automatic transmissions (typically 4- and 5-speed automatics) and, in some markets, manual transmissions.
- Early- to mid-2010s: CVT began to appear widely, with most models adopting Lineartronic CVT; a handful of trims or markets continued to use a conventional 5-speed automatic for a period (notably on certain high-performance variants).
- Late 2010s to present: CVT became the standard transmission across the Legacy lineup in most markets, and there are no factory manual options in the United States. Some international markets may have had different configurations, but the US lineup is CVT-only in recent years.
In practical terms, if you are buying a current Subaru Legacy, it will have a CVT. Older generations, or Legacies purchased in certain markets, may have used a traditional automatic or, less commonly, a manual gearbox.
Current generation status
As of the latest model years, the Subaru Legacy is offered with a CVT in the United States and most major markets, with no manual transmission option available in the current lineup.
What this means for buyers
When shopping for a used Legacy, always check the model year and the transmission type listed in the window sticker or seller listing. If you specifically want or need a CVT, focus on the newer generations (2010 onward in most markets). If you’re seeking a traditional automatic or a manual, you’ll need to look at older models or different models within Subaru’s lineup, as the Legacy has largely shifted to CVT in recent years.
Summary
The Subaru Legacy did not always rely exclusively on a CVT. Early generations used conventional automatics and, in some markets, manual gearboxes. Today, all major US‑market Legacies use a CVT, and there is no manual option in the current lineup. For buyers, this means CVT familiarity and maintenance considerations are most relevant when evaluating a modern Legacy, while older models may offer non-CVT transmissions.
What year does Subaru have a bad CVT?
Subaru had significant CVT transmission problems primarily in models from the 2010 to 2015 range, particularly the first-generation Lineartronic CVT. Specific issues included torque converter clutch failures and other problems like chain slip, affecting models like the Outback, Legacy, Forester, Impreza, and Crosstrek during these years. Subaru extended the warranty for many 2010-2015 vehicles to address these early reliability issues.
Years and models with significant CVT problems
- Outback & Legacy: 2010–2015
- Impreza: 2012–2015
- Crosstrek: 2013–2015
- Forester: 2014–2015 (with 2.5L engine); some 2014–2018 models with FB25 engine
- WRX: 2015 (2.0L engine)
This video explains common problems with Subaru CVTs, including torque converter and valve body issues: 47sTHE CARS GURUYouTube · Jul 24, 2025
Common problems
- Torque converter clutch failure: This was a major issue in early models (around 2010–2013), causing the car to stall when stopping. The torque converter was redesigned to fix this.
- Chain slip: This occurred in some early models, often during highway cruising.
- Valve body and solenoid issues: These problems have been reported in various model years.
- Oil pump chain leaks: This became an issue in later models.
What to know
- Extended warranty: Subaru extended the CVT warranty to 10 years or 100,000 miles for many 2010–2015 vehicles due to these early problems.
- Redesigned transmissions: Newer models (especially after 2015) generally feature improved CVTs, but some issues can still arise.
- Maintenance is key: Proper and timely maintenance, including fluid changes, is crucial to help prevent issues.
Which Subaru does not have CVT transmission?
The Subaru BRZ is the main Subaru model that does not come with a CVT transmission. You can get it with a traditional manual or a conventional automatic transmission instead. Some WRX models are also available with a manual transmission, but automatic versions have the Lineartronic CVT.
- Subaru BRZ: This model is co-developed with Toyota and comes with a traditional manual or a standard automatic transmission, not a CVT.
- Subaru WRX: This model offers a manual transmission option.
- Other models: Most other automatic Subaru models, including the Crosstrek, Outback, and Forester, come standard with a Lineartronic CVT.
What year did Subaru Legacy get CVT?
The first Subaru vehicle to feature the now-standard Lineartronic CVT was the 2010 Subaru Legacy. It took four more years for Subaru to bring the variants of the same transmission to its wider range.
Does the Subaru Legacy have a CVT transmission?
Yes, the Subaru Legacy has a continuously variable transmission (CVT), specifically the Subaru Lineartronic CVT, which has been standard on automatic models since 2014. This transmission provides smooth acceleration and improved fuel efficiency by keeping the engine in its optimal power band, according to Subaru of America and Sport Subaru.
- Standard equipment: All automatic Subaru Legacy models have been equipped with the Lineartronic CVT since the 2014 model year.
- Functionality: The CVT operates without traditional gear shifts, providing a seamless and linear acceleration.
- Fuel efficiency: The CVT contributes to better fuel economy by allowing the engine to operate at lower RPMs when cruising.
- Different versions: There are different versions of the CVT, including a high-torque version for the 6-cylinder models. Some users report that newer CVTs may be programmed to simulate gear shifts for a more traditional feel, which can be undesirable for some drivers.
