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Do Subaru Crosstreks have transmission issues?

The Subaru Crosstrek, a popular compact crossover SUV, has generally been well-received by consumers and critics alike. However, some owners have reported experiencing transmission-related issues with their vehicles. In this article, we'll dive deeper into the potential transmission problems associated with the Subaru Crosstrek and provide an overview of the situation.


Transmission Concerns Reported by Crosstrek Owners


According to various reports, some Subaru Crosstrek owners have encountered issues with their vehicle's transmission, particularly the continuously variable transmission (CVT) found in many Crosstrek models. The most commonly reported problems include:



  • Hesitation or delayed acceleration when attempting to accelerate from a stop or while driving at low speeds

  • Jerky or erratic shifting behavior, especially during low-speed maneuvers or when the transmission is under load

  • Premature wear or failure of the CVT, leading to the need for costly repairs or replacement


These transmission-related issues can be frustrating for Crosstrek owners, as they can impact the vehicle's drivability and overall performance.


Potential Causes and Subaru's Response


Subaru has acknowledged the transmission concerns raised by some Crosstrek owners and has attributed the issues to a variety of factors, including:



  • Improper break-in procedures for the CVT, which can lead to premature wear if not followed correctly

  • Software or programming issues within the transmission control module, which can cause erratic shifting behavior

  • Potential design flaws or weaknesses in the CVT components, which may lead to premature failure in some cases


In response to these concerns, Subaru has issued technical service bulletins and extended warranty coverage for the CVT in certain Crosstrek models. The company has also made software updates available to address some of the reported transmission issues.


Recommendations for Crosstrek Owners


If you own a Subaru Crosstrek and are experiencing transmission-related problems, here are some recommendations:



  • Carefully follow the break-in procedures outlined in your owner's manual to help ensure proper CVT break-in and longevity

  • Monitor your Crosstrek's transmission performance and be proactive in reporting any issues to your local Subaru dealer

  • Take advantage of any applicable technical service bulletins or extended warranty coverage that Subaru may offer for your vehicle's transmission

  • Consider purchasing an extended warranty or service contract if you plan to keep your Crosstrek for an extended period, as this can provide additional protection against potential transmission failures


By staying informed and proactive, Crosstrek owners can help ensure their vehicle's transmission performs as intended and minimize the impact of any potential issues.

Is there a recall for Subaru on transmissions?


Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) has initiated this safety and emissions Recall for certain 2019 - 2020 model year Ascent vehicles, 2020-2021 model year turbo Legacy vehicles, and 2020-2021 model year turbo Outback vehicles in which the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) chain may slip and/or break.



Do all Subaru Crosstreks have CVT transmission?


Since 2014, the Lineartronic® CVT has been standard in all automatic Subaru models and trims (except the Subaru BRZ).



What is the most common problem with a Subaru Crosstrek?


1. Head Gasket Leaks. One of the most notorious issues plaguing Subaru vehicles is head gasket leaks, particularly in older models with the EJ series engines. These leaks can lead to coolant loss, overheating, and potential engine damage if left untreated.



Which car has the worst transmission problems?


6 Cars With Notoriously Bad Transmission Problems

  • Ford Focus. Ford. The Ford Focus is considered fairly dependable, but the 2012-2016 models equipped with the automatic DCT (dual-clutch transmission) are notorious for their quality.
  • Nissan Altima. Nissan.
  • Ford Mustang. Ford.
  • BMW M5 E60. BMW.
  • Nissan Rogue. Nissan.
  • Ford Fiesta. Ford.



What year Subaru has CVT transmission problems?


Subaru knew there were problems with their CVT transmission beginning in model year 2012 - a whole year before my car was made. Subaru issued the extended warranty on the transmissions in 2017 - a year before I bought my car.



Which year to avoid a Subaru Crosstrek?


Of all the Subaru Crosstrek years to avoid, 2019 is at the top of that list. More than 250 complaints were recorded by the NHTSA, which issued a significant seven recalls. The majority of these which were related to the ECM software causing an unexpected engine stall.



How long will a CVT transmission last in a Subaru?


Unfortunately Subaru cvts we're seeing failures like catastrophic failures in the first. 10 years 100,000 miles which uh is uncommon. For what we used to know about Subaru. If you service the fluid in



What Subaru models have transmission problems?


Affected models include:

  • 2010-2015 Legacy.
  • 2010-2015 Outback.
  • 2012-2015 Impreza.
  • 2013-2015 Crosstrek.
  • 2014-2015 Crosstrek Hybrid.
  • 2014-2015 Forester with 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine.
  • 2014-2015 Forester with turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.
  • 2015 WRX 2.0.



Do crosstreks have transmission issues?


If you don't routinely change your fluids at least every 30,000 miles or so, you may find that your Subaru Crosstrek transmission will slip.



Why is Subaru discontinuing the Crosstrek?


So why is Subaru discontinuing the Crosstrek? According to the company, the decision was made in order to streamline their product lineup and focus on their core models. While the Crosstrek has been a popular model for Subaru, it has not been as successful as some of their other models such as the Outback and Ascent.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.