Does Subaru make their own CVT transmission?

Subaru does not manufacture its own CVT transmissions in-house. The company designs and tunes its Lineartronic CVT, but the manufacturing is outsourced to external suppliers, with JATCO serving as the primary producer for most Subaru CVTs. This arrangement allows Subaru to focus on integration with its AWD platforms and performance tuning while relying on established transmission specialists for the hardware.

How Subaru’s CVT system works and who makes it

Subaru markets its CVT under the Lineartronic name, emphasizing smooth acceleration and seamless power delivery across all-wheel-drive models. While Subaru develops the control software, gearing strategy, and overall integration with its engines, the physical transmission units are produced by a specialized supplier. This separation of design from manufacture is common in the industry and helps Subaru leverage proven CVT technology while maintaining its brand-specific tuning.

Design versus production

In Subaru’s setup, the automaker retains responsibility for the CVT’s software, calibration, and how the transmission communicates with the engine and AWD system. The actual hardware is sourced from a contract manufacturer, with JATCO being the principal supplier for many Subaru Lineartronic units. This model enables Subaru to deliver consistent performance across models while leveraging a supplier’s manufacturing expertise.

Before we list the key points, it’s useful to understand the supplier relationship in a compact format:

• Primary supplier: JATCO supplies the CVT units used in most Subaru models, while Subaru handles calibration, control software, and system integration to suit its AWD platforms.


• Brand and tuning: Subaru’s Lineartronic branding reflects its approach to tuning and driver feel, not a vertically integrated in-house manufacturing process.


• Scope of partnership: The arrangement focuses on reliable, proven CVT hardware backed by Subaru’s design choices and service guidance.

In practice, Subaru maintains control over design intent, lifecycle updates, and customer-facing aspects, while the external supplier provides the core transmission hardware.

Historical context and evolution of Subaru’s CVT approach

Subaru has long pursued a CVT strategy that pairs its distinctive AWD systems and boxer engines with a CVT tuned for smoothness and predictable behavior. The Lineartronic CVT has evolved through multiple generations, reflecting Subaru’s emphasis on reliability, efficiency, and seamless power delivery. The company’s pattern has been to partner with a capable CVT specialist to supply the core transmission while Subaru handles integration, software, and customer-facing features.

Here is a concise timeline of the key phases in Subaru’s CVT approach:

1. Adoption phase: Subaru began using a dedicated CVT platform sourced from a specialist supplier for a broad range of models, aligning CVT behavior with its AWD and engine setups.


2. Evolution phase: Subaru refined the Lineartronic design with improved lubrication, control software, and torque management to address efficiency and reliability goals.


3. Current phase: The partnership emphasizes consistent performance across Subaru’s lineup, with ongoing updates to calibration and maintenance guidelines while keeping manufacturing with an external supplier.

These milestones illustrate a stable model in which Subaru focuses on design and integration, while trusted specialists deliver the core CVT hardware.

What this means for Subaru owners and maintenance considerations

For owners, the practical implications revolve around maintenance, serviceability, and the availability of replacement parts. Because the CVT hardware comes from a supplier, Subaru provides the recommended fluids, service intervals, and warranty guidance, while trained technicians source the correct CVT components through standard channels tied to the supplier network.

Maintenance and care considerations include:

• Use the fluids specified by Subaru for Lineartronic CVTs and follow the recommended change intervals to maintain hydraulic pressure and belt/sheave longevity.


• Avoid mixing fluids or using non-specified additives, which can affectCVT operation and longevity.


• Be attentive to symptoms such as shuddering, slipping, or unusual noises, and have the system inspected by an authorized Subaru service center promptly.

Maintaining the CVT according to Subaru’s guidelines helps ensure reliability and preserves warranty coverage where applicable.

Summary

Subaru does not manufacture its own CVT transmissions. The automaker designs and tunes the Lineartronic CVT, but the core transmission hardware is produced by external suppliers, with JATCO serving as the primary supplier for many models. This collaborative model balances Subaru’s driver-focused tuning and AWD integration with the expertise and manufacturing scale of experienced CVT specialists. For owners, the key takeaway is to follow Subaru’s maintenance guidelines and use the recommended fluids to support long-term reliability.

What years did Subaru have CVT transmission problems?

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. 

What brand of CVT does Subaru use?

Subaru makes its own Lineartronic CVT transmissions in-house. Unlike many other manufacturers, Subaru designs and produces its CVTs specifically for its unique longitudinally-mounted engine and all-wheel-drive system. While the company has a history of working with other manufacturers, like a past joint venture with JATCO for smaller car CVTs, its modern, main-line transmissions for models like the Outback, Legacy, and Ascent are produced by Subaru Corporation itself. 

• In-house design and manufacturing: Subaru designs and manufactures its own CVTs, a process that started with the development of the transmission in 1989. 
• Lineartronic CVT: The company's continuously variable transmissions are part of its "Lineartronic" technology. 
• Reason for in-house production: Subaru creates its own CVTs to ensure they are compatible with its unique powertrain layout, which sends power from the engine directly to the rear of the transmission and then to all wheels. 
• Exclusively for Subaru: Subaru's CVTs are made exclusively for use in its own vehicles and are not sold to other car brands. 

Has Subaru improved their CVT?

After 2015, Subaru's Lineartronic transmissions got major upgrades — better cooling, tougher clutch packs, and better software. These changes fixed the root causes of early Subaru CVT failures and made them last longer.

How good are Subaru CVT transmissions?

Subaru CVTs are generally good, offering excellent fuel efficiency and smooth acceleration, with modern versions being reliable when properly maintained. However, older models (around 2010–2015) had some reliability issues with early versions of the technology, and proactive maintenance, especially regular fluid changes, is crucial to prevent problems and ensure long life. Newer models have improved technology, and with consistent care, they are expected to last the lifetime of the vehicle.
 
This video explains the functioning of the Subaru WRX CVT transmission: 56sEngineering ExplainedYouTube · Feb 3, 2023
Advantages

• Fuel efficiency: CVTs are designed to optimize engine speed for better gas mileage. 
• Smooth acceleration: They provide linear, smooth acceleration without the "jerk" of a traditional automatic gear shift. 
• Performance: Modern Subaru CVTs, like those in the WRX, are engineered to mimic a traditional transmission with quick shifts, and they can keep the engine in its peak power band for better acceleration. 
• Durability: Subaru uses a steel chain instead of a belt, which is generally more durable and can handle higher torque loads. 

Potential issues and maintenance

• Early model problems: Some older models (roughly 2010–2015) experienced issues, particularly with valve bodies and torque converters, leading Subaru to extend warranties on some of them. 
• Maintenance is critical: Like any transmission, longevity depends on proper care. Regular fluid checks and changes are recommended, even if the maintenance schedule doesn't always specify it. 
• Fluid changes: It's a good practice to inspect the fluid around 30,000 miles and consider replacing it between 60,000 and 100,000 miles, especially with heavy use, to prevent problems. 
• Not for all situations: While the CVT is efficient for daily driving, its performance during aggressive driving or heavy towing can be a concern and may require more frequent fluid changes. 

This video discusses the importance of fluid maintenance for the Subaru CVT: 59sspeedkar99YouTube · Jun 10, 2025
Overall reliability

• Improving over time: Newer generations of Subaru CVTs have updated technology and software, which has significantly improved reliability. 
• Good brand reputation: Despite the past issues, Subaru as a brand generally has a good reliability rating, and recent models with CVTs continue to score well in reliability assessments. 
• Long-term potential: With diligent maintenance, many Subaru CVTs can last for 200,000 miles or more.