How do I tell if my Subaru has a CVT?
As a Subaru owner, understanding your vehicle's transmission type is crucial for maintenance and performance. Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs) are becoming increasingly common in modern vehicles, including many Subaru models. This article will guide you through the steps to determine if your Subaru is equipped with a CVT.
What is a CVT?
A Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is a type of automatic transmission that can change seamlessly through a continuous range of effective gear ratios. Unlike traditional automatic transmissions that use a fixed number of gears, CVTs provide a smoother driving experience and can improve fuel efficiency.
Steps to Identify if Your Subaru Has a CVT
Here are some straightforward steps to help you determine if your Subaru is equipped with a CVT:
- Check the Owner's Manual: The easiest way to find out about your transmission type is to consult the owner's manual. Look for the specifications section, which will detail the transmission type.
- Look for Badging: Some Subaru models may have a badge on the rear indicating "CVT" or "Lineartronic," which is Subaru's branding for their CVT.
- Inspect the Gear Shifter: If your Subaru has a gear shifter with options like "D" (Drive), "L" (Low), and no distinct gear numbers (like 1, 2, 3), it likely has a CVT.
- Listen for Engine Behavior: When accelerating, a CVT tends to keep the engine at a consistent RPM, unlike traditional transmissions that shift through gears. If you notice this behavior, it may indicate a CVT.
- Check Online Resources: You can also visit Subaru's official website or forums dedicated to Subaru owners for more information about your specific model and its transmission type.
Common Subaru Models with CVTs
Many Subaru models come equipped with CVTs, especially those produced in recent years. Here are some common models that typically feature a CVT:
- Subaru Outback
- Subaru Forester
- Subaru Crosstrek
- Subaru Legacy
- Subaru Impreza
Conclusion
Knowing whether your Subaru has a CVT is essential for proper maintenance and understanding your vehicle's performance. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily determine the type of transmission in your Subaru. If you have any further questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to your local auto service expert.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I tell what transmission is in my Subaru?
The model number plate indicates: the applied model, the option code, the trim code, the engine type, the transmission type, and the exterior color code.
What year did Subaru switch to CVT?
2014
For example, for the 2014 Forester, Subaru introduced a CVT. With the same engine as the previous generation, the new Forester gets FIVE (!) more mile per gallon. The CVT finds the most fuel efficient point in the engine power band and keeps it there.
How long will a CVT transmission last in a Subaru?
There is a fair chance your Subaru CVT will last well beyond 60,000 miles as long as you stick to the factory-recommended maintenance schedule and take care not to overfill your transmission fluid.
What year does Subaru have a bad CVT?
Is the Subaru CVT Reliable? Several older models have experienced Subaru CVT problems – enough so that Subaru has offered factory warranty extensions on these vehicles. Affected models include: 2010-2015 Legacy.
Which Subaru models have CVT transmission?
Among their many advantages, Subaru CVT offer exceptional fuel economy and drivetrain efficiency. They also offer smoother linear acceleration versus a traditional automatic setup. Since 2014, the Lineartronic® CVT has been standard in all automatic Subaru models and trims (except the Subaru BRZ).
How can you tell the difference between CVT and non CVT transmission?
Here's what sets these two apart. A Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) doesn't utilize gears like a typical automatic transmission. Rather, it makes use of 2 pulleys attached by a belt. It's a little bit like a snowmobile transmission: One pulley links to the engine, the other one links to the transmission.
How to tell if a Subaru has a CVT transmission?
Easy. If it does not have 3.6 on the tailgate and it is an automatic it will be a cvt. The cvt is the only automatic available with the 2.5i four cylinder engine.
What years did Subaru have CVT transmission problems?
Subaru Legacy: 2010-2015 Models
The Subaru Legacy shares many of its components with the Outback. Thus, it's no surprise that similar model years—2010 to 2015—have similar issues. The CVT transmission problems were also among the most prominent.
How can I tell if I have a CVT transmission?
A simple way to tell is just accelerate hard and see if you have a distinct shift at every gear with rpm drop during upshift. 5speed will have the traditional up shift at each gear change. CVT will just have rpm stays high while accelerating. Should be pretty clear.
Does the VIN tell what transmission I have?
You can find your transmission type on your window sticker, a Build Sheet, or a Vehicle Identification (VIN) Decode Letter.
