Is Subaru CVT chain or belt?

Subaru's continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) use a metal belt, not a chain, to transfer power from the engine to the wheels. This design provides a smooth, efficient, and responsive driving experience compared to traditional automatic or manual transmissions.

Understanding Subaru's CVT Technology

Subaru's CVT system is a type of automatic transmission that uses a metal push-belt or push-chain instead of the traditional gear set found in conventional automatic transmissions. The belt or chain connects two variable-diameter pulleys, allowing for an infinite number of gear ratios between the minimum and maximum. This provides a seamless and efficient power delivery, resulting in improved fuel economy and a more responsive driving feel.

Subaru CVT Belt vs. Chain

Subaru's CVTs specifically use a metal push-belt, not a chain, to transmit power. The push-belt is made up of numerous small metal segments that are linked together to form a flexible, durable band. This design offers several advantages over a chain-based CVT:

• Smoother Operation: The metal belt provides a more continuous and seamless power transfer compared to a chain, resulting in a smoother driving experience with less noise and vibration.


• Improved Efficiency: The metal belt design is more efficient than a chain, leading to better fuel economy and reduced power losses in the transmission.


• Longer Lifespan: Subaru's metal push-belts are designed to last the lifetime of the vehicle, requiring less maintenance and replacement compared to a chain-based CVT.

Overall, Subaru's use of a metal push-belt in their CVT transmissions is a key part of the brand's commitment to providing a refined, efficient, and reliable driving experience for their customers.

What type of CVT does Subaru use?

Subaru uses its Lineartronic CVT, a chain-driven, pulley-based continuously variable transmission. This system uses a metal chain and two adjustable pulleys to continuously change the gear ratio, providing a smooth driving experience and improving fuel economy. 

• System type: It is a chain-driven, pulley-based system, not a belt-driven one. The steel chain is designed to be more durable and capable of handling higher torque loads than a traditional rubber belt. 
• Operation: The transmission's control module adjusts the width of the pulleys to change the gear ratio smoothly and efficiently without the distinct shifts of a traditional automatic transmission. 
• Variants: Subaru produces two main variants: the TR580 for standard duty and the high-torque TR690 for heavy-duty applications like larger vehicles such as the Ascent. 

Are CVT transmissions belt or chain-driven?

CVTs can use either a belt or a chain, with most modern passenger car CVTs using a steel belt and pulley system, while some Audi and Subaru models have used a steel chain. Some other designs, like roller-drive CVTs, also exist but are much rarer.
 
Belt-drive CVTs

• How they work: Use a V-shaped steel belt that runs between two variable-diameter pulleys, which consist of two cone-shaped halves that move together and apart to change the ratio. 
• Prevalence: Most common type found in cars. 
• Example manufacturers: Nissan, Honda, and ZF. 

Chain-drive CVTs

• How they work: Use a steel chain instead of a belt, offering higher torque capacity and efficiency.
• Prevalence: Less common than belt-drive CVTs.
• Example manufacturers: Audi and Subaru have used this type. 

Other types

• Roller-drive CVTs: A rarer type that uses rollers between toroidal discs; Nissan's Extroid CVT was an example, but it is no longer in production. 

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. 

What year did Subaru go to Timing chain?

Subaru began transitioning to timing chains around 2001 for its six-cylinder (H6) engines, but the switch for most four-cylinder engines happened later, with the new FB engine series being introduced in 2011 for the Forester, 2012 for the Impreza, and 2013 for the Legacy/Outback. Therefore, the year Subaru fully switched to timing chains for its main four-cylinder models is approximately 2011-2013, depending on the specific model. 

• For six-cylinder (H6) engines: The switch to timing chains began around 2001. 
• For four-cylinder engines:
  • Forester: Started using the new FB engine with a timing chain in the 2011 model year. 
  • Impreza: Started using the new FB engine with a timing chain in the 2012 model year. 
  • Legacy/Outback: Started using the new FB engine with a timing chain in the 2013 model year. 
• Turbocharged engines: Some turbocharged four-cylinder engines continued to use timing belts for a few more years. For example, the EJ255 (2.5L Turbo) in the US was used from 2004 to 2013, while the newer FA20DIT (2.0L Turbo) uses a chain.