What year did the Subaru Forester have transmission problems?

The Subaru Forester, a popular compact SUV, has faced transmission issues in certain model years. While Subaru is generally known for its reliable vehicles, some Forester owners have reported problems with the transmission, particularly in the early 2000s.

What Years Did the Subaru Forester Have Transmission Problems?

According to the information gathered from various sources, the Subaru Forester experienced transmission problems primarily in the 2001 and 2002 model years. The transmission issues were related to the vehicle's automatic transmission, which in some cases failed prematurely or exhibited problems such as slipping, jerking, or delayed engagement.

Causes of the Transmission Issues

The transmission problems in the 2001 and 2002 Subaru Forester models were attributed to a few key factors:

• Design flaws in the automatic transmission: Some reports suggest that the design of the transmission used in these model years was not well-suited for the demands of the Forester's all-wheel-drive system, leading to premature wear and failure.


• Lack of proper maintenance: Inadequate or improper maintenance of the transmission fluid and other components may have contributed to the issues, as regular servicing is crucial for the longevity of any transmission.li>
  
• Increased stress on the transmission: The Forester's all-wheel-drive system and the demands of off-road or towing use may have placed additional strain on the transmission, leading to earlier-than-expected problems.

It's important to note that not all 2001 and 2002 Forester models experienced transmission issues, and the severity of the problems varied among individual vehicles. However, these model years were more prone to transmission-related complaints compared to other Forester generations.

Addressing the Transmission Problems

Subaru addressed the transmission issues in the 2001 and 2002 Forester models through various measures:

• Improved transmission design: In subsequent model years, Subaru made design changes to the automatic transmission to address the weaknesses identified in the earlier models.


• Extended warranty coverage: Subaru extended the warranty coverage for the transmission in affected Forester models, providing owners with additional protection and support.li>
  
• Increased emphasis on maintenance: Subaru emphasized the importance of regular transmission fluid changes and other maintenance procedures to help prevent or mitigate transmission problems.

While the transmission issues in the 2001 and 2002 Subaru Forester models were a concern for some owners, the company's efforts to address the problems and improve the design in subsequent years have helped to restore the Forester's reputation for reliability.

What year did Subaru Forester start using CVT?

Subaru started using the Lineartronic CVT in the Forester for the 2014 model year. This replaced the previous 4-speed automatic transmission. 

• The 2014 model year was when the shift to CVT began in the Forester, with a standard Lineartronic CVT in most automatic models and trims. 
• Before this, models like the 2011-2013 Forester used a 4EAT automatic transmission. 
• Subaru has been using CVTs more broadly in its lineup, making them standard in all automatic models and trims (except for the BRZ) since the 2014 model year. 

What year is the Subaru Forester the most reliable?

The most reliable Subaru Forester years include the 2016-2018 models and the 2020-2024 models, with the 2018 model being a particularly strong choice within the earlier generation. For the newer generation, models from 2020 and newer are generally considered more reliable, as issues from the first model year have been addressed. The rule of thumb is that the final year of a generation tends to be the most reliable.
 
Reliable years by generation

• Fourth Generation (2014-2018): The 2018 model is considered the most reliable from this generation, with most prior issues resolved. The 2016-2018 models overall are known for a good balance of performance and reliability. 
• Fifth Generation (2019-2024): Models from 2020 and newer are highly recommended due to significant improvements in engine refinement and fewer transmission and safety system problems compared to the 2019 model. 
• Third Generation (2009-2013): The 2012 and 2013 models are noted for a low number of complaints, but potential buyers should verify that any recalls have been resolved. 

General advice

• Last year of a generation: The final year of a vehicle's generation is often the most reliable because the manufacturer has had time to fix any issues that arose during the earlier model years.
• <<<10-year rule>>: Following this rule, the 2018 model would be the most reliable year within the last 10 years. 

Do Subaru Foresters have transmission problems?

Yes, some Subaru Foresters have transmission problems, particularly with their Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs), which can experience issues like shuddering, jerking, delayed shifting, and unusual noises. These problems can arise from factors like degraded transmission fluid, worn internal components, or software glitches. While Subaru has extended the CVT warranty on some models to address these concerns, regular maintenance, including timely fluid changes, is crucial for longevity. 
Common transmission problems 
This video explains the common signs of Subaru transmission problems, including shuddering and slipping: 47sAuto V Fix YouTube · Jun 14, 2022

• Shuddering and jerking: This can occur when accelerating from a stop or going uphill. 
• Delayed or jerky shifting: You might notice a hesitation or rough feel when the vehicle shifts gears. 
• Unusual noises: Whining, humming, or clunking sounds from the transmission are potential indicators of a problem. 
• Delayed acceleration: The vehicle may hesitate before it starts to accelerate. 
• Sudden failure: In some cases, the transmission can fail completely, leading to a loss of forward or reverse gear engagement. 

Causes and contributing factors

• Degraded transmission fluid: The fluid in CVTs is critical for operation and cooling. If it's old, overheated, or broken down, it can lead to premature wear and failure. 
• Internal wear: Components like the valve body or clutch packs can wear out over time. 
• Software issues: Software updates have been issued by Subaru to address some problems, though they don't always fully resolve the issue. 

What you can do

• Perform regular maintenance: Follow the recommended service schedule, which includes checking and replacing the transmission fluid. Some mechanics suggest fluid changes as frequently as every 15,000 to 30,000 miles for optimal performance. 
• Be aware of extended warranties: Subaru extended the powertrain warranty on certain CVT models to help cover potential issues. 
• Address issues promptly: If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic. Ignoring the problem can lead to more extensive and costly damage. 

What years did the Subaru Forester have a bad transmission?

Yes, the Transmissions of Foresters from 2014 - 2018 are known to have problems. Subaru extended the warranty on CVT transmissions to 10 years or 100000 miles.