Subaru has been creating dependable cars from Japan since 1954. In 1968 Subaru entered the American market but was seen as a “cheap and ugly” car. In the 1970s, Subaru launched a more attractive car and one that is more similar to what we know today, such as the 4WD Subaru Station Wagon. In 2001 a type of Subaru came into the market, an off-road vehicle. Now Subaru is known for its horizontally-opposed engine design and has won countless awards. Despite these successes, Subaru would be nothing without the transmission.

Known for small and midsize cars with a boxer engine, they are not the most popular manufacturer in the world but offer something that is unique. The engine is flat with cylinders that move inward and outward at the same time. With both affordable and sporty cars, most offer all-wheel drive.

being affordable, Subarus are known to be one of the most expensive non-luxury cars to maintain. Subarus are comparable to luxury vehicles such as Mercedes, BMW, and Porche when it comes to maintenance costs, and this includes the incredibly high price of a transmission.

What Does a Transmission Do?

The transmission in a car is supposed to transfer the exact amount of power to your wheels at the speed at which you wish to travel. It shifts gears similarly to a bicycle. If you do not keep your transmission well-maintained, then you will lose fuel economy and maybe not even be able to drive at all.

There are two types of basic transmission types, automatic and manual. Modern times see more automatic transmission than manual transmissions because automatic takes a lot less work.

In a manual transmission, pushing the clutch disconnects the engine and transmission. This allows you to adjust the gear shifter and move into a new gear. After you have moved into this gear you can release the clutch to drive.

An automatic transmission is a bit different but works similarly. In an automatic transmission, the gear shifter works on its own. An automatic transmission will require you only to press on the brake and the gas, and you will hear noises as it shifts itself into gear. Manual cars in lower gear might struggle as they are pushed to higher speeds if not shifted Cars with an automatic transmission sense this and shift on their own.

What is a Continuously Variable Transmission

Automatic Subarus use a CVT which stands for continuously variable transmission. Continuously variable transmission is a type of automatic transmission that is different from that of normal automatic transmission. The CVT transmission is supposed to move more smoothly through the gears rather than switch from one to the next. This is unique to the Subaru, but with a unique transmission also comes the high cost of repairing it.

How it Works

CVT works with a series of pulleys. They increase or decrease the gear ratio as you drive instead of clunking through. This is the purpose of the CVT, to avoid clunking and move smoothly as though you are on a ramp upward. It should feel as though you are moving slowly upwards but does so quickly on its own accord.

Essentially the idea behind a CVT is that you are saving fuel economy because you will not need to actually transition between the gears. Transitioning slows down the vehicle rather than gliding in one solid motion. This brings us to the next point that is somewhat counterintuitive regarding the CVT system. CVTs are actually larger, which means they are also heavier, causes less fuel economy in Subarus.

Because of the CVT being heavier, it means that although a CVT is faster and more responsive, it may not make much of a difference in terms of savings. Although this is an argument for the CVT, it does not really make sense when you come to find a lot of the issues that come with a CVT Subaru transmission.

Signs/Symptoms of a Bad Subaru Transmission

The signs and symptoms of a bad Subaru transmission are similar to that of other cars, but there are a few specific things to look out for.

Delayed Shifting Response

If you have an automatic transmission this may be more obvious, but as you press on the gas your car should shift into gear immediately. If there is a delay, then this is a serious issue. If there is even a few seconds of delay, but the engine can still be heard attempting to go, then you may have transmission problems.

Grinding Gears

As a Subaru pushes into gear it is known to be extremely smooth. In both manual and automatic transmissions, there should be no grinding or harsh attempts to go. Manuals often experience grinding due to a tough attempt to switch the gears. This grinding sound is also heard in a bad automatic transmission, but it can show itself as a clunking sound as well.

Burnt Smell

Any type of burning smell coming from your car is cause for concern, and if this is coming from the hood it may be transmission fluid that is too hot. Transmission fluid works to lubricate the transmission and keep it cool, and when the fluid gives off a burning smell it indicates overheating. Regardless of what the burning is, this needs to be addressed.

Leaks

The transmission is a sealed system. This means that fluid should not escape from the transmission. Transmission fluid is often red, but it can also be brownish. We mentioned earlier that transmission fluid plays an essential role in keeping the parts of the transmission lubricated, so leaking fluid is a quick way to a damaged transmission. Transmission Slipping

Both manual and automatic transmissions slip, and in an automatic transmission, you will notice that it goes from one gear to another without needing to do so. The engine might make a weird noise, or the car may feel like it is struggling. Slipping can be dangerous, and should always be addressed right away.

What Subaru Models Most Commonly Have Transmission Issues?

Subaru Ascent

The Subaru Ascent is a newer car in the Subaru arsenal and only debuted in 2019. Although there is not a long history of problems, nor any type of transmission problems reported, there is something to be concerned about. This is regarding a recall in 2019.

The recall in 2019 involved power loss or hesitation while driving. This is dangerous because it could lead to a crash or simply slower driving. This was related to an issue with a pressure sensor in the transmission giving incorrect readings. Eventually, it caused less than favorable hydraulic pressure. Although no crashes were reported, it was essential that this was taken care of. Now, this is a great choice for a newer Subaru with minimal transmission problems.

Subaru Crosstrek

The Subaru Crosstrek was known as the Subaru XV Crosstrek until 2016. Since 2016 the Crosstrek has had only a few issues, but in older models of the XV Crosstrek, there are a few things to worry about. Most often the Subaru XV Crosstrek from 2013 to 2015 offered problems with grinding noise, hesitation, and erratic shifting issues.

Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester has been in production much longer, since 1998. In 2017 the Subaru Forester was a very bad year for its transmission. Many drivers reported jerking or shuddering coming from the transmission starting at only 2,500 miles. In addition, there were problems with hesitation, and trouble climbing gears.

The 2014 Forester had problems as well involving lurching and unevenness, but it usually occurred at around 50,000 miles. It would show itself as bucking while merging onto the highway and getting up to higher speeds. This is similar to the 2015 Forester, which suffered problems such as transmission slipping and total transmission failure. This usually happened between 50,000 and 70,000 miles.

Average Cost of Subaru Transmission Repairs

The Subaru transmission can fail for an enormous amount of reasons because there are a huge number of parts in them. Typically though, it is easier to replace than it is to repair it. This is because the labor required to remove the old unit and then replace it with a new one is less expensive than the labor required to fix it. It requires disconnecting fluid lines, electrical wiring, engine mounts, and sometimes exhaust system components, or driveshafts, and more. For a total transmission replacement, it would be over $4000 at least.

What are the most expensive Subarus to repair?

Having your transmission replaced on a Subaru is one of the most expensive things to perform on a car. The average transmission replacement cost can range anywhere between $1,800 and $3,400, and Subarus are known to be one of the most expensive non-luxury cars. Subarus typically have a transmission replacement cost of at least $5000, but the Subaru Outback has an average cost of $9,000.

Even in just the first five years, they are known to cost around $267 in maintenance annually. This increases, and as the car reaches 10 years, it is usually at least $500 annually.

Although the initial cost of these cars is not incredibly expensive, they are known to have very high repair costs. In the Subaru Impreza 2012, there was a price tag of $6,000 to repair the clutch. Another Subaru, the 2020 Subaru Forester, has a $1,220 per year average cost of repairs. In some cases, consumers were easily charged $8,000-10,000 for transmission replacements.

What is Included in Transmission Repairs?

When repairing or rebuilding Subaru transmissions, quality parts must be used by licensed technicians. Subaru transmission repair services typically include:

• Full transmission inspection
• Transmission diagnostics
• Flushing and replacing transmission fluid
• Rebuilding transmissions
• Checking and repairing all seals, solenoids, and sensors, replacing when needed
• Replacing axles
• Service and repair
• Clutch repair and replacement
• Cooler repair and replacement

Is Fixing Your Subaru with Transmission Problems Possible?

When it comes to a Subaru, the symmetrical all-wheel-drive systems and boxer engines can be difficult for mechanics not familiar with them. Despite this, those who have the training experience to challenge these tasks can do this. There are specialized tools used to work on these systems and rebuild Subaru transmissions.

If you do have someone who is skilled work on your Subaru transmission you may have faulty sensors or defective solenoids setting off other problems. When major Subaru transmission problems are discovered, you should always look to repair first, but if the price is too high, replacement is a better option.

Can You Replace Your Own Subaru Transmission?

Although it might be tempting to replace your own Subaru transmission, this is not recommended. This is extremely difficult and you need to have general knowledge of working on cars. It is actually recommended that a Subaru educated technician works on these cars

Is it Worth it to Replace a Subaru Transmission?

Subarus are an expensive car to fix due to their engine structure. Because most Subaru cars are equipped with a flat four-cylinder engine under the hood the mechanic working on the car will need to lift the engine out and repair it. More labor leads to more money that will be charged by the technician to fix issues.

Deciding if it is worth it to replace a Subaru transmission really depends on whether or not your car has any value. For example, replacing the transmission on a 2003 Subaru Outback with over 200,000 miles is probably not worth it. In this case, your car might be worth only a few thousand dollars more than the transmission cost. In this case, you might as well purchase a new car or a pre-owned, newer, option. You will need to make the best decision regarding your car, and your wallet. This can only be done by weighing your options and seeing how much work your Subaru actually needs.