[Jim_in_PA]

Please show me the data that suggests that it’s only a small number of Ascent CVTs that fail prematurely and that most last the lifetime of the vehicle.

Exactly my point...actual data isn't available, only anecdotal information from what we see here on the Internet. Clearly, there are failures. There are even some specific vehicles that have had multiple failures. (is it the device or is there something else wrong in the vehicle that's causing multiple? No way to know) The failure rate may even be elevated from "industry normal", at least for earlier model years, but even that is speculation. My concern with your statement is that it seems to be stated as fact. Since none of us have access to actual facts...good or bad...

 

[JOE WHO]

My concern with your statement is that it seems to be stated as fact. Since none of us have access to actual facts...good or bad...

“Seems to be stated as fact?” How so? Unless I know something to be true, my perspective is typically derived from what I’ve read. Obviously not everything you read is true, but where there is smoke, there is often fire.

It is a fact that there are a lot of CVT failures reported on this forum. Collectively, I am even willing to suggest it’s one of the most significant complaints/issues on the forum.

 

[JOE WHO]

Two 300k Ascents I've followed do.

On the original CVT? If that’s the case, my mind is blown!

 

[Robert.Mauro]

On the original CVT? If that’s the case, my mind is blown!

2019-2021 had pressure regulation issues that affected some Ascents. Generally, those that had the recalls performed before issues are fine.

 

[JOE WHO]

2019-2021 had pressure regulation issues that affected some Ascents. Generally, those that had the recalls performed before issues are fine.

It sounds like that’s not where the issues end since some have had two and three transmissions replaced which is pretty unheard of in the industry.

As I’ve said before, it’s my hope that the newer models (2023+) have better transmissions, but when things like CVT fluid, which is required for routine maintenance can’t be sourced, it is a little concerning.

 

[Robert.Mauro]

It sounds like that’s not where the issues end since some have had two and three transmissions replaced which is pretty unheard of in the industry.

There were multiple fixes, so, sadly,some people suffered on a couple of replacements.

Also, sadly, some dealerships used the wrong fluid, which will destroy the CVT.


I've been tracking the issues and reporting the problems.

 

[JOE WHO]

There were multiple fixes, so, sadly,some people suffered on a couple of replacements.

Also, sadly, some dealerships used the wrong fluid, which will destroy the CVT.


I've been tracking the issues and reporting the problems.

I appreciate your insight into this. It puts a lot of things into perspective. It sounds like there have been several small issues that have compounded and created larger issues.

I genuinely believe the Ascent has a lot of potential, but there are certainly some things that hold it back.

 

[Robert.Mauro]

I appreciate your insight into this. It puts a lot of things into perspective. It sounds like there have been several small issues that have compounded and created larger issues.

I genuinely believe the Ascent has a lot of potential, but there are certainly some things that hold it back.

Exactly that, and, agreed.

I really like what's been refined for the 2023+ Ascents and 2022+ Outback Wilderness.

 

[Idle_Serge]

For what it's worth, after several emails with SOA, they've concluded that I simply have to do as my local retailer has suggested and that is to continue driving the Ascent as is and that when their proprietary fluid becomes available, I will get a call...any and all expenses to be covered by me.

That's it - that's all the information I was given. I'm starting to consider going back to the Lexus family after this.

On the topic of "stats", what brought me back to this forum was to express my concerns with the transmission, meaning that if I wasn't having an issue, I would likely have not been posting about how "good" it's been...get what I'm trying to get at? Granted, when researching the topic, there is, without a doubt, a significant amount of smoke on the topic.

 

[findalex]

Just to chime in with my own experience. 2021 Ascent Premium with the larger transmission cooler. Daily driver, no towing. 50K miles. Very smooth and no issues.

Sad that I can't buy the CVT fluid to drain/fill. 50K already seems a bit high for a CVT transmission.

Red line 30804 lists TR690 as a compatible transmission. Anyone believe this?

 

[Robert.Mauro]

Red line 30804 lists TR690 as a compatible transmission. Anyone believe this?

Nope. Including American Transmission Rebuilders Association (ATRA).

 

[Gbmaryland]

Just to chime in with my own experience. 2021 Ascent Premium with the larger transmission cooler. Daily driver, no towing. 50K miles. Very smooth and no issues.

Sad that I can't buy the CVT fluid to drain/fill. 50K already seems a bit high for a CVT transmission.

Red line 30804 lists TR690 as a compatible transmission. Anyone believe this?

Just had the torque converter go on my 2019 Ascent Touring… it’ll be in the shop for a month while we wait for parts. WOW.

43,000 on the unit.

 

[Idle_Serge]

Update on my end - local retailer/dealer finally got some fluid in and was able to get it switched out along with the brake shudder issue...I've been waiting for this stuff since October of last year and just now got done on 2.7.25 about 10k miles later. As expected, fluid didn't change the hesitation issues as it still occurring, but it did seem to improve mileage just a tad (on incline, the instant reading would plummet to under 3mgp and now it kind of sticks around 9mpg).

Extended powertrain warranty expires in March - we may just ride it till it gives out completely then move back into a Lexus/Toyota again. Or hope that the new foresters aren't having similar issues but the way SOA has handled this does not extrude confidence.

 

[Robert.Mauro]

Or hope that the new foresters aren't having similar issues but the way SOA has handled this does not extrude confidence.

No current or previous generation Forester uses the same transmission or fluid. So, it's not possible, fortunately.

 

[Idle_Serge]

No current or previous generation Forester uses the same transmission or fluid. So, it's not possible, fortunately.

That's what I figured - good to know! Subaru does have some of the best incentives and financing offers from what I've seen (1.9% on 24' Foresters). Though, a lot of manufactures are pushing the EV offer at 0% plus other incentives...

 

[findalex]

So I've been searching periodically the last 6 months for an aftermarket equivalent and haven't found anything.

Has anyone else had luck finding an alternative? I really don't want to spend almost $600 after tax to buy 5 gallons when I only need about 6 quarts.

 

[JOE WHO]

Has anyone else had luck finding an alternative?

There is no alternative. Unfortunately. Subaru is the only approved fluid and there is no aftermarket equivalent.

 

[Robert.Mauro]

So I've been searching periodically the last 6 months for an aftermarket equivalent and haven't found anything.

Has anyone else had luck finding an alternative? I really don't want to spend almost $600 after tax to buy 5 gallons when I only need about 6 quarts.

Ask your local dealerships if they will sell it to you by the quart, and then grab a 5 gallon diesel container plastic and bring it in and ask them to put in 8 quarts or so.

 

[Cancan]

So I've been searching periodically the last 6 months for an aftermarket equivalent and haven't found anything.

Has anyone else had luck finding an alternative? I really don't want to spend almost $600 after tax to buy 5 gallons when I only need about 6 quarts.

Let me tell you my story. I met an independent mechanic who specializes in automatic transmissions. He told me that he only distinguishes three types of oil: ATF, CVT, and DSG. The manufacturer, name, or specification are irrelevant. The oil is produced at a refinery, and manufacturers only label it with their logo. There's no such thing as Subaru, Mercedes, Audi, etc. oil. I changed the oil in my Subaru to "Fanfaro CVT." The oil cost me $123 for 20 liters. A full change requires about 16 liters. The most important thing is not to mix old oil with new. If your transmission isn't working properly, changing the oil won't fix it; it will only make things worse. The new oil will flush out deposits from the mechatronics. Furthermore, I didn't change the filter. It was only washed. Its design allows for this. The second filter is located inside the transmission. Replacing it requires a complete disassembly of the transmission. It doesn't make sense, so we didn't do it. I've driven 21,000 kilometers since the replacement. No problems. Everything works properly. There's no such thing as magic Subaru oil. It's just a scam by service centers.

 

[JOE WHO]

Let me tell you my story. I met an independent mechanic who specializes in automatic transmissions. He told me that he only distinguishes three types of oil: ATF, CVT, and DSG. The manufacturer, name, or specification are irrelevant. The oil is produced at a refinery, and manufacturers only label it with their logo. There's no such thing as Subaru, Mercedes, Audi, etc. oil. I changed the oil in my Subaru to "Fanfaro CVT." The oil cost me $123 for 20 liters. A full change requires about 16 liters. The most important thing is not to mix old oil with new. If your transmission isn't working properly, changing the oil won't fix it; it will only make things worse. The new oil will flush out deposits from the mechatronics. Furthermore, I didn't change the filter. It was only washed. Its design allows for this. The second filter is located inside the transmission. Replacing it requires a complete disassembly of the transmission. It doesn't make sense, so we didn't do it. I've driven 21,000 kilometers since the replacement. No problems. Everything works properly. There's no such thing as magic Subaru oil. It's just a scam by service centers.

This is terrible advice. You will be replacing your transmission prematurely. Saving a few hundred dollars by using the wrong fluid will end up costing you thousands.

There is only one approved fluid that meets spec and that is the OEM Subaru fluid.