Ordered a Magnetite Gray Ascent Limited on June 23rd. Picked the car up on Sept. 7th, 10 weeks later. Noticed a few instances of "slipping" in the transmission. About a week ago, wife was driving with our autistic son when multiple warning lights came on and the transmission failed. AT temp light was on, eyesight disabled, check engine light, brake light, etc... Car wouldn't move and she had to coast into a school. Car has 5,000 miles. Had to call Subaru Roadside Assistance and have the car towed to the dealer. Dealer has had the car for a week. They called in a regional engineer to inspect. After examining the car for a week and putting 85 miles on it, they are telling us to come pick it up since they can't reproduce the problem and don't know what's wrong. All they did was check the connectors on the top of the transmission and check the fluid level. They didn't even change the fluid given that the AT temp light came on. Very disappointed in Subaru. They are basically throwing us to the wolves and hoping the problem doesn't happen again. They won't replace the transmission. We are very nervous about driving the car or taking the car on any sort of extended trip. With winter coming we are seriously considering dumping the car. Would never recommend Subaru after this experience.
Major Transmission Problem
cjzclan
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It's unfortunate to hear people having transmission problems. But you also have to realize that on a forum you probably get more of the extremes, both the fanboys, and the people who are not happy with the car.
Unless there are some official numbers released (good luck with that ?), we'll never know what percentage of people are having a problem. I would expect a first year engine /transmission combination to have more problems than something that's been around a while. That doesn't justify that people are having problems though. But I also don't think it's fair to speculate that it's either an usually high, or an unusually low number of people that are having transmission problems.
Regular forum readers know how many problems I've had ( luckily nothing major mechanical though), so I'm no fan boy, but, we should not speculate on things we can't confirm.
Hopefully owners of 2020 models will have fewer issues. We'll find out (in an unscientific way) one way or another on the board eventually.
Unless there are some official numbers released (good luck with that ?), we'll never know what percentage of people are having a problem. I would expect a first year engine /transmission combination to have more problems than something that's been around a while. That doesn't justify that people are having problems though. But I also don't think it's fair to speculate that it's either an usually high, or an unusually low number of people that are having transmission problems.
Regular forum readers know how many problems I've had ( luckily nothing major mechanical though), so I'm no fan boy, but, we should not speculate on things we can't confirm.
Hopefully owners of 2020 models will have fewer issues. We'll find out (in an unscientific way) one way or another on the board eventually.
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I am sorry for your troubles. Many of us have been there with other brands. It's frustrating & maddening - even more so when you have jumped into and given your trust and hard-earned dollars to a new brand. I hope that now your frustrations will be over and that you will be able to enjoy the - go just about anywhere with full confidence feeling - the vast majority of us have with our Subarus. Anecdotally, as a person always fascinated with cars, has automotive engineers in the family and one who has owned many brands, I have noticed four things. 1) I have never seen a Subaru that has stranded someone on the side of the road (and I have lived and worked in many different states). 2) Once Subaru identifies an issue, it fixes it or deals with it, and then the car becomes whole again and very reliable - unlike cars from other brands - in which one issue may foretell a litany of other issues in the coming months & years due to poor original engineering, poor assembly line build quality, poor quality parts from subcontractors or a combination of all three. 3) Subaru tends to have a better handle on customer support than any other brand. And although this is dependent on dealership management as well, Subaru seems to have a definitive, active corporate culture in which it seems most dealers have embraced - though surely there are outliers and your dealer may be one based on your experience. I don't know of any car company that has such an active and integrated customer service phone line, in which the customer can bypass the dealer and get additional help, problems solved and even real-time intervention with that dealer. I have never seen this before. And I'm impressed. As I have mentioned before, I used to work for a well-known company that was benchmarked by many other companies for quality. 4) Subaru can be very pro-active. An example of this is when there have been some questions regarding transmission or drivetrain issues in the past, including in my 5th generation Outback (2015-2019). They simply took concerns off the table by issuing extended coverage on my transmission for 10 years/100K miles. (I have had no issues with my transmission or drivetrain). That is very impressive, and I have not seen another manufacturer to be this pro-active. Lastly, I have seen Subaru help take care of part the cost of out of warranty repairs many times. I can tell you, that Land Rover NEVER did that even when the issue was known. In the end, I'm no Subaru fanboy, just a first time Subaru owner that appreciates the ability and utility of a Japanese brand, with higher ground clearance, an actual AWD system that works and good fuel economy. While Subaru has definitely taken a stumble with so-called "conquest" strategy (those who have moved from another brand & purchased a Subaru for the first time). From my reading - they know - and are trying to make it right and restore confidence. The Subaru brand loyalty can only be imagined from the factors above. Nearly no one buys a Subaru for its design language, aesthetic, superior comfort or luxury!
I hope that over time as your Ascent gives you good service and reliably shuttles you on daily chores to (hopefully) some road-trips and adventures across this amazing country, your confidence will be restored. Please enjoy your new Ascent now that it is everything it was intended to be and wishing you amazing and safe journey's! Be well.Sorry to hear you're having problems as well.
I do appreciate that pep talk! It's funny, you hit the nail on the head -- I've had cars in the past that were more comfortable and luxurious to drive so it just kind of burns my but that I made the "dependable" choice and am having these problems. It also makes me a more easily frustrated customer, as I'm used to dropping a Lexus off for an oil change and getting a car back that's practically been detailedI am sorry for your troubles. Many of us have been there with other brands. It's frustrating & maddening - even more so when you have jumped into and given your trust and hard-earned dollars to a new brand. I hope that now your frustrations will be over and that you will be able to enjoy the - go just about anywhere with full confidence feeling - the vast majority of us have with our Subarus. Anecdotally, as a person always fascinated with cars, has automotive engineers in the family and one who has owned many brands, I have noticed four things. 1) I have never seen a Subaru that has stranded someone on the side of the road (and I have lived and worked in many different states). 2) Once Subaru identifies an issue, it fixes it or deals with it, and then the car becomes whole again and very reliable - unlike cars from other brands - in which one issue may foretell a litany of other issues in the coming months & years due to poor original engineering, poor assembly line build quality, poor quality parts from subcontractors or a combination of all three. 3) Subaru tends to have a better handle on customer support than any other brand. And although this is dependent on dealership management as well, Subaru seems to have a definitive, active corporate culture in which it seems most dealers have embraced - though surely there are outliers and your dealer may be one based on your experience. I don't know of any car company that has such an active and integrated customer service phone line, in which the customer can bypass the dealer and get additional help, problems solved and even real-time intervention with that dealer. I have never seen this before. And I'm impressed. As I have mentioned before, I used to work for a well-known company that was benchmarked by many other companies for quality. 4) Subaru can be very pro-active. An example of this is when there have been some questions regarding transmission or drivetrain issues in the past, including in my 5th generation Outback (2015-2019). They simply took concerns off the table by issuing extended coverage on my transmission for 10 years/100K miles. (I have had no issues with my transmission or drivetrain). That is very impressive, and I have not seen another manufacturer to be this pro-active. Lastly, I have seen Subaru help take care of part the cost of out of warranty repairs many times. I can tell you, that Land Rover NEVER did that even when the issue was known. In the end, I'm no Subaru fanboy, just a first time Subaru owner that appreciates the ability and utility of a Japanese brand, with higher ground clearance, an actual AWD system that works and good fuel economy. While Subaru has definitely taken a stumble with so-called "conquest" strategy (those who have moved from another brand & purchased a Subaru for the first time). From my reading - they know - and are trying to make it right and restore confidence. The Subaru brand loyalty can only be imagined from the factors above. Nearly no one buys a Subaru for its design language, aesthetic, superior comfort or luxury!
! Also good to know that Subaru might help make things right by potentially giving a longer warranty on the new transmission. Since I'm a heavy driver, I'll hit my regular warranty before you know it and it definitely gives me pause.
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As an aside, if you are a heavy driver, and purchased your car, you may want to consider/I would recommend the Subaru Gold Plus Warranty - while you can buy it in any number of configurations, A 10 yr/100K/0-Deductible Bumper to bumper can be had for around $1,650. I think they have an 8yr/120K/ 0-deductible too. It can be pro-rated or transferred. A real deal. But it has to be purchased before you hit 36K miles. You can buy them at many dealerships like Planet Subaru, in case your own dealer is selling them for more or for MSRP only. A no brainer, especially for someone who covers a lot of miles.I do appreciate that pep talk! It's funny, you hit the nail on the head -- I've had cars in the past that were more comfortable and luxurious to drive so it just kind of burns my but that I made the "dependable" choice and am having these problems. It also makes me a more easily frustrated customer, as I'm used to dropping a Lexus off for an oil change and getting a car back that's practically been detailed
BTW
as of right now the only CVT BULLETIN for Ascent from SUBARU is for "transmission harness"
TRANSMISSION FLUID PRESSURE SENSOR/SWITCH
“A” CIRCUIT LOW”.
on 06/19/19 instruction was updated from repair harness to replace harness ...
as of right now the only CVT BULLETIN for Ascent from SUBARU is for "transmission harness"
TRANSMISSION FLUID PRESSURE SENSOR/SWITCH
“A” CIRCUIT LOW”.
on 06/19/19 instruction was updated from repair harness to replace harness ...
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I think that's part of my frustration with the car as well. We went with what we thought was the safe choice in terms of design, reliability, efficiency, and comfort ( it was the one car that seemed like it was very good at most things, but not necessarily exceptional in any one thing, and we know there would be trade-offs -less interior volume than the atlas, a less nicely finished interior than the Mazda CX-9, but the Subaru was better in other areas then those cars). So, I think I'm disappointed I'm having so many problems in general, whereas as I expected a pretty trouble-free experience, like many people on the forums have been fortunate to have. Again, I've never been stranded, but I've had days where you start it up and it clatters like an old hit or miss engine (this happened in the winter also, but became more frequent the past month or so), but it's always been ok when I would restart the car after that, but things like that don't give you a warm fuzzy feeling. More recently I don't just get a slight shudder at low speeds, but I get an actual bucking sensation when I get off the gas at about 10 or 15 miles an hour in a parking lot. To the point where my wife and kids have asked me why I hit the brakes ( I didn't, it was the transmission bucking).
I'm definitely not one of those people that would say it's a bad car, or garbage, or some of the things that people may understandably say when they have a lot of issues. It's a very nice car, and I can say that coming from a loaded gls450. No it's not the same, but given the price differential it does just fine. It's just that I got one that isn't quite a lemon, but has a lot of quality issues (my Friday afternoon special, as I say).
That being said, I did have a three week period of trouble-free driving, and I was beginning to have a little bit more appreciation for the car, and then about 5 days ago the bucking started ?.
I did purchase the 7/100 gold warranty so I'm glad about that. I think that's probably a decent idea on any first year model.
I'm definitely not one of those people that would say it's a bad car, or garbage, or some of the things that people may understandably say when they have a lot of issues. It's a very nice car, and I can say that coming from a loaded gls450. No it's not the same, but given the price differential it does just fine. It's just that I got one that isn't quite a lemon, but has a lot of quality issues (my Friday afternoon special, as I say).
That being said, I did have a three week period of trouble-free driving, and I was beginning to have a little bit more appreciation for the car, and then about 5 days ago the bucking started ?.
I did purchase the 7/100 gold warranty so I'm glad about that. I think that's probably a decent idea on any first year model.
Understand there is a large portion that don't have issues currently, however, are the owners that need new transmissions experiencing isolated assembly issues or accelerated wear others will see in the future?
After extending the CVT warranty on almost their entire line up of 2010-2015 CVTs vehicles, and seeing what's unfolding as the Ascent racks up miles/owners isn't confidence inspiring for me.
If SOA steps up and adds a 10/100k to the Ascent like they did their other CVT vehicles to
''provide customers with added assurance regarding the reliability of the CVT assemblies''
(from their previous CVT warranty extension)
I'd have more faith in their design and longevity.
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My guess is that offering an additional or extended warranty on the Ascent transmission is something that has less to do with the number of actual transmission failures and more to do with negative public perception and whether that may harm sales growth - weighed against what the public reaction might be to coming out and announcing the extended warranty, and codifying that there is, in fact, a transmission issue of some kind. If that is a wish or concern, then I would make it known by calling SOA and expressing your concern about the longevity of the transmission beyond the normal warranty. The squeaky wheel gets the grease...
Agree 100%, Was planning to do that when I get the vehicle back along with seeing what low mileage used Ascents go for.
Currently just squeaking on the internet
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I agree. Especially since as far as I've seen, it's not the CVT that's the issue. Creating or reinforcing the perception that it is would be bad... and that's what offering all of us a warranty for a problem that's not the CVT would do.
The answers as to what the problem likely really is, is in this forum, btw.
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I really appreciate this post. As you can see from my posts on this forum, I came here excited about purchasing an Ascent but the problems reported have scared me away from the Ascent. I guess I’m a preemptive conquest victim.I am sorry for your troubles. Many of us have been there with other brands. It's frustrating & maddening - even more so when you have jumped into and given your trust and hard-earned dollars to a new brand. I hope that now your frustrations will be over and that you will be able to enjoy the - go just about anywhere with full confidence feeling - the vast majority of us have with our Subarus. Anecdotally, as a person always fascinated with cars, has automotive engineers in the family and one who has owned many brands, I have noticed four things. 1) I have never seen a Subaru that has stranded someone on the side of the road (and I have lived and worked in many different states). 2) Once Subaru identifies an issue, it fixes it or deals with it, and then the car becomes whole again and very reliable - unlike cars from other brands - in which one issue may foretell a litany of other issues in the coming months & years due to poor original engineering, poor assembly line build quality, poor quality parts from subcontractors or a combination of all three. 3) Subaru tends to have a better handle on customer support than any other brand. And although this is dependent on dealership management as well, Subaru seems to have a definitive, active corporate culture in which it seems most dealers have embraced - though surely there are outliers and your dealer may be one based on your experience. I don't know of any car company that has such an active and integrated customer service phone line, in which the customer can bypass the dealer and get additional help, problems solved and even real-time intervention with that dealer. I have never seen this before. And I'm impressed. As I have mentioned before, I used to work for a well-known company that was benchmarked by many other companies for quality. 4) Subaru can be very pro-active. An example of this is when there have been some questions regarding transmission or drivetrain issues in the past, including in my 5th generation Outback (2015-2019). They simply took concerns off the table by issuing extended coverage on my transmission for 10 years/100K miles. (I have had no issues with my transmission or drivetrain). That is very impressive, and I have not seen another manufacturer to be this pro-active. Lastly, I have seen Subaru help take care of part the cost of out of warranty repairs many times. I can tell you, that Land Rover NEVER did that even when the issue was known. In the end, I'm no Subaru fanboy, just a first time Subaru owner that appreciates the ability and utility of a Japanese brand, with higher ground clearance, an actual AWD system that works and good fuel economy. While Subaru has definitely taken a stumble with so-called "conquest" strategy (those who have moved from another brand & purchased a Subaru for the first time). From my reading - they know - and are trying to make it right and restore confidence. The Subaru brand loyalty can only be imagined from the factors above. Nearly no one buys a Subaru for its design language, aesthetic, superior comfort or luxury!
However, I’m very seriously considering the 2020 Outback. At any rate, your post is refreshing and reassuring even though you are new to the brand. Thanks for the well written response.
I guess I'm joining this thread now. Driving home today, Christmas tree lights on dash with no "symptoms" - thinking it might be a gas cap issue. Then made it to the next light. When I tried to accelerate, it was a struggle. Uphill 1/4 mile to my house. Was going to back in my driveway but reverse didn't really work. Pulled the codes and P0700 (Transmission Control System Malfunction) and P0730 (Incorrect Gear Ratio) codes were thrown. Towed to the dealer and am now awaiting the diagnosis. 25000k miles, almost 14 months old.
This is what my OBDFusion app provided and vehicle was brought to the dealer 7 business days ago.
It is awaiting a new transmission (not harness) per the service advisor. I quadruple checked to make sure we were on the same page that it is an actual transmission and not a connector/harness
That same advisor did tell me
1) It will be replaced with an updated part number transmission which Robert said does not exist
2) He also said the Subaru CVTs has a 10/100k which doesn’t apply to the Ascent
3) He’s had a few Ascents come in that needed new CVTs
Now...might be a miscommunication between him and the tech and it is a harness. ??‍♂ I’ll report back
I received these trouble codes on and off for a few days, and on my way to the dealer I lost a lot of power.
Sometimes my AT oil temp light would come on during this condition, but actual temps are normal (start up, and checked with OBD)
Sometimes parking brake light stays on, even though I hear the motor move and disengage
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Have them read the TSB on the harness. It is 16-122-19.
If they haven't, insist they follow the test process for the harness. It is SPECIFICALLY for the Ascent and SPECIFICALLY for the codes you are throwing.
Also, part numbers change all the time, as adjustments (such as the different programming) happen.
There are absolutely zero bulletins on the CVT, other than for the harness which controls the very things you're having problems with.
Oh, and make sure they fill the new one with the correct fluid.
If they haven't, insist they follow the test process for the harness. It is SPECIFICALLY for the Ascent and SPECIFICALLY for the codes you are throwing.
Also, part numbers change all the time, as adjustments (such as the different programming) happen.
There are absolutely zero bulletins on the CVT, other than for the harness which controls the very things you're having problems with.
Oh, and make sure they fill the new one with the correct fluid.
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I just wanted to point out something that I've said many times in the past...
ANY of you can check out the information on ANY part, recall, service bulletin, part change, etc... or view the entirety of the service manual. Subaru does NOT make that information private. They're very public with it. The basic information can be found on the STIS website. The detailed information can be found with the purchase of a subscription to that site (dealerships and third party shops have to have a subscription too... same for me, same for everyone). And, as for numbers and stats, Subaru Corp (Japan) publishes a yearly fact book and supporting docs... yearly ? (some people mistake me talking numbers for a bias, when, in reality, I simply looked up the numbers anyone could have, and dig into assemblies vs cars produced, etc)
Sometimes, like any human, I may be wrong, but I always try to research the heck out of the stuff and ask my Subie experts for clarification... I don't guess at this stuff, and you all don't have to, either.
So, always feel free to check. A very big portion of anything I say is easily verifiable by everyone.
@Soca check out the TSB yourself, and make sure they fill the CVT with the correct fluid... the stuff they had for other TR690s will not work properly in yours.
ANY of you can check out the information on ANY part, recall, service bulletin, part change, etc... or view the entirety of the service manual. Subaru does NOT make that information private. They're very public with it. The basic information can be found on the STIS website. The detailed information can be found with the purchase of a subscription to that site (dealerships and third party shops have to have a subscription too... same for me, same for everyone). And, as for numbers and stats, Subaru Corp (Japan) publishes a yearly fact book and supporting docs... yearly ? (some people mistake me talking numbers for a bias, when, in reality, I simply looked up the numbers anyone could have, and dig into assemblies vs cars produced, etc)
Sometimes, like any human, I may be wrong, but I always try to research the heck out of the stuff and ask my Subie experts for clarification... I don't guess at this stuff, and you all don't have to, either.
So, always feel free to check. A very big portion of anything I say is easily verifiable by everyone.
@Soca check out the TSB yourself, and make sure they fill the CVT with the correct fluid... the stuff they had for other TR690s will not work properly in yours.
Thanks for the advice everyone, this is whole different world for me so your input is helpful. So I have the new transmission which at least at the moment is operating fine. I counted up the days it was in the shop (over 3 attempts) and it's 33, which under Oregon law prompts lemon law coverage (though does it matter that the car is currently working?). I emailed SOA and received a prompt reply that they'd be happy to get more information from the dealership and review for lemon law status, even though I hadn't said that's what I intend to pursue. I'm not sure what to do. Even if the new transmission has no issues (and/or if they gave me an extended warranty), is the car worth less when I go to sell it later? We don't drive our cars into the ground, I tend to want a new one every 3-5 years. Would I fare better if I passed this over to a lemon law lawyer (I'm a lawyer myself but know nothing about this type of situation). It looks like lemon law lawyers work on contingency, so presumably it wouldn't cost me any money. I don't want to spend vast amounts of time dealing with this, but it's been enough of a hassle I don't want to just take the path of least resistance. Any and all advice very appreciated.
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I think that at this point it's up to you & personal. No right or wrong path. Since you keep your cars for 3-5 years only. Your transmission along with the powertrain is covered for 5yrs/56K miles beyond your 3yr/36k bumper to bumper warranty. So you are covered for possible repairs if needed anyway. So no real need to sell and incur a loss. If you just hate the vehicle, it does not suit your needs & will traumatize you if you keep it, then trade it in for something you think will better meet your needs. I think the choice should be easy. But it's based on your "feelings & needs". No one else here can make a recommendation based on those. Lastly with regard to taking the Lemon Law route: From my perspective, why? You have a car that had a fault and in the end the fault was remedied? Lemon Laws are awesome for folks who have ongoing problems and/or are denied a remedy for their very real problems. I come from a family of lawyers, though I am not a lawyer myself. Our general family consensus may be a bit old school - lawsuits are actions of last resort. Why mess with a lawsuit and all the unnecessary drama and time associated with it, if it is unnecessary. Again, whether you feel that you have been wronged to that extent and feel as though you were not treated in good faith and in a reasonable amount of time and attempts is up to you to decide. Good luck.
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Hiya @Soca
If they can get you the different part number(s), I'd love that. Parts.Subaru website is sometimes slow to update, but, since there's not a single TSB supporting their claim, I think they're referring to a different part number being changed, and not the CVT.
The Warranty Part Number will be different, btw, just like below where I indicate part number and warranty part number for the CVT fluid. But, if they provide that, I can cross reference it.
IMPORTANT:
If they are replacing it with 31000AK140, then have them STOP, and call Techline. That's actually assembly TR690G61DA for the BASE TRIM Ascent CVT (non water cooled version). If they thought that was the "new" part number because of the higher number, they're wrong.
The trailing zero is the number that gets replaced on an updated part... so, yours would be 31000AK131 if there was a revision 1 (or an "A", such as "31000AK13A").
A perfect example that we all talk about a lot is the hitch:
AND FINALLY:
SOA748V0300/SOA635312 (Part number/warranty part number) is the only compatible CVT fluid. They cannot use CVT fluid for previous TR690s (they can, but it WILL damage your replacement CVT). They cannot use SOA748V0200 either.
Hope that helps.
(oh, and here's the TSB related to the code your car threw)
Harness, first thing to test. Per the TSB (attached)
From the parts site:
- Part Number: 31000AK130
- Transmission Assembly Number: TR690S61DA
- No Supercessions (does not replace a previous part number).
- Same Assembly number
- Also, I happen to know that's the same part number that's been listed for ages. I mention it here, for one.
If they can get you the different part number(s), I'd love that. Parts.Subaru website is sometimes slow to update, but, since there's not a single TSB supporting their claim, I think they're referring to a different part number being changed, and not the CVT.
The Warranty Part Number will be different, btw, just like below where I indicate part number and warranty part number for the CVT fluid. But, if they provide that, I can cross reference it.
IMPORTANT:
If they are replacing it with 31000AK140, then have them STOP, and call Techline. That's actually assembly TR690G61DA for the BASE TRIM Ascent CVT (non water cooled version). If they thought that was the "new" part number because of the higher number, they're wrong.
The trailing zero is the number that gets replaced on an updated part... so, yours would be 31000AK131 if there was a revision 1 (or an "A", such as "31000AK13A").
A perfect example that we all talk about a lot is the hitch:
- Original: L101SXC000 (eg: what's installed in my car)
- Revision 1: L101SXC001
- Revision 2: L101SXC002
- Revision 3: L101SXC003
- Revision 4: L101SXC004 (current version)
AND FINALLY:
SOA748V0300/SOA635312 (Part number/warranty part number) is the only compatible CVT fluid. They cannot use CVT fluid for previous TR690s (they can, but it WILL damage your replacement CVT). They cannot use SOA748V0200 either.
Hope that helps.
(oh, and here's the TSB related to the code your car threw)
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