[MM26]

Similar issues here. Purchased ours in March and had the full transmission replaced in August at 3k miles. Currently, the radio does not turn on and most of the dashboard features do not work. We are bringing it back to the dealer this week for more work. This is my third Subaru and I've never had any issues with my other models which is why we chose Subaru for our SUV. Strongly considering taking the loss and purchasing another vehicle. We have 2 small children and I no longer have full trust in this vehicle.

 

[Heidimerie]

We have the car back. As suspected, they don't know what caused the problem and since they can't reproduce the issue, they basically told us to cross our fingers and pray to the Subaru gods that it doesn't happen again, like when we are on vacation or in the middle of a snowstorm in January. The issue happened at a stoplight. Dashboard lit up and my wife had to gun the engine just to get the car to creep along to get it into a parking lot. Clearly an issue with the CVT (likely a slipping chain) that Subaru refuses to recognize. We have been talking to Subaru corporate and their position is that if the dealer cannot reproduce the problem, there is nothing they can do. I asked what if this happens 10 more times, then what? The answer was if the dealer can't reproduce it, there is nothing they can do. The dealer checked the CVT fluid level and the connections on the transmission and that's it. Didn't even replace the CVT fluid. Dealer now says they were following instructions from the regional engineer. They gave us a print out of the trouble codes and it goes on for 4 pages, including startability malfunction, pre-ignition detected, transmission control system (MIL request), incorrect gear ratio, ECM, AT, and multiple codes for the Eyesight system and combination meter (along with XM/satellite digital audio radio service antenna faults).

I have owned Subaru cars for 20 years. My dad owned Subaru cars beginning in 1970 with the "GL" (actually, he owned the Malcolm Bricklin "360" before that). I owned a 3 cylinder Justy at one point. I had an Outback that went to 225,000 miles. My current 2011 Outback 3.6r has 175,000 miles and I have not had a single issue with the 5at transmission. Unfortunately, given our experience, I would not be inclined to recommend Subaru or to purchase another one. The customer service we have received is horrible. Will never buy another Subaru.

Not quite as severe but so far I have had to have the rear lift gate motor replaced, the entire stereo system because the hands free phone would not work. I have Similar to what your describing with the warning lights turning on the eyesight goes off. The monitor for the stereo system, the new one is now glitching and goes totally black. Sometimes when I step on the gas the transmission hesitates. It looks like we're going to have to change the radio system again, my dealership is trying but it's frustrating. By the way my Ascent only has 4300 miles on it. I think the electronic system is bad.

 

[fibi]

A couple of months ago, we noticed our transmission slipping, with a squealing sound. Took it in two times to the dealer and they said they couldn’t do anything because the computer wasn’t reading any problems and they couldn’t replicate it. Well finally last week my husband was driving and the transmission acted up. We got it on video. With the video they said they were finally able to duplicate it. Need a transmission replaced and I haven’t even had it for one year. So frustrating and extremely disappointed. I’m more disappointed in the Subaru employees playing this down, when all of these posts have been made. Obviously there is a problem

 

[Robert.Mauro]

A couple of months ago, we noticed our transmission slipping, with a squealing sound. Took it in two times to the dealer and they said they couldn’t do anything because the computer wasn’t reading any problems and they couldn’t replicate it. Well finally last week my husband was driving and the transmission acted up. We got it on video. With the video they said they were finally able to duplicate it. Need a transmission replaced and I haven’t even had it for one year. So frustrating and extremely disappointed. I’m more disappointed in the Subaru employees playing this down, when all of these posts have been made. Obviously there is a problem

Which Subaru employees are doing what? There's nothing to downplay. A fraction of a percent of CVTs, almost entirely from August and September 2018 are having issues. Also, I haven't seen any Subaru employees comment, much less downplay anything.

I'm sorry to hear about your problems. Sounds like you have an August or September 2018 build. Glad they are able to duplicate the issue and will be fixing it.

 

[packout]

Which Subaru employees are doing what? There's nothing to downplay. A fraction of a percent of CVTs, almost entirely from August and September 2018 are having issues. Also, I haven't seen any Subaru employees comment, much less downplay anything.

I'm sorry to hear about your problems. Sounds like you have an August or September 2018 build. Glad they are able to duplicate the issue and will be fixing it.

Yes a small percentage, but not limited to those builds for transmission. Mine was Feb 2019 build. Maybe it took Subaru some time to identify and fix assembly line or vendor part.

 

[Robert.Mauro]

Yes a small percentage, but not limited to those builds for transmission. Mine was Feb 2019 build. Maybe it took Subaru some time to identify and fix assembly line or vendor part.

It could also just be a bad CVT. I'm very curious which. But, so far, I think you're in the 10% group (outside August and September 2018). That's based on public posts here and in the FB group, and numerous private conversations.

I'm wondering if that means that you are in the "expected failure rate", so to speak. Subaru's desired failure rate is zero, of course. I'm talking about looking from the outside and realizing some will probably fail, sad as it is. ?

If the forum scales up, not even accounting for negative posts being more than positive, that puts the people outside of August-September accounting for a few hundredths of a percent of the vehicles produced.

II'm hoping it stays that way, obviously.

In the meantime, I've sent in a summary of the posts, resolutions and other info from the thousand plus posts here, and (anonymized first) from the many private messages from affected owners with parts, diagnoses, and even service orders many of you who've been affected have sent me.

 

[packout]

It could also just be a bad CVT. I'm very curious which. But, so far, I think you're in the 10% group (outside August and September 2018). That's based on public posts here and in the FB group, and numerous private conversations.

I'm wondering if that means that you are in the "expected failure rate", so to speak. Subaru's desired failure rate is zero, of course. I'm talking about looking from the outside and realizing some will probably fail, sad as it is. ?

If the forum scales up, not even accounting for negative posts being more than positive, that puts the people outside of August-September accounting for a few hundredths of a percent of the vehicles produced.

II'm hoping it stays that way, obviously.

In the meantime, I've sent in a summary of the posts, resolutions and other info from the thousand plus posts here, and (anonymized first) from the many private messages from affected owners with parts, diagnoses, and even service orders many of you who've been affected have sent me.

Thanks sending the posts in. Subaru wants this resolved as much as anyone. This experience does not sour me on Subaru. It happens as you stated. As long as the impacted owners are properly taken care of, life goes on. Since my vehicle will be out for over a month I am thinking of asking the dealership to try and get me a higher trim level for my 2019 Outback loaner. It doesn't have blind spot on it (also I do not think it has adaptive cruise control). Fortunately I have not forgotten how to drive.

 

[hmckenzi]

Thought I should give an update, as I had posted when I had my transmission replaced at 13,000 miles and now have 3,000 miles on the new one. After replacement I had problems with what appeared to be the torque converter for about 1,000 miles, where it would shudder quite hard at 30-40 miles an hour when accelerating. That surprisingly seemed to fix itself, which was good as the dealer apparently could not replicate it. I have continued to have problems with the engine over-reving when going up slight inclines and then slowing down as the road levels off. Interestingly when I took the car in last week they could not replicate that either (again), but after the service appointment it is miraculously no longer doing that. They said they did not do anything, but it seems as though they updated the programming for the transmission, as it behaves completely differently now. There are no longer any fake shifts when accelerating and it now behaves just like the CVT in my 2010 Outback. My mileage also seems to have improved. Oh well, I am just happy it is working better!

 

[Robert.Mauro]

They said they did not do anything, but it seems as though they updated the programming for the transmission, as it behaves completely differently now. There are no longer any fake shifts when accelerating and it now behaves just like the CVT in my 2010 Outback.

There's currently no such update, but believe me, I wish there was. I am not a fan of the fake shifting.

If you can demonstrate that there are no longer fake shifts, then I would bring it in.

 

[Eddiesjr]

Last week, I also had the transmission on my Ascent base model squealing and slipping, then jerking, at 12,000 miles. Made a video, and took it and the car into the dealer. Tech initially couldn't re-create problem, and he wasn't able to get a code. I showed him the video, and reminded him that there were several instances on this happening with the Ascent on the web. As he was telling me he couldn't do anything without the code, I told him I wasn't driving the car home.

He took the car back out, this time he did get the transmission to slip, called Subaru, and they replaced the transmission. I picked the car up today, and all was well.

I was glad I had the video, and thanks to all those that reported similar problems. It helped make my case. I asked the service advisor had they replaced many transmissions. His reply, "Some, on Ascents, Foresters, and Crosstreks."

 

[Robert.Mauro]

I asked the service advisor had they replaced many transmissions. His reply, "Some, on Ascents, Foresters, and Crosstreks."

Well, those are different transmissions, but, that aside, every car line has some transmissions that end up getting replaced, sadly. I wish it weren't so.

Crosstrek:

• 6MT (6 speed manual, based on the 5 speed manual)
• TR580 CVT

Forester:

• TR580 CVT
• 5EAT Automatic
• 4EAT Automatic

Forester XT (not available for years):

• TR690 CVT
• 6MT

Ascent:

• TR690 CVT

 

[SeeingEye®PuppyRaiser]

Thanks to EVERYONE for posting. I had similar problem with squealling, slipping, etc. It was sooo intermittent, I didn't bother taking to dealer. Finally, the whole went haywire...yes, in a rainstorm, at night, on a highway. I videotaped it because I wasn't going to drive it without the dealer seeing it. Walked into the dealer the next morning (limped the car the whole way there), explained the problem, and BOOM! Tech said yep, probably the transmission. 2 weeks later, I'm still waiting for my car to be returned.

My question now is....I'm not sure if I'm comfortable driving it once I DO get it back. Has anyone pursued "Lemon Law"?

 

[BoxerRules]

...
My question now is....I'm not sure if I'm comfortable driving it once I DO get it back. Has anyone pursued "Lemon Law"?

I don't think I've seen anyone yet on these forums who have gotten their transmission fixed and then experienced the same problem again with the same car. As far as I can tell, the majority of issues have been due to a bad part, likely the transmission wiring harness affecting a very small number of vehicles roughly around the Aug-Sept 2018 build dates. After repairs, I doubt you will have the issue recur.

Check the lemon laws in your state to see what your options are, if that's what you want to do. I haven't had issues with my Ascent so I haven't had the need to pursue that course of action. I haven't seen too many people on here follow through with a lemon law return (so I'm not sure if you'll have many replies to your question), but for the ones that did, I've seen that a lemon law return can sometimes be a lengthy process.

 

[Snowgirl]

My question now is....I'm not sure if I'm comfortable driving it once I DO get it back. Has anyone pursued "Lemon Law"?

We had 2 ascents repurchased under lemon law for transmission issues. We took the replacement the first time, and got our money back on the second one. It’s a LONG process but if you meet your state requirements you shouldn’t have any issues. We filed in NC the first time and VA the second time. (We live in one state and purchased in other so that gave us privilege of choosing which state to file).

 

[SeeingEye®PuppyRaiser]

I don't think I've seen anyone yet on these forums who have gotten their transmission fixed and then experienced the same problem again with the same car. As far as I can tell, the majority of issues have been due to a bad part, likely the transmission wiring harness affecting a very small number of vehicles roughly around the Aug-Sept 2018 build dates. After repairs, I doubt you will have the issue recur.

Check the lemon laws in your state to see what your options are, if that's what you want to do. I haven't had issues with my Ascent so I haven't had the need to pursue that course of action. I haven't seen too many people on here follow through with a lemon law return (so I'm not sure if you'll have many replies to your question), but for the ones that did, I've seen that a lemon law return can sometimes be a lengthy process.

Thanks! Yea. I'm in NJ. It seems vague about number of issues vs one major issue (that takes longer than 20 days to repair). I'm on day 14, with no word from the dealer yet about location of transmission, or when the install would happen. They've given me an Ascent loaner (almost duplicate of mine) so I'm not UNHAPPY, just cautious about driving a vehicle with bad karma. Also, I read that the VALUE of the vehicle with a replacement like this takes a major hit. Not something that we can recoup....

 

[Robert.Mauro]

Thanks! Yea. I'm in NJ. It seems vague about number of issues vs one major issue (that takes longer than 20 days to repair). I'm on day 14, with no word from the dealer yet about location of transmission, or when the install would happen. They've given me an Ascent loaner (almost duplicate of mine) so I'm not UNHAPPY, just cautious about driving a vehicle with bad karma. Also, I read that the VALUE of the vehicle with a replacement like this takes a major hit. Not something that we can recoup....

I think others have looked into it, and they didn't see a reason the value would drop since it's an entire under warranty replacement.

 

[Snowgirl]

For us we met both criteria (days out of service and multiple visits) because we was in the first of this issue when they didn’t really have a grasp on what was going on and even though the dealership told them it was the transmission, Subaru was dragging their feet on putting a new one in waiting more data and trying this or that, etc. Seems like they are quickly authorizing the repairs now. We have a friend that didn’t meet lemon law requirements but didn’t want the Ascent back after the new transmission and I will say Subaru was VERY generous on assistance and trade value to get them in an Outback without going through lemon law process. So call and speak with them, they may help you out without going down the lemon law route.

 

[Snowgirl]

I think others have looked into it, and they didn't see a reason the value would drop since it's an entire under warranty replacement.

I agree, they told us only thing that would diminish value was a carfax hit.

 

[Seattle]

Hello

My transmission had to be replaced at 7K. I had taken it in because twice during the summer a white cloud of smoke came out of my exhaust that engulfed my car on start up. While I had a loaner Ascent I noticed how much smoother the suv shifted and had them check my transmission while it was in the shop. They said it was slipping really bad and needed to be replaced. So disappointing. Its on the carfax now and I will lose value when I goto sale it. I have had loud brake issues since day one. My plastic body armor on the bottom of the passenger side fell off last winter. There are definitely quality issues on this car. A big disappointed of a Subaru.

 

[packout]

Hello

My transmission had to be replaced at 7K. I had taken it in because twice during the summer a white cloud of smoke came out of my exhaust that engulfed my car on start up. While I had a loaner Ascent I noticed how much smoother the suv shifted and had them check my transmission while it was in the shop. They said it was slipping really bad and needed to be replaced. So disappointing. Its on the carfax now and I will lose value when I goto sale it. I have had loud brake issues since day one. My plastic body armor on the bottom of the passenger side fell off last winter. There are definitely quality issues on this car. A big disappointed of a Subaru.

Are you certain it is on carfax? This is a warranty replacement so I do not believe it gets reported to Carfax. I do not think the dealerships report to carfax.