Are Subaru CVT Transmissions Reliable or Unreliable?

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  • čas přidán 11. 07. 2022
  • Are CVT Transmissions Reliable, and what are the maintenance costs assossiated with them? Looking at Nissan vs Subaru, Toyota, and Honda CVT's
  • Auta a dopravní prostředky

Komentáře • 275

  • @KurtofTrades
    @KurtofTrades  Před rokem +12

    If you found this helpful consider sending me a Super Thanks with the icon below the video, ❤💰 I will buy a Coffee with it! ☕

    • @garremannen
      @garremannen Před 9 měsíci

      Looking at buying a subaru forester at around 6000 miles and its all very confusing and a bit scary.. Subaru says only to inspect fluid every 6000 miles but the way the transmission is built I cant imagine it wont produce a lot of metal dust within..
      I have to ask, do you have anu numbers to support your claim and wasnt the Subaru warranty ONLY for the 2014-2018 cars?

    • @nuenevoie
      @nuenevoie Před 4 měsíci +1

      @@garremannen change oils as often as possible. For the CVT Subaru sais 8 years and 120.000km for a Forester. WTHail?! Just change it with quality oil( not what you get on tv)

  • @DOBERSTAFFIE
    @DOBERSTAFFIE Před 9 měsíci +39

    My subaru cvt has never missed a beat. 251000km and still going strong. Just change the oil every 45000 km

    • @LeonEaves-qr5hz
      @LeonEaves-qr5hz Před 3 měsíci

      My original question was: is it a CVT or an ECVT.

    • @frosthoe
      @frosthoe Před 27 dny

      Not true, you are a rare case then ! Its not the fluids, its the contact surfaces! my experience it 75,000 miles or less. And excessive friction damage. Ive seen the CV drives, they are dust and toasted to nothing. EVERY single one EVER built! Its part of the design. Look at the schematics! They are super weak and friction prone. Overheat ONE time, YOU ARE BONED!

    • @DOBERSTAFFIE
      @DOBERSTAFFIE Před 27 dny

      ​​@frosthoe utter nonsense. I am on my 3rd forester with a cvt and all have done 200000 + km, all have been fine, It is either your driving or poor maintenance. That simple.

  • @gregnixon1296
    @gregnixon1296 Před rokem +60

    Driving like a grandpaw and changing the CVT fluid and filter every two years seem like keys to success.

    • @nuttietrendchannel4265
      @nuttietrendchannel4265 Před 10 měsíci

      YES SIR!!! Mine shift radically while trying to hustle hardly.

    • @mikegordon8178
      @mikegordon8178 Před 5 měsíci +7

      You cannot change the filter in a TR580/690 without a complete disassembly of the cvt.

    • @jayson657
      @jayson657 Před 5 měsíci +7

      That’s fine if you own since new but if you’re buying used you usually don’t know how the last owner treated it.

    • @nuenevoie
      @nuenevoie Před 4 měsíci +2

      @@jayson657 Still change the oil, do some tests- not that hard if looking for a bargain!

    • @JoeBuck-uc3bl
      @JoeBuck-uc3bl Před 2 měsíci

      @@jayson657don’t ever ever ever buy used!!!

  • @khadijagwen
    @khadijagwen Před rokem +19

    I had one. Drove it easy, never pulled a trailer. Let it shift itself. Loved it.

  • @subaruszn
    @subaruszn Před rokem +5

    Thank you for the video. Just had my CVT serviced at the dealer.

  • @josephmadrinkian9285
    @josephmadrinkian9285 Před rokem +7

    Thanks a lot. This was really helpful. I was on the fence about the CVT because of the Nissan nightmare.

  • @jeffgrey663
    @jeffgrey663 Před 3 měsíci

    Thanks for this video man. Happy Easter

  • @ACF6180T
    @ACF6180T Před 10 měsíci +6

    We recently bought a 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer with a 1.2 engine, & a CVT trans. & I didn't even give it a 2nd thought about buying the vehicle. & so far I've been impressed with the performance of the trans. Thanks for the video.

    • @indridcold8433
      @indridcold8433 Před měsícem

      The trouble you will get there is the engine. The tiny engine is pushed to its limit with the added turbo pressures. Keep your oil checked. I have four GM vehicles with the CVT and 1.6 waiting for parts. One needs a new engine due to oil starvation.

  • @dons1643
    @dons1643 Před rokem +2

    thanks for the info... I've been car shopping and heard about the CVT Problem and good to know it's not that bad and Subaru is warrantying it...

  • @barbarafleece377
    @barbarafleece377 Před měsícem +6

    I am a master mechanic. Subaru CVT’s have complete failures often times before 100,000 miles. If you tow anything or use the car aggressively they will fail at about 50,000 miles. Nissan buys their CVT’s from Jatco transmission company. This company also supplies CVT’s to Stellantis for their Jeep products. These are among the worst transmissions ever made.. A manual transmissions clutch can easily last 200,000 miles if you drive the car correctly. A CVT is much cheaper to manufacture than a standard clutch type automatic transmission. That is why Subaru uses them. Most manufactures are discontinuing the use of CVT, because of consumer complaints and their relatively short service life.

    • @raymondm4441
      @raymondm4441 Před 10 dny

      I can absolutely back up your claim. I had a 2020 Subaru Onyx XT. I loved the performance and the towing capacity. The problems for me began around 40,000 miles. I started noticing the transmission stuttering at different speeds. Took it to the dealer not once, but twice. They could find no issue, The second time I took it in was after a recall was issued concerning programming for guess what, the transmission. Recall was sent out in January and stated that a fix wouldn't be available until April. Recall specifically stated that the transmission could completely fail. Well mine did. Right after I exited Interstate 95. Thank god it happened after I exited the Interstate. I would have been a sitting duck on 95. Anyway, Subaru replaced the transmission although the recall fix still had not been implemented. I traded it in on a 2022 Outback premium after some research that indicated that most of the problems were with the XT (turbo) models. I haven't had any issues with the 2022 which currently has 71,000 miles. I still don't have 100% confidence in Subaru transmissions now though. I'll probably go back to Honda or maybe Toyota for my next vehicle.

    • @AM-tb3le
      @AM-tb3le Před 6 dny

      I totally agree. My Legacy's trasnmission failed at 160k miles. I won't be buying Subaru ever again

    • @murmsuniversalrobotics3938
      @murmsuniversalrobotics3938 Před 3 dny

      Subaru CVTs aren't made by JATCO 😂

  • @greym6436
    @greym6436 Před rokem +12

    Great info!!
    💫Subarus are awesome rigs, I have had (2). Currently paying off my17 model crosstrek w/ less than 53k miles. Glad Subaru has provided us with that extra warranty piece of mind too.

    • @gogereaver349
      @gogereaver349 Před 11 měsíci

      1998 forester 5 speed still trucking at 215,000 miles.

  • @RussellStewart
    @RussellStewart Před 6 měsíci +4

    300,000 k's on my 2010 Outback and I just replaced my TC lockup solenoid myself. A very easy fix for anyone mechanically minded and only cost me AUD240 for parts and fluid. I didn't replace the valve body so there was no need for the "relearning" process that requires specialist equipment. The CVT is now perfoming flawlessly.

  • @DustinLKimble
    @DustinLKimble Před 8 měsíci +2

    2011 outback here with the cvt. The TC is also a big issue. If the lockup solenoid starts going out, it also ruins the TC.

  • @Larry-Hi
    @Larry-Hi Před rokem +6

    Thanks for sharing, I pre-ordered a 2022 Forester Limited, your review will alleviate some apprehension regarding the Subaru CVT. I know Honda and Toyota uses the e-CVT that are very reliable as well. My wife drives a 2017 Honda Civic w/e-CVT trans.

    • @AEVMU
      @AEVMU Před rokem +2

      The eCVT doesn't use belts or chains and is completely different in every way to traditional CVTs. The eCVT is nothing more that a planetary gear set, which makes it dead reliable.

  • @JJ-cg3rn
    @JJ-cg3rn Před 7 měsíci +12

    I’ve always changed my transmission fluid every 30k miles. When I brought my (first) Subaru in a week ago for a free oil change I asked about changing the fluid. I was told it was good “for the life of the car”. If I change it I understand it voids the warranty. I watched a video on changing the fluid and while having a lift (due to the angle of having to refill the fluid) would make things easier, it doesn’t seem complicated. Why does Subaru stick to the “lifetime” concept, wouldn’t it be better to have it changed? Owners manual does specify heavy duty use to change it, so since I do sit in a lot of stop and go traffic I’d consider that “extreme”. At 35k I’ll be out of warranty anyway so if I want to have it changed probably won’t hurt me financially either way. Honestly don’t know… 🤷‍♂️ Love my car by the way, really happy with it!

    • @chrisgraham9203
      @chrisgraham9203 Před 6 měsíci +2

      As the person in the video stated, Subaru warranties its CVT for 10 years or 100,00 miles. If you service the CVT before then, that will void the remaining warranty.

    • @falseprophetmohammedisaped2465
      @falseprophetmohammedisaped2465 Před 6 měsíci

      I change my Nissan cvt transmission fluid every 30k u can do it every 20k if u wanna keep it for 5 years or more

    • @nuenevoie
      @nuenevoie Před 4 měsíci

      as per user manual- 8 years and 120.000km. No- not doing that! 45.000km. But 99% of users have no ideea that the oil that they use is low quality. Engine oil, CVT oil, diff oil- all of them are low low quality. Thats why your engine blows, VCT goes into limp mode, etc..because you are using a low quality oil. Even if its OEM. PS- quality oil is not on TV, nor in a marketing campain. You need to find it.

  • @Imnotplayinganymore
    @Imnotplayinganymore Před 7 měsíci +1

    Whew! Just brought my new cvt wrx home yesterday and thought "oh shiester!" I love the cvt and I'm a life long shifter. The shift points are brilliant especially in sport mode. It holds the gear during spirited driving rather than shifting down, which was my biggest gripe with old-school trannies. Love the wrx!

  • @SummitCoyote
    @SummitCoyote Před rokem +10

    200K miles is the benchmark for a good car. No major part should fail with regular maintenance before 200K miles. any car that does is garbage

  • @johnreese3762
    @johnreese3762 Před 7 měsíci

    Great, fair video! I totally agree! I've liked Subaru as well as my local dealers who are very fair and do good maintenance!!

  • @rudysr22
    @rudysr22 Před rokem +3

    Thanks for the video. Question do Subaru's CVTs have a first regular gear like Toyota or Hondas CVTs? I am asking because the combination of a first gear in a CVT seams to me what makes them reliable...I think.

    • @KurtofTrades
      @KurtofTrades  Před rokem +5

      Don’t believe so. They use the cvt only.

  • @falseprophetmohammedisaped2465
    @falseprophetmohammedisaped2465 Před 6 měsíci +4

    My 2018 v6 Nissan cvt made it to 60k almost had 36k hard miles and still works perfectly seen redline 5000 times or so just don't give it full throttle until ur at 15mph and ur not abusing it and don't press the gas pedal a bunch of times keep 10% throttle for long period of time while driving not constantly throttling it letting off throttle and pressing gas again. Cvt likes to be under acceleration or off acceleration for 3 seconds until u press gas again

  • @mikalkielli3351
    @mikalkielli3351 Před 9 měsíci +1

    is it worth buying a used 2015-2018 WRX with a CVT transmission with high mileage?

  • @Charkatak
    @Charkatak Před 2 měsíci

    I recently test drove multiple new 2024 Impreza RS models and all of them had whining noise possibly coming from CVT. Some made that whining noise during acceleration, others off accelerator such as when coasting. Any ideas if all of them are bad or that is expected?

  • @jimnelson7740
    @jimnelson7740 Před 2 měsíci

    Yup....have a 2010 Outback with CVT, and are now very close to 200,000 miles, and still runs great

  • @gavingainey8961
    @gavingainey8961 Před 10 měsíci +2

    I have never changed the CVT fluid in our Subaru and It is at over 200k miles. I’ve always been able to tell when it’s cold that it slips more. So I drive it like a grandpa for about 5 miles it pulls just like it should. The CVT does an excellent job getting the most out of a 2.5 liter power plant hauling the heavy and bloated 17 outback! It’s big compared to older models but the car is super capable and the CVT performs excellent. The feeling of the “shifts” reminds me of an old C6 or Turbo 400 but with more “gears”

    • @ImaYam
      @ImaYam Před 9 měsíci

      Old c6 corvette? What c6

    • @seanhoward8025
      @seanhoward8025 Před 8 měsíci +1

      @@ImaYamA Ford C6, 3 speed automatic. The C6 and the GM TH400 were used behind the Ford and GM big blocks.

  • @Kuya_D_Z3
    @Kuya_D_Z3 Před 4 měsíci +1

    That million miles was wolverine12 and he did replace the engine at 600k+ also a manual transmission.

  • @df730
    @df730 Před rokem +1

    hey, really nice video! i've got a question: staring from what MY the cvt can be considered more reliable?

    • @KurtofTrades
      @KurtofTrades  Před rokem

      Seems like the 2017+ ones seem to be a little better, hard to tell yet though

  • @o.m.g759
    @o.m.g759 Před měsícem

    I just bought a 2024 outback 2.5 non turbo with a cvt, I plan on doing oil changes every 30k and no towing. Should I worry?

  • @LucianSchmit
    @LucianSchmit Před 6 měsíci +5

    Driving a cvt is great. I do have to ask about that $1,200 number. I suspect a transmission shop is going to be double that or more. Maybe that number is old.

  • @zacjohnson8404
    @zacjohnson8404 Před rokem +1

    Do you think a turbo diesel would be too much for a cvt? I too quite like the cvt drive, I had a cvt turbo audi that would do under 6L/100km on the highway and it was just really nice on long drives.

    • @matthews749
      @matthews749 Před rokem +1

      Yes, if your talking a truck turbo diesel. The torque will quickly destroy a cvt. Maybe in the future they'll come out with one strong enough.

  • @admiralbeez8143
    @admiralbeez8143 Před 3 měsíci +1

    Just returned from the dealer due to recently occurring shudder and lack of acceleration with increasing rpms with check engine light. The dealer says our 2016 Forester with only 118,000 kms needs a replacement CVT. Thankfully the warranty will cover it. I remember being worried about that CVT when we bought it, and almost bought a Rav4 instead because of its 6-speed conventional automatic transmission. The warranty on the replacement transmission will only be a year, so that's not great, but if the replacement can last seven years, we'll be good.

    • @DickTricky
      @DickTricky Před 2 měsíci

      I have a 2016 forester as well. The valve body went out at 98k then the entire transmission went out at 108k. The remanufactured transmission lasted all of 6k. I'm done with it.

  • @mitchalmaines1104
    @mitchalmaines1104 Před 6 měsíci +2

    Perfectly fine transmission if you just drive it like you’re supposed to not flooring it off the line or up a hill. Just smoothly roll into everything you do and it’ll be good for a long time

  • @RetrieverTrainingAlone
    @RetrieverTrainingAlone Před 10 měsíci +5

    So factory warranty on CVT is 100,000 miles? I could not find that documentation at the Subaru website....Limited Powertrain Warranty 60,000 miles.

    • @shamrock32
      @shamrock32 Před 2 měsíci

      They've extended it to 100,000

  • @Larry-Hi
    @Larry-Hi Před rokem +6

    Now I’m a bit concern about the fragile windshield issues on the current Subaru line.

    • @KurtofTrades
      @KurtofTrades  Před rokem +3

      Ive heard quite a bit about that as well. It does seem to be with the newer ones, my 2012 has its original windshield still. Got hit with a quarter size rock at 65 mph and it bounced off. GL

  • @dlg5485
    @dlg5485 Před rokem +29

    Just ordered a 2023 Forester Sport which will be my first ever CVT. I can't say I'm excited for it, but I have no concerns abut reliability and I am looking forward to the fuel economy which should be a 2-3 MPG improvement over my Impreza Sport 5 speed. I've done a good amount of research and Subaru CVTs seem to be some of the best in the industry, so I'm not worried.

    • @KurtofTrades
      @KurtofTrades  Před rokem +2

      Had my 2012 cvt for 6 years and I love it

    • @cristianstriblea792
      @cristianstriblea792 Před rokem +5

      We had all 3 generations of Forester and never have a problem with them .
      Forester is still assembled in Japan (big advantage for quality)

    • @dlg5485
      @dlg5485 Před rokem +5

      @@cristianstriblea792 I decided I wanted the 2.4 turbo engine so I cancelled my Forester order and purchased a 2023 Outback Touring XT last week. It was $5000 more than the Forester (ouch!) but I have no regrets. I absolutely love the Outback and I can't believe how comfortable and well equipped it is, feels like a full-on luxury vehicle. It's well worth the upgrade in my opinion. I'm sure the Forester would have been fine, but I prefer to have ample power in my vehicles when I can and I plan on this being my last vehicle purchase for a long time.

    • @donaldwigglesworth5885
      @donaldwigglesworth5885 Před rokem +1

      I felt the same way. But I can tell you that if you service them they will last 200+thousand miles.

    • @Ray-Willey
      @Ray-Willey Před rokem +3

      2020 forester premium with cvt 45 k no issues yet. I also live in a cold climate.

  • @christopherclaus14
    @christopherclaus14 Před 2 lety +2

    What warranty was mentioned at the 2:11 mark? Car is at the shop as I type getting this fixed at 141,500 miles. $2,200 +/- repair cost.

    • @KurtofTrades
      @KurtofTrades  Před 2 lety +3

      PZEV Warranty, covers emission up to 150k miles unlimited mileage, Call subaru of America ive heard many stories of them covering the cvt under this warranty.

    • @knightrider316
      @knightrider316 Před 11 měsíci

      What does PZEV warranty have to do with the CVT. Isn’t PZEV emissions?

  • @chrisb9478
    @chrisb9478 Před 10 měsíci +3

    We’re on our 4th Subaru with Cvt’s. No problems with any of them. I have dealer change the fluid every 50k miles. The Nissan Jatco Cvt’s were supposed to be the really bad ones.

    • @haroldbeauchamp3770
      @haroldbeauchamp3770 Před 8 měsíci +1

      JATCO hasn’t had a widespread failure since 2013 for the judder/shudder campaign. Since then, JATCO has been excellent. It’s also important to note that the whole Nissan cvt thing is one of the biggest false news stories to perpetuate since the GM diesel debacle in the 80s. Since the JATCO cvt issues in 2013, Honda had issues in 2013-2014, Subaru had issues from 2014-2017, and Toyota had issues in 2018. All cvt’s are reliable now.

    • @chrisb9478
      @chrisb9478 Před 8 měsíci

      @@haroldbeauchamp3770 Glad Nissan sorted out the Jatco Cvt’s then.

  • @beniaminrolea8891
    @beniaminrolea8891 Před rokem +7

    Hi,
    I have 3 mentions: 1. I drive CVT now; i often use manual mode, and I have a much better fuel consumption. I test drive (back to back) a XV Crosstrek and I loved more the CVT over a manual 5 speed (mostly because of high revs @ 120 km/h.
    2. I never had any problems with the clutch, and I drive manuals since 1992. I brought some cars @ more than 500 000 km.
    3. Usually, it is better to have a manual if you tow a trailer, the driver have the control.

    • @shawn576
      @shawn576 Před rokem +1

      Good point on towing. Anything with a torque converter gets incredibly hot when towing. This is why trucks have an optional "towing package" to add additional cooling to the torque converter.

    • @beniaminrolea8891
      @beniaminrolea8891 Před rokem

      @@shawn576 thanks. I did not know that towing package includes cooling.

    • @carlingtonmccormack1850
      @carlingtonmccormack1850 Před rokem

      Man CVT Impreza burns a lot of gas but I only drive in automatic… you think driving in manual actual saves gas?

    • @beniaminrolea8891
      @beniaminrolea8891 Před rokem

      @@carlingtonmccormack1850 yes, this is true for mine

    • @carlingtonmccormack1850
      @carlingtonmccormack1850 Před rokem

      So does manual works best for u?

  • @TheDirthound
    @TheDirthound Před 6 měsíci +2

    I'm looking at a 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness and am concerned, as many are, about the reliability of the CVT. I've never owned a Subi and would like to know how reliable they are. I drive a lot in variable conditions, in town and across the country. I appreciate Japanese ingenuity and design and am very Impressed with the longevity and reliability with my 2009 Toyota Sienna. 245k and it runs tip top, I do the maintenance. I'm hoping that since Toyota and Subaru have merged some technologies the Outback will provide many years of reliability.

    • @murmsuniversalrobotics3938
      @murmsuniversalrobotics3938 Před 3 dny

      The Outback Wilderness is the best car I've ever driven over the 30 years I've been driving. Subaru's CVTs are made inhouse, not by JATCO which is the company that has caused Nissan so much grief. There's some 'master mechanic' talking shit about CVTs as if they are all made by JATCO. Subaru also installs a CVT cooler on new cars since heat, like with everything else, is what kills the CVT. The Subaru CVT will fail like any transmission if you launch it repeatedly, or will become less reliable if you tune it beyond 320 whp and TRQ. The only manual cars Subaru makes are WRXs and BRZ, there are so many Crosstreks and Outbacks on the road, this video would be a never ending stream of people talking about failures if they happened often enough to be a known issue. Subaru did have failures around 2015 model year which is why they took control of the issue and started doing stuff like adding coolers, better fluid, and stronger chain. Oh, all Subarus are CVT in Japan, including the 2014 STI S4 WRX which had 295/295 HP and TRQ. Once again, the Internet would be full of people bitching internationally, instead of a few folk on reddit who over tuned their cars and raced every chance they could.

  • @jamesreed1969
    @jamesreed1969 Před 10 měsíci +9

    I already replaced fluid twice at 50k and 90k for 2015 3.6R. Every time fluid showed a sign that it needs to be replaced. Besides that, I agree, it's a good transmission.

  • @janboeykens1590
    @janboeykens1590 Před 8 měsíci +2

    Having outback 310000 km 190000 miles) no issues yet (oil change done)

  • @monkfarm
    @monkfarm Před 9 měsíci +1

    Thanks 👍

  • @Buc_Stops_Here
    @Buc_Stops_Here Před rokem +3

    Warranty of Subaru CVT is only 5 years and 60,000 miles in 2023. Only older CVTs got the extension. My parents lost the throttle body on both Subarus (2014 and 2015) at 80,000 miles in Florida heat. They lost the transmission completely at about 135,000 miles. That is not as good as my 2013 Subaru with a 5 speed with is still on the original transmission with 136,000 miles. I am not sure I will buy another Subaru as a result.

    • @danielfair4675
      @danielfair4675 Před rokem +1

      The fluid should have been changed every 40k miles

    • @Buc_Stops_Here
      @Buc_Stops_Here Před 11 měsíci

      @@danielfair4675 They did better than that, 30,000 miles. Still had the issues listed.

  • @bradh6185
    @bradh6185 Před rokem

    I bought a Nissan Sentra in 2007 with a manual. I sold it at 240,000 miles and never had to replace the clutch. Do Subaru clutches not last that long?

  • @charlesbarnhart6984
    @charlesbarnhart6984 Před 2 měsíci

    Subaru Japan says to change cvt fluid 36000/3 while in USA they say to never change it unless you pull trailer. Then change it at maybe 15000. Why the difference?

    • @haroldbeauchamp3770
      @haroldbeauchamp3770 Před 2 měsíci

      The United States has its own Subaru headquarters and own sets of standards for Subaru vehicles sold here. For example, they say in North American, the Subaru Outback 2.5 can tow significantly less than the same exact specifications of Outback sold in Australia. Why? Political and legal nonsense. Japan likely has a very strong consumer advocacy stance and Subaru Japan knows that cvts require diligent maintenance for longevity. Short answer? Trust Japan on this one.

  • @parker4551
    @parker4551 Před 20 dny

    Late to the party but went through two cvts before getting rid of my Subaru ascent. 28k, 58k. Known issue with ascent. Glad I got rid of it.. Paint was thin too but electronics and interior were nice.

  • @suzieh7547
    @suzieh7547 Před 2 měsíci

    I have a 2021 Crosstrek Ltd. I went off road - nothing technical and used the Xmode once. All the lights lit up on the dash including the AT temp light. All of the lights cleared after shutting it off for several hours. Seemed to drive well the last few days but this did happen 2x while climbing a hill (not very steep). I took it to the dealer and they said I need a new CVT - which shocked me. This video is interesting. I already called Subaru of America and I am waiting to see what they say. If they won't cover, I will mention the solenoid issue.

    • @Thefilmyfamily786
      @Thefilmyfamily786 Před 17 dny

      How many kms do you have on it? This should be covered under warranty

  • @tonyp9609
    @tonyp9609 Před měsícem +1

    Subaru made their great reliability and popularity with the CVT transmission and they are all 4 wd. Thank You

  • @MrHitthespot
    @MrHitthespot Před 3 měsíci +2

    I love the CVT for driving, but Subaru has had problems with the CVT. Especially for those who go off road occasionally. I’ve owned a number of Subarus but will not buy another one until I’m sure the CVT in them is completely reliable. I had two friends have their Subaru CVT go completely out. I do believe the.last few years they have been improved and are much more reliable. However I’m waiting too see.

  • @ryanhoulder8516
    @ryanhoulder8516 Před 4 dny

    Subaru tech here, can confirm valve bodys in tr580 transmisisons do fail quiet frenquently over 150k kms on them.
    Majority of these do get replaced under warranty or under subaru goodwill.
    Other than that they are pretty reliable if maintained properly, key word maintained, subaru does state that these transmission cvt fluids are "lifetime fluids" but what does this mean? It means they're expected lifespan most people own the cars which is 100-150k kms.
    Which is why its not on the subaru scheduled servicing plan.
    Why is this a problem? Because all oil degrades with heat cycles, use and time. Eventually the oil gets old, gritty with material in it and burnt from so many heat cycles, i would say this is probably the main contributor to subarus cvt issues.
    Outside of the abnormal issues like pre mature bearing failures internal in the cvt etc.

  • @Calabrese1966
    @Calabrese1966 Před rokem +6

    What is your take on the transmission fluid drain/fill? I know Honda once said like every 30,000 miles they recommend it. Some people say that it is a lifetime, which again is not true. Nothing is for life.

    • @huntstyle
      @huntstyle Před rokem +4

      On my '14 Accord the CVT failed at 60k miles. I bought it at 32k miles, not sure if the fluid was changed at 30k or not, but I'm thinking it wasn't. Luckily it was Certified, so it was under warranty (would've been $6k!). I'm now at 127k, so 67k on the second CVT, with 2 fluid changes at the dealer (not cheap, unfortunately), and no issues. They told me at the time they replaced it that when they are regularly serviced, they don't have issues. So I'd recommend having it serviced every 30k.

    • @thinbrickspec77
      @thinbrickspec77 Před rokem +2

      I have 130k on my 14 honda accord with the cvt. Change my fluid every 40k miles. Runs me about 200$ every time but worth it.

    • @Calabrese1966
      @Calabrese1966 Před rokem

      @@thinbrickspec77 Subaru does not want you to touch the fluid, and it can and will void the warranty. We purchased a 10 Year/100K Warranty (out the door) with a $100 deductible. It was very reasonable. So I will not be concerned about the 10th year as the car will probably go. Unless Subaru starts changing its maintenance procedures. I will not touch it while still under warranty.

    • @danielfair4675
      @danielfair4675 Před rokem +3

      ​​​​​​@@Calabrese1966 it won't void the warranty if done at any Subaru Dealer.
      Canadian sold Subaru's suggest changing it at 40k, its every 25-30k in Japan.
      Do you think U.S. sold Subaru vehicles have a different fluid put in them when shipped here from Japan? Lol
      If your dealer tells you NO if you request it be change, call SOA or go to a different dealership.

    • @haroldbeauchamp3770
      @haroldbeauchamp3770 Před 2 měsíci

      ⁠@@Calabrese1966that’s extremely misguided. ONLY Subaru North America has those guidelines. Subaru, in every other worldwide location they have, recommends cvt fluid changes between 30-60k miles. As this is a critical mileage point where the fluid breaks down and begins to varnish the internal structure of the transmission and valve body. I’d strongly recommend a fluid change at 60k miles at the absolute latest.

  • @Subie-Driver
    @Subie-Driver Před měsícem +1

    Short answer to this question? Look after it and it will look after you. Our 2011 CVT went 11 years 255,000 km no problems. Regular CVT fluid changes to keep it fresh. There is no such thing as a lifetime fluid.

  • @AustinKloud
    @AustinKloud Před rokem +3

    My- 2018 Subaru Forester XT with a CVT - 65k miles and I need a new transmission…. $8k

  • @franklynordz4030
    @franklynordz4030 Před rokem +4

    First, you need to do the transmission fluid every 30,000 right on the top

  • @shannonsummers4687
    @shannonsummers4687 Před 8 měsíci

    1st generation Nissan CVT issues related to a Poor CVT Trans Fluid that Did Not Meet Nissan's Mfg Specifications . . .

  • @thwvisuals4196
    @thwvisuals4196 Před rokem

    I’ve pushed my cvt hard in my liberty and never had an issue 😅 😬

  • @dannym8899
    @dannym8899 Před 5 měsíci +1

    Only reason i want one is because i want the car i want but its because i had second shoulder surgery at 21 but ive never been againts people gettin manual in auto matic

  • @blessedarmadillo8257
    @blessedarmadillo8257 Před 9 hodinami

    What about a traditional automatic transmission? Is a CVT as reliable as a traditional automatic transmission? This is why I'm considering a Mazda.

  • @ColinMill1
    @ColinMill1 Před 4 měsíci

    I like my 2006 Outback but now I can't get a manual with two ranges I won't be buying another.

  • @trunkmonkey355
    @trunkmonkey355 Před 4 měsíci +3

    The main difference between a manual transmission and a CVT. Finding a shop, other than the stealership, willing to work on a CVT. You won't find one.

  • @MrThequinn5
    @MrThequinn5 Před 2 měsíci

    2019 Outback 88k had to replace cvt transmission.

  • @axllebeer
    @axllebeer Před rokem +2

    I had a Subaru cross trek with the cvt and the valve body failed. Pricing here was around $2000 at the time. Traded it for a 2018 forester with a manual. That clutch kit I have found for $300-$500 currently. I’ll stick with this for now.

    • @gogereaver349
      @gogereaver349 Před 11 měsíci +1

      the problem i had was gearbox failer on my 96 toyota. no trans shops hear would even go near a manual transmission. one guy even said manuals are not even made anymore im like wtf are you talking about and listed brand new cars with standerd shift.

  • @dystopia-usa
    @dystopia-usa Před 10 měsíci +6

    After doing a lot of research on belt/chain design CVT's, I decided that in the absence of a good manual option that I will stick with Mazda & their modernized-design "SkyActiv" 6-speed automatic. Well, that or an "eCVT" transmission hybrid vehicle, since that is a totally different design & much better than any crappy, budget-built belt/chain CVT used in regular ICE vehicles.

    • @falseprophetmohammedisaped2465
      @falseprophetmohammedisaped2465 Před 6 měsíci

      I'm personally bored of regular transmissions that have same rpm at same speed. Cvt always has different revs at different speeds and with throttle u can manipulate the rpms u want mid corner to get some grip and rpms u need

  • @jamesluisitobinoya4856
    @jamesluisitobinoya4856 Před 10 měsíci

    The best advantage CVT can give is the cost cutting in the production of the manufacturer, the headache will will be to the consumer, good if the car dealerships will give special offer to the CVT car buyers giving their customers a free supply of PARACETAMOL to mend the consumer's headache.

  • @xinyumao1782
    @xinyumao1782 Před 7 měsíci +2

    Is it a concern for having cvt in cold long winter in north Canada?

    • @KurtofTrades
      @KurtofTrades  Před 7 měsíci

      I’m in northern Michigan, but I’m sure it will be fine there too

    • @xinyumao1782
      @xinyumao1782 Před 6 měsíci

      @KurtofTrades ok thanks for the input, our winter here could be cold at -30 C for quite a long time...

  • @larrywerring9674
    @larrywerring9674 Před 21 dnem

    166,000 km on my Subaru Forester XT CVT. The car is currently in the garage in limp mode throwing A/T Temp codes. Has been for more than two weeks because of Subaru's parts availability issues. They are telling me I need a new CVT. The extended warranty has expired. I am very disappointed and thinking of switching to Honda.

  • @Honestandtruth
    @Honestandtruth Před 20 dny +1

    SUBARU CVT transmission is RELIABLE as long the owners follow the mantainents. I own Subaru Forester 2014 for 10 years now. No issue Whatsoever 👍

  • @davidyummus6259
    @davidyummus6259 Před 8 měsíci +2

    CVT's have been around in cars since the 90's or before,... They are here to stay.

  • @SAZQACH
    @SAZQACH Před rokem +22

    2022 subaru Outback wilderness. CVT was replaced at 9,500 miles.

    • @neometalx9
      @neometalx9 Před rokem +2

      How did that happen lol

    • @OzBloke
      @OzBloke Před 11 měsíci +8

      What the hell did you do to it? 😮

  • @Benjamin-mx7lc
    @Benjamin-mx7lc Před rokem +2

    What are your thoughts with the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander? Also cvt. Does it still carry the Nissan Curse?

    • @KurtofTrades
      @KurtofTrades  Před rokem +2

      Not sure on the newer ones, I can’t imagine that they haven’t fixed the problem by now though. I would look into it further

    • @Benjamin-mx7lc
      @Benjamin-mx7lc Před rokem +1

      @@KurtofTrades looking forward for more car reviews (especially cvt ones) 👍

    • @kevinW826
      @kevinW826 Před 9 měsíci

      The outlander is the Nissan rogue underneath. It has the jatco cvt but with a transmission cooler and a ten year warranty on that cvt. It’s the only way I would consider a mitsushitty or a Nissan.

  • @richeyrich2203
    @richeyrich2203 Před rokem +2

    Is Subarus current transmission coverage 10yr /100kmi? Or just for older cars? How do you get coverage for the cvt on a new (2021/2022) Subaru?

    • @KurtofTrades
      @KurtofTrades  Před rokem +1

      New ones don’t have that warranty. I bet if they have similar issues they will extend it too

    • @richeyrich2203
      @richeyrich2203 Před rokem +2

      @@KurtofTrades thanks. I’ve decided to avoid the Subaru lineup until they update the tr690 trans. That’s the same one that has been failing in Subarus since 2015. Not worth the risk on a brand new car unfortunately

    • @Jose_hernandez970
      @Jose_hernandez970 Před rokem +3

      @@KurtofTrades I think it’s short sighted to believe that Subaru will simply extend the warranty so easily. The only reason Subaru extended the warranty on prior years cvt’s was because they lost a lawsuit and a judge ordered Subaru to extend the warranty and pay denied claims.

    • @richardepstein3494
      @richardepstein3494 Před rokem

      @@KurtofTrades I have a 2018 Crosstrek Limited. What's the CVT warranty on it?

    • @Jose_hernandez970
      @Jose_hernandez970 Před rokem

      @@richardepstein3494 5 years/60,000 miles. Your powertrain warranty is ending very soon or has ended. If you have not changed your cvt fluid in these 5 years, there may already be varnish and damage to the valve body. My advice is to immediately change the cvt fluid with a high quality, full synthetic oil. Go to Subaru to have it done preferably. However, finding a Subaru dealer that will do this service is extremely difficult. Call around and book the service asap. They’ll likely tell you that it’s not good to change it. Completely false. Change it every 30k miles. -30 year master mechanic.

  • @davidbrennan5
    @davidbrennan5 Před rokem +4

    I know people that have had problems with cvts from a bunch of brands, Ford Nissan Subaru Honda Toyota. They are cheaper to manufacture and provide little benefits over a well designed conventional transmission. I think that is the only reason they go with them, a lot of transmission shops wont rebuild them or even touch them.

  • @RobertLupo
    @RobertLupo Před 2 měsíci

    2015 legacy, valve body died at 225,000.. cost $2.200 to repair.

  • @engineeringoyster6243
    @engineeringoyster6243 Před měsícem

    I had a Mini Cooper with a CVT and hated the drivability of it. Plus, after about 120k miles, bearings in the transmission started singing to us. About a $5k job to replace it.
    The experience made me swear off all CVTs.

  • @frosthoe
    @frosthoe Před 27 dny

    Update. My grandma like driving style co-workers CVT DIED again! . The one that was replaced last year...that was replaced...Its like an oil change. Go in get fluids, filter changed, Bi annually.
    And a new CVT Transmission every year on purchase day anniversary.. 3-CVT's in 3 years. Yeah Im gonna skip on that snowmobile tech till its no contact Mag clutch, and mag drive gears.
    The beuty of a Magnetic clutch is it never overheats from friction, Inductance maybe, not friction.

  • @dt-9776
    @dt-9776 Před 9 měsíci +1

    New Subarus have 8 years warranty (with no km limit)

  • @shawng6415
    @shawng6415 Před rokem +1

    Clutch vacancies be done for under 800 bucks man. Good video though

  • @slalomking
    @slalomking Před 3 měsíci

    There is no repair cost for a manual transmission. Possibly changing the Clutch at 200k miles

  • @terremoto..6809
    @terremoto..6809 Před rokem +4

    A manual clutch should last the lifetime of the engine with limited slipping/proper driver!

    • @KurtofTrades
      @KurtofTrades  Před rokem +1

      Very true, I’ve heard of a lot of people with these cars going through a clutch as quick as 60k !

    • @Scsibut
      @Scsibut Před rokem

      My 04 Honda Accord has almost 300,000 City miles on it and I'm still on the original clutch I'm noticing the throwout bearing is starting to make some noise now so it's going to be soon. But since I'll be replacing the clutch myself it will only be a three to four hundred dollar repair

    • @jeremycurtright7228
      @jeremycurtright7228 Před rokem

      LMAO i drove like a moron burned through a clutch in 30k in several models fords, Hondas, toyotas, nissans no suburus, there is no way a clutch will make it the entire span of the cars life not if you actually drive a car with some purpose.. maybe if you just babied the car its whole life but i do my own clutches takes you about 8 hours total but i generally just enjoy the process of working on the car so spend the weekend putting in a new clutch, also oil change intervals are a joke to, i have had many vehicles make it past 300k doing sporadic maintenance every thing they mention is merely a gimmick to take your money you can go 10k miles in between oil changes easily with no issues, i had a ford ranger only changed the oil 6 times sold it still running strong at 308k miles and its a ford every one says there junk lol, all these videos are only opinions not actual facts, you want a suburu go get one they seem like any other car, what you should look at is how much do replacement parts cost for that model, ex ford alternator 80$ Mercedes $380 hmm wich car should i buy? Thats my thoughts but CVt Transmission are like any other Transmission nothing exponentially bad about them every thing wears out eventually just slap a new one in over the weekend and drive on. Super simple.

  • @christanner8104
    @christanner8104 Před 5 měsíci +2

    How are Subaru CVTs for towing?

    • @KurtofTrades
      @KurtofTrades  Před 5 měsíci +1

      Probably not very good. I wouldn’t trust it with anything heavy.

  • @Bikes0420
    @Bikes0420 Před 6 měsíci

    I don’t think I’d wanna buy used one that someone used to tow with! Especially if it’s an automatic, those transmissions don’t seem solid enough for that there is no cooler for them

  • @edwardgolonka-jd4sc
    @edwardgolonka-jd4sc Před 4 měsíci

    Mine went @ 250,000 on 2015 not a rookie fix!!😮

  • @jeremye997
    @jeremye997 Před 11 měsíci +1

    My CVT just went out at 55k miles but issue started as of last October due to the multiple failures of the Vehicle Speed Sensor according to Subaru

    • @TheDirthound
      @TheDirthound Před 6 měsíci

      Was it fixed and is it still an issue?

    • @jeremye997
      @jeremye997 Před 6 měsíci

      Fixed now with full transmission replaced under warranty. Considering getting a manual version next by proceeding with a california lemon law case for the CVT. At 60k miles this car already has a replaced engine and transmission. @@TheDirthound

  • @GT95_302
    @GT95_302 Před 5 měsíci +2

    Nissan lost Cummins. That says a lot.

  • @elonthebest..7917
    @elonthebest..7917 Před rokem +2

    i have the limiter on my subaru so it cant pass 4 rev

    • @KurtofTrades
      @KurtofTrades  Před rokem

      What year?

    • @elonthebest..7917
      @elonthebest..7917 Před rokem

      @@KurtofTrades 2015 g4

    • @TheTheSilverPhoenix
      @TheTheSilverPhoenix Před rokem

      Me too on my 2021 xv

    • @elonthebest..7917
      @elonthebest..7917 Před rokem

      @@TheTheSilverPhoenix yea when its going pass 4 and its a cvt transmission it can destroy it

    • @514aam
      @514aam Před rokem +3

      @@elonthebest..7917 No it wont kill it. I race my 2014 forester XT 3 times a week pretty hard and rev it to 6k regularly. The CVT Is perfectly fine.

  • @papaGhurka
    @papaGhurka Před 29 dny

    Forester or Outback manual trans in the US doesn't exist

  • @caty863
    @caty863 Před 6 měsíci +13

    Problem with CVTs is that no consumer ever asked for them. The industry just forced them onto us because their manufacturing is less costly. They kept repeating that they are the best since they keep the engine in its optimal power band but consumers don't care about that...because the driving experience is destroyed in the process.
    Case in point, consumers requested the feel of changing gears to restore the experience. The automakers responded by degrading the efficiency of the CVT by adding this "manual" mode. What they should have done is to completely ditch it and go back to manual transmission. Yet, since the CVT reduces the manufacturer's costs, they opted for this contraption.

    • @jimnelson7740
      @jimnelson7740 Před 2 měsíci +2

      reduced cost for the manufacturer also reduces cost for the consumer. Only a minority want the "driving experience"

    • @sasothestrategizer
      @sasothestrategizer Před měsícem

      Real talk. I always want the driving experience!!!

  • @garyhibbert4875
    @garyhibbert4875 Před 9 měsíci +1

    manual always best if you live at a certain area

  • @AEVMU
    @AEVMU Před rokem

    Dont think Toyotas or Hondas use belts or chains. At least not the Toyota hybrids. They call it an eCVT but its a planteray gesr set not a traditional CVT.

  • @pianoplayer2516
    @pianoplayer2516 Před rokem +8

    I disagree. Manual is still more durable and cheaper to repair. ECVT like in the Prius is the best.

  • @edwardgolonka-jd4sc
    @edwardgolonka-jd4sc Před 4 měsíci +1

    Ps I called Subaru America, they were rude , defensive about my issue and treated me like insurance companies do when you file an accident claim after paying your premium 5 yrs on time ridiculous what they get away with burning consumers and not as advertised product,

  • @LeonEaves-qr5hz
    @LeonEaves-qr5hz Před 3 měsíci +1

    Cut or ecvt?

  • @glennhancock3533
    @glennhancock3533 Před rokem +1

    This in not a common problem do not make false statements if you don't like nissan Trans I hv one and love it .

    • @JoeMac4100
      @JoeMac4100 Před 11 měsíci

      I have a Nissan with a CVT and I don't have any complaints at all. but to protect myself I did buy a Ten year/100,000 mile extended warranty

  • @bw4316
    @bw4316 Před 9 měsíci +1

    As the driver of mechanically flawless 277,000 and 177,000 mile cars, a 100,000 warranty on a belt-pulley friction-drive transmission design isn't that reassuring.

  • @zacjohnson8404
    @zacjohnson8404 Před rokem +5

    If this video was made as of 7 months ago how can you know that Subaru cvt's are now reliable since there hasn't been enought time to test that out. A 1999 Subaru Forester will virtually never have problems with it's 5speed transmission as of 20+ years being in existance. When cvt's can get to that age without issues then I'll believe they're reliable. Being in service for one year with no issues doesn't prove reliablity.

    • @KurtofTrades
      @KurtofTrades  Před rokem +3

      They’ve been around for 10+ years at this point

    • @zacjohnson8404
      @zacjohnson8404 Před rokem

      @@KurtofTrades ok I missunderstood what you said then, cheers

  • @sacramentofoodforest
    @sacramentofoodforest Před měsícem

    3:58 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

  • @cop2506
    @cop2506 Před 9 měsíci +1

    Stop saying “CTV TRANSMISSION”. It’s called a “CV TRANSMISSION”

  • @geoleo2597
    @geoleo2597 Před rokem +3

    By their design CVTs can have more issues than a standard gear transmission. Is it really just the solenoids that are problematic? I'd think belts slipping would be the major problem.
    It would have been interesting to compare CVT to a geared transmission. But Subaru doesn't make any so can't make a fair comparison
    Are those extended warranty transferable for used cars?

    • @gogereaver349
      @gogereaver349 Před 11 měsíci

      subru wrx has a 6 speed manual so will the upcoming brat.

    • @geoleo2597
      @geoleo2597 Před 11 měsíci

      @@gogereaver349 oh cool. The Brat will be like the Baja of yore. Subaru needs to make something in this class to capitalize on the popularity of the Ford Maverick, Hyundai Santa Cruz, and the upcoming Toyota Stout.

    • @mefobills279
      @mefobills279 Před 11 měsíci +1

      Subaru cvt uses a chain. Chain made in Germany. I personally would void the warranty and make the dealer change the transmission oil early, say every 60K miles.

    • @mefobills279
      @mefobills279 Před 11 měsíci +1

      2013 and earlier were 4EAT slushbox automatics. The cvt fits in the same space.

  • @Solatso
    @Solatso Před 11 měsíci

    Nissan's terrible CVT history has totally destroyed the CVT rep that it does not deserve. Maybe 10+ years ago but not anymore, Subaru has been getting REALLY good at making worthy CVTs. My CVT has 118k on it with no issues on a 2014 Legacy. In fact other than a serpentine belt replacement I have not had to do anything else to the Legacy, MUCH more than i can say for the Honda's, Pontiac's, Mitsubishi's, BMW's and Ford's over the years. In fact outside of my wife's Lexus RX330 (and a 350 afterwards) the Legacy is the only car I haven't had to work on while owning.

    • @haroldbeauchamp3770
      @haroldbeauchamp3770 Před 8 měsíci

      The problem with that is Nissan doesn’t make CVT’s. They purchase them from JATCO. Interesting enough, Subaru partnered with JATCO to design their cvt. The same JATCO that builds Nissan cvt’s. Subaru still uses that exact same design today. Ill informed Subaru people try to say that JATCO cvt’s are horrible, and I just think how foolish that sounds knowing our cvt’s (yes I am an Outback owner) are designed by JATCO.

  • @edwardgolonka-jd4sc
    @edwardgolonka-jd4sc Před 4 měsíci

    That cost 2100.00 to fix for recycled plastic

  • @edwardgolonka-jd4sc
    @edwardgolonka-jd4sc Před 4 měsíci +1

    Google says otherwise in almost all cvt manufacturers do yiur home work dude 😎