CVT transmission Failed! Can we make them last?

[@HighjakSecondary]

It's unfortunate that the CVT has had this effect on the Subaru line up. While beneficial for most drivers, the results that come from taking a CVT equipped Subaru offroad are far from ideal and mostly just disappointing especially considering how Subaru continues to market these vehicles as a 'go anywhere' crossover. It's nice to see you're having better experiences with the Honda! My CVT failed and was replaced under warranty a little over a year ago. I babied it since then, but a month ago I traded it off for something new with a 36.2:1 crawl ration. :) I'll be back to making video soon.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

HighjakSecondary Dude!!!! Congratulations on the Yota! We miss you on KZbin and I’m looking forward to more video’s from you. You’re driving a fan favorite vehicle, you’ll have a big audience!

[@HighjakSecondary]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring Thanks man! I'm in love with it. Shoulda bought one 10 years ago. Keep up the vids!

[@NoName-gv6nm]

Just gonna say if you were off-roading a lot, or towing, and putting a lot of stress on the CVT, Subaru suggests 30k mile fluid change intervals. As does any CVT manufacturer... Did you do ever change the fluid? If I was constantly putting a lot of stress on a CVT, I'd even consider fluid changes more frequently than that... yes CVTs suck but you gotta take good care of them.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Subaru has never suggested CVT fluid changes. They claimed it to be a lifetime fluid. A few years ago they realized that wasn’t the case and now recommends CVT fluid change at 24k miles for “severe duty”. Third party experts say that 10-12k.

[@reyperez3424]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring The 10-12k is to check the fluid because one of the main issues is the transmission cooler not big enough. But from information that I have found, the recommended fluid change is 30-40k miles then on 3rd fluid change or over 120k do the transmission filters too because oem are high quality filters

[@Benjamin-David]

CVTs are not good for off-roading applications. They’re designed for great gas mileage. Subaru is mass producing for the common market. They’ve definitely left a lot of subi enthusiasts behind with their transmission choices.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Oh God! I totally agree! I'd wish they would, at the very least, offer a proper A/T for upper trim Subaru's. Heck! They should just go with a 3rd party transmission, so they could at least blame them for any issues. Subaru's in house built transmission points all the blame on Subaru.

[@matthewjohnson1211]

That’s why I snagged one of the last 2018 Manual foresters!

[@Tranfamilies]

I should go with manual as well. ;(

[@raycrossley5398]

The test I seen on You tube showed a different story, The Subaru seem to work just find with the CTV transmission. Do you know Viscosity is the slipperiness of an Oil, And the thing is The thing is, Oil over heating of the CTV oil is a major problem in CTV transmission. Over heating burnes the oil I saw a video once on you tube, where an Auto repair shop pull apart a failed GTV transmission. It came out of an old Subaru, You can see The magnets in the CTV transmission were choker block full of metal shavings. What this meant was that over time the CTV oil in the CTV transmission had been burnt and it had lost it viscosity, and could no longer protect the Belts and cones in the CTV transmission Just changing the CTV oil would have enable the CTV transmission protect the tranmision and it would have lass a lot longer.

[@eugenegutierrez5106]

Your right on point on this one. People are getting carried away with their subi doing off roading. It’s capable enough to take you off road. But not design to off roading all the time.

[@softroadingthewest]

It's so funny, this morning I was chatting with someone on Instagram about the CVT and I suggested he check out your channel because you've mentioned the CVT issues a number of times, and then I came to check in on KZbin and, lo and behold, you had just posted this! This was really interesting and informative. And that footage of @daklakfoto ...oh my gosh, that was painful to watch. It's ludicrous that a car armed with such a capable AWD system should have to get a running start over terrain like that. Thanks for putting this together Jon, you are truly doing the community a service with your research and analysis.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Making this video, I actually learned alot myself. I mean, I already knew about this stuff, but just comparing everything side by side was SUPER EYE OPENING. Did you notice that your model Forester with the 4EAT transmission with a lower crawl ratio will outclimb a CVT? This leads me to believe that Crawl Ratio's need to be calculated differently on CVTs. The formula is 1st Gear * Final Drive ( axle ratio). Should a CVT's crawl ratio formula be (1st gear * Final Drive) minus 30%? That sounds kinda Accurate. I never used as much momentum as Daklak Foto did up that Oriflame Trail hill climb. That's just soooooo scary. It's a good thing he has BFG KO2's. My 4 ply tires would never survive something like that!

[@Benjamin-David]

softroadingthewest friction belts simply cannot replace gears.

[@softroadingthewest]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring I did notice that! I had no idea the gearing in the 4EAT was technically/theoretically worse than the CVT, by the numbers. While I know video never does justice to how bad the terrain is, that trail where Huy ran into difficulties looked like something I would just ease right up. I'm grateful I landed where I did in the range of Forester models. That transmission temperature chart was eye-opening...even with the 4EAT I do notice a hot smell from my transmission when I have to deal with extended, challenging conditions. I guess I should give more consideration to a transmission cooler.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

@@softroadingthewest Sandra did the climb with her SH Forester. She was able to crawl up. The camera angle is a little misleading. You get a better idea of the steepness during DakLakFoto's rear camera angle.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

@@softroadingthewest 7:16

[@mindinthemtns]

JonDZ I'm trying to come out of shock right now...Not your FXT too! I've already had one friend lose their XT CVT! I can't thank you enough for putting this together (and all your vids really). You've been a huge help in researching my 18 XT, inspiring adventure, and general Subie off-road exposure! I've always appreciated your honest perspective as an emerging light offroader; it helps Newbs like myself make less mistakes (or at least different mistakes). I'm sad to lose your 1st-hand XT insight but respect the decision (I have already decided that my XT will be a

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Travis I thought I would be different. I thought I could make the CVT last 😞... BUT!!!! It turns out doing regular recommended maintenance and proactively taking care of all the TSB’s (technical service bulletins) wasn’t enough. THIS IS WHY I MADE THIS VIDEO... it’s possible we can make 2014-2018 FXT’s last, with the right care.

[@MacTechG4]

Best way to increase CVT lifespan? Let them rot on dealer lots! Just say NO! Don’t buy them If you must buy one, factor in the cost of the eventual transmission failure Most durable, economical, and reliable option? Buy a manual!

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

MacTechG4 I think this is the best way to support Subaru “consumers” and fans of the brand. If they aren’t selling them, they’ll need start using better transmissions.

[@nng1979]

What a small world....I had a 2014 Forester XT which I got brand new...CVT broke 8k miles, replaced twice and failed again. Replaced with 2016 Tiguan SEL and it was great. now I just ordered a Passport TrailSport which I take delivery in a few weeks.

[@JohnnyUkeOfficial]

If you have a CVT vehicle, it's probably wise to do transmission fluid change every 30k miles. CVTs are delicate in nature. Also avoid flooring it often.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Official Jonathan great advice!!!

[@MrSubaru1387]

3yr/36k miles drain and refills are optimal.

[@12B0692]

I knew nothing about CVTs until our 2017 Forester. This is a great trail, field, camping vehicle...but, I learned early on that the CVT will not transfer the torque to the wheels like I expect on steep inclines. Now, I've seen on TFL where Mitsubishi is not having an issue like this with its CVT. Anyone know of a software patch or something that will enable the Subaru CVT to perform better?

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Dual stage xmode in the 2019 Forester and 2020 outback in ice/dirt mode seem to do better. Unfortunately, Im pretty sure there are no software patches to install increase capability.

[@jpholcombe]

I suspect that the fake shifting is really hard on the CVT. Subaru has added these fake "shifting points" to the transmission feels more like a regular automatic. Each shift though adds substantial unnecessary torque to the chain and encourages slipping. I wish they would give an option for the driver to change this functionality to a more linear (and more efficient) operation model. They could probably make this a user-selectable option in the menu. I'd love to get another Subaru, but I'm really having second thoughts because of this and the oil. On my 2010 the manual indicates that I can use anything from 5w-30 to 20w-50. My 2015 manual indicates 0w-20 or on rare occasion you can use 5w-30 temporarily if needed. They have such a big problem with oil loss. They really need to go back to the old wording of allowing heavier viscosity when needed.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

There’s one thing for sure. The fake shifting makes the Subaru CVT vehicles slower 0-60. Car and Driver shows 2014-2016 Forester XT’s doing 0-60 in 6.2 seconds, but with fake shifting in the 2017-2018 models, it’s at 6.8 seconds.

[@vincentrobinette1507]

I would just leave it in CVT mode. I don't like the idea of zone wearing the variators. I would rather have them span smoothly, and not create any ridging, that could compromise the commutation of the chain. manual shift mode (almost) makes sense, if you need the engine to hold back while descending a hill, to avoid heating up the brakes.

[@therootedprogress]

Thanks for posting this video Jon!! Well made video and great information buddy 👍 you did not bash the cvt at all! The cvt is a weakness in the 2014-2018 Fxt. We just did pilot rock truck trail and yesssss that cvt really cuts power and or struggles on steep uphill and when u hit an off camber obstacle in the middle of the hill climb it completely stops the vehicle. Your right in you HAVE to use momentum. Even pressing traction control off does not help either and I have noticed this when trying to do donuts that once the rear wheels start to spin the abs engages and stops my momentum. Although not mentioned in my video u can see I can't do a donut in the anzaborrego video I posted. Transmission cooling options -Derale 13403 series 1000 stacked plate 19 row -Hayden 678 rapid cool -Hayden 778 rapid cool 337 -Derale 25011 fluid control thermostat kit -Vibrant performance 11978 flex hose (better than plain rubber hoses)

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Good stuff Marc! I'm sure people will find your comment useful! I was really hoping to make it to the Pilot truck trail event, but I had to attend my baby cousins highschool graduation lunch that Saturday. It's so alarming that I personally know a "handful of people on instagram" with replaced CVT's in the SJ FXT's.

[@therootedprogress]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring yaaa I was hoping to see ya there but that's okay man :) we can always do the trail again. Some of those offshoots are gnarly haha I got stuck on a steep uphill climb. Video coming within this week 🤗

[@Tranfamilies]

Hayden 679 is what I got

[@17ultralimited69]

So you abuse your transmission and expect it to last? Yeah right.

[@pingpongballz5998]

That's what I said

[@tribalsean]

...thank you. . I know it was hard, but this explains a lot to everyone. .🤞...

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

It was very hard Robert Sean! The video was painful to make. I know this is hard for Subaru cvt owners to watch, but my goal with this video wasn't to hurt feelings, it was made to Save CVT's and help potential buyers make a proper decision. Thanks for the understanding!

[@indridcold8433]

I can make a CVT last a very, very, long time. I remove the CVT and switch in a hydraulic, gear driven, transmission. I then take the CVT and put it on a shelf, garage floor, or in an attic. That CVT will last a very, very, long time.

[@Sazonman]

😂😂😂😂😂👍

[@CanalDoVota]

You saved me, man! I was going to buy an 2018 Forester, one of the last XT models still selling in Brazil. I was thinking that the Foresters were made for hard trails and you proved me wrong. Maybe ill cancel the buy. Thanks a lot, mate.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

I'm totally not telling you what to do, that decision is up to you :P I'm just here to report back my observations.

[@csinalabama]

Changing out the CVT fluid is really easy and is simpler than an oil change. Switching to a better fluid like the Amsoil product, using an external cooler and monitoring trans temp are important to extending its life. We really need more shops that can rebuild them.

[@MikeyD64]

X-Mode helps a ton, which I know you know anyway. Thankfully, Wilderness trims also have a transmission cooler.

[@vincentrobinette1507]

I think you hit the nail on the head: Frequent fluid changes, to prevent the accumulation of particulate matter in the transmissions. Yes, CVT transmission fluid is expensive, but, nothing like having to replace the CVT!!

[@dieselgeezer18]

just don't get a CVT

[@standheizungenrehbein4575]

In Germany Subaru-Service Plan says change the CVT oil @ 60 000 Kilometer > 37282 Miles. Also i use Scan-Gauge via OBD for Check the Temps while Offroading...

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

How do you like the scan gauge? I want to buy one for the Passport. It's not cheap, but it's worth it right? what temperatures are you seeing?

[@standheizungenrehbein4575]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring CVT OIL Temp / Motor OIL Temp / Coolant Temp, much much more... In the first Time there was much Problems with the Codes because some Codes not work and the Scan Gauge can not read out everything, i write a mail to the Scan Gauge Company and they help me instant with correct Codes to programming the Scan Gauge correct, now it works perfect with much much options... and everything works fine... I can say buy it :)

[@bernlin2000]

I like gears...gears can grip nicely. CVTs don't really have gears, they're more like a tank's sprocket. A technology that will no doubt continue to be improved, but doesn't seem like a great replacement for a geared transmission. I doubt they would even exist if fuel economy standards weren't forever being pushed upwards.

[@frederichartell7390]

I have a 2016 Crosstrek that already has had 2 CVT's installed. 1st one was my fault, second one was CVT failure. I asked the dealership if they recommend a cooler and was told it would void the warranty! The CVT in the Trek now has been acting up where it doesn't shift (fake) and engine stays at 3k± rpms and the temp light came on.

[@Ram14250]

CVT's have been out for many years. I'm still not a fan. I really dislike the way they hold the RPM's up when accelerating. I don't like the sound or the feel. I also don't like that some manufacturers have programs fake "shifts" in some of their CVT's. It's a deal breaker for me also like others have said. I just don't plan these to be long term durable.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Ram 14250 fake shifting CVT's is the dumbest thing. Completely defeats any advantage a CVT could have. Actually, it makes the CVT's slower! My old 2015 Forester XT did 0-60 in 6.2 seconds according to car and driver. In 2017, fake shifting was implemented. According to car and driver, the 17-18 models did 0-60 in 6.8 seconds. That's over half a second slower! By design, belt-chain CVT's just aren't designed to last.

[@marcs4091]

As soon as your tires start to slip with a CVT transmission the computer engages the brakes. The reason being is, if your tires are slipping and then all of a sudden they grip, with an automatic transmission you're going to do a burnout which is very cool. if you have a CVT transmission and your tires suddenly grip the pavement you're going to hear a loud clunk this is the sound of your transmission self-destructing. Not cool!

[@tomaszbudnik521]

CVT with chain/belt is good ONLY for lowering fuel consumption/CO2 emission. All other suck...

[@RicardoRoams]

CVTs have a notoriously bad history! If I'm buying a vehicle, the CVT is a automatic deal breaker for me.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

It is for me too. My girlfriend is in the market for a new small crossover I totally advise against a CVT. It's a BIG no to the Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester, and Mitsubishi overlander. The only options are the RAV4 and Hyundai Santa Fe/ Kia Sportage. Well, there's Jeep, but she's not going to be offroading, she just strictly needs a commuter car. One thing I'd love to point out in this video is possible choosing a Jeep Cherokee instead of a Subaru, but I'd probably get hung on a cross for that 😆

[@RicardoRoams]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring , If it were me and those were my choices, I think I'd go with the RAV 4. Can't beat Toyotas for reliability. And they sell an awful lot of RAV4s. That must mean something. I wouldn't go with a Jeep. Jeeps have poor reliability history. And NO Subarus. Head gasket problems, and CVTs.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

@@RicardoRoams Toyota reliability is expensive! A RAV4 adventure is $35.5k. its well equipped, but so is my $38K Honda passport EX-L AWD (way more equipped, like $10K more equipped). The RAV4 has a good drivetrain, but the AWD system is still so FWD biased. Anywho you are 100% right. She only wants a fwd anyway, but she demands her vehicle is satin white pearl, which only comes in the $40k top of the line model. Man... That's alot of money for a RAV4. We will see, hehe!

[@RicardoRoams]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring From what I've seen, I do like the Honda Passport.

[@rlking67]

Yea 2019 Subaru WRX and I believe my CVT died it jerks at takeoffs and makes a grinding noise on 19,000 miles on it they suck and never had a problem with my 06 WRX

[@VKSgtSLaughter]

Thanks for putting this out there. Another great video.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

You're very welcome Brother!

[@hankitytankity]

Great set of info. Transmission cooler with a thermostat is very good idea. Oil cooler on the turbocharged engine is also good. I probably won't get another Subaru until they really solve their transmission issues.

[@jamescoles2796]

Just got my 2015 Forester XT out of the shop with a CVT replacement, after it failed at 35,000 + miles, no charge to replace. All my driving has been on asphalt. This is my first Subaru and probably my last. I am going to baby the transmission and will no longer use the manual paddle shift; which I did for upshifting on level roads and downshifting for driving down hills and slowing the car (in conjunction with the brakes) at red lights.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

James Coles hopefully the replacement last longer. I was told that the replacement had some improvements, but I dunno. When I got mine back it seemed like the Transmission would slip a little going from park to drive, or park to reverse. I didn’t feel comfortable keeping it, and when I found out I could trade it in for $15K with 60k miles, I took the offer. Still a pretty big financial loss for me 😭, but I felt it was the responsible thing to do. Does your new CVT slip at all? Or act different than the original?

[@jamescoles2796]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring No slippage yet, but I have less than 50 miles on the replacement CVT at this time.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

I noticed awkward shifting immediately, so you’re probably good 👍

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

This is why I own a 2013 Subaru Legacy 3.6. I got the five speed unit, not the CVT so I can take it off road and not worry about burning out the transmission. I was concerned back then the CVT would have issues, and it turns out, that CVT Torque Converter cannot handle the off-road like the old 4/5 speeds could. That is the part of the transmission causing pain and suffering to those new Subarus.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

@Sam S, I wish I had the same intuition as you! I gave it a shot, I let myself be a "BETA TESTER" and unfortunately it didn't work out for me. It's not only the torque converter, I have friends that have had the valve body and Chain belt fail prematurely. One day, Subaru will move away from CVT's and no one is going to miss them. Only then will we all truly accept how bad of a match they were. I get that CVT's are put in ATV's, snowmobiles and small commuter cars, but they really shouldn't be placed in a larger crossover. I hear rumors that Subaru is making a vehicle specifically designed for offroad, so I'm very curious what transmission they will put in it.

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring Had not heard that. We all know how much pressure they are under to get the gas mileage up to the competition, and the turbo 4 along with the CVT allows them to do that. It will be interesting to see where they go moving forward, as I don't believe they can stay with the CVT and keep their durable off-road image intact.

[@2tsuprem]

CVT's are great if you don't, go too slow, go too fast, go up too steep inclines, drive too often, tow anything, have too many passengers and change that $100 per liter oil often. Did I miss anything?

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

2tsuprem 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣. No, I think you have it all there.

[@Corkfish1]

Here's a thought. Stop buying them.

[@keving52002]

YES , you can make them last , change the fluid on time, and keep the coolant level up to par with no air gaps in the system.

[@SilverScarletSpider]

Every Subaru owner and SUV driver should be made aware of this damn! Thank you for sharing

[@jjmack8233]

Toyota does CVT right by adding a launch gear. Its s physical first gear the car uses to take off. I watched a KZbin video explaining why Toyota went that route. They claim taking off is the hardest your CVT works and once they slip they need to be rebuilt. Using a live first or launch gear saves the CVT from such wear. Toyotas get very high mileage from their CVT’s for that reason. Subaru should consider doing that or maybe even a lower gear as a granny gear that could be locked in place electronically in Subarus like the Wilderness for when more power is needed. I hope Subaru considers it

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Toyota easily has the best CVT on the market.

[@occckid123]

And you believe that's the reason why the toyota cvt actually has a 1st gear? Lol you've been lied to!?

[@jjmack8233]

@@occckid123 …well maybe I have. I don’t really care because I’ll never own another car with a CVT anyway. They’re junk as far as I’m concerned but Toyota’s CVT has the best track record unless I’ve been lied to about that but again, that doesn’t matter either because I won’t own one.

[@marcocasamassima389]

The problem is not the CVT. The problem are those owners using those cars thinking they are driving a monstertruck. I'm actually surprised how much misuse those cars are able to handle.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Have you seen a Subaru commercial? kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2G0qn-uisRqd7s

[@marcocasamassima389]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring have you seen it? And have you read the owner manual? On the commercial are gravel roads and in case of stones its never higher than the clearance. The cars you have show are driving on completely different terrains. More from the official owners manual (from the driving tips/off-road driving chapter): "Because of the AWD feature and higher ground clearance, you can drive your SUBARU on ordinary roads or off-road. But please keep in mind that an AWD SUBARU is a passenger car and is neither a conventional off-road vehicle nor an all- terrain vehicle. "

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

@@marcocasamassima389 Prior to 2018, Subaru did not recognize severe duty. They considered the CVT fluid lifetime. Unfortunately and unknowingly, I was a Subaru CVT beta tester, I drove a 2015 Forester XT. So, although you are correct at the time of your comment, the below information was not in my 2015 service manual : "If your vehicle is used under any of the Severe Driving Condition examples provided on page 30, you would want to also follow CVT fluid replacement every 24,855 miles. Trailer towing is listed as Severe Driving and as a result, you would want to follow the 24,855 mile recommendations." - Subaru Note that severe duty (according to Subaru) is something as minuscule as “driving around the city” or up a “mountain pass”. So, you may very well be misusing yours as well. How many miles do you have on your Subaru?

[@darylhill9400]

I never in my life seen so much miss information in the comment section! Why on earth do these people that are dedicated off roaders not use proper tires and psi

[@samaanalkhaldi2364]

The car manufacturing companies insist on keep the CVT transmission because it's cheaper to manufacture and will make more profit for them, even though the CVT less reliable than direct shift AT. Thanks.

[@gutadin5]

Tell the car manufacturers that we are not buying their cars with cvt if they keep insisting .

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Samaan Alkhaldi I agree. If the CVT is suppose to be more simple with only 1/3 of the parts as an automatic transmission I wonder why they cost $6500 for the transmission. Then another $2500 for installation.

[@samaanalkhaldi2364]

​@@JonDZ_Adventuring Because replacing a transmission by the dealer is a very good reason for them to take a lot of money from the customer.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Samaan Alkhaldi at the cost of the brands reputation. This really saddens me. I’m glad Honda stepped up with their AWD system, but I’d be open to buying another Subaru. Just not with a CVT.

[@eldorado5650]

Thanks for posting this @JonDZ Adventuring. I have been doing my research with the CVT as I am part of a Subaru club that does off-road touring frequently. You have pretty much covered exactly why automatic transmissions fail most of the time, planetary or CVT. It's best to have such accounts coming from first-hand users. When I saw the performance of some of the CVT Subarus in the previous videos, I knew for sure that they were fluid temperature-related. The tolerance to overheating with that type of transmission is rather low, especially in abusive and high-torque situations. It's not limited to CVTs though as planetary-geared automatics have such temperature issues, as well, and that is why the transmission fluid cooler is invented. This overheating issue has been in the industry for quite a while and even the mighty sold-like-panckes Ford Ranger gets such failures. The trend in our off-road club here in the Southern Hemisphere, though, is the other way around. After them getting headaches with their newer-model automatics, they are now into Subaru CVTs and surprisingly, what they got brand-new has an oil cooler from factory. They still tend to change fluids every 30,000km max. Many have bought the N/A with the TR580, after coming from Jeeps with 9-speed ZFs. They concluded that they would just change the fluid religiously with their CVTs rather than having to deal with their Jeep's warranty. After comparing off-roadability the club was just impressed by the smooth transfer of the CVT up to a certain point and that is also included in your video. Once it's past 30 to 40 something degrees, oftentimes, the CVT can struggle but not all the time. It can be annoying but some of those with the 2019 TR580s said that they have better climbing capability than the previous model. Back to overheating, you and the others are right, city driving is considered severe driving and that is pretty much overlooked by most vehicle owners. Some car manuals say this and some don't. Here, Subaru recommends drain-and-fill every 30,000km when the manual says 48,000km for city driving. It would be nice for the dealers to hold a quick presentation about maintenance as a form of social responsibility but I understand why they won't. Once a vehicle has been sold, they already have their revenue. Cheers.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Well said Eldo Rado!! I'm absolutely surprised your group prefers CVT's. I owned one myself and the major advantage I saw over the older 4EAT Subaru's is substantially better fuel economy. But, capability wise, it didn't seem like a contest. I'm going to link a video of 1st and 2nd generation Foresters rock crawling. Being a former CVT owner, I can tell you there is no way this terrain would be traversable in a CVT subaru.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Go to 4:28 in this linked video. Pretty impressive stuff. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qp2wgZ2bq9ZqhbM

[@eldorado5650]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring I am surprised too. I myself am driving an SG5 with a JDM 4EAT - uprated valve body and aggressive lockup. Many have been surprised with the hill and dune climbs. The ones in the club are talking about the 2019 ones, not the previous gen and they say that they get more freedom and power to the ground with the Dual X-mode. Time will probably tell and hopefully we get the videos from owners soon to do some comparisons. Cheers.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

@@eldorado5650 That's a great thing to know about the 2019 Foresters! I've seen one 2019 so far, but he was completely stock. He did say that Xmode in dirt/snow mode made it more capable. Also, Subaru is claiming that the new Forester is the "most capable Forester yet", so I'll take your word for it. The only thing I know is different in the Forester XT is the way the center differential is controlled. Before it was controlled hydraulically, now it's controlled purely electronically.

[@Rob81818]

​@@JonDZ_Adventuring @Eldo Rado this just gives me hope with the 2019 Foresters. It would be great to find out what Subaru did to improve the CVT in 2019 besides adding dual X-mode.

[@mrbl220]

Hey Jon, I love your content and this video is a great resource going forward. I own a 2015 manual wrx and just bought a 2019 Forester Sport. I've seen a lot of videos of people doing off road in their Subaru vehicles and different transmissions. I've been really wary of cvt's, especially the Nissan horror stories. You made a good point on a couple of things. The first being the fluid change interval. The recommendation change is nonsense! Regular drivers who go months and months before changing out fluids are most likely not using the top tier stuff for their vehicles and will most likely be prone to these issues. The stock oil's from subaru aren't exactly made for long intervals before shearing (given the conditions like stop and go traffic and hard starts off the line) and not protecting the mechanical components properly. In the owner's manual Subaru calls for more frequent changes if you drive a manual transmission how you're supposed to ( i.e. rev matching your down shifts) so it is kind of a head scratcher on why they have a giant gap between fluid changes. Which brings me to my next point: powertrain options coupled to the cvt. The turbo engine cars do put out more torque and thus cause more wear and heat to be applied to the cvt. In the cvt wrx, tuners only recommend going to around 330-350 tops on that transmission as anything more leads to premature wear and could cause total failure. Driving technique also plays a part there of course. But I'm thinking if the N/A (naturally aspirated) engines cause less damage to the cvt and lead to longer lifespan of the transmission. Given proper fluid change interval and adding on a transmission oil cooler could ultimately save a lot of $$ over the life of these units. Especially for the off roading people, which I hope to get into in the future. Thanks for the great content and I hope to see Subaru continue making strides forward in dealing with these issues!

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Great comment! I honestly expected this video to be one of my more unpopolar ones due to the subject matter, but I'm definitely elated by all the support and comments. Thanks for getting into all the details and bringing up a good point about these long intervals. My service advisor recommended CVT fluid change at 90k miles. That's crazy! Even for drivers that just drive on the street.

[@Benjamin-David]

mrbl220 I believe Subaru & Nissan use the same 3rd Party CVT maker. Jatco

[@mrbl220]

@@Benjamin-David I have heard the same thing but I've also heard and read Subaru makes their cvt in house. Given how small Subaru is compared to say Toyota on a global scale, I'm not sure they have the resources or capital to do that. But Fuji Heavy Industries as a whole could probably help fund it. I hope to just see continued progress and revisions going forward and helping owners in previous cars with goodwill replacements or eating some of the cost to replacements to retain their brand loyalty. Like I said, I just bought a 2019 and it is my 5th Subaru. I love these cars, even with their quirks and problems. The community is wonderful and there is SO MUCH knowledge out there!

[@ricks.8522]

EXCELLENT JOB on making this video ...... fantastic

[@bruceyyyyy]

@DavidT Medeiros I think at the end of the day there is a lot of information out there and a not insignificant amount just isn't good info. This video is an example of good info. Cool the fluid. I've had my AT Temp warning light come on before. The thing goes into limp mode and puts basically no power to the ground. Symptoms seemed similar in this video. I just left it running and ran the heat on high and went for a walk. Once the light went off it worked fine and has for years now. Change the fluid. Subaru recommends somewhere between never and 25k. I'm splitting the difference and doing it at 50k. Which is right now. I'll get a Blackstone Labs analysis done for my own curiosity and find a place to post it. Either YT or OB forum. I'll be using the HT CVT Fluid. Monitor the fluid. I have an old scangauge that we managed to dig the CVT temps from. I used to see as high as 270F before the cooler but haven't seen higher than 220 now. Other thoughts: Subaru seems to recommend replacement over repair for these often which is where that big 8k bill that scares a lot of folk come from. This seems to be standard policy. They did the same thing with the 5EAT. (5EAT's actually cost more than a CVT from Subaru) The difference here is there aren't any 5EAT's that are still in warranty. I've seen them repaired (search around the google for 580/690 info and you'll find lots) and one can pick them up from salvage yards with a (short) warranty for a few hundred dollars. 500-1000 seems to be the norm. I think I saw one as low as 300. (car-part) I did draw a different conclusion than JonDZ in his video here with the bog down/hill climb issue. I think the traction control is what does it. I have a video (subaru smarter than you) on it showing that ripping fuses to disable traction control the car will happily power up a hill but turns into a diagonal spin wonder like all the older Subaru's are. That plus CVTs and VDC became standard at around the same time so it's hard to separate the two. Something in the programming can't figure out steep inclines and wheel spin so it decides to do nothing. I'm looking forward for someone to really put the dual x mode on the new Foz/OB to the test as I'm yet to see a video of people do what we're doing to it. Still not sure if gimmick or not. ... Thanks for reading my novella in the comment section. (:

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Ha! I forgot to hit to re-pin the post. Well it's there now. I just wanted to make sure the pin post retained the info about what mobile apps to use to monitor your transmission temps and what gauges you can buy on Amazon.

[@bruceyyyyy]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring Anything you suggest I can do to help let me know. I've got an appointment next week to change the CVT fluid at the shop and will be sending an analysis off to blackstone. I'm interested myself since I'm running a CVT (690) and don't want to be left stranded somewhere because of it. Some more thoughts: "Bellipoten" on NASIOC has a Modified WRX CVT for 5 years x miles and no issues. I think it's stage 2? Either way. The trans seems to be able to handle the power. I wish Subaru was more forthcoming with what is going on when the CVT has issues so they weren't treated like a black box. Wouldn't say no to a low range of course but at that point it wouldn't really be a Subaru.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

@@bruceyyyyy thanks! Well, if you post up the results in one of your future videos, that should do everyone a favor. 😇

[@Tranfamilies]

That wrx with stage 2 and cvt with almost 400hp. That is the HT CVT. I just wish to figure out to dusable the logic which subaru shutoff power. Hopefully the locker with always traction will help

[@chromalusion15]

No problem with CVT as long as fluids are changed every 40K km. I use shell cvt fluid.

[@haroldbeauchamp3770]

Subaru America does not allow for fluid changes. Subaru dealers refuse to provide cvt fluid changes. If you have a problem and the transmission fluid has been changed, Subaru will deny the warranty claim. Subaru Canada does not do this, just Subaru United States.

[@josephkelleher8820]

@@haroldbeauchamp3770 Never a problem getting the CVT fluid changed at the Nissan dealerships. I have mine changed every 25,000 miles. My 12' Altima has 111,000 miles on it and the CVT runs fine.

[@haroldbeauchamp3770]

@@josephkelleher8820 Nissan does an excellent job updating the service manuals and doing dealer service trainings. All dealer service departments know that cvt’s require frequent maintenance. Subaru on the other hand has horrible dealer networks and service issues. 90% of Subaru dealers refuse to service their cvt and the other 10% will do it, but many will price gouge the customer because they can get away with it.

[@jimbob6395]

It sucks that these car companies use the American consumer as tester for the cvt transmission. Most Americans probably don’t know the difference. It’s cheaper for them to mass produce but way to expensive to replace. These cvt s will be the only option in the future, hopefully they improve. I prefer a standard transmission but the large majority of people today can’t even drive a manual car. Any transmission that fails under 100k is not worthy of buying.

[@bluered5664]

Its BS, I'm here working my ass off for the last year saving almost every dime and they give us these shitty things that will absolutely screw us

[@hswing11]

how to make them last. Change the fluid every 50k miles forget what the owners manual says and DON'T OFF ROAD, A CVT transmission can't take the torque required.

[@MrSubaru1387]

3yr/36k miles drain and refills are optimal.

[@standheizungenrehbein4575]

Hello Jon, thanks a lot for this Video and the Time & Work what you put in it.... I wait "long time" for this !!! Also thanks for the much Facts you collect about the CVT and Oil... Regards from Germany!

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

I made this video for you! I'm a man of my word, sorry it took so long!

[@standheizungenrehbein4575]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring I try to see this Video 10 times to understand everything because my bad english, im realy thankful that you explain so much !!! :)

[@pleasuretek]

yep, I just sold my 14 XT this weekend due to being frustrated with the cvt. It was giving me all kinds of issues and subaru didn't wan't to actually replace my transmission even after it would die sometimes coming to a stop like a red light. I sold mine with 77k miles.

[@Consolethumbs]

Pleasure Tek damn that sucks because it was a design flaw and Nissan and Subaru are trying to hide that from people

[@pleasuretek]

@@Consolethumbs for real. I took my car into the dealership twice past 8 months , and even told them I was having break light issues, and they didn't replace the brake sensor that had a recall 6 months later. I described my transmission issues to them too many times, for them to recommend I DONT do a flush and just do an ecu reset instead (even when transmission is obviously leaking too)

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Pleasure Tek I'm so sorry to hear about your situation. It sounds like your dealership didn't even inspect your transmission. Stalling is a major safety concern, and being ignored must have been a very frustrating experience. It's alarming to find out about so many people that have issues with the SJ FXT. I did regular maintenance and also even proactively took care of TSB's. There was a leaky transmission gasket TSB, I inspected under my FXT and found some seeping, so I got that fixed. The only things I didn't do is 1.) monitor transmission temps, and 2.) change CVT fluid sooner than later, WHICH IS NOT COMMON KNOWLEDGE AT ALL. Subaru would be wise to advise their customers.

[@pleasuretek]

@@JonDZ_AdventuringAs you know the xt is a blast to drive. It was a fun vehicle for the first 5 years (purchased from first batch into US march of 13). I also busted struts on her and had lower control arm bushings replaced around 50k and at 77k I was getting high speed wobbles again. But the CVT issues (cost and reliability) made me make my descision, that and my wife's 03 feels and seems to be much more capable in so many ways, 214k on original automatic transmission, but about to need to get head gaskets done again, but her 03 has been a solid tank for the past 16 years.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

@@pleasuretek yes, i loved the car and then pretty much instantly hated it once the CVT went out. Now I have a 2019 Honda Passport. It's a ridicously awesome vehicle. Everything gets turned up a notch except for "nimbleness". Agility is the thing that gets turned down a couple of notches, haha! It's still fun to drive, I like to think of it as the bat mobile. Its a big vehicle, but with power based torque vectoring, it handles better than it should. Its a quick vehicle, 0-60 in 5.8 seconds according to car and driver.

[@briankaiser694]

We replaced our ‘17 Forester Touring with a ‘19 Passport Elite last week...primary reason was our dislike of the CVT. It was our first (and last) experience with this type of transmission. We simply never made peace with the feel of the transmission in daily driving and decided to sell the car with only 20,000 mi on it.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Brian, my first experience with a CVT was with a 2013 Nissan Juke. The vehicle had good reviews at the time of release and my best friend had bought one and spoke really highly of it. At that time, automatic transmissions were pretty terrible, so the delay in response once I floored the gas pedal was similar to lets say one of my old girlfriends Toyota celica automatic. I nearly got into an accident during the test drive of the Juke when I tried to make a left turn. The delay was so bad. When I bought the 2015 Forester XT, I found that CVT to be much more responsive. Although it wasn't perfect, I found it acceptable. The deal breaker for me is the long term reliability. Now... you probably know, I bought a 2019 Honda Passport AWD as well. The transmission is sooooooo much better! After driving the Passport for a day and then getting back into my old Forester XT (to drive it around to repark it next to the Honda to transfer over my gear), the feel of the Subaru drive train just seemed so cheap and unrefined.

[@boostedmaniac]

I had experience with a cvt and having to pay for replacement at just past 60k on an Audi and told myself never again for cvts.

[@eugenegutierrez5106]

60k to get it repaired.? Could’ve gotten yourself a loaded TRD 4 runner. Although Audi is in another different level when it comes to driving to hugging canyon road. I’ve always like Audi , but I knew the cost is going hit me when it comes to repair.

[@etx007blue2]

I own a 2015 Forester with CVT, and man it's terrible even in the city, doesn't feel as good going up hills in San Francisco. For the next car I am paying more to get 4runner.

[@cartercombs]

Great video. Thanks for the great information. I just bought a 2019 crosstrek, and it sounds like I should pay your buddy Nate a visit. Can you tell us the name of his shop?

[@triple6forty2]

I have a Subaru Forester with a manual (2016 - 2018 Model). Do you think something similiar can happen to it, when i drive it in a harder offroad terrain? Or is the manual trans more reliable after all? Thanks for the video! Never heard something about the CVT before.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

A manual is solid. Replacing your clutch is regular business and only costs $800 for parts is that? Scotty kilmer (that "rev your engines" and "ring that bell") is a fan of Subaru's with manual transmissions. That means alot!

[@triple6forty2]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring Thanks for the answer! Now im even more proud of my Subaru!

[@52hydra]

@@triple6forty2 Same here, just got a 17 in a manual. Love it

[@dvgayle1]

I got a 2015 Forester with CVT. I've pushed it pretty hard but you gotta know when to back off. Got 46k and going strong.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

I agree dvgayle1, you gotta know when to back off. To know, you have to monitor your transmissions temperatures. The FXT is a different beast, with a 2.5 it's harder to get yourself in trouble. Although, youtube channel highjak Secondary was able to melt his CVT and no longer makes youtube video's. You should be able to get well over 100k miles in a 2.5. Good luck!

[@RamonNunezRey]

Me too, mine is 17 with cvt and almost 30k and going strong

[@dblairw]

JonDZ - Wow . . . as the owner of a 2016 Outback 2.5I Limited, I'm now seriously educated and forewarned. Fortunately, I'm an easy, low mileage driver who has done just light trail running with my Outback. Even though Subaru has recognized the issues and is apparently doing the buying public right - - "why even take the risk?" For me the right decision is 'fond farewell to Subaru, and hello to Toyota 4Runner.' Subaru - - are you listening?

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Great Comment dblarw, when people ask me what vehicle I recommend, I advise against CVT's. These are put into entry level vehicles and aren't meant to last. I think they can work great in small light weight vehicles and in ATV's they work great and are reliable. I cringe at the thought of the Subaru Ascent, which has the same CVT as my old Forester XT. I'd be totally fine with a CVT if it wasn't so expensive to replace them ($8-9K). I'd be fine with a CVT if they were actually repairable in the USA. One day, that may change, and if the repair cost can get down to $3-4K then a CVT could be an acceptable transmission.

[@randyrobertson6116]

My 2011 outback has a CVT. I don't go down jeep trails or off roading like up in the dirt trails at local mountain roads that are around here if u know where to look. I probably would have years ago when I was more reckless and didn't have a family, but now I actually try and baby my cars. Now obviously Subaru isn't the absolutely best car in the world. However my mother and a few friends and quite a few relatives own Subarus. Everything from Foresters to Imprezas to myself with my Outback. My mother's Forester doesn't have a CVT because it's a 2010 and they had not started putting them into the Foresters that year. My 2011 Outback does have a CVT and up until about 4500 miles ago it ran like a top. Unbeknownst to me, even with doing a very thorough check including carfax and maintenance records, it appeared that the last owner took good care of it. Oil changes every 3K miles, tune ups you name it. It even had a transmission replaced at 135000 miles. Never specified in carfax however if it was a new or used or refurbished one. So that I don't know. But I figured hey, this car, regardless of the high miles was well maintained...no accidents and the test drive I put it through its paces to a fairly decent extreme. It ran PERFECT. Shifted perfectly no signs of misalignment with the wheels and the thread was all very close and the tires were all the same brand. Apparently that's very important in AWD vehicles. So I bought it. $7900.00....I talked them down to $6850. out the door. When we got snow the thing was a beast. I was toying around and testing its integrity. The roads were completely covered with snow, other cars were stuck and doing that classic left-right...left-right and burning rubber routine front wheel drive cars are so well known for. Especially if you don't know how to drive in snow. But I would come 2 a complete stop on a street hill....sit there and then just give it a little gas and God as my witness that damn car just took right off like it was dry pavement. So everything seemed perfect. Well, now from a complete stop when I go to accelerate it occasionally slips and hesitates before finally catching an then it drives fine. I can gun it after that and it takes off like a missile. It's only when I come to a complete stop. I have no idea what happened to my outback. I love that car. If anyone has any insight please let me know. Thank you

[@rzzio8973]

Thank you for bringing this up. Just bought a 2019 forester sport. With the problems with low friction rings and cvt concerns. Probably would be in my best interest to have dealer change all fluids on a maintenance schedule just in case. They would all records of fluid change. Still debating to lift or not lol Btw… been hook since i discovered your channel…cheers!!!!

[@benjaminjwilson6694]

does this still hold true with the new wilderness trims? if yes, why does Subaru continuously use a cvt in their supposed "offroad trims"?

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

They’re a small car company and they’re heavily invested in their own transmission design. Eventually, they’ll be full electric and it won’t matter for them. The wilderness trims have a gear ratio that’s a little bit more aggressive. Less heat generated means they’ll last longer, but it’s still a chain transmission that isn’t that isn’t very aggressive. Outback wilderness 15.5:1 Forester wilderness 16.7:1 Rav4 16.7:1

[@benjaminjwilson6694]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring thank you very much... I bought the wrong vehicle.

[@MikeyD64]

@@benjaminjwilson6694 depends on what your needs are. With a lot of vehicles, if you do 5% or 10% trail driving a year, do you need a outdated 4Runner (2025 I hear is the new one finally!)? Probably not. Adding great tires for the task and some bits like skid plates + transmission cooler that does the right job, and it's a great all-rounder. A full east to west coast, then up to washington trip we did told us we made the right choice. No way I 'd do that entire trip with an off road 4runner.

[@theminardiparty]

Hey Jon, thanks for posting this. My 2015 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited is at 57,000 miles. It's never been off-roading, but I want to start. Should I install the Hayden cooler and change the transmission fluid before even starting off-roading? Also, what does a transmission fluid change cost typically? And do you only trust Subaru dealers to do it? Thank you, Jim.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Hello Jim, yes, I definitely recommend a transmission cooler is added to any Subaru that's offroaded. Since you already have put 57K miles on it, I think it would be a very good idea to have that fluid changed out. Sorry, but I do not know how much the CVT fluid costs, but the comment just before yours has a little info. Maybe "ResukaMedia" can answer your question :P Every 30K miles should be including a CVT fluid inspection. Have your technician take a picture of the CVT fluids color. If you could leave me a comment of how that turns out, i'd greatly appreciate it. I have some others that will be reporting back on the color of their CVT fluid.

[@ghenkhoash2440]

Subaru either should ditch CVT and go back to conventional AT or use Toyota's new CVT design with launch gear. I think that one is gonna be much more durable than current design.

[@ronaldderooij1774]

Mitsubishi Mirage had a low/high gear automatic in front of the CVT since 2013, AND it has a CVT oil cooler. With only 80 hp.

[@axeya366]

(AuS) 2014 XT 90k on the clock, no CVT issues yet, only issue was right drive shaft. These cars are made for light off road and surburb/city driving not extreme off roading. These cars are All Wheel Drive NOT Four Wheel Drive.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

I agree, I don’t consider anything in this video or in my other videos extreme offroading.

[@vantom6194]

Australia was the same her in the Philippines were Subaru Foresters XT made directly in Japan in which are better car than US made the oil filter alone tell the story in the US they use the Blue (Fram) filters while here in the Philippines we use the black (made in japan) filter... i have also a 2014 forester XT 70k with sealed untouched CVT still works like new.

[@axeya366]

@@vantom6194 seems like the US ones have a lot of issues. Ive also been a bit spirited in my driving and reason why i also got the 2019 WRX CVT. Seems like a lot of unlucky people or there not looking after the car.

[@StephenGomez21]

As much as I'd like to say that the Subaru line of SUV was made for some harsh off road trails. They are not. With all cars , trucks and SUV there is a limit that is reached with each vehicle before it will give out or break at some point. Thanks to the aftermarket company's that make better than stock or upgraded parts you can extend that limit a little farther. In reality as much as we like to push what we have to the limit and do it over and over we going to pay the consequences for doing it. I love my forester and definitely plan to keep it for as long as possible but I realize if I want to go little further to those camp ground way out in nomans land im going to need something like Jeep to get there. I do has to say that I am very impressed with the off road capability of your Passport.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Well said Stephen Gomez! That was a perfect comment. Even though I'm finding the passport pretty capable, I have learned from my experience with the Forester and I now monitor my transmission temp. I no longer have to use momentum going moderate obstacles and the difficult obstacles where I'd actually need momentum I'd just pass on. If anyone thinks the trail driving in this video is abusive or hard.... Watch this one of a 1999 Honda Passport: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bmfGh4GCod6fa6c It's good to know the limits. Even these solid axle Land Rover Discovery's knew them and called upon the UNIMOG for help. I wish I had a UNIMOG friend, haha!

[@Deeboskim]

Or just go backpacking. The best campsites I've found have been by hiking high and far from where roads go. Backpacking is healthier than overlanding too obviously

[@StephenGomez21]

@@Deeboskim I get my share of hiking in when it not a 110 outside . If I want to camp in the summer I need to travel to cooler places

[@moonsapling]

Hi Jon, Hi everyone I am not that afraid of a CVT failure cause if i was to get a new Forester it would be the 2.5i. I dont trust turbos. The guys from the local Subaru service said the 2.5i is more reliable in general dont know why. I only wanted to know how they do on inclines and it definitely requires some knowledge. First off when you are going from a dead stop press the gas firmly to give the belt a chance to grab and then add in throttle. Some CVTs may cut power in order to prevent belt slippage. Second turn of eyesight. The second thing causing the ECU to cut engine power is the Eyesight system. Always use L in inclines. You may not notice a difference but the CVT has much easier time than it would have in D. VDC and Xmode off in conditions where there is no traction. Both of these systems seek traction and may slow you down in sand or deep snow. After many many research hours i found that video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZLbmJp9gdyKfqc What it shows? A Forester climbing a ramp with rubber bands? Well, you can clearly see how steep that ramp is. And no, the CVT does not cut power. Clearly. So it aint that bad. Again speaking for the 2.5i model. I hope I gave some useful information to you guys. Have a nice one!

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Good advice Umbra! After owning 3 turbo's in a row, I am done with them. They were fun, especially my WRX, but it's a game of pay to play. My Subaru mechanic/rally-X racer friends prefer NA engines too. The car industry is also starting to move away from turbo's in favor of revised naturally aspirated engines. Take Hyundai/Kia for example, they're ditching the 2.0 turbo in favor of V6's. The future is electric.

[@moonsapling]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring everything's economical now. For the good or for the bad thats what it is. People in my country are well past 100k miles on their CVTs. They said they change their fluids every 60k miles but they are all with the TR580.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

@@moonsapling I know someone that has 200K miles on her Subaru Outback 2.5L with the TR580. She changes her CVT fluid every 30K miles. Her outback is really really modified too, if you have Instagram, look her up, @maukaru.

[@moonsapling]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring Well it seems that most Japanese companies are going CVT. This is actually good because in a few years most problems will hopefully be fixable/fixed. I guess fluid change is the key. Edit: I saw her Instagram. What a lovely Outback! 200k miles with so much modification done? I am amazed. BTW i have always wondered where do people with CVTs get their transmissions fluids from?

[@williamzee7748]

I dunno folks…2021 Nissan Altima with 36,000 miles on it…runs great….great gas mileage after changed fluid and filter at 30,000. Don’t off road it or torque it or race it….maybe that’s why some of problems?🤷‍♂️🤔

[@pingpongballz5998]

I'm on a Facebook page for Subaru Crosstreks. Lots of people have high mileage with no problems. But then again, I doubt they beat em up like you did yours.

[@gutadin5]

How high the mileage of those Crosstreks ?

[@pingpongballz5998]

@@gutadin5 from 155k to 275k

[@gutadin5]

@@pingpongballz5998 wow that's a very reliable cvts, what year are those Crosstreks ? I want to buy my wife a 2021 Subaru Crosstrek

[@pingpongballz5998]

@@gutadin5 definitely not the the new ones. I think the first generation 2013-2015

[@darylhill9400]

There are millions of reliable Subaru‘s all around the world! don’t believe all the propaganda! Thats why it’s difficult to even find a used one, they have a nice resale value for a reason!

[@DJ-zl4fy]

I bought Ascent Touring. After 6k miles, I started having CVT transmission problem.. I took back it back to the dealer, they replaced the transmission. I will never buy a vehicle with this crap transmission.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Elpechu I’m sorry to hear about that. I hope you’re able to get your issues resolved (through either an improved CVT or a good trade in). I wish you the best!

[@TobyCostaRica]

My Ascent failed at 8k with street driving. New transmission, my first and last Subaru.

[@randallstewart175]

The Subaru problem is that it built the reputation of its vehicles around a capacity to do these kind of off-road activities,.a unique toughness. Otherwise, the cars are boxy with smallish door entry to sustain rigidity. In short, they have little to recommend them apart from the virtues of its reputation. I'm a bigger guy, and I find them hellish to get in and out of without banging my head. So, when Subaru changed to the CVT transmission on all of its models, it wordlessly surrendered any basis for its past reputation. A friend just bought two Subs and urged me to consider one when I bought a new car a few months ago. I'm too nice a friend to tell him straight out that having ridden in his and knowing the limits of the CVT (and the boxer engine), I wasn't even going to a dealership to look them over. In the past, I had planned on a Honda CV-R, but with the defective 1.5 liter turbo engine as only option, and with its CVT, it was now dead it to me. Bought a Passport: no CVT; no oil blow-by; easily worth a couple of mpg and a surprisingly modest extra cost.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Randall Stewart that’s pretty much 100% how I feel about it! You just had enough insight to avoid the CVT. Good job avoiding the 1.5T in the CRV too. My wife wanted one, but I wouldn’t approve the purchase for the same reasons. The only thing in the Passport is the port side of the cylinders don’t get a cleaning, so good idea to spray some GDI cleaner before your oil change intervals. Gratz on the Passport, mine has been wonderful! 38k miles on it now, not one issue. Will see if it can make it to 60k without something going terribly wrong, I have a feeling it will.

[@randallstewart175]

I have suckered into a catch oil can to add to the Passport. I do not know how much GDI build-up it will avoid, but it is a cheap effort with no down side. I'll try the GDI cleaner as well. Really love the Passport more than I expected, as I was coming out of a 2003 Acura Cl-S which at 74 I was having trouble with ingrees/egress and driver visibility.

[@jasondelacruz4486]

CVTs are not meant for off roads and steep inclined roads.

[@Erelyes]

Better tell that to Subaru's marketing department!

[@raycrossley5398]

I agree I have a Nissan Quashqai with an Auto that a CTV but it more then just buying a transmission cooler and changing out your CTV fluids regularly I also did that its also how you drive it, For a start When cold CTV oil needs to be warmed up to operating temperature (for at least 5 minutes) before you start to drive the car. CTV transmission are not prone to heat just travailing on a straight road But there prone to heat when towing or city driving.

[@j.alvalewis]

I noticed at the first time I drove my new forester that it was something wrong with the transmission. Too high RPM and no response. So at 120000 km I change the oil and it was burned. Don’t trust in the dealer when they say no need to change the transmission fluid. After the change the vehicle response changed dramatically. Now is more responsive and fast better fuel consumption. And another thing these suvs are not for such abuse. If you want to go off road buy another bigger thing.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Well said Juan!

[@MikeyD64]

You most certainly can equip a Subaru to be lasting for off road duty, but it costs money. Take the 10k you may have spent on another 4x4 and apply it to the Subaru. it all depends on what you'll do with it the majority of the time. 5% or 10% a year on trails is not enough for me with it being my main vehicle. I would never take my east to west coast trip in a stiff off road 4runner.

[@achaz23]

Please give us an update on the Passport!

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

It's doing great :P Now that I finally got this video out of the way, I'll be working on getting some Awesome Passport video's out. A week and a half ago, I went on a 5day trip out to Arizona. It was a fun trip and I have alot of footage!

[@achaz23]

Awesome! My wife has been looking for a vehicle to replace our aging Odyssey and said "I don't want another Honda." Then she sees the new Passport and says "That's exactly what I've been looking for." Hmmmm. So I said we should lift it and take it on overland camping trips. Your videos may be the tipping point.

[@adrianw3985]

Wow... painful to watch some of that footage. I have an Outback with a manual trans, and a 4Runner. I wouldn't run my Outback on some of those trails, but with the manual it would be more graceful. Maybe a little clutch smoke, but that's an easy thing to fix compared to a fried CVT. I'm sure I'm not the first one to point out... a 4Runner would eat that stuff up much easier with much less carnage. Subaru used to have a low range on some of the early cars, to bad that's not something you can get anymore, that would make a huge difference... even with a CVT that would be much more manageable. The CVT wouldn't have to apply so much torque to the output with a low range. I wish Subaru would develop an 8 or more speed Automatic, it would be able to achieve the economy they need to meet CAFE standards but would be more durable.

[@donaldmiller9130]

I have similar feelings. My beloved 2007 Toyota FJ has a relatively rare six-speed manual with full-time 4WD. Despite the transfer case, it's not super-low geared or "tired" for rock crawling, but I love it for everything else (except the mpg!). We would consider a Subaru Forester when my wife needs a new car, but the thought of roughing it off-road is tempered by these CVT reports from more adventurous owners. My understanding is there's no room for an "advanced" automatic without a complete redesign of Subaru's traditional drivetrain/chassis layout. Personally, I'd be happy with a rugged manual trans, using an added "granny" gear in lieu of a low range!

[@kohort1]

I'm at 87k and just had to have my valve body replaced luckily under cvt warranty. 2015 2.5l Forester. I tried to have the dealer take a deeper look at the cvt, but they basically don't do more than what the codes and more superficial evidence gives them. I had the t fluid changed at 65k. And I don't do anything too crazy. Some borderline stuff (Titus canyon, fire roads, snow) but that's still kinda rare. What else can I do besides changing fluid and filter can I do to prolong my CVT? Do you think the new valve body will go a long way to preserving the rest of the cvt or is it just a sign of things to come?

[@danielfair4675]

The valve body is the primary failure point of these CVT's. Getting the tranny fluid changed at about 40k mile intervals is recommended. Don't believe the lifetime claim.

[@patriot8087]

I will not buy any car with a CVT transmission period. They are all junk and will not last.

[@lilvipa1]

Time will tell. Honda and Toyota seem to make good ones. Haven't read any problems. Honda already made shitty automatics, and their 5 speeds rev over 1000 rpm on the highway than CVT so this will hopefully improve their image and driving experience.

[@ghenkhoash2440]

@@lilvipa1 CVTs are only good for flat city commuting. Toyota is only using them in small compact cars.(Yaris and Corolla)

[@raycrossley5398]

We know now the main problem with a CVT is the heat build up on the contact points. from between the cones and the steel belt that these transmissions generates, It produces a lot of abrasive carbon. from burning a small amount of transmission fluid The other is the filter in the CVT. It is only meant to filter out metals it will not filter out the build up of carbon. I still feel just finding a way to install a CVT fluid carbon filter would go a long way to stopping these CVT transmission from getting damage. But the problem is if we did that the carbon filter would have to be change ever 40,000 miles ( 64373.76) There are Auto repair shops now who are putting a 100,000 miles (160934.4 km) guarantee on the CVT that they have rebuilt. this guarantee is only there as long the customer brings the car back in to get the CVT fluid change ever 40,000 miles ( 64373.76).

[@vincentrobinette1507]

It's a whole bunch cheaper to change transmission fluid and filter every 40,000 miles, than change the entire transmission every 160,000 miles! I like your idea.

[@sebastiankvyat3915]

I dont think i will buy another subaru after my experience with the cvt on my crosstrek. Its completely junk. Ive gotten stuck in the snow and its very hard to get un stuck because the cvt refused to spin the tires.

[@andrewcoetzee8858]

That was completely driver error. CVTs have modes to do that.

[@leslarson2642]

Disable traction control. Just a push of a button. Not the car's fault.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Sebastian Kvyat I know what you are talking about. I have a newish video with a 2nd gen subaru crosstrek getting stuck in snow with an experienced driver. You definitely have to turn off traction control, but I’m sure you did that.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Jake Colbert not all snow is created equal. In hard packed snow, a Subaru CVT will bog down and won’t spin tires. It’s important to maintain momentum and avoid getting high centered. Once a Subaru CVT Subaru gets stuck, it can be very difficult for them to get unstuck, just like Sebastian said. Here’s one of my more recent video’s showing just that. His traction control was off the entire time. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5S1e3Z-pceJm5Y

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Jake Colbert I know you weren’t replying to me, I’m just trying to keep it real and gave you a “real example”.

[@alczarnecki8905]

Your Forester's ECU will reduce power if the transmission fluid is overheating. This is to save the transmission. If you have a Scan Gauge II, you can input a custom X-gauge code to get a live readout of transmission temperature. This is a one-time procedure, then the readout is permanently available. The ScanGauge has four readout windows. You can choose which of >20 readouts to display. CODE www.scangauge.com/xgauge/transmission-temperature-07e02182-2/ ScanGauge II reads live ATF temperature - 12 min. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHaZaXiNh7GCmJY Here's a forum where it's mentioned. sprinter-source.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-39768.html The display tags this TFT: Temperature Fahrenheit Transmission. You can see it climb a few degrees if you're crawling along in heavy city traffic or on a long uphill pull. If you have live feedback on what's going on, it's simply a matter of giving the CVT a rest and allowing it to cool. A transmission cooler helps, but even that can be overwhelmed. I bought the ScanGauge when we had our 96 Legacy wagon, moved it to our 2018 Forester. ScanGauge is a great company with a versatile and reliable product.

[@zimmejoc]

Here is where I say something like, “man am I glad I row my own gears in my 2016 Forester.”

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Chris Zimmer I respect you for that. This Forester XT was the only non manual that I’ve owned. I also had a 2010 WRX, and I grew Leary of the labored launches. I also found out that it’s very difficult and not as safe to off-road a manual. Again, much respect 👍!

[@zimmejoc]

JonDZ Adventuring I don’t take my Subie off road. Maybe some light gravel or dirt, but nothing that even begins to challenge its ground clearance. I also don’t live in an area with nasty traffic so a manual is great. If I lived in CA, I might be less happy with my manual. My beef with the CVT is in the rental cars I’ve driven with one is the lag that occurs from when I step on the gas to the car giving me a feeling of forward momentum. Once the revs build, and I get used to not hearing and feeling a gear change, a CVT is fine. Don’t get me started on those CVTs that simulate a gear change.

[@ryans413]

My car witch is 16 years old and sits low to the ground and is front wheel driven and has a traditional automatic can get through most snow with no issues. That’s with traction control on as well. Most of that I think is in part that it has a normal automatic transmission. CVTs are cool tech but they are not capable of off road or snow packed conditions.

[@jaygap6334]

wow. Glad we have an FXT SH now, but will be looking into a transmission oil cooler, want to stay on the safe side. After watching this I think the trans oil cooler should be the first off road mod a done to a Subaru. Great information here, thanks for sharing. RIP FXT.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Jay Gap she was a good ride. RIP FXT 🎺. Congrats on your SH FXT, 7:26 is a good example of how awesome that vehicle can be. I totally agree, knowing what I know now, a transmission cooler is a good mod 😃

[@lazaroyumar3092]

Hi JonDZ first I want to thank you for the time taken to make these offroad videos and for all the information you provide, I want to ask you a question, I live in Florida and here there are no mountains or forests or hills to climb only swamps and crocodiles. I am fans of Subaru for a long time and I had a 1997 standard outback and I loved it a lot, now I want to buy a 2017 but as you know they all come with CVT and I panic them for such a bad reputation they have, but my daughter has a Honda Civic 2016 with CVT transmission and it is going very well and this has given me a little confidence, I do not want to buy a Subaru for offroad or tow anything just to enjoy another Subaru, what do you think of this I tell you, believe that I have no problems with the CVT ?. thanks

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Lazaro Yumar how about a crosstrek? It still comes with a Manual. Also the previous generation Forester (2014-2018) still came in a Manual as well. If you decide on a CVT go with the base model engines. I ride with plenty of CVT Subaru people and the guys and gals that don’t have a turbo Subaru seem to have longer lasting CVT’s. From what you are telling me, it really sounds like a Manual Crosstrek or Forester will be your best bet. Good luck with your decision 👍

[@lazaroyumar3092]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring Thanks Jon for your quick response, I love the CROSSTTEK but it is very small for the family and it would have to be automatic my next Subaru because I find it very difficult to handle standard because I have a prosthesis in the right leg. I wanted to tell you also if you do not know the videos on KZbin of Mr. Subaru, a professional mechanic from Subaru, I recommend it for the good information about Subaru in general, thanks for your time, regards

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Lazaro Yumar base model Subaru may work. What about a 2013 Forester with the 4 speed automatic and traction control?

[@lazaroyumar3092]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring I love that model of the Forester 2013 and it is a very good option but I asked you for the outback 2.5 2016 or 2017 because my wife and I want something newer, so you do not recommend the CVT of these ???

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

The Base model engines seem to have reliable CVT's. They have the newer TR580 CVT in them. The premium engines have an older TR690 transmission. If you go with the Outback, go with the 2.5 4 cylinder. I have a friend that offroads her Outback and she has 120k+ miles on it. Watch my most recent video, her outback is in it.

[@raisingadventure4311]

Have you had any experience with Subaru voiding your warranty because of the aftermarket changes to your vehicle? A lot of people are saying its no big deal ( cvt fail) b/c "it's Subaru's problem" but the dealership told me that if I made any changes (lift kit, different size wheels, etc) that the warranty would be voided...

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Raising Adventure what you heard is true and started a few months ago. My CVT was replaced by back in February 2019, before Subaru started doing this. In this letter from Subaru of America, a directive regarding vehicle modifications was released in July 2019: www.subaruoutback.org/threads/soa-directive-dont-modify-your-subaru-d.513098/#lg=thread-513098&slide=0

[@maldo72]

subaru has made a really bad move to use the cvt transmission .... this has turned me off to buy any car with a cvt trans..... bottom line cvt transmission really sucks!!!!

[@imdyinginside1919]

they use cvt and add fake shift smh why don't they just use auto or dct

[@ricksanchez7999]

I’ll never get a CVT. Gears please

[@usmanisi]

Did you try to use X-Mode?

[@occckid123]

Soooo why has my nissan cvt gone over 400k miles and I've heated that transmission up to the beyond where I can smell it after coming off back roads and full acceleration runs. I change the fluid every 60km it's hanging in there

[@donovanfahrbach2493]

I find that hard to believe…no Nissan cvt can do that…regardless of the fluid changes..

[@occckid123]

@@donovanfahrbach2493 sorry I Meat every 60k miles. I don't care what you believe. My 2019 altima is at 141k right now and not a peep from the transmission. I'll be driving the 420k mile car this week about 2k plus miles since my snow tires is on that car. We're supposed to be getting 2 snow storms this week where I live.

[@donovanfahrbach2493]

@@occckid123 Ok, sorry, your reply is very sincere…thanks for the info…

[@occckid123]

@@donovanfahrbach2493 not sure what you want from me. Trust me the trans isn't behaving beans new but it's smooth still. I can post a video showing my mileage. I have video in my phone right now also

[@donovanfahrbach2493]

@@occckid123 I believe you ..that’s all I was saying..you made me convinced…over 400k on a cvt on a Nissan is amazing..

[@mladen2008]

I am sorry man BUT CVT is not built for it. It’s built for straight roads NOT for climbing hills !!!

[@nevergiveup7502]

CVT's are made to breakdown.

[@antonshadyrya2088]

My wife’s 2011 outlander sport and my parents’ 2011 outlander both have over 120k each and no problems with their cvts. We don’t offeoad then or anything lol just drive them on normal roads. Owned them both since brand new, drained and filled around every 15k. Expensive but worth it. Recently i switched to using castrol cvt fluid which is 4x cheaper but works fine. Goodluck!

[@johnnguyen3694]

The concept is good ,but the principal is not long lasting compare with conventional Trans that we've been used for years:One belt drive every thing and it move in and out all the time This is a issue cause CVT trans won't last long ,and when it brakes ,it will come aparts causing alot of problem to other components.......................

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

George Schneider the belt has a very limited life. When that belt gives out, there will be catastrophic failure and I just hope you are somewhere safe when it happens. Hopefully the valve body or torque converter gives out first, which will be a much safer failure.

[@ozzesty7314]

True, not designed to last and can't even go off road, just rubbish.

[@joevwgti.]

I really enjoy mine(2015 Forester XT), it does offroad, but it's the dealership's problem. I won't be keeping it longer than 100,000 mi/10yrs. It just got a new transmission plate gasket, and thus all new fluid, at 47,000 mi. If it were not already factory warranteed, I'd change it more often, but...that's their problem.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Joe S. Oh Geez Joe, that reminds me. I did the same thing with my 2015 Forester XT at around 40k. I had the leaky CVT housing seal TSB taken care of and they must have changed out my fluid at that time. I also had a valve issues that caused my FA20DIT engine to go really lean causing violent surging. My buddy just informed me that he changed my rear diff fluid at 30k. I guess he was watching over me the whole time and the fluids were actually changed out at near severe intervals. I really hope everything works out for you!

[@berserkerusmc7613]

Love your reviews, but no need for transmission PC here. The Subaru CVT is horrible meant for gas mileage. The expense to replace, even one from a junk yard is ridiculous. That's why I'm dumping my 15 Forester as soon as I can.

[@agostinodibella9939]

I just don’t trust CVT’s. My nephew’s 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport needed a CVT replacement at @ 48 K miles. This is a 2WD, and just normal driving. He is lucky it was warranted for 10 years 100 K miles. The dealer never suggested for him to change the fluid. So like you said, what about the next time it goes out?

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Trade it in quick! While it still has value.

[@stevemasterson7776]

The CVT was never meant for off road. It's a neat idea and works well for 4 wheelers but just not cars

[@Booboobear-eo4es]

But people buy 4x4 SUV type vehicles to deal mostly with snow and inclement weather in the city. But if the vehicle can't handle that, what's the point?

[@moonsapling]

Do you have any information on how the 2019 Forester would behave in similar conditions. I think it wont cut power if you put in deep dirt/snow. But god they need to fix this cvt or just put an auto in it. Anyways sad to say, but i may move away from this car brand. The community is awesome but i buy a car to take me wherever i want without letting me down.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Umbra, although there's two models of the Subaru Lineartronic CVT, they've been getting small but consistent upgrades over the years, for example In 2018 Subaru started using a new CVT chain-belt. Along with the torque converter and valve body, that's one of the most important parts in the CVT! Besides that, I don't have anymore information about the 2019 Forester. I should look into it :P I'll leave more comments if or when I find out more news.

[@moonsapling]

@@JonDZ_Adventuring thanks so much for the feedback. I think if a Forester is kept stock it will be ok. Looking forward for the next vid!

[@pcno2832]

I don't see why they couldn't have made it possible to replace the belt and pulleys without re-building the whole transmission. Of course that would require keeping the fluid in the belt chamber separate from the rest of the transmission, but let's face it, the belt is a wear item. It will be a while before CVTs like this are suitable for anything but conservative economy driving.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

PC No EXACTLY!! I wondered the same thing too!! The Subaru engineers thought this transmission was indestructible and it would last the life of the vehicle without transmission fluid change. I wonder what their definition of “lifetime” meant.

[@NothingCoherent]

I was considering switching from a pickup to a subaru but now I am second guessing it. I've never had a car before and think they look fun. I don't know much about them though. Living in the mountains where ALL offroad trails are steep and rutted, I think I have been spoiled by low range and 4x4...

[@ronaldderooij1774]

I am not sure I saw a CVT failing in this video. I did see cars overheating CVTs and limiting power itself to save the CVT. And please you cannot blame the CVT for not enduring that abuse. Having said that, I was amazed that a car with such a strong engine does not have a CVT oil cooler. Even my Mitsubishi Mirage CVT with 80 hp has one from factory.

[@leslarson2642]

May not be the cvt. May be the torque converter overheating.

[@shardug]

CVT transmissions have a limited torque capacity (less then 200 ft pounds), otherwise you can over-stretch the timing band in the CTV and it will fail. That's why they come with very small engines , so the torque output won't kill the transmission. To replace one is over $6000.

[@liddlebopeep]

Nissan Maxima has 300hp and 261lb ft of torque mated to a CVT.

[@Consolethumbs]

Subaru uses Jatco transmissions owned majority by Nissan they have had a long history with terrible 6 speeds and CVT transmissions. To my knowledge it’s a design flaw I’m actually surprised it lasted that long since I’ve seen brand new Nissan with 12k miles blowing the CVT transmissions. Bring back the manuals Subaru’s 🙌🏼

[@Consolethumbs]

community.cartalk.com/t/wtf-got-a-letter-from-subaru-saying-the-cvt-transmission-may-fail/126551

[@VKSgtSLaughter]

Exactly! Scotty Kilmer the car mechanic did a video on this and said Subarus have weak Automatic/CVT transmission... kzbin.info/www/bejne/r57XmnSDirWMiLc

[@Consolethumbs]

Sgt. SLaughter rev up your engines yeah I seen it Scotty is the best 👍🏻

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

@@Consolethumbs Yep! That's exactly why I mention that Both the 4EAT and CVT are suppose to be "Just as reliable as each other" but... it's been proven, the 4EAT is more capable and takes more abuse. It's more reliable offroad. I hang out with sooooo many offroad subaru owners and I get to observe the differences in capabilities and I hear about the reliability issues.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

The Subaru 4EAT transmissions were made by Jatco, the Subaru lineartronic CVT's are made in house by Subaru :P

[@Mr2pint]

Don't Subaru still make manual transmissions? If so it's a no brainer forget CVT

[@gigamac2486]

Only certain models have mts avalble, which sucks

[@pixelbucket8884]

You can only get the manual on barebones models of certain models.

[@dixy2k]

Scotty Kilmer always bashed Subaru's CVT.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Thanks for bringing that up! He has also bashed the 4EAT and prefers Subaru Manual Transmissions but the one thing that is clear is the 4EAT doesn't struggle offroad. Less struggling should equal more reliability.

[@perry9492]

Why not get a manual transmission? We bought Mazda because they are the only ones still using a conventional automatic transmission. Not sure if it is heat or just abuse of offroading. I wonder how long it would last in a conventional driving scenario? I really don't think even then you are going to get to 200k miles on one.

[@pixelbucket8884]

Most people unfortunately don't know how to drive something with a manual. People nowadays hardly care to read into the cars they're buying, just looking at the MPG numbers and getting giddy about 33 supposed MPG.

[@perry9492]

@@pixelbucket8884 Millennial Theft Protection.

[@oldarkie3880]

@@pixelbucket8884 And does it have a phone charger.

[@danlucian6047]

Cvt barely even good enough for suburbia. Cvt just not strong enough for off roading. Subaru has shot itself in the foot.

[@mindinthemtns]

@JonDZ Adventuring, didn't you get the CVT spacer after you lifted the FXT? Did you have any trouble with Subaru honoring the warranty because of that? Do you have any opinion on whether the spacer was better/worse for CVT longevity? I'm going to get the ADF 1.5" lift for my 2018 FXT and was considering the spacer. Thanks!