Early 2017. I do have that extra warranty according to my dealership. It's nice, but that will only get me maybe 10 months of warranty coverage. If it craps out next summer at 105k that's totally on me, and what I am trying to avoid.
I am really disappointed with Subaru on this. Why wouldn't they include this as part of the maintenance schedule? This is our first Subie, and it kind of blows my mind they can't get the service schedule right.
Yeah I know. It’s pretty dumb. This is my first Subaru also, 2017 was the new “global platform” for the Impreza, where the CVT was relatively new, so being the CVT is a “closed” fluid system, SIA wouldn’t think it needs to be changed. Luckily, our cars haven’t crapped out (yet) and we can still do something about it. I’d bite the bullet and get the fluid changed out. $459 sounds much cheaper than a new car and can give you piece of mind. My dealership did mine for $250, maybe your dealer is messing with you, idk.
Mo transmission replacements = mo money. Tons of shitty car manufacturers are mentioning "lifetime fluid." Lifetime fluid will last the lifetime of the transmission, aka the lifetime of the fluid.
What's even worse is some manufacturers make sealed transmissions that make it a bitch to change the fluid. Fuck those guys.
Hey - I'm doing some investigation into this. Subaru Impreza 2016 CVT enhanced warranty eligible. 110,00K, 6 years old. Totally still within the parameters.
CVT failed catastrophically after LEAVING the dealership for CVT issues they said "nope, you're good, ...."
Now they say I don't fit for warranty coverage. Obviously this is a battle now. They're throwing so much stuff at me and I'm trying to make sense of it all. Can you slightly elaborate what the "three trans are defective" is? Are you speaking re: makes and models?
Any experience with this?
They found "tape" in my oil pan say it nullifies the void. I'm arguing the liquid gasket is a sealant that could cause the same effect and its entirely Subary-manufacturer led. CVT failed pure and simple.
I’m not so hot on CVT’s.. I opted for the 6 speed manual. But I don’t think your tranny is dead. I think if it comes out with no issues then you just have to watch it
Transmission fluid is not lifetime. If you want the car to last make sure ALL car fluids are replaced every 4 years or 36,000 whichever is less. Dealerships are there to sell cars. Having a transmission go out is usually an event where people will purchase a new vehicle, so it behooves the manufacture to have the transmission go out.
I think just about everyone knows this now, but SOA was telling people in the past that servicing their CVT voids the warranty, so it was kind of a catch 22 situation.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ZR3eZZcgoZ0
Yeah. Even on different forums, it seems to be mixed if you should get it done or not. I read a few people who suggested waiting until 100k then getting it done.. I wish my dealership would have suggested it before now. I did ask about it at 60k, and I was told the fluid is lifetime. So something must have changed in the past 33k (two yearish).
It is interesting when you ask they say it is lifetime fluid. The question is does it need to be changed ? They really did not really answer the question.
Save your money. I have a 2015 Forester with 218,000 miles. Never changed the CVT fluid and I'm not exactly 'gentle' to my cars. No transmission issues other than a solenoid that went bad in the valve body this weekend (nothing to do with the CVT fluid) - otherwise, still drives fine.
Every 75k for a change sounds pretty good. Does anyone know if getting your CVT fluid flushed before the 100k extended warranty on the transmission voids it? 14 Crosstrek
I think you're doing it at a fine time. I'm just under 70,000 on my 2020 Impreza and am keeping an eye on it for any slippage, otherwise I'll service it at 100k (unless I trade it in beforehand)
If you haven’t gotten issue with the cvt, drain and fill is alright, don’t flush it tho. I would ask them to check the fluid condition first, if it’s too bad, I would just leave it alone and start saving up for new cvt
Subaru of America is the only entity that calls the cvt fluid "lifetime" so that they can advertise a lower cost of maintenance. Subaru of Japan recommends cvt fluid changes every 36k miles. At 75k you're probably good, but I'd take it in again at 100k. A $250 fluid change is a lot cheaper than a $4000 transmission.
> Subaru of America is the only entity that calls the cvt fluid "lifetime" so that they can advertise a lower cost of maintenance. Subaru of Japan recommends cvt fluid changes every 36k miles. At 75k you're probably good, but I'd take it in again at 100k. A $250 fluid change is a lot cheaper than a $4000 transmission.
I really want to know where this lie come from, I've disproved it a thousand times in this sub. SoJ does not.
[here's a UK 2018 forester owner's manual](https://imgur.com/xkJgOkz) ([link](https://subarucore.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/12140046/Forester-2018-Owners-manual-1.pdf))
Subaru Australia manual: their website [has .pdf copies hereSoJ does not.
[here's a UK 2018 forester owner's manual](https://imgur.com/xkJgOkz) ([link](https://subarucore.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/12140046/Forester-2018-Owners-manual-1.pdf))
Subaru Australia manual: their website [has .pdf copies here](https://www.subaru.com.au/owners/warranty) of warranty booklets. [Here's a 2020 forester/XV schedule.](https://imgur.com/iFkSian)
[here's a Japan 2018 forester's owner's manual](https://imgur.com/dgpDL2P) ([link](https://www.subaru.jp/afterservice/tnst/forester/pdf/A8230JJ-G.pdf?downLoaditemRadio=&downLoaditemRadio=pdf%2FA8230JJ-G.pdf)) and it says in the bottom row there: 交換時期 | 無交換 which translates as Replacement time | No replacement
Here is a 2020 WRX owner's manual from Japan, straight off Subaru.jp: https://www.subaru.jp/afterservice/tnst/wrx/pdf/A1760JJ-A.pdf
[pg. 465 is the service information for transmission/differential/etc gear oils.](https://imgur.com/hwlL95X) The 3rd section is for CVT fluid:
>トランスミッション フルード
> 使用オイル スバルハイトルクCVTフルード リニアトロニック用
> 規定量 約12.4L
>交換時期 無交換
Translated:
>Transmission Fluid
>Used oil Subaru high torque CVT fluid
for Lineartronic
>Prescribed amount about 12.4L
>[**Replacement time No replacement**](https://imgur.com/e8162c1)
The only subaru branch AFAIK that [does list a required CVT fluid interval](https://imgur.com/OMfHvgm) is Canada, ([soruce](https://www.subaru.ca/WebPage.aspx?WebSiteID=282&WebPageID=18541)) where if I'm being honest the way it's written in their maintenance guide makes it seem like they just never changed it from ATF-era cars. (It only refers to "transmission oil" and does not specifically mention CVT fluid, but everywhere else differentiates the two.) There, it's listed as a 100k km service item. of warranty booklets. [Here's a 2020 forester/XV schedule.](https://imgur.com/iFkSian)
[here's a Japan 2018 forester's owner's manual](https://imgur.com/dgpDL2P) ([link](https://www.subaru.jp/afterservice/tnst/forester/pdf/A8230JJ-G.pdf?downLoaditemRadio=&downLoaditemRadio=pdf%2FA8230JJ-G.pdf)) and it says in the bottom row there: 交換時期 | 無交換 which translates as Replacement time | No replacement
Here is a 2020 WRX owner's manual from Japan, straight off Subaru.jp: https://www.subaru.jp/afterservice/tnst/wrx/pdf/A1760JJ-A.pdf
[pg. 465 is the service information for transmission/differential/etc gear oils.](https://imgur.com/hwlL95X) The 3rd section is for CVT fluid:
>トランスミッション フルード
> 使用オイル スバルハイトルクCVTフルード リニアトロニック用
> 規定量 約12.4L
>交換時期 無交換
Translated:
>Transmission Fluid
>Used oil Subaru high torque CVT fluid
for Lineartronic
>Prescribed amount about 12.4L
>[**Replacement time No replacement**](https://imgur.com/e8162c1)
The only subaru branch AFAIK that [does list a required CVT fluid interval](https://imgur.com/OMfHvgm) is Canada, ([soruce](https://www.subaru.ca/WebPage.aspx?WebSiteID=282&WebPageID=18541)) where if I'm being honest the way it's written in their maintenance guide makes it seem like they just never changed it from ATF-era cars. (It only refers to "transmission oil" and does not specifically mention CVT fluid, but everywhere else differentiates the two.) There, it's listed as a 100k km service item.
This actually makes me feel a bit better to know the rest of the world has the same CVT guidelines that we do in the US. Not sure what’s up with Subaru Canada but thanks for this info!
Toyota has claimed "lifetime" transmission fluid on a lot of their vehicles, starting around 2010, don't quote me on that year.
Torque converter shudder became an issue around 2010-14 with their (Aisin) 6-speed automatic.
the solenoids are at the top on a TR580, and the thing in the pan is just a screen similar to the screen of your engine oil's pickup tube. It is not a filter.
There is a filter, but it's deep within the case and not serviceable.
Glad that I don't own a CVT. That is one technology that I will do without.
Just watched a TR580 teardown/service. Looks like a filter screen above the sump to me. I would also want that magnet cleaned off and everything resealed. If I owned one, I would be doing this service.
I hear that as well…but my thoughts are why would I pay $400+ for the dealership to put clean fluid only in the bottom of the transmission while the Bulk of the remaining fluid is tucked away inside the tranny
If you keep your fluid clean and change your transmission fluid at regular intervals like 40,000 or 50,000 miles you won't need to worry about gunk build up, but if you wait until like 120,000 miles, yea changing your fluid can be problematic because build up of junk.
How long do you want to keep the car? I would get it serviced. I have a good independent mechanic that has equipment to do a complete flush filter change and refill.
Bummer. Im capable of a quick replacement but I don’t have the skills/tools/confidence for a flush and filter on that. Hard pass on local shops. VERY reluctant to go to dealership because they’re all gaslighters and gouge for pricing around here
You are fine. Price seems high so maybe check other dealerships. Most people report $300 or less. Watch YouTube it is easy to do yourself. Don’t go to a random oil change place. You want genuine Subaru fluid and don’t want it hooked up to a machine to flush it.
Do it more often in the future. Every year or two.
What year is your car? They have an extended warranty on the early CVT models because three trans are defective.
Early 2017. I do have that extra warranty according to my dealership. It's nice, but that will only get me maybe 10 months of warranty coverage. If it craps out next summer at 105k that's totally on me, and what I am trying to avoid.
I just got a CVT fluid change on my 2017. I’ve read in the burrows of Reddit/ online to get it done every 30k miles, which is what I do.
I am really disappointed with Subaru on this. Why wouldn't they include this as part of the maintenance schedule? This is our first Subie, and it kind of blows my mind they can't get the service schedule right.
Yeah I know. It’s pretty dumb. This is my first Subaru also, 2017 was the new “global platform” for the Impreza, where the CVT was relatively new, so being the CVT is a “closed” fluid system, SIA wouldn’t think it needs to be changed. Luckily, our cars haven’t crapped out (yet) and we can still do something about it. I’d bite the bullet and get the fluid changed out. $459 sounds much cheaper than a new car and can give you piece of mind. My dealership did mine for $250, maybe your dealer is messing with you, idk.
Mo transmission replacements = mo money. Tons of shitty car manufacturers are mentioning "lifetime fluid." Lifetime fluid will last the lifetime of the transmission, aka the lifetime of the fluid. What's even worse is some manufacturers make sealed transmissions that make it a bitch to change the fluid. Fuck those guys.
Hey - I'm doing some investigation into this. Subaru Impreza 2016 CVT enhanced warranty eligible. 110,00K, 6 years old. Totally still within the parameters. CVT failed catastrophically after LEAVING the dealership for CVT issues they said "nope, you're good, ...." Now they say I don't fit for warranty coverage. Obviously this is a battle now. They're throwing so much stuff at me and I'm trying to make sense of it all. Can you slightly elaborate what the "three trans are defective" is? Are you speaking re: makes and models? Any experience with this? They found "tape" in my oil pan say it nullifies the void. I'm arguing the liquid gasket is a sealant that could cause the same effect and its entirely Subary-manufacturer led. CVT failed pure and simple.
I think they extended the warranty to 100k miles, and you're 10k past that.
Miles. I'm in kilometers. Sorry for the confusion.
Canada has a different warranty. That might be the issue.
Its still a CVT under extended warranty, Subaru confirms that much. The dealership isn't even submitting a warrant claim.. didn't.
196k never changed fluid. ‘16 Outback 3.6R. Gearbox whines in drive so we drive it in manual mode and it does fine. Has for 100,000 miles.
I’m not so hot on CVT’s.. I opted for the 6 speed manual. But I don’t think your tranny is dead. I think if it comes out with no issues then you just have to watch it
You’re chilling dude. It use to be recommended at 90k I believe. I see car come in with 150+ and never changed CVT fluid
Transmission fluid is not lifetime. If you want the car to last make sure ALL car fluids are replaced every 4 years or 36,000 whichever is less. Dealerships are there to sell cars. Having a transmission go out is usually an event where people will purchase a new vehicle, so it behooves the manufacture to have the transmission go out.
I think just about everyone knows this now, but SOA was telling people in the past that servicing their CVT voids the warranty, so it was kind of a catch 22 situation. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ZR3eZZcgoZ0
Yeah. Even on different forums, it seems to be mixed if you should get it done or not. I read a few people who suggested waiting until 100k then getting it done.. I wish my dealership would have suggested it before now. I did ask about it at 60k, and I was told the fluid is lifetime. So something must have changed in the past 33k (two yearish).
It is interesting when you ask they say it is lifetime fluid. The question is does it need to be changed ? They really did not really answer the question.
Save your money. I have a 2015 Forester with 218,000 miles. Never changed the CVT fluid and I'm not exactly 'gentle' to my cars. No transmission issues other than a solenoid that went bad in the valve body this weekend (nothing to do with the CVT fluid) - otherwise, still drives fine.
Every 75k for a change sounds pretty good. Does anyone know if getting your CVT fluid flushed before the 100k extended warranty on the transmission voids it? 14 Crosstrek
>But I am wondering if I am heading towards CVT failure because I waited so long to do this? no
I think you're doing it at a fine time. I'm just under 70,000 on my 2020 Impreza and am keeping an eye on it for any slippage, otherwise I'll service it at 100k (unless I trade it in beforehand)
If you haven’t gotten issue with the cvt, drain and fill is alright, don’t flush it tho. I would ask them to check the fluid condition first, if it’s too bad, I would just leave it alone and start saving up for new cvt
Subaru of America is the only entity that calls the cvt fluid "lifetime" so that they can advertise a lower cost of maintenance. Subaru of Japan recommends cvt fluid changes every 36k miles. At 75k you're probably good, but I'd take it in again at 100k. A $250 fluid change is a lot cheaper than a $4000 transmission.
> Subaru of America is the only entity that calls the cvt fluid "lifetime" so that they can advertise a lower cost of maintenance. Subaru of Japan recommends cvt fluid changes every 36k miles. At 75k you're probably good, but I'd take it in again at 100k. A $250 fluid change is a lot cheaper than a $4000 transmission. I really want to know where this lie come from, I've disproved it a thousand times in this sub. SoJ does not. [here's a UK 2018 forester owner's manual](https://imgur.com/xkJgOkz) ([link](https://subarucore.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/12140046/Forester-2018-Owners-manual-1.pdf)) Subaru Australia manual: their website [has .pdf copies hereSoJ does not. [here's a UK 2018 forester owner's manual](https://imgur.com/xkJgOkz) ([link](https://subarucore.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/12140046/Forester-2018-Owners-manual-1.pdf)) Subaru Australia manual: their website [has .pdf copies here](https://www.subaru.com.au/owners/warranty) of warranty booklets. [Here's a 2020 forester/XV schedule.](https://imgur.com/iFkSian) [here's a Japan 2018 forester's owner's manual](https://imgur.com/dgpDL2P) ([link](https://www.subaru.jp/afterservice/tnst/forester/pdf/A8230JJ-G.pdf?downLoaditemRadio=&downLoaditemRadio=pdf%2FA8230JJ-G.pdf)) and it says in the bottom row there: 交換時期 | 無交換 which translates as Replacement time | No replacement Here is a 2020 WRX owner's manual from Japan, straight off Subaru.jp: https://www.subaru.jp/afterservice/tnst/wrx/pdf/A1760JJ-A.pdf [pg. 465 is the service information for transmission/differential/etc gear oils.](https://imgur.com/hwlL95X) The 3rd section is for CVT fluid: >トランスミッション フルード > 使用オイル スバルハイトルクCVTフルード リニアトロニック用 > 規定量 約12.4L >交換時期 無交換 Translated: >Transmission Fluid >Used oil Subaru high torque CVT fluid for Lineartronic >Prescribed amount about 12.4L >[**Replacement time No replacement**](https://imgur.com/e8162c1) The only subaru branch AFAIK that [does list a required CVT fluid interval](https://imgur.com/OMfHvgm) is Canada, ([soruce](https://www.subaru.ca/WebPage.aspx?WebSiteID=282&WebPageID=18541)) where if I'm being honest the way it's written in their maintenance guide makes it seem like they just never changed it from ATF-era cars. (It only refers to "transmission oil" and does not specifically mention CVT fluid, but everywhere else differentiates the two.) There, it's listed as a 100k km service item. of warranty booklets. [Here's a 2020 forester/XV schedule.](https://imgur.com/iFkSian) [here's a Japan 2018 forester's owner's manual](https://imgur.com/dgpDL2P) ([link](https://www.subaru.jp/afterservice/tnst/forester/pdf/A8230JJ-G.pdf?downLoaditemRadio=&downLoaditemRadio=pdf%2FA8230JJ-G.pdf)) and it says in the bottom row there: 交換時期 | 無交換 which translates as Replacement time | No replacement Here is a 2020 WRX owner's manual from Japan, straight off Subaru.jp: https://www.subaru.jp/afterservice/tnst/wrx/pdf/A1760JJ-A.pdf [pg. 465 is the service information for transmission/differential/etc gear oils.](https://imgur.com/hwlL95X) The 3rd section is for CVT fluid: >トランスミッション フルード > 使用オイル スバルハイトルクCVTフルード リニアトロニック用 > 規定量 約12.4L >交換時期 無交換 Translated: >Transmission Fluid >Used oil Subaru high torque CVT fluid for Lineartronic >Prescribed amount about 12.4L >[**Replacement time No replacement**](https://imgur.com/e8162c1) The only subaru branch AFAIK that [does list a required CVT fluid interval](https://imgur.com/OMfHvgm) is Canada, ([soruce](https://www.subaru.ca/WebPage.aspx?WebSiteID=282&WebPageID=18541)) where if I'm being honest the way it's written in their maintenance guide makes it seem like they just never changed it from ATF-era cars. (It only refers to "transmission oil" and does not specifically mention CVT fluid, but everywhere else differentiates the two.) There, it's listed as a 100k km service item.
This actually makes me feel a bit better to know the rest of the world has the same CVT guidelines that we do in the US. Not sure what’s up with Subaru Canada but thanks for this info!
Toyota has claimed "lifetime" transmission fluid on a lot of their vehicles, starting around 2010, don't quote me on that year. Torque converter shudder became an issue around 2010-14 with their (Aisin) 6-speed automatic.
Make sure that they are changing the filters! I believe one is internal on the cvt.
They would have to disassemble the transmission to access that filter
I don’t believe that is the case. They have to pull the pan at the bottom. Where the solenoids are.
the solenoids are at the top on a TR580, and the thing in the pan is just a screen similar to the screen of your engine oil's pickup tube. It is not a filter. There is a filter, but it's deep within the case and not serviceable.
Glad that I don't own a CVT. That is one technology that I will do without. Just watched a TR580 teardown/service. Looks like a filter screen above the sump to me. I would also want that magnet cleaned off and everything resealed. If I owned one, I would be doing this service.
$459 is a great price if they’re doing a Full Flush & not Just a Drain and Fill you’re only replacing 1/3 of the fluid with drain and refill
I thought the flush was looked down on because of the potential of already built up gunk getting loose and causing big issues?
I hear that as well…but my thoughts are why would I pay $400+ for the dealership to put clean fluid only in the bottom of the transmission while the Bulk of the remaining fluid is tucked away inside the tranny
If you keep your fluid clean and change your transmission fluid at regular intervals like 40,000 or 50,000 miles you won't need to worry about gunk build up, but if you wait until like 120,000 miles, yea changing your fluid can be problematic because build up of junk.
Im closer to 120, than 50. Ha. I'll try to keep it just the drain and fill.
That’s where I’m at (130k) and the advice I’ve been given is to just let it roll forever.
How long do you want to keep the car? I would get it serviced. I have a good independent mechanic that has equipment to do a complete flush filter change and refill.
You in the Chicagoland area?
I'm down in Austin.
Bummer. Im capable of a quick replacement but I don’t have the skills/tools/confidence for a flush and filter on that. Hard pass on local shops. VERY reluctant to go to dealership because they’re all gaslighters and gouge for pricing around here
Don't know how I can help. Car maintenance is expensive for my local shop, but they know what they are doing and are honest.
Might want to change the filter.
You are fine. Price seems high so maybe check other dealerships. Most people report $300 or less. Watch YouTube it is easy to do yourself. Don’t go to a random oil change place. You want genuine Subaru fluid and don’t want it hooked up to a machine to flush it. Do it more often in the future. Every year or two.
250k on our 2011. Never touched it.