Amanda’s Subaru Forester Has 100K Miles and Already Needs A New Transmission, “I Bought It With the Understanding That Subaru’s Last Until 300,000 Miles Or More”

Subaru Foresters are supposed to be reliable, but Amanda isn't so sure now. 

Amanda was excited when she bought her used Subaru Forester, expecting it to last another 250,000 miles. However, with 100,000 miles on the all-wheel-drive vehicle, the Forester compact SUV now requires a new CVT transmission. 

The potential cost? A staggering $3,500 to $7,500, depending on whether she opts for a new or rebuilt Continuously Variable automatic Transmission. 

A report from the DailyDot says that when TikTok user @amandarants purchased a Subaru Forester, she thought the vehicle would run for 300,000 miles. Then, her supposedly reliable car stopped working because of its CVT. 

Here is Amanda's story.

"When I bought my Subaru, I bought it with the understanding that Subaru's last until 300,000 miles or more. I have people come up to me in parking lots and ask me," 'how many miles are on your Subaru?'

"And then when I tell them, they're like, wow, you're gonna have this car forever." 

"I bought it with 50,000 miles on it and was excited about it. When I hit the 100,000-mile mark a couple of weeks ago, I was like, wow, it's great. Then, a couple of weeks later, it started slipping. And today they're telling me I need a new transmission." 

"This is supposed to be the transmission that never needs the fluid replaced, and now Reddit is telling me the CVT is s**t and it's gonna cost me an arm and a leg. Subaru TikTok, help me." 

When she was asked if she has reached out to Subaru of America, she says,

"Yes, I've called Subaru customer service about the extended warranty. Yes, I have a case number. HALP!"

"Today, they're telling me that I need a new transmission," she said in her video with over 172,000 views. 

The DailyDot says Amanda quickly explained that she didn't think her car would need any significant repairs due to the Subaru company's reliability. Frustrated, she realized she would need to spend thousands replacing the CVT transmission in her vehicle to continue driving it.

Subaru's CVT transmission is misunderstood.

The Continuously Variable Transmission is often criticized because it is high revving, can be noisy, and slow to accelerate once the car is moving. In many vehicles, this is true. 

The Subaru CVT is not your typical transmission. 

Subaru's unique approach pairs its four-cylinder Boxer engine with the CVT automatic for fuel-saving capabilities. The CVT uses a step-less gear ratio, allowing the engine to operate in its optimal power range for improved fuel economy and performance, regardless of the speed. This unique feature sets Subaru's CVT apart from others.

The CVT's variable-width pulleys replace a conventional automatic transmission's fixed gears, giving the Subaru vehicle "stepped" power when climbing hills or shifting between acceleration speeds. 

The CVT also has steering wheel paddle shifters.

Subaru adds a manual mode function with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, allowing the driver to select seven or eight preset ratios depending on the model. The feature is the most misunderstood and can maximize the Lineartronic CVT's abilities when used correctly. Check out my report here. 

The Subaru Forester Sport, Limited, and Touring models use a Lineartronic CVT with Adaptive Control and a 7-speed manual mode with steering wheel paddle shifters.

Why didn't Amanda's Forester CVT transmission last beyond 100,000 miles?

Amanda purchased the Forester with 50,000 miles. Subaru recommends that the CVT transmission fluid should be changed every 30,000 miles. No one told her that this service is critical to keeping the CVT in optimal condition and that if you don't change the fluid, it wears out as any petroleum-based product, as it oxides because of heat and wear. 

Amanda should have changed the Forester's CVT fluid at 60,000 miles, but she didn't. She was given the wrong information from Reddit. 

If you have Subaru's regular maintenance items performed when recommended, the vehicle could last 300,000 miles. 

I recently wrote in my report about the Subaru maintenance items and why they are so important. The Subaru service, which is more complex, involves the continuously variable transmission (CVT) fluid change. The vehicle must be running while on the lift to change the fluid. You'll also need OEM Subaru CVT fluid when you do this service. 

Because of Subaru's unique drivetrain, you will want to have this service done by a certified Subaru technician. The Forester and other Subaru vehicles' CVT life will be prolonged if performed as recommended (every 30,000 miles).

Commenters weigh in on Subaru CVT transmissions.

Many commenters echoed @amandarants frustration with her car, but Subaru techs quickly pointed out that the company's "lifetime" transmission fluid doesn't last a lifetime. 

It's important to note that the CVT should be serviced, and the fluid should be changed every 30,000 miles. Additionally, it requires a special Subaru OEM fluid, not a standard CVT transmission fluid. This correct information is crucial for maintaining the health of your Subaru's CVT. 

Tiktoker user @Ig stated, "Subaru tech here. Service your CVT transmission every 60k. Fresh fluid is the best way for those transmissions to last."

Another user, @Tanner Atkinson, added, "I own a Subaru and was a Subaru technician. Subarus are great and can last 200-300k miles, but they are maintenance-sensitive. If you keep up the maintenance, they will be reliable, long-lasting cars." 

What is the cost of the 60,000-mile Forester service?

It's about $1,500 and also includes many other critical services that should be done. It sounds like a lot, but it's much cheaper than spending up to $7,500 for a new transmission. 

By staying on top of Subaru's regular maintenance schedule, you're ensuring the longevity of your vehicle, and taking a proactive step towards avoiding costly repairs.

As with any vehicle, if you have the Subaru services performed when recommended, the Forester and other Subaru models will last a long time. If you don't, you will have an expensive CVT transmission bill to pay. 

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via TikTok and Subaru