The Forester's CVT is smooth when it's happy. When it isn't, you'll feel a shudder pulling away from a stop, a lag when you shift into Drive, or a whine that wasn't there last year. Before you pay a dime, find out if Subaru is still on the hook.
Which Foresters have extended CVT coverage
| Forester | Bulletin | Coverage | Status in October 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014-2015, 2.5L and 2.0L Turbo CVT | 16-107-17R (2017) | 10 years / 100,000 miles | Expired by age on nearly all cars |
| 2019-2020, 2.5L CVT | 16-155-25R (2025) | 10 years / 100,000 miles | Still active on most cars under 100,000 miles |
| 2016-2018 and 2021+ | Not in these two bulletins | Standard 5 years / 60,000 miles | Check your VIN anyway |
In both bulletins Subaru said the extension was "not in response to any specific condition." It's framed as a confidence move, not a recall. The coverage applies to original or genuine Subaru replacement CVTs, not salvage or rebuilt-salvage cars or units overhauled by unapproved shops.
For 2019-2020 cars already over 100,000 miles when the 2025 bulletin came out, Subaru offered a one-year window that ended June 30, 2026.
Symptoms worth taking seriously
- Shudder or judder when pulling away gently from a stop
- Delay when shifting into Drive or Reverse
- Whining that rises with speed
- Slipping, where the revs climb but the car doesn't pick up speed
- Harsh engagement or a lurch at low speed
- A flashing AT temp light or other transmission warnings
Rick's Free Auto Repair Advice lists common Subaru CVT failure points: chain or pulley wear (often after fluid breaks down), valve body and solenoid faults, torque converter wear and overheating. Subaru has also released updated transmission software for some hesitation and harsh-shift complaints.
Easy things to try first
- Ask about software updates. A reflash is cheap or free and fixes some drivability complaints.
- Check for fluid leaks under the car.
- Ask about the fluid. Rick's guide recommends changing CVT fluid about every 30,000 miles with the exact Subaru-approved fluid, even though some owners are told it's "lifetime." Using the wrong fluid can cause damage.
- Don't tow or haul past the limits in your owner's manual. Heat kills CVTs.
What it costs
| Situation | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Inspection under bulletin 16-155-25R (2019-2020) | $0 at a Subaru dealer |
| CVT repair or replacement under the 10-year/100,000-mile coverage | $0 for covered parts |
| CVT fluid service | Ask for a quote, varies by shop |
| CVT replacement, out of warranty | About $4,000 to $7,000 (Rick's Free Auto Repair Advice) |
Repair or replace?
Here's a simple way to decide on an out-of-warranty Forester:
- Still covered (most 2019-2020 cars under 100k): repair it, obviously. Get the dealer to document every symptom.
- 2016-2018, body and engine solid, low rust: a remanufactured CVT can make sense if the car is worth well above the repair bill.
- 2014-2015 with high miles, plus other issues: compare the $4,000 to $7,000 repair with the car's value. Selling as-is is often the smarter move.
What to ask before you pay
- "Did you run the Vehicle Coverage Inquiry for my VIN?"
- "Is there a software update or bulletin for this symptom?"
- "Is it the torque converter, valve body or the whole unit?"
- "Is the replacement new, Subaru remanufactured or used?"
- "What warranty comes with the repair?"
Is it worth fixing?
If you have a 2019 or 2020 Forester, yes, and possibly for free, so don't let a symptom ride until you pass 100,000 miles. On older Foresters, it comes down to the car's value. A $5,000 transmission in a car worth $6,000 rarely pencils out.
More on this SUV is on the Subaru Forester repair page. Car dead in the morning? See our Forester battery drain guide. Information checked October 14, 2026.
