Automatic Transmission Torque Converter problems of the 2015 Subaru Forester

Two problems related to automatic transmission torque converter have been reported for the 2015 Subaru Forester. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2015 Subaru Forester based on all problems reported for the 2015 Forester.

1 Automatic Transmission Torque Converter problem

Failure Date: 07/27/2018

My vehicle has been exhibiting a low rpm when vehicle comes to a complete stop(ie red light or stop sign) and the vehicle shudders and almost stalls, and once actually stalling. The vehicle has been to the dealership several times for service for this issues. I have received information in the mail from soa in July 2017 concerning this issue and other know issues with the the cvt transmission equipped in the vehicle stating that it is an issue with the a solid bushing in the torque converter causing the converter clutch to stayed locked up and not release pressure. The dealership tells me that a case has been started with their technical assistance and Subaru of America, that they do not have enough data(ie recorded stalls or dtc) to approve a repair on my vehicle for said issue, and that the vehicle would need to have a stall event for any futher repairs. Being a fully certified ase automotive master technician, I did my own checking and found TSB 16-107-17 which covers my vehicle and outlines that they have a extended the warranty period on the vehicle/cvt transmission for several issues, which outlined in the bulletin, shows multiple issues outlined in bulletins for diagnostic reference and the first(16-90-13r) is regarding a design change to lock-up torque converter- customer may experience sensation like coming to a stop in a manual transmission equipped vehicle and failing to depress the clutch. After obtaining and reading TSB 16-90-13r, which in no way states that a stall event is required and only low rpm at stops, I informed the dealership as such and was told that a stall even was required. I asked for that to recorded on my repair order and have yet to pick my vehicle up from the dealership. I would like to report s. O. A. For hiding a known issue that can cause a stall event which can cause a safety issue and should generate a nationwide recall.

2 Automatic Transmission Torque Converter problem

Failure Date: 02/20/2016

We were driving approximately 65-70 mph on the highway on Saturday February 20, 2016. The car suddenly began to shake and jerk and we smelled burning rubber. We pulled onto the berm as soon as we could and waited for the tow truck. We knew it was a transmission problem because it was the second transmission placed in the car. We had the car back from the repair shop less than 3 weeks after the transmission and torque converter were completely replaced from the manufacturer's. Subaru has notified us that a new transmission and torque converter plus 4 new tires are being placed in the car now currently back at the dealer in the repair shop. The tires were ruined by the burning tread as they locked up when the transmission stopped working. This will be the third transmission in the car since it was at the manufacturer. This is no longer just a warranty issue it is now a severe safety issue. The car's tires were completely locked when it was being taken off the tow truck. It had to be jacked up and slid off the back of the flat bed ramp.




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