Power Train Problems of Subaru Forester - part 1

This vehicle is not safe to drive since Subaru could not replicate the original overheating problem in the transmission. They made an educated guess repair to see if it fixes the overheating problems in the transmission which may malfunction during driving the vehicle,slippage, to lockingup. This afternoon, while my daughter was driving through the mojave desert on her way back home to mammoth lakes, CA. ; her dash light came on- at oil temp warning, forcing multiple stops to cool the vehicle. The trip back to hacienda heights took over four hours (4) in extreme heat. I’ve attached a photo of the dash warning for your reference. After she called me from the road, I instructed her to turn around and wait for the warning light to turn off. (google’s guidance emphasized cooling the transmission before resuming travel). Thankfully, the route [xxx] from mojave was mostly downhill, which helped reduce strain on the vehicle—but it was still a stressful and exhausting experience. My letter Subaru I need to be candid: my time and patience are wearing thin. I’ve remained cooperative throughout this process and paid about $644 out-of-pocket for repairs specifically recommended by ocean Subaru—including the initial solenoid replacement, cvt oil cooler, and thermostat. While I appreciate that the remaining repairs were performed under goodwill, the original overheating issue remains unresolved, and its root cause is still uncertain. Subaru hasn't repaired the problem. S regarding future repairs or services, we cannot guarantee coverage until the details of any needed repairs are identified and thoroughly reviewed. If there are any updates or if further repairs are recommended, please feel free to let me know in a direct reply, and I will do my best to assist you. Thank you again for your understanding and patience. Sincerely, michael Subaru of America, inc. Customer advocacy department 1-800-subaru3 (1-800-782-2783) ext. 119949 case number: 250725-1500342 information redacted pursuant to the freedom of informa.

See all problems of the 2016 Subaru Forester 🔎.

The thermo control valve failed and the engine overheated in April 2025. The car has only been driven 1,200 miles since then and the engine failed at 65,000 miles likely due to the tcv failure and engine damage.

See all problems of the 2021 Subaru Forester 🔎.

Sounds like the differential in the transmission is making a horrendous noise.

See all problems of the 2015 Subaru Forester 🔎.

The contact stated that while pulling into a parking spot with the brake pedal pressed, the vehicle displayed unintended acceleration, crashing into the wall of the building in front of the parking space. The air bags did not deploy. The contact immediately placed the vehicle in reverse, with the brake pedal still pressed, and the vehicle accelerated at approximately 20 mph in reverse on its own. The vehicle suddenly came to a stop before crashing into a nearby tree. The contact immediately turned the vehicle off and exited the vehicle. The contact received no injuries, and no medical attention was needed. The police came and filed a police report. The vehicle was towed to an auto body shop. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000.

Cvt transmission failed and not repairable. 6 months out of warranty but under mileage for warranty at 37,000 miles. Fairly new vehicle that is useless w/o $9,000 for a replacement transmission. Exact same defect in 2018 and older models that Subaru is covering repairs and extended warranty for those years.

See all problems of the 2019 Subaru Forester 🔎.

Subaru transmission is wonky! makes noise. . . Feels unsafe. . . Sent to shop. . . They say it needs a new transmission.

I purchased a brand new 2025 Subaru Forester wilderness and immediately noticed a persistent vibration in the steering wheel, seat, and footwell area. The vibration is present at all times — while driving at various speeds and even while idling. It is very distracting and uncomfortable. This ongoing vibration creates a constant sensation of movement that affects my comfort and ability to stay fully focused on the road. I have arthritis in both hands, and the steering wheel vibration causes physical discomfort, pain, and fatigue, especially on longer drives. I previously owned a 2024 Subaru [same model], which did not have this issue. I have also spoken with other owners of the 2025 model who are not experiencing this problem, so I do not believe this is typical for the vehicle. Subaru of America sent an engineer to inspect the vehicle, but the evaluation was limited to measuring vibration levels. He did not place the vehicle on a lift or inspect any physical components, such as the suspension, wheels, or drivetrain. Despite this limited assessment, he concluded the vibration was “normal. ” I respectfully disagree with this conclusion, as the vibration significantly affects the drivability, comfort, and confidence I feel while operating the vehicle. I am reporting this issue because I believe it may indicate a defect that deserves further investigation.

When cruising about 25mph the car gave a jolt, stalled, and then would speed back up again. All lights then flashed on. I brought it to the dealer and they did a diagnostic check coming back for cvt transmission. They also confirmed it is a known problem and had extended the warranty to when 100,000 miles or 10 years which is around or prior to when most people confirm the issue. There was no warning signs I was aware of leading up to the failure of the transmission.

See all problems of the 2014 Subaru Forester 🔎.

At 40936 the valve body needed to be replaced. With such low milage vehicle is having problems.

The lower right control arm bushings failed on the vehicle and the transmission is leaking. The vehicle has been owned by only two individuals, and was purchased by me in 2021 as a certified pre-owned vehicle from a local dealer. In three years we have put about 12,000 miles total on the vehicle (average of 4000 miles each year for three years), and the vehicle is solely driven locally on surface streets. This appears to be a known issue as noted by Subaru owners expressing frustration in public forum about premature failure of the control arm bushings.

See all problems of the 2018 Subaru Forester 🔎.

With no warning. My 2018 Subaru forrester had its transmission lock up on me in the pouring rain while I was traveling 60 miles an hour. I purchased the car new in 2018, had it regularly serviced and it only has 4700 miles on it. If I was not buckled in, I would have gone through the windshield. The car spun around, jumped the divider and moved into oncoming traffic. Luckily, the other cars were able to avoid me. My local Subaru dealership said they can take a look at my car in 40 days. Until then, the car is dead and still locked up.

Having repeat issues with the windshield cracking. My vehicle has around 32k miles, and I'm already on my 3rd windshield. I've never had this issue with any other vehicle. It's been extremely costly. Also the transmission failed and had to be replaced at 26,000 miles.

When parked on a slope, driver attempted to back SUV out of parking space. Before starting car, with key inserted, ignition on and foot on brake, driver attempted to remove gearshift from park. Car drifted backward rapidly and uncontrollably. The brakes completely failed even with foot on brake. The car was a hazard to anyone in its path and could not be stopped. The emergency brake was attempted but failed to stop the car. Power steering failed. Gearshift could not be put back into park. SUV crashed heavily into a sign protecting the gas pump, but auto suffered major damage: rear wrap around bumper, entire power lift door, and frame, were included in the damage. Driver was the wife of a couple. Very importantly, the husband had experienced the exact same uncontrollable roll-back in the same vehicle at the same place a few weeks earlier, but somehow missed the gas pump and sign. At that time, the car was uncontrollable and caused panic for both drivers in separate incidents. That's not all--of key importance was a conversation we--as a couple--had with the salesman and the dealership's lead mechanic when the auto was purchased in 2017. We pointed out that when backing out of a space on a slight downslope and changing gears, the car drifted backwards uncontrollably a number of feet--at least three to six feet. At that time in 2027, we told them we did not like this feature, and it could be a danger to children playing in the driveway. They said that the manufacturers' engineering department knew about this. And were making improvements. Subsequently we investigated this engineering/design fault online, discussed it again with the dealership, then dropped the issue. The bottom line: this seems to us to be a genuine manufacturing fault. We both experienced this uncontrollable drift back when attempting to brake the car. It is frightenening and dangerous to be in a vehicle weighing tons without any ability to control it. Please investigate.

My clutch fork was nearly broken in two. (pics available). I asked the mechanic to save the old parts. My 6mt was never modified; the vehicle was neither raced, taken off-road nor used for towing. A friend discovered the following article online: [xxx] based on said article , I believe the part on my vehicle was defective. How may other manual transmission Subarus have been affected by this defect ? information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The vehicle was sold to me by a local dealership not Subaru manufacturer themselves with the conditions marked above and more, the wheels when purchased as I turned any corners it would sound like the underside of the vehicle would explode even when driving straight it was just less frequent and caused the abs system to activate and would pull one way or another. The transmission has never been inspected by the dealership that sold it to me and the manufacturer seal was broken so it had leaked and caused major lack of power resulting in many close calls due to lose of forward propulsion it is a closed transmission without a dip stick and the dealership refused to do anything about it. The airbag system has never worked at all and the dealership knew this and same with the reverse hazard warning detection system or the tpms and again I was told that I just needed to drive it and it would work itself out by the owner of the dealership who test drove it 3 times and refused to do anything about the obvious issues and now it has been a little over a year I’m in debt and basically out of a vehicle and can man as well as personal money sunk into this vehicle that I would consider beyond a lemon.

Paddle shifter does not work appropriately—when shifting rapidly using paddle shifters, right shifter (up-shift) occasionally commands transmission to shift down.

After running 86,000 miles (plus or minus), we had to bring the car to livermore Subaru because of the noise o the middle section of the car with out any warning lights. In turns out, after extensive diagnostics testing, “the noise is coming from the inside of the cvt transmission assembly” with the estimate of $11,784. 38 for a new transmission. We requested to extend the transmission warranty as noted service bulletin number 16-107-17r dated 06/21/17 and revised on 11/09/17 for our Subaru Forester 2014. Our records show recurring cvt transmission issues, which we have consistently reported: - March 3, 2020: at 58,543 miles, diablo Subaru noted issues with high rpm and improper shifting. Diagnostic tech notes indicated transmission problems. - November 20, 2020: at 61,023 miles, diablo Subaru addressed a transmission valve body replacement and identified a fault in the pressure control circuit. - October 5, 2022: at 72,593 miles, diablo Subaru found transmission fluid seepage . The oil leaks from front timing cover , leading to repairs and reseal costing $2,468. 51. - August 22, 2024: at approximately 84,000 miles, livermore Subaru confirmed the need for a cvt transmission replacement. Given our history of reported issues and diligent maintenance, the initial cvt transmission problems noted on March 3, 2020, should have been addressed under the warranty and extended warranty provisions. We have always adhered to recommended maintenance schedules and promptly addressed any issues. Unfortunately Subaru of America, insisted that because of the age will not extend the warranty for the transmission.

The contact owns a 2023 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while at a stop light, the brake pedal was released, but the vehicle failed to move. The accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle jolted forward. The contact was able to drive to a parking lot. After shifting to drive, the vehicle unexpectedly reversed. While in reverse, the vehicle would shift to drive erroneously. The vehicle jolted forward. The vehicle was shaking, jerking, and skipping gear. The engine and oil warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 11,426.

See all problems of the 2023 Subaru Forester 🔎.

The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while operating the vehicle and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle wound not properly accelerate. The failure also occurred while accelerating from a complete stop. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who determined that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 150,000.

See all problems of the 2017 Subaru Forester 🔎.

The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed a loud whining sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle had been taken to the dealer several times since November 2020 for transmission related issues. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under extended warranty or recall. The manufacturer offered to pay a portion of the cost for the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

I checked on kbb. Com and my car came up as having a recall for the drive shaft. The NHTSA campaign id - 23v754000 and when I called my dealership about it, I am being told that there is no recall. This is a serious issue and I am seriously concerned. ,.

Subaru of America is aware of the problem which impacts several models and model years, see Subaru service bulletin 16-132-20r. Transmission slippage and bounce feel during acceleration. Can be strong enough at times to visually see occupants moving with momentum/bounce at times. Could contribute to vehicle not maintaining/reducing/responding to speed control systems, failure of transmission components, stranding occupants, and other similar hazards that come with the mechanical failure of a transmission. Has caused slowing of acceleration which impacted surrounding traffic on a few occasions. Vehicle is scheduled to be inspected by manufacture dealership on morning of 08/27/24.

See all problems of the 2020 Subaru Forester 🔎.

113,727 miles. 2016 Subaru Forester. 5 different warning lights all came on at the same time. Before that I noticed occasionally there was a delay starting again at a stoplight. Reputable mechanic replaced the valve body of the transmission. They said they service 2-3 Subarus for this same issue every month.

The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving 60 mph, the contact stated that all four wheels seized. The contact stated that the transmission had seized. The contact stated that the failure occurred while driving on a busy highway. The contact stated that the driver of a big truck assisted by stopping the oncoming traffic. The contact stated that a tow truck and the police arrived on the scene. The contact stated that the tow truck driver was unable to load the vehicle onto the tow truck. The tow truck driver had to drag the vehicle onto the tow truck. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.

I was driving the car, towards the end of about a 40-minute drive the car, I can best describe, lost its mind. Without any prior signs of symptoms, in about the span of 5-10 seconds, the check engine light came on, then eyesight warning came on, then traction system error appeared and I lost all power. It started braking on its own and completely acting on its own. I could still steer, but I had no other control over the vehicle! thankfully I was in a 25 mph zone, with no other vehicles or pedestrians anywhere near me. I was able to steer the piece of junk into a vacant loading dock and at least get it off the street. I shudder to think what would have happened to me if the car did this on the interstate that I had exited from not five minutes prior to this incident. The car was rendered undriveable. I had it towed to the dealership. I don't know what is wrong with it yet as the dealer is closed on Sunday. This was an extremely dangerous situation! if the car lost its mind a mere five minutes earlier than it did, I could have been killed! I am still shaking from this incident.

Basically, as I was driving on the freeway with my son and his brother, I got 5 lights flashing on dashboard. Abs at temp check engine cruise control hill assist vss etc. . The code were for cut but before I could check them everything shut down. Car went dark, no brakes and burning smell as well as burns oil. Front end damage on car with passenger side damage. Car started back up next day called Subaru and because it’s 2014 Forester, may not qualify but it only has 126k on the dash. Well maintained and had no issues besides the oil consumption.

Check engine, forward collision warning, flashing "s"drive, no eyesight, automatic emergency braking warning lights, all came on at once and staying on. Possible thermo control valve issue - needs a recall!.

Car was well maintained and serviced by dealer at regular interval. It suddenly had “check engine” light on, within a few minutes the car died while driving and stopped in the middle of road. Then unable to restart. Fortunately I was just off highway with less traffic, otherwise could have been crashed and killed by other vehicles. Dealer confirmed malfunction of crankshaft sensor.

Subaru is aware of issues with their transmission system and previously offered an extension but my car is outside the 100k limit. The transmission started to fail and each time I stopped at an intersection, it would start to idle roughly and try and lurch foreward even with the brake fully depressed. I had to shift to neutral to avoid being pushed into oncoming cross traffice each time for a few weeks and then all my warning lights came on and my usual safety features were shut down.

2020 Subaru Forester just had a check engine light appear. The engine malfunction code is p26a3, which is a defective thermostatic control valve. This malfunction also affects the vehicle manufacturers advanced driver assitance systems such "eyesight" blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, etc. Vehicle only has 51,000 miles on it.

On April 16, 2024 the thermo control valve on my 2019 Subaru Forester failed while I was going 70 mph in the middle lane of rush hour traffic. All of the warning lights came on at once as my engine stalled. I lost all mechanical power and was barely able to make it off the highway without getting hit. There was no prior warning that the thermo control valve was bad. I had the car serviced at a Subaru dealership three weeks before the incident and was told that everything looked good on my car. The dealership replaced the thermo control valve under extended warranty coverage. I have a second 2019 Subaru Forester that also falls in this group of vehicles, but Subaru will not replace the thermo control valve until it fails.

I purchased a 2020 Subaru Forester in 2020. Last week, the check engine light came on and it was due to the thermo control valve that need replaced. My car was outside of warranty at 70k miles and Subaru’s customer advocacy office will not reimburse despite this being a faulty defect for many 2018-21 Foresters. There is a class action lawsuit filed but I’m still out $1900. There should be a recall and I should not be paying for this manufacturer defect.

Thermo control sensor failed which will damage the motor if overheating dealer says it's going to cost me $1500 and it isn't covered under drivetrain warranty which is 5 years 60000 miles I have 27000 miles.

The thermo control valve failed causing the coolant to run at full and not allowing the engine to reach proper temperature and the heating system to not provide heat, also it caused multiple safety systems to turn off including eye sight, emergency braking, rear auto brake, lane keeping, adaptive cruise control, traction control. The failure of this unit is a known issue to Subaru per their own service bulletin 09-80-21, while mine was not covered by Subaru's own warranty due to the mileage this vehicle is less than 5 years old, the repair costs will be $2000. 00+ as quoted by the dealer.

The thermo control valve on vehicle failed on 2020 Subaru Forester which is causing vehicle to loose acceleration, multiple errors codes displaying on the vehicle instrument dash panel and no heat in the vehicle (see attached photo for reference). The failure of this device could cause a vehicle fire depending on what position/ and or state the thermo valve failed in. There needs to be a manufacturer recall on this particular part as there is numerous amounts of complaints and issues. Subaru needs to make it right with the customer. We need to drive safe vehicles on the road.