Automatic Transmission Torque Converter Problems of Subaru Tribeca

2012 Subaru Tribeca- torque converter failure known issue on Subaru cars from that year, recall/extended repair doesn't cover model. Car stalls when automatic transmission downshifts. Started as strong hesitation and progressed rapidly to unpredictable/sudden stalling. Happened at both high speeds on highway and at slow speeds in traffic. Results in total engine shut down and requires time for engine restart. Highly dangerous. Occurs randomly and without warning. Crash hazard. First issue 9/28. Total stall on major highway 9/30. Cannot be driven without stall. Two attempted repairs before identified. Subaru dealer confirmed known issue for that year but has not been sufficiently reported for this car to help cover repair. Repair estimated at $5000 to replace part and rebuild transmission.

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The cvt transmission seems to be a problem item. My transmissions seems to be slipping since around 143,000 miles. Had a new oem torque convertor installed. When driving the transmission/torque converter bangs at around 20mph at slow acceleration/deceleration. Most any speed at a cruising drive the transmission seems to have the engine lugging hard. I've already been able to press the gas pedal as the rpms increase to near 2,000 rpms before the car will start moving. There's a vibration that feels like its coming from the transmission as well. At times I have to use the paddle shifter to downshift or upshift to have the transmission adjust as needed to make it up hills or to accelerate and to drop from high rpms a cruising to proper rpms. This 2010 cvt is a disaster and should be recalled at the least. Subaru says there's no fix but is aware of the issue being widespread. Really? ongoing since 143,000 miles and currently at 157,300 miles.

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There is a large shudder at slow acceleration. The problem was slight to begin with however, the problem continues to get worse. Dealer has confirmed that the torque converter is no good, however they will not replace for free since the vehicle is out of warranty. Through my investigation, I found that Subaru did a design change in early 2009 to correct this problem. Unfortunately, Subaru has not issued a recall for all defective torque converters it has installed.

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