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2012 Subaru Forester Transmission Problems

28 messages,  Last post on Apr 22, 2013 at 10:07 AM

You are in the Subaru Forester Maintenance & Repair Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Forester, Engine, Transmission

Messages Page 1 of 3

#1 of 28 2012 Subaru Forester Transmission Problems by missdev

Mar 19, 2012 (9:34 am)

I purchased a 2012 Subaru Forester 2.5X Premium (automatic transmission) in November 2011 with 4 miles on it. Since the get-go it has had issues, but we thought that some of them might work themselves out as we broke the car in (which we were religious about). At the first oil change, we told the dealership about the issues we were experiencing and got the expected "the computer doesn't say anything is wrong" and "we couldn't replicate the problems" excuses. We were told to bring it back if the problems continued. Well, they've gotten worse. Here are what we are experiencing:
  
 - Erratic shifting. I commute from the mountains to the city every day, so I need power from the car. Sometimes, when I'm heading down a hill and I tap the gas slightly to give myself a little boost, the car will suddenly downshift, even though it was sitting at 2500 RPM and didn't need to get any extra power beyond more fuel. Going up the hill is worse, as if you are not actively accelerating (including if you are trying to maintain a constant speed), it will upshift on you and you lose all power, so it will need to downshift to make up for this. It does this constantly for the entire drive home. Everyone who has driven this car in the mountains has experienced this.
- Jerky transmission. When the car shifts, it is super harsh and tends to throw you forward or back. Even when on flat ground it shifts roughly.
- Sluggish acceleration. If I give the car any more gas than I usually do, it hesitates before going anywhere. One day I needed to get over on the highway fast and floored it - it took the car about 2 seconds to respond. Then, yesterday, we were turning on to a highway from a side road and I tried to accelerate (gas about 1/2 way to the floor) and it didn't respond at all for about 5 seconds and the "Check Engine" and the traction control lights started flashing at me. We were on a paved road with no gravel, water, ice, etc and the traction control light began flashing on the straight, not while we were turning. There are also days when it feels like there is an anchor tied to the car and it just doesn't want to give me any umph at all.
- Rough starts. This is the really weird one as there is no rhyme or reason as to when it happens. Some times it takes the car several revolutions to turn over. Oddly, it's never on the really cold (under 20 degrees F) days, but it has happened when it is ~35 degrees and a couple of times when I have started it in the middle of the day to grab lunch and it is ~65 degrees out.
- Running rough. This usually happens after a rough start, but can also happen at other times. It just idles very rough and won't calm down. These are the days I have the worst time with the shifting issues.
  
 I had a 2001 Forester that threw a rod, which forced me to get this car. Everyone who has driven both agrees that the 2001 was quicker, easier to drive, and had more gumption than the 2012. It also had less problems even though I purchased it used in 2005 (until the whole rod-throwing thing, of course).
  
 I really want to love my 2012 Forester, but I am so upset that, for the first time in my life I have a new car, and it runs terribly. Has anyone else had these issues? Any advice for dealing with the dealership? I paid for a new car and all that implies, and I don't feel good that they will have to fix so much stuff on it, essentially giving me nothing better than a re-built used car. I'm just so frustrated. It's also hard to replicate some of the issues unless someone takes the car out on the highway and up the mountain, but they only take it on neighborhood streets. My next appointment is Friday morning, and I don't really know what to say beyond "fix it."

#2 of 28 Re: 2012 Subaru Forester Transmission Problems [missdev] by ateixeira

Mar 19, 2012 (1:04 pm)

Replying to: missdev (Mar 19, 2012 9:34 am)
These symptoms didn't show up on your test drive?
 
Our 2009 is fine, but we have the EJ25 engine, yours is the new FB25.
 
My brother has an '11 like yours, minus the automatic, and his has also been fine.

#3 of 28 Re: 2012 Subaru Forester Transmission Problems [missdev] by xwesx

Mar 19, 2012 (2:37 pm)

Replying to: missdev (Mar 19, 2012 9:34 am)
Definitely problems there. Just the fact that the '01 was "quicker" is a problem, as that wouldn't be the case if the new one was running right.
 
The "rough starts" you mention doesn't sound like what I would call a rough start, if it simply takes a few cranks longer to light. That sounds like not waiting for the gauge sweep before attempting to start (e.g., fuel pump not fully primed). That said, all the other stuff isn't right. For some symptoms I might suspect one or more wheel sensors not operating correctly, but, based on the gamut of it, I would surmise an ECU/TCU issue might be the root cause. The dealership could start by flashing it. If you have taken it to them already with no luck, try talking with the service manager and taking that person on a drive in your car as well as a different Forester on the lot. Assuming the other is running right, the difference should be night and day.
 
If they still don't take your claim seriously, call SOA directly and relay your concerns about the car and the dealership. With persistence, you'll get resolution.
 
It is crappy to have a new car cause you trouble - most certainly don't!

#4 of 28 Total Lemon by lemoncar2011

Apr 10, 2012 (10:08 am)

Mr. Takeshi Tachimori,
 
I am writing in total disappoint and sicking feeing l in my stomach. I absolutely HATE my new 2011 Forester!
When ever I see that Commercial about telling you(Subaru of America) a story about your very first new car, all I can think about is my very first brand new car with 00 miles on it is my NEW Subaru Forester and how strongly I hate my car. I wish I had never bought it.
 
This is what my story would be about my first car..
Before buying my new car I owned all pre owned cars that NEVER needed repair. They were reliable cars and I never had a worry about problems. First car I had was a Ford escort, I loved it! Got married and sold it for my Toyota., I loved that car. I had it for at least six years. I drove cross-country from Maine to Denver. NEVER had problems going across country. I drove it up and down the mountains for 2 years never had a problem. It was a solid rugged car. Then let me tell you my story about my very first new car. It is a 2011 Subaru Forester with nothing but problems.
I bought my car for two reasons
1) I need to get a SAFE car for my job. I am a nanny and I have a family of 3. The most recent problem and disappointment is the middle seat belt is recalled. This means I can't work until the seatbelt gets fixed. When I got hired for the job I told them I was buying it for the safety reasons. Now I am out of work until I can get my seatbelt fixed
the other reason why I bought my car was because there was such high praise on the performance of a Subaru . I bought because I drive up to the mountains every weekend all seasons. I heard that it is great for driving to the mountains. Well have nothing high to say about it! I have been to my car dealer ship 3 times to get a 1) check engine light, cruise control, and engine check. and anti lock brakes. They would all go off at once while driving. It would stay that way until I had it fixed. It handled very bad after that. Engine wasn’t working well. Speed was off.
I hate my car! I wished I had never bought it. I believed in your “moto I believed in everything.
1)the reliability BIG FAT NO
2) safety another BIG FAT NO
 
So my first car experience has been nothing but disappointment.
 
Sincerely,
A more then disappointed Subaru owner
 
Ryan,
I am not sure why you asked
'between you and I" "Do you not like the car because you didn't want to get it"
Like I have express many times, I bought the car because of its safety and high performance of your brand.
I hate my car because it has had more issues then any other car I have owned! It was a brand new car! The performance has been horrible! I was in the market for a new car regardless. I just choose the wrong brand! I should have never bought the brand Subaru. I had never owned one before. When I bought my car it was an investment. From all the great stories I have heard about how long the cars last I thought I would own it for 10+ years. That was the intention! Know I have no faith or trust that it will last that long or even be reliable.
So between you and I "I hate the brand" " I was in the market for a new car. I need one for safety reason and the reliability or what your brand stands for. I got screwed big time. I am not happy with my cars performance. Buying your brand was the worst mistake I have every made. I was a fool to believe in your brand!
Please make sure that this email gets forward to the highest management as possible.
Alison (disappointed owner)
 
I have started to look into the Lemon Law. I feel as though I have bought a lemon. Once Groove Subaru tries to "fix" my car, AGAIN. I will take it back up to the mountains and see if it has been fixed. It will have been my 4th attempt with the same issue.
I am going to be perfectly honest, that I have no faith in my Forester. From now on I will always be waiting to see what will happen next. I will never be able to trust the car I am in. This is way I use the word HATE so strongly. I hate the car I have bought.
I feel as though I am paying for a car that didn't hold up to their standards.
 
Please forward this to the highest management possible. Including all the past communications

#5 of 28 Lemon by lemoncar2011

Apr 10, 2012 (10:09 am)

Mr. Takeshi Tachimori,
 
I am writing in total disappoint and sicking feeing l in my stomach. I absolutely HATE my new 2011 Forester!
When ever I see that Commercial about telling you(Subaru of America) a story about your very first new car, all I can think about is my very first brand new car with 00 miles on it is my NEW Subaru Forester and how strongly I hate my car. I wish I had never bought it.
 
This is what my story would be about my first car..
Before buying my new car I owned all pre owned cars that NEVER needed repair. They were reliable cars and I never had a worry about problems. First car I had was a Ford escort, I loved it! Got married and sold it for my Toyota., I loved that car. I had it for at least six years. I drove cross-country from Maine to Denver. NEVER had problems going across country. I drove it up and down the mountains for 2 years never had a problem. It was a solid rugged car. Then let me tell you my story about my very first new car. It is a 2011 Subaru Forester with nothing but problems.
I bought my car for two reasons
1) I need to get a SAFE car for my job. I am a nanny and I have a family of 3. The most recent problem and disappointment is the middle seat belt is recalled. This means I can't work until the seatbelt gets fixed. When I got hired for the job I told them I was buying it for the safety reasons. Now I am out of work until I can get my seatbelt fixed
the other reason why I bought my car was because there was such high praise on the performance of a Subaru . I bought because I drive up to the mountains every weekend all seasons. I heard that it is great for driving to the mountains. Well have nothing high to say about it! I have been to my car dealer ship 3 times to get a 1) check engine light, cruise control, and engine check. and anti lock brakes. They would all go off at once while driving. It would stay that way until I had it fixed. It handled very bad after that. Engine wasn’t working well. Speed was off.
I hate my car! I wished I had never bought it. I believed in your “moto I believed in everything.
1)the reliability BIG FAT NO
2) safety another BIG FAT NO
 
So my first car experience has been nothing but disappointment.
 
Sincerely,
A more then disappointed Subaru owner
 
Ryan,
I am not sure why you asked
'between you and I" "Do you not like the car because you didn't want to get it"
Like I have express many times, I bought the car because of its safety and high performance of your brand.
I hate my car because it has had more issues then any other car I have owned! It was a brand new car! The performance has been horrible! I was in the market for a new car regardless. I just choose the wrong brand! I should have never bought the brand Subaru. I had never owned one before. When I bought my car it was an investment. From all the great stories I have heard about how long the cars last I thought I would own it for 10+ years. That was the intention! Know I have no faith or trust that it will last that long or even be reliable.
So between you and I "I hate the brand" " I was in the market for a new car. I need one for safety reason and the reliability or what your brand stands for. I got screwed big time. I am not happy with my cars performance. Buying your brand was the worst mistake I have every made. I was a fool to believe in your brand!
Please make sure that this email gets forward to the highest management as possible.
Alison (disappointed owner)
 
I have started to look into the Lemon Law. I feel as though I have bought a lemon. Once Groove Subaru tries to "fix" my car, AGAIN. I will take it back up to the mountains and see if it has been fixed. It will have been my 4th attempt with the same issue.
I am going to be perfectly honest, that I have no faith in my Forester. From now on I will always be waiting to see what will happen next. I will never be able to trust the car I am in. This is way I use the word HATE so strongly. I hate the car I have bought.
I feel as though I am paying for a car that didn't hold up to their standards.
 
Please forward this to the highest management possible. Including all the past communications.

#6 of 28 Re: Total Lemon [lemoncar2011] by fnamowicz

Apr 13, 2012 (4:39 pm)

Replying to: lemoncar2011 (Apr 10, 2012 10:08 am)
All 2011 Foresters run rough at idle similar to a bunch of bolts in a blender.
It is embarrassing when your neighbors hear you pulling out of your garage
The Dealers say this is normal live with it.

#7 of 28 Re: Total Lemon [lemoncar2011] by aatherton

Apr 14, 2012 (6:39 am)

Replying to: lemoncar2011 (Apr 10, 2012 10:08 am)
Even when it is working properly, the normal characteristics of the automatic transmission are surprising. Read this article at the link given:
TITLE: Phase 2 4EAT Transmission Characteristics
SOURCE: Subaru Tech Tips
APPLIES TO: All models with 4EAT A/T
http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums/66-problems-maintenance/15568-trans-noise.ht- - - ml#post149559
 
There are some tips on overcoming some of the annoyances.

#8 of 28 Re: Total Lemon [fnamowicz] by xwesx

Apr 16, 2012 (9:35 am)

Replying to: fnamowicz (Apr 13, 2012 4:39 pm)
Bolts in a blender? I don't think so. The PZEV programming makes the engine (on vehicles so equipped) run a little rough during warmup, but it isn't noisy, just... irregular. Once warmed up, it smooths right out.

#9 of 28 Re: 2012 Subaru Forester Transmission Problems [ateixeira] by missdev

Apr 16, 2012 (1:06 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Mar 19, 2012 1:04 pm)
I took several different Foresters out for test drives over the course of looking at cars, but I actually did not test drive this particular Forester. My fault, I suppose, but I ended up wanting a different color than the one I test drove.

#10 of 28 Re: 2012 Subaru Forester Transmission Problems [missdev] by drew510

Apr 19, 2012 (3:23 pm)

Replying to: missdev (Mar 19, 2012 9:34 am)
Because you are travelling a hilly area, you might consider putting the car in "Sport" mode which alters the shift patterns and see if that helps. When you are in "drive" pull the lever to the left and it will go in sport mode. Good luck!

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