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2012 Outback 2.5i CVT Issues

20 messages,  Last post on Mar 11, 2013 at 2:36 PM

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What is this discussion about? Subaru Outback, Transmission, Wagon

Messages Page 2 of 2

#11 of 20 Re: 2012 Outback 2.5i CVT Issues [cyclerider] by hamuller

Apr 19, 2012 (10:55 am)

Replying to: cyclerider (Mar 25, 2012 6:10 am)
I have the same problem with my 2011 Outback. I have 28k and it is just what the transmission does when I'm slowing down going up a hill to a stop sign. It bothered me at first but now I'm used to it.

#12 of 20 CVT issues by brioboy

Apr 30, 2012 (9:45 pm)

I have a Toyota Highlander Hybrid with CVT and have the same sort of lurch when slowing down to a stop, no problem, used to it - about to get regular service and will check with the dealer as a question. Its probably a feature of CVT. I just checked this forum as I have owned 4 Subarus and still have my 96 SVX and next car will likely be a toss-up between an Outback and a Venza.

#13 of 20 Final CVT Issues by cyclerider

Jun 11, 2012 (6:08 pm)

Hello Everyone,
Sorry it took so long to reply to my original message but this is the final update. After 2 months of complaining to Subaru about my CVT issues, having my car in the dealer service department 3 times, and having a district service person tell me there is nothing wrong with my car, Subaru finally (sort of) admitted to an issue with my CVT. Here is what has happened: Subaru agreed to give me a fair kickback toward the purchase of a new car. So, I just picked up my new 2012 3.6R Limited w/moonroof package. Trading in my car with just over 6K and the money Subaru has given me toward the new car, I had to shell out just over 1K to get in the new car. No more CVT's for me.

#14 of 20 Re: Final CVT Issues [cyclerider] by ateixeira

Jun 12, 2012 (11:36 am)

Replying to: cyclerider (Jun 11, 2012 6:08 pm)
Congrats on the H6...how are you liking it?

#15 of 20 H6 Replacement by cyclerider

Jun 12, 2012 (4:14 pm)

Hey Guys,
So far so good. I love the power of the H6 and the 5 speed automatic runs very smooth. I know that Subaru thought I was a pain in the butt, but I just felt there was an issue. I only have 200 miles on it since I got it. Hopefully more good mile to come. Thanks guys.

#16 of 20 Re: H6 Replacement [cyclerider] by ateixeira

Jun 13, 2012 (9:14 am)

Replying to: cyclerider (Jun 12, 2012 4:14 pm)
The important thing is that you're satisfied in the end. The CVT issues will soon be a distant memory. Congrats.

#17 of 20 CVT and Fuel Cutoff by seanu

Dec 19, 2012 (8:21 am)

The 2.5 + CVT has a fuel cutoff feature when coasting. The drive train drag will cause the car to slow down... it's not quite as severe as engine breaking though. The engine must stay connected to the drivetrain, otherwise it will stall without fuel. If you keep your foot lightly on the gas it might eliminate the issue... but hurt the fuel economy. I think Subaru should publish a CVT guide that explains how all of this programming logic works... and explain how the cvt should be used.
 
As a little anecdote, when I first got my 2013 2.5 CVT Outback, I took a 300 mile (mostly highway) trip with only 70 miles on the odometer. As part of the break in, I was stepping on the gas, getting the revs up to about 3500, then letting off to let the rpms drop down to 1800 or so while cruising between 65 and 80mph. I thought I was going to get horrible gas mileage with a new engine, 4 people, and the trunk packed with luggage. It turns out, I got over 28mpg for the trip. I was very surprised and happy to see that mileage based on how I was driving.

#18 of 20 No more CVT's by cyclerider

Dec 19, 2012 (1:50 pm)

Well guys,
8000 miles since I got my 3.6R Subaru Outback. I am getting between 23 and 26 mpg. Couldn't be happier with the car. Like I said before, no more CVT tranny's for me.

#19 of 20 First time CVT owner by winter2

Jan 29, 2013 (3:41 pm)

I own a 2013 Outback 2.5i Premium with the CVT. I have 4000 miles on the car and have not had a single issue with the CVT. The CVT in the 2013 is different from the CVT in earlier models. It is responsive but does whine some when accelerating or applying power. There is none of the "braking sensation" that I have read about here. It is easy to coast and it appears as if Subaru has applied adaptive/learning software to the new CVT.
 
The CVT is geared toward good fuel economy and on the long trip my wife and I took, we got over 27 MPG while crusing at 70 MPH with an engine that had about 1500 miles on it. My commute use to be sixty miles per day in mixed traffic and I got twenty-six MPG average.

#20 of 20 Re: First time CVT owner [winter2] by firstawd

Mar 11, 2013 (2:36 pm)

Replying to: winter2 (Jan 29, 2013 3:41 pm)
I agree with you. I have a 2013 2.5i Limited and I love the CVT !! For the past 26 years all of my cars have been standard shift. I am 45 years old and sick and tired of shifting . I drove my girlfriends 2012 Rogue and was impressed by the CVT and knew I wanted one in my next car. I bought the Outback soon after driving her Rogue.

Messages Page 2 of 2

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