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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 1 of 2

#1 of 20 2012 Outback 2.5i CVT Issues by cyclerider

Mar 25, 2012 (6:10 am)

I just bought a 2012 Outback 2.5i Limited with a CVT Transmission. At about 1000 miles, I noticed that while decelerating the vehicle feels like it is downshifting. It is not smooth. It is more of a jerking feeling while decelerating. Anywhere from 40 mph or lower, you start to slow down and this is where you feel the jerking feelings. I can even feel it on my drivers seat. My question is: Is this normal or is there some issue with the CVT? I had it to the dealer last week and after a test drive, we drove an Outback loaner and this car had no issues. The mechanic re programmed the transmission. No change what so ever. Thanks for your responds.

#2 of 20 Re: 2012 Outback 2.5i CVT Issues [cyclerider] by fm544

Mar 25, 2012 (3:51 pm)

Replying to: cyclerider (Mar 25, 2012 6:10 am)
We bought the same model last year (2011 model) that we have 21000 miles on. I to noticed the same issue when slowing down and when I used a loaner car it did the same thing. A friend has the same model and that one also does the same thing when slowing down. I have gotten used to it and I think it is just a characteristic of vehicle and that there is nothing defective about it. After one year and the 21k it has not gotten any worse so I don't worry about it. Overall it is a great car that we are happy with.

#3 of 20 Re: 2012 Outback 2.5i CVT Issues [cyclerider] by Keerock

Mar 26, 2012 (7:55 am)

Replying to: cyclerider (Mar 25, 2012 6:10 am)
I have the same car, 2012 and have the same issue. I had a Honda Pilot previously so I'm used to this "engine braking" but did not notice it on my test drive car. It does seem to impact MPG as it will inhibit rolling when taking my foot off the pedal. We get a little over 23 mpg on average here in the Northwest of CT.

#4 of 20 2012 Outback CVT Issues... Also... by Keerock

Mar 26, 2012 (7:57 am)

I find that my CVT setup strains when you try to drive very conservatively. It as if is will not slide down to accommodate the need for more RPM when climbing hills etc. I have to use the pedal more aggressively to keep the revs in the right range so it does not feel like the engine is straining.

#5 of 20 Re: 2012 Outback 2.5i CVT Issues [Keerock] by ateixeira

Mar 26, 2012 (8:19 am)

Replying to: Keerock (Mar 26, 2012 7:55 am)
Bingo, they tuned it for fuel efficiency. That's how you get 29mpg out of such a large car.
 
To be honest, I prefer it that way. Coast to red lights to save fuel, and no I don't want engine braking because then the guy behind you lays on his horn.

#6 of 20 Re: 2012 Outback 2.5i CVT Issues [ateixeira] by Keerock

Mar 26, 2012 (8:49 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (Mar 26, 2012 8:19 am)
My issue is getting no where near that mileage and my transmission appears to be set-up WITH engine/tranny breaking so I can never coast. I have to apply a light pedal to lose the tranny breaking and this usually gets the mpg meter into the negative so I would prefer true coasting.
 
Highway, unless perfectly flat and around 60 MPH, is never near 29 MPG. Best I have done on a pure highway trip is around 25.

#7 of 20 Going to dealer by cyclerider

Mar 28, 2012 (1:15 pm)

Well, after moaning quite a bit, I went back to the dealer and my car is going in for service next week. They tell me they will take care of it. I'll let everyone know what the outcome is. Thanks for your replies.

#8 of 20 Re: Going to dealer [cyclerider] by carteach

Apr 11, 2012 (2:45 pm)

Replying to: cyclerider (Mar 28, 2012 1:15 pm)
What was the outcome?

#9 of 20 Re: Going to dealer [cyclerider] by cyclerider

Apr 11, 2012 (7:04 pm)

Replying to: cyclerider (Mar 28, 2012 1:15 pm)
I had my car at Subaru for three days. I just got it back tonight. They told me they reset the transmission something or another module. Different from what they did 4 weeks ago. Still does it. They told me they drove the car over 100 miles and didn't notice the problem. I get in it tonight and 1/2 mile down the road it starts up. Go figure. I'll give it a week and then back to the dealer.
UGH

#10 of 20 Re: Going to dealer [cyclerider] by carteach

Apr 11, 2012 (7:18 pm)

Replying to: cyclerider (Apr 11, 2012 7:04 pm)
Thanks for the update. Hope you'll continue to let us know what's going on. Totally frustrating for you.

Messages Page 1 of 2

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