Subaru’s TR580 and TR690 continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) have experienced widespread reliability issues across multiple models. Owners report shuddering, hesitation, jerking, loss of power, and premature failure. Subaru issued CVT warranty extensions for many affected vehicles, and the Ascent TR690 CVT was the subject of a class action settlement.
| Year(s) | Make | Model | Should Purchase? | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 | Subaru | Outback | Caution |
Transmission RPO: TR580 CVT Issues: shuddering, hesitation, jerking, delayed engagement, occasional loss of power Notes: included in Subaru CVT warranty extension (up to 10 years / 100,000 miles on qualifying VINs) |
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| 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 | Subaru | Legacy | Caution |
Transmission RPO: TR580 CVT Issues: hesitation, shuddering at low speeds, surging, delayed acceleration Notes: covered by Subaru CVT warranty extension; multiple TSBs issued for valve body and software updates |
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| 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 | Subaru | Forester | Caution |
Transmission RPO: TR580 CVT Issues: jerking, surging, shuddering, occasional stalling on takeoff Notes: many units repaired or replaced under extended CVT coverage |
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| 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 | Subaru | Crosstrek | Caution |
Transmission RPO: TR580 CVT Issues: low‑speed shudder, delayed throttle response, premature wear Notes: included in CVT warranty extension for certain model years |
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| 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 | Subaru | Impreza | Caution |
Transmission RPO: TR580 CVT Issues: hesitation, jerking, chain slip sensation under load Notes: Subaru extended CVT coverage to 10 years / 100,000 miles on select VINs |
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| 2019 2020 | Subaru | Ascent | Caution |
Transmission RPO: TR690 High‑Torque CVT Issues: jerking, lurching, shuddering, hesitation, loss of power, premature failure Notes: subject of class action settlement for 2019–2020 Ascent CVT defects; Subaru extended warranty coverage |
Subaru settled a class action lawsuit covering 2019–2020 Ascent models equipped with the TR690 CVT, citing jerking, lurching, hesitation, and loss of power. Subaru also issued a CVT warranty extension for multiple models equipped with TR580 and TR690 transmissions, extending coverage up to 10 years / 100,000 miles on qualifying vehicles.