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2018 Forester CVT hesitation and shuddering at low speeds

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 22, 3:20 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2018 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium

Hi all,

I'm experiencing a concerning issue with my 2018 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium, which has about 70,000 miles on it. When accelerating from a stop or at very low speeds (under 15 mph), the car sometimes hesitates and feels like it's shuddering or slipping before engaging smoothly. It's an intermittent problem, but it's becoming more frequent.

It almost feels like a manual transmission car trying to find the right gear, but it's a CVT. Has anyone else with a similar model year Forester experienced this? Could it be a CVT fluid issue, or something more serious?

Any insights would be greatly appreciated!

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 3:20 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

The symptoms you're describing—hesitation and shuddering at low speeds or from a stop—are unfortunately not uncommon complaints for some Subaru Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs) in certain model years, including your 2018 Forester. This can be a sign of several potential issues, ranging from minor to more significant.

Here's a breakdown of possible causes and recommended actions:

  1. CVT Fluid Condition:
    • Cause: Old, degraded, or low CVT fluid can lead to poor lubrication and inefficient operation, causing the belt and pulleys to slip or shudder. Subaru CVTs use a specific type of fluid that requires regular maintenance, typically every 60,000 miles under normal driving conditions, or sooner for severe use.
    • Action: Check your service records. If the CVT fluid hasn't been serviced, it's a good first step. A fluid drain and fill (not a flush) with genuine Subaru CVT fluid can sometimes resolve minor hesitation issues.
  2. Torque Converter Issues:
    • Cause: The torque converter can sometimes develop issues, leading to shuddering or a feeling of slipping, especially during lock-up or engagement at low speeds.
  3. Valve Body Malfunction:
    • Cause: The CVT's valve body controls fluid pressure and flow. A malfunctioning valve body can cause erratic behavior, including hesitation and shuddering.
  4. Diagnostic Codes:
    • Action: Even if your check engine light isn't on, a professional scan tool can sometimes reveal pending or stored transmission-related codes. Common codes related to CVT issues include P0700 (Transmission Control System Malfunction) and P2764 (Torque Converter Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid Control Circuit Low).
  5. When to See a Shop:
    • Immediately: If the shuddering becomes severe, constant, or is accompanied by a check engine light, flashing AT OIL TEMP light, or a loss of power. Continuing to drive with a significant CVT issue can lead to catastrophic failure.
    • Soon: Schedule an appointment with a Subaru dealership or a reputable independent shop specializing in Subarus. They have specialized diagnostic tools and knowledge of Subaru's CVT systems. They can accurately diagnose the issue by checking fluid levels and condition, scanning for codes, and performing specific diagnostic tests. Do not delay, as early diagnosis can prevent more costly repairs.
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