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2020 Forester CVT Hesitation and Jerking at Low Speeds

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 22, 3:13 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2020 Subaru Forester Premium

Hi all,

I'm experiencing a really frustrating issue with my 2020 Subaru Forester Premium. When I'm driving at low speeds, especially in stop-and-go traffic or just pulling away from a stop, the car sometimes hesitates or feels like it's jerking. It's not a smooth acceleration at all, and it feels like the CVT is struggling to engage properly.

There's no Check Engine Light on, and I've tried resetting the ECU by disconnecting the battery, but it hasn't helped. It's got about 60,000 miles on it now. Is this a known issue with the Forester's CVT? What could be causing this kind of driveability problem without throwing a code?

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 3:13 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

Your description of hesitation and jerking at low speeds in your 2020 Subaru Forester's CVT is a concern, especially without a Check Engine Light. While CVTs are designed for smooth operation, certain issues can lead to these symptoms.

  1. CVT Fluid Condition: The most common cause of CVT performance issues is degraded or low transmission fluid. Subaru recommends specific CVT fluid and service intervals. Even without a CEL, old or contaminated fluid can lead to poor pressure regulation and clutch engagement within the transmission. Check your service records to see when the CVT fluid was last changed.
  2. Torque Converter Lock-Up Clutch: Issues with the torque converter's lock-up clutch can cause shuddering or jerking, particularly at lower speeds or during light acceleration. This might not always trigger a fault code immediately but can worsen over time.
  3. Throttle Body or Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor: Less common, but a dirty throttle body or a faulty accelerator pedal position sensor could send incorrect signals to the engine and transmission control units, leading to inconsistent power delivery and hesitation. These might not always throw a specific code for minor inconsistencies.
  4. Engine Mounts: Worn engine or transmission mounts can exacerbate the feeling of jerking or hesitation, as the engine's movement becomes more pronounced during acceleration and deceleration.

When to See a Shop:

  • Given that this is a driveability issue with a complex component like the CVT, it's highly recommended to have a Subaru-specialized shop or dealership diagnose it. They have specific diagnostic tools that can monitor CVT line pressure, clutch engagement, and sensor data in real-time, which is crucial for pinpointing the exact cause.
  • If the issue worsens, becomes more frequent, or you start to hear unusual noises from the transmission, it's critical to get it inspected immediately to prevent further, potentially more expensive, damage.
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