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2017 Outback CVT Shuddering and Hesitating on Acceleration

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Jason D. · rep 0 · May 22, 3:13 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2017 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited

Hey everyone,

I've got a 2017 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited with about 85,000 miles, and lately, I've noticed a strange shuddering and hesitation, especially when accelerating from a stop or at lower speeds. It feels like the transmission is struggling to find the right ratio or something.

It's not constant, but it's becoming more frequent. Sometimes it feels like a slight slip, other times a distinct vibration through the car. Has anyone else experienced this with their Outback's CVT? I'm worried it might be a serious transmission issue.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

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

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

CVT shudder and hesitation are concerning symptoms that often point to issues within the continuously variable transmission itself. Given your 2017 Subaru Outback's mileage, this is a problem that warrants prompt attention.

Here are the common causes and steps to consider:

  1. Degraded CVT Fluid: The most common cause of CVT performance issues is old or contaminated transmission fluid. Over time, the fluid loses its lubricating and cooling properties, leading to increased friction and wear within the transmission components, causing shuddering.
  2. Valve Body Issues: The valve body controls the fluid pressure and flow within the CVT. Malfunctions here can lead to incorrect pressure application, causing hesitation or shuddering during ratio changes.
  3. Torque Converter Problems: Less common, but a failing torque converter can also cause shuddering, especially at specific speeds or during lock-up.
  4. Software Glitches: Sometimes, a simple software update for the transmission control module (TCM) can resolve minor performance anomalies.

When to see a shop:

  • Immediately: Any persistent shuddering, hesitation, or unusual noises from the transmission should be inspected by a qualified Subaru technician as soon as possible. Continuing to drive with a failing CVT can lead to more severe and costly damage.
  • Diagnostics: A shop will typically perform a diagnostic scan for any stored trouble codes (though CVT issues don't always trigger a CEL), check the CVT fluid level and condition, and perform a road test to observe the symptoms under various driving conditions.
  • Fluid Service: If the fluid is degraded, a drain and fill (not a flush) with genuine Subaru CVT fluid might be recommended. However, if the issue is mechanical, fluid service alone may not resolve it.

Ignoring these symptoms can lead to complete CVT failure, which is a very expensive repair. Early diagnosis can potentially save you from a full transmission replacement.

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