I was on the highway in mixed traffic for a couple hours. There was a burning smell in the cabin and then the warning lights came on including a check engine light and transmission light. The car started to jerk erratically when I accelerated and ultimately it would not accelerate. I pulled over and turned the car off as recommended in the owner's manualAfter following the manual's instructions to let the engine cool down, I attempted to turn the car on and put it in gear. It would not move when I put it in reverse or drive. The transmission failed entirely. Previous to my taking the car on this trip, I brought the car to my Subaru Dealership because I smelled the same burning in the cabin along with a strange whirring sound and the transmission light came on then too. At that time, I pulled over and read the owner's manual and did what it recommended. The car started working again after 10 minutes of cooling. This is why I brought the car to the Subaru dealership to have this issue inspected. At the time they recommended that I change the CVT fluid and that the issue would then go away. The issue did not go away. When I informed them that the car was unsafe and dangerous to drive because of the jerking and violent shuddering, they told me that I should trade the car in or pay for a new transmission. They did not tell me that the 2012 version of the car had a history of issues with its CVT, and that some of the repairs were covered under warranty.

- Sunnyside, NY, USA

Transmission valve body failure causing dangerous erratic shifting while driving.

- East Patchogue, NY, USA

The car will not allow me to turn it off and remove the key from the ignition. This is apparently caused by a known issue with the gear box/transmission stick not making proper contact with a metal plate within the box.

- Perley, MN, USA

Two instances of CVT Transmission failure. First: Occurred at 102,926 miles, car only 8 years old. While driving, suddenly many warning lights came on and the car started shuddering. The lights were Check Engine, Oil Temp, Cruise Control, vehicle dynamics, and ABS. I drove my car to a transmission shop, who read the codes 2764 and and 0700. He replaced the TCC Solenoid and valve body on 11/18/2020. I drove the car for 6 more months to ~106,000 miles successfully, until... The Second Issue: On 6/6/21 while driving my car, it stopped accelerating. I couldn't go above 18 mph! This was a huge safety issue. I had to drive on major roads with a speed limit of 50mph going only 18mph, with my hazard lights on. I'm so fortunate it happened to be at 10pm on a Sunday night, or I could have gotten in an accident. Once I got home, I called AAA and had them tow my car back to my transmission mechanic (because I couldn't get to my mechanic without getting on the highway, which would obviously be unsafe at 18mph). My mechanic said it was an issue with the same solenoid again having shorted out, which means that it's actually a deeper issue with the CVT transmission burning through solenoids. The solenoid is just a symptom, not the root problem. Then, I finally googled Subaru solenoid issues, and I discovered this is a well documented problem, that has already been reported to your office, and yet Subaru has not yet issued a recall. Only an extended warranty, which only goes up to 100,000 miles so it doesn't help me!! My transmission wore out at 102,000 miles. Do you think it's a coincidence that Subaru made their warranty for 100,000? I'm lodging this complaint in hopes that your office sees the CVT transmissions are still a safety issue, and the warranty hasn't solved the problem. Please get Subaru to issue a recall! This is unacceptable behavior from a car manufacturer. Thank you.

- Westford, MA, USA

Was driving at 60 mph normal highway speed and bunch of lights came on the dash while driving. Trouble codes pulled on scan tool were P2764 and P0700, these codes indicated bad solenoid on cvt transmission valve body therefore had to replace the cvt valve body. Car has 146,000 miles however cvt has been properly maintained and cvt fluid replaced every 30,000. Subaru is hiding the issues with the cvt model TR-580 and purposely extending the warranty only up to 100,000. I believe they know the cvt will fail after 100K and don't want to put out the money to issue a proper recall. The options to fix the issue are either cvt valve body replacement or full transmission replacement which are both very costly. Subaru needs to issue a proper recall because I worry that my replacement of valve body could mean I still need to replace the entire cvt transmission if something else fails on the internals in the near future.

- Beverly, MA, USA

Transmission went at 154000 miles extended warranty not sure if I was taken care or and needed to by new one. If it is gonna be a continuous problem they should have bought back the years with the cvt issue. You can put into drive reverse and park but won't switch gears and just revs

- Lehighton, PA, USA

2012 Impreza sport with 71,000 miles, one owner, all manufacturer recommended maintenance performed. Mechanic noticed increased noise from rear of vehicle while doing test drive after performing maintenance. Reported rear wheel bearing failure after inspection requiring replacement of bearings.

- Charlottesville, VA, USA

Subaru cvt - known issue my 2012 Subaru's cvt transmission failed without warning while in motion at 60mph driving in the left hand lane of a busy interstate. The car/engine had regular maintenance as directed by the maker, however without warning the transmission failed putting the driver and three passenger's lives at risk. Subaru has acknowledged issues with this specific transmission, however an extension of the warranty is not an appropriate intervention when potentially catastrophic accidents could occur without warning. This was a well maintained vehicle with no identifiable signs that the transmission could fail. Subaru should be held accountable for these failing cvt transmissions.

- Federal Way, WA, USA

The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Impreza. While the vehicle was at a stop, it stalled, the engine shook, and the rpms went up and down. Also, the check engine and traction control indicators illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures and stated that there were no recalls. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.

- Montclair, CA, USA

My vehicle transmission has been slipping and the dealership notified me at 103,923 miles that it requires a new transmission. This is 3,923 miles outside of the extended warranty for a known transmission issue. The quote I was given to replace is $8,900 (more than the value of the car). I notified Subaru customer service to see what can be done. The said they would only pay $3,500 and I would have to pay for the rest. This seems ridiculous considering there is a known issue. I have a small child and I am terrified to drive in the car with him now.

- Saint Louis, MO, USA

Driving on highway and the car stopped/stalled suddenly while in motion, this was a dangerous situation, drivers behind me had to react to my sudden/full stop. I was told it was a transmission problem.

- Monroe, NJ, USA

Hit a bump and dashboard lit up with sensor lights. Subaru repair shop inspected with codes and said I need a new valve body for $1700. The warranty extension for this ended July 2018, but I never received a notification from Subaru or from my Subaru dealer regarding this known problem with the cvt.

- Pelham, NH, USA

The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that the ABS and traction control warning indicators illuminated. In addition, the gear shifter failed to shift out of park. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 19V149000 (exterior lighting); however, the part needed for the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact called rye Subaru (located at 1175 boston post rd, rye, NY 10580, (914) 967-6300) and stamford Subaru (located at 198 baxter ave, stamford, ct 06902, (203) 252-2222) and was informed that the part was not available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 57,777. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

- Mt Vernon, NY, USA

The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Impreza. While driving approximately 30 mph, the vehicle jerked and all the warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (curry Subaru, 3040 E main street, cortland, NY 10567) where it was diagnosed that the continuously variable transmission failed and needed replacement. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

- Cortland Manor, NY, USA

The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Impreza. While driving approximately 25 mph, the vehicle failed to accelerate. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to stohlmans Subaru (8435 leesburg pike, vienna, Virginia) where it was diagnosed that the transmission failed. In addition, the struts, muffler, and rear brake pads were faulty and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and provided the contact with case number: 1-35452451016. The failure mileage was 58,000.

- Alexandria, VA, USA

My 2012 Subaru Impreza is experiencing consistent pedal squeak/creaking coming from the pressing of the clutch pedal. The sound is heard from inside the cabin as well as from under the hood.

- West Chester, OH, USA

Wheel bearing assembly failed rendering the vehicle unsafe for highway operation. When attempting the (Subaru) recommended repair the oem part was no longer available by substituted by an alternative part for this critical repair. We have retained the original part for inspection.

- Brooklyn, CT, USA

Car won't shift into proper gear has a jerky feel cvt won't allow to manual shift all the lights on the gauge cluster is on including the check engine.

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA

Ordered & purchased car 2012 began sending complaints to dealer & manufacture about the vehicle wandering over the road, brakes grabbing, tires losing air, poor transmission response, bad battery and many more. After my complaints were neglected I had to save the money to replace faulty factory yokohama avid tires @ 24K miles & purchased warrantee direct extended warranty to address complications (like starter) this car has well under 40K miles now but have had to replace the battery & the car will not stay aligned. This car always uses coolant & brake fluid, as well as a strange engine oil situation (presently different than the class action oil consumption problem). I have complained about the non-responsive transmission & poor acceleration. I'm already disabled from job-related spinal injuries & have done my darnedest to drive as safely as possible to avoid driving during rush traffic, check tire pressures & oil use so I keep my perfect driving record for insurance & health purpose. I thought that buying a new car keeps one from many purchases yet, I have spent more money on this new car than any used car. What more can I do to protect myself" with all the problems I'd like to know which files are best to send"

- Floyds Knobs, IN, USA

Transaxel/transmission failure

- Smithtown, NY, USA