I’m looking into buying a 2018 Subaru Forester XT Touring and I see that it features a CVT transmission.I mostly do highway and I always keep my vehicles long term.My question is how long would a CVT transmission last with regular fluid changes at 30K?I would like to keep this Subaru past 150K if possible.Thanks Joe
CVT Transmissions-Long term durability
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I think you'll be ok with your CVT maintenance plan.
Just budget for a CVT replacement over the life you intend to get out of it. Then if the CVT lasts take the money and go on a nice vacation somewhere. 
"We the people" need to set up a "CVT Guide" where lifespans and failures of the different CVT models are logged.
A friend has a 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander (4 cyl.) and at 92,000 we did a pan drop and filter replacement and fluid refresh.
The fluid was the color of dark maple syrup and the filter was completely untouched.
It was stainless steel mesh and perfectly clean. There was no need to change but we did anyway.
Another pal got a Subaru Impreza Sport and we've a date to do the same to his car a few years from now.
Originally Posted By: Kira
"We the people" need to set up a "CVT Guide" where lifespans and failures of the different CVT models are logged.
A friend has a 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander (4 cyl.) and at 92,000 we did a pan drop and filter replacement and fluid refresh.
The fluid was the color of dark maple syrup and the filter was completely untouched.
It was stainless steel mesh and perfectly clean. There was no need to change but we did anyway.
Another pal got a Subaru Impreza Sport and we've a date to do the same to his car a few years from now.
Originally Posted By: Joeescape63
I’m looking into buying a 2018 Subaru Forester XT Touring and I see that it features a CVT transmission.I mostly do highway and I always keep my vehicles long term.My question is how long would a CVT transmission last with regular fluid changes at 30K?I would like to keep this Subaru past 150K if possible.Thanks Joe
I did some research on these as my parents were VERY close to buying a 18 Forester CVT after seeing my 18 Forester 6M. My dad doesn't trust PDU driven AWD systems, but their '13 Escape made it to 80K miles with zero mechanical issues and seemingly would have easily gone another 20K without problems.
It seems the Subaru CVTs (made by Aisin) are extremely reliable. Other than some fluid seepage which Subaru warrantied the entire transmission under 100k miles, they seem to be extremely durable. Also, Subaru is extending the warranty to 100K on most of them.
Personally, I wouldn't have any concerns running a Honda, Subaru, Toyota CVT to 150K miles and would trust it. Nissan CVTs still seem to be problematic. Which is strange, since Nissan and Subaru CVTs are made by JATCO.
The CVT would seem to be less complicated than say a 6 speed automatic.
My 2015 Forester has a 100k mile CVT warranty.
Change the CVT fulid at reasonable intervals.
My friends at the trans shop said they see lots of nissan cubes with failed cvt transmissions.
For what it's worth, our 2014 Forester XT has 75K miles. It is equipped with a CVT.
We occasionally tow a 1K pound empty weight trailer for Home Depot runs. Usually just to purchase drywall, plywood etc. I once towed about 20 boxes to a shipping company that probably totalled to about 1750-2000 lbs. (that includes the weight of trailer) about 60 miles.
One CVT fluid drain and fill at 60K miles. Took about 8 quarts of fluid to get back up to proper level.
Virtus,
PM me if you want to know how I did the fluid drain and fill. It is not complicated at all. The key step is only to have the ability to read the CVT fluid temp. I used the exact procedure as indicated in the Subaru FSM.
These threads pop up often, and usually follow the same pattern. My father has one in his Subaru and we both hate it. What these threads tell me is there is a lot of doubt and uncertainty by many owners about the durability and longevity of these units or these threads wouldn't be popping up as often as they do.
Originally Posted By: Donald
The CVT would seem to be less complicated than say a 6 speed automatic.
My 2015 Forester has a 100k mile CVT warranty.
Change the CVT fulid at reasonable intervals.
Originally Posted By: Miller88
I did some research on these as my parents were VERY close to buying a 18 Forester CVT after seeing my 18 Forester 6M. My dad doesn't trust PDU driven AWD systems, but their '13 Escape made it to 80K miles with zero mechanical issues and seemingly would have easily gone another 20K without problems.
It seems the Subaru CVTs (made by Aisin) are extremely reliable. Other than some fluid seepage which Subaru warrantied the entire transmission under 100k miles, they seem to be extremely durable. Also, Subaru is extending the warranty to 100K on most of them.
Personally, I wouldn't have any concerns running a Honda, Subaru, Toyota CVT to 150K miles and would trust it. Nissan CVTs still seem to be problematic. Which is strange, since Nissan and Subaru CVTs are made by JATCO.
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2007 Nissan Maxima CVT that I previously had was not smooth and just kinda annoying to drive. It was well known the [censored] the bed but the one in my 07 is at 140k and still just fine. I sold it January 17. I did get a 17 Subby Outback that has a CVT. I have 21k on it now. It is smooth and quiet and I've adjusted to it pretty readily. I'm on the plus side if it's the RIGHT CVT.
Somebody mentioned the 100kmile warranty on Subaru CVTs, it's probably worth mentioning that this was extended after the fact for my 2014 FXT and my daughter's 2015 Impreza. Not sure if this was in response to consumers experiencing issues with their CVTs or it was done to reassure existing consumers and attract new ones after Subaru decided their cost in doing so would be minimal given the failure rates they were seeing.
I don't have any particular complaints about my FXT's CVT other than the suggestion I've seen that the slight lag off the line in this car is due a software protection against a sudden load on the tranny rather than an inherent turbo delay. Supposedly this lag is much less noticeable in a WRX with a very similar engine and (I think) the same transmission. Turning off the traction control and taking off in manual shifting mode (the shifter can be slapped over to auto mode on the fly to avoid the slow paddle shifters) help improve the "launch".
Our family has a 2011 Outback with CVT. Daughter's daily driver. Had fluid changed at 100K. Has 130K miles on it now, and expect to go past 150K easily. No issues, no problems, both of us like how it shifts.
Question should be with traditional Honda automatics - will they make it to 90K without lunching?
I didn't break mine yet and the one in the wife's Impreza crosstrek is fantastic. Locks the converter immediately in any gear and feels very low loss with the 2.0L.
I didn't break mine yet and the one in the wife's Impreza crosstrek is fantastic. Locks the converter immediately in any gear and feels very low loss with the 2.0L.Subaru's CVTs are the only one on the market that are chain-based instead of using Bosch/Von Doorne Tranmissie's variable pitch metal "belt" system. A majority of CVTs from Jatco and Honda use Bosch's belt system. I think Toyota might as well for the Corolla's CVT and for a future one - not to be confused with the e-CVT that's part of Hybrid Synergy Drive which uses 2 electric motor/generators and a planetary gear set to simulate a true CVT.
I think with semi-regular fluid changes, your Subie CVT should live a long life. Nissan and Mopar have the most issues - but there's more of those deployed, and a lot of them wind up in Altimas, Calibers and Compasses - a good bit of those end up as rental cars or Ubers which get thrashed on regularly.
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