If you notice that your Subaru is struggling to accelerate, it could be due to a failing transmission. If you start seeing transmission fluid on the ground where you park or are having trouble shifting into gear, these are also indicative that you have a problem with your transmission. When correctly maintained, Subaru transmissions can last for the vehicle’s life without needing to be repaired or replaced. Although it is common to have premature transmission failure on some Subaru models built between 2012 and 2017, Subaru had stated that these vehicles had defects in their transmissions when they were manufactured.
The most common signs that your Subaru’s transmission will need to be repaired are; sudden losses in acceleration, shuddering while driving, a burning smell, transmission fluid leaks, a delay in engagement after shifting, or your check engine light turning on.
This article will provide more information about common signs that the transmission on your Subaru will need to be repaired. There will also be information about how to prolong the life of the transmission in your vehicle. This article will also give a range of costs associated with transmission repairs on Subarus, so you will know what to expect if you need to get your transmission repaired.
6 Signs That Your Subaru Transmission Needs To Be Repaired:
1. Sudden Loss Of Acceleration
If you are driving normally and your Subaru starts slowing down for no apparent reason, it could be that your transmission is failing and needs to be repaired. You might also notice your vehicle struggling to accelerate from a stop. When experiencing symptoms like this, it is recommended that you have your car checked out by a Subaru specialist quickly to avoid further damage to your transmission.
2. Shuddering While Driving
Another common sign that transmission repair is needed is when you feel a shuddering in your Subaru while driving. When your transmission is failing, you can experience this shuddering while accelerating, driving at a constant speed, or while decelerating. This vibration is typically due to the transmission slipping and the inability to engage fully.
3. A Burning Smell In The Cabin
It’s common that when your Subaru’s transmission is failing, it will cause the transmission fluid to overheat and produce a burning smell inside your car. Another source of this burning smell can be caused by transmission fluid leaking onto your vehicle’s exhaust.
4. Transmission Fluid Leaks
When a part fails inside your transmission, it is typical for the transmission fluid to leak. It can be a relatively easy fix, but it needs to be repaired quickly to avoid severe damage to your Subaru’s transmission. The most common items to cause transmission fluid leaks are gaskets and seals.
5. Delay In Engagement After Shifting Your Car Into Gear
If you are shifting your transmission from park into drive or reverse and there is a delay before the transmission engages the gear, there is likely a problem with your transmission. If you are experiencing this problem, do not attempt to accelerate until the transmission is fully engaged, or you will cause further damage to your Subaru’s transmission.
6. Check Engine Light Turns On
If your check engine light turns on while driving, it can be due to an issue with your transmission. There are sensors inside your Subaru’s transmission which monitor performance and often transmission fluid temperature. If your Subaru’s computer notices that the transmission is not working correctly, it will turn on your check engine light. If your check engine light comes on, it is a good idea to have your vehicle diagnosed by a Subaru specialist to find out if the light is on due to a failure in the transmission.
How To Prolong The Life Of Your Subaru Transmission
- Depending on which year and model Subaru you own, a transmission fluid flush should be performed every 30,000 to 50,000 miles. On vehicles equipped with a CVT-style transmission, the fluid should at least be inspected by a mechanic who specializes in Subaru’s. The cost of a transmission fluid flush is typically between $100 and $200.
- Avoid towing or hauling heavy loads. This will put more strain on your Subaru’s transmission, causing the transmission fluid to need to be flushed more often. Towing or hauling more weight than your Subaru is rated to handle can even lead to transmission failure.
- Make sure you bring your vehicle to a complete stop before shifting gears. Shifting quickly between reverse and drive will stress your transmission and cause premature transmission failure.
What Does It Cost To Have Your Subaru Transmission Repaired?
It will require more detailed information to get an exact quote on what it will cost to repair your vehicle’s transmission. Different types of transmissions were used in various models, which are entirely different from each other. If you have a leak coming from a transmission fluid seal, the repair can be as inexpensive as $50 to $125. If you have a more serious issue and the transmission needs to be removed from your car to repair, it will likely cost around $1,000 to $1,500. There are times when a repair is impossible due to the amount of damage done to your Subaru’s transmission, and replacing the transmission is your only option. On some vehicles repairing the failed parts in your transmission can cost more than installing a replacement. Depending on which version of transmission your Subaru has, the replacement cost can be anywhere from $3,500 to $8,000.
Final Thoughts
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned in this article, you will want to have your car diagnosed by a Subaru expert as soon as possible.
If you continue driving your vehicle with any of these issues, you risk causing further damage to your transmission. Keeping up with the required maintenance on your car will prolong the life of your Subaru’s transmission. Having a transmission fluid flushed performed every 30,000 to 50,000 miles by a Subaru specialist will save you money in the long run and keep your vehicle safely on the road.
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