CVT transmission catastrophic failure
Sudden stalling, loss of power, complete internal transmission failure
Check engine light: Off
The dominant problem for this generation is catastrophic CVT (continuously variable transmission) failure, with sudden stalling and loss of power, including one documented case described as 'complete internal failure of the transmission requiring a replacement.' Multiple owners report that Subaru extended warranty coverage for this issue rather than issuing a formal recall — current owners outside that coverage window may face the full replacement cost out of pocket. This is a transmission fault, not an engine issue, so it doesn't reliably trigger a check-engine light, though a transmission warning light often accompanies it.
$2,800 – $7,500
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Battery / parasitic drain issues
Battery dying repeatedly, key stuck in ignition, melted wiring harnesses
Check engine light: Off
Battery drain issues, key-stuck-in-ignition reports, and melted wiring harnesses — one owner reported the car wouldn't start without being driven at least every two days. This is an electrical fault and doesn't trigger a check-engine light.
Melted wiring harness reports make this more serious than a routine battery drain.
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Engine oil consumption
Excessive oil consumption, rough idling
Check engine light: On
Excessive oil consumption and rough idling, related to the confirmed valve spring recall (Campaign WTY-84/18V772000). This is consistent with the broader Subaru oil-consumption problem also reported on the Forester. A rough-idle symptom like this typically triggers a check-engine light.
Oil consumption is also widely reported on the Subaru Forester.
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Infotainment touchscreen unresponsiveness
Radio/USB/XM/Bluetooth display sometimes unresponsive
Check engine light: Off
The infotainment touchscreen sometimes becomes unresponsive. Remedies ranged from software updates to full monitor replacement. This is a minor/annoyance-level electrical issue, not safety-relevant, and doesn't trigger a check-engine light.
9,000 – 22,000 mi
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Air conditioning issues
Clogged drain tubes/plugs, refrigerant leaks
Check engine light: Off
Clogged AC drain tubes and plugs, along with refrigerant leaks requiring a recharge. An AC fault doesn't trigger a check-engine light.
$150 – $1,0006,000 – 72,000 mi
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Wheel bearing failures
Not detailed beyond the named fault in our source sample
Check engine light: Off
Wheel bearing failures, with multiple replacements reported on some vehicles. A worn wheel bearing typically produces a humming or grinding noise that changes with speed; it doesn't trigger a check-engine light.
$400 – $80031,000 – 199,000 mi
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The most serious problem for this generation is catastrophic CVT (continuously variable transmission) failure — sudden stalling and complete internal transmission failure, sometimes requiring a full CVT replacement. Multiple owners report that Subaru extended warranty coverage for this issue rather than issuing a recall, so current owners outside that coverage window may face this cost out of pocket.