MajorCommonTransmission

Subaru Forester: Lineartronic CVT Judder, Shudder, and Chain Wear

Lineartronic CVT Judder, Shudder, and Chain Wear is a common transmission fault on the Subaru Forester on the 2013–2023 cars, and we rate it major. Putting it right costs $4,000 to $9,000 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. Below is what goes wrong, the symptoms to notice on a test drive, where to look, and what to ask the seller before you hand over any money. It is one of 50 documented faults on the Subaru Forester.

Vehicle: Subaru Forester
Years: 2013–2023
Fuel: petrol
Gearbox: cvt
System: Transmission

This page covers the Subaru Forester as a model. Some faults only affect particular engines or build years — enter a plate below to narrow the list to one car.

All Subaru Forester faults50 documented faults on this model

What you are looking at

No photograph available

We do not hold a verified photograph of the Torque converter or CVT belt and pulleys or Clutch yet. We would rather show none than show a picture of a different part.

What goes wrong

The TR580 and TR690 Lineartronic continuously variable transmissions used across SJ and SK Forester generations are prone to a characteristic shudder or judder sensation under light throttle, most noticeable when pulling away from a standstill on a slight incline. The root cause is a combination of torque converter lock-up clutch glazing, steel push-belt or chain elongation, and pulley surface wear. Progressive deterioration leads to slipping under load, delayed engagement, and eventual catastrophic unit failure if not addressed early.

What you would notice

Shudder or vibration through the cabin on light-throttle acceleration from low speed
Oscillating vibration felt at a steady 60–80 km/h cruise under light load
Slipping or flare sensation when accelerating briskly uphill
Delayed or reluctant engagement when selecting Drive from a standstill
Whining or droning noise from the transmission tunnel under load

How to check it

Where to look. Lineartronic CVT unit mounted behind the engine; TR580 (2.5L) or TR690 (2.0T); torque converter and belt/chain assembly internally

During a test drive, accelerate gently from a standstill on a slight uphill gradient using very light throttle. Feel for a vibration, shudder, or juddering through the floor, seat, and steering wheel. Also try maintaining a steady 60–80 km/h on light throttle and feel for any oscillating vibration. Check the CVT fluid condition via the dipstick or filler plug if accessible – it should be clean and red, not dark or burnt-smelling.

Parts involved: Torque converter, CVT belt and pulleys, Clutch.

What it costs to put right

$4,000 to $9,000 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That is for this job on its own, not for the car.

An estimate, in NZD, for the repair as normally carried out. What a specific car costs depends on which part has failed and what it damaged on the way — treat this as the floor for a negotiation, not a quote.

Ask the seller

“Has the CVT fluid ever been replaced, and if so, when and with what fluid specification?”
“Have you ever experienced a shudder or judder when pulling away gently from a standstill?”
“Has the transmission ever been inspected or serviced by a Subaru dealer for a shudder complaint?”

Now check the Subaru Forester you are actually looking at

Everything above is true of the model, and it is free. What it does not tell you is whether THIS car has been looked after: its odometer history and whether the reading has ever gone backwards, whether there is still money owing on it, whether it has been reported stolen, how many owners it has had and what it is really worth today. That comes from the official records for that plate. Enter the plate for the free details, or get the full history and a market valuation from $13.49.

Not sure what you would be paying for? See what a full KickTyres check includes.

Where this comes from

The failure described above is documented in published sources — owner forums, technical service bulletins, recall notices and workshop write-ups — held in our fault database. The inspection instructions and the cost estimate are KickTyres’ own interpretation of them, and it is a starting point for an inspection rather than a manufacturer statement.

Subaru Forester buyer questions

Is lineartronic cvt judder, shudder, and chain wear serious on a Subaru Forester?

We rate it major and common on the Subaru Forester. The TR580 and TR690 Lineartronic continuously variable transmissions used across SJ and SK Forester generations are prone to a characteristic shudder or judder sensation under light throttle, most noticeable when pulling away from a standstill on a slight incline. The root cause is a combination of torque converter lock-up clutch glazing, steel push-belt or chain elongation, and pulley surface wear. Progressive deterioration leads to slipping under load, delayed engagement, and eventual catastrophic unit failure if not addressed early.

How much does it cost to fix on a Subaru Forester?

$4,000 to $9,000 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That figure is for this job on its own. A car showing the symptoms on this page is usually worth either walking away from or negotiating down by at least the repair figure.

Which Subaru Forester years are affected?

Our research records this fault on the 2013–2023 Subaru Forester. Build dates move around, especially on imported cars, so treat the range as the years to look hardest at rather than a guarantee either way. The official records tell you the exact build and first registration date for the car in front of you.