|
|
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
12-13-2015, 10:37 PM | #1 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 328283
Join Date: Aug 2012
Vehicle:2004 STi PSM |
WRX CVT Reliability
Have you guys seen any reports on the reliability of the 2015+ WRX CVTs? Any first hand accounts, reviews, stories, anything?
I'm considering buying into a CVT on the next WRX that I get simply so that it's easier to put commuter miles on. Either that, or an STI again and just deal with the manual.
* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.
|
12-14-2015, 06:52 AM | #2 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 299286
Join Date: Oct 2011
Chapter/Region:
NESIC
Location: Upstate NY
Vehicle:2017 Legacy Limited White |
I've only seen a couple of reports of CVT issues on NASIOC, one was a car that was being modded for power, the other I read about in the Warranty thread.
There were a couple of posts about weird shifting behavior, but not sure if there was a discovered issue or not. By comparison, there are also reports of issues relating to the 6MT WRX, that you can read if you search. The same combination of FA turbo engine and CVT was on the Forester XT before it made its way to the new generation of WRX. So also search for reports from those. I don't think you will find anything of note, but let us know. |
12-15-2015, 03:26 AM | #3 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 435793
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Vehicle:2016 WRX STi Base DGM |
I had a '15 limited CVT. The car was still a ton of fun and I bought it because I wasn't sure how long my commute was going to be for work.
Fast forward to about 2 weeks ago and I really regretted my decision of not going with the STi, so I traded it in for a '16. I had never been behind the wheel of a STi, but to me it was really a night and day difference. It just begs to be driven and I am more than happy with my switch. As far as reliability, I never had any issues at all. It seemed to know what it was doing/did what I want 90 percent of the time. Subaru actually did a superb job with it. Feel free to ask anymore questions. |
12-15-2015, 09:04 AM | #4 | |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 391676
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Ohio
Vehicle:2018 Tesla Model 3 2012 Infiniti G37x |
Quote:
This link contains an excerpt from the service manual. http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show...2&postcount=77 I still think the CVT is better than the WRX MT when you compare to cable shift linkage adjustment, throw-bearing and clutch issues. Fast forward 8 years from now and the CVT may be a liability since it has limited serviceability. If they ever put an FA in the STi there would be little debate in what to get. I wish I didn't drive in traffic... every ****ing week. |
|
12-15-2015, 09:28 AM | #5 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 435405
Join Date: Dec 2015
Chapter/Region:
SCIC
Location: Pasadena, CA
Vehicle:2016 WRX Limited WRB |
3 weeks and 800 miles of Los Angeles freeways with no issues. I actually like it.
I know this says nothing about longevity or reliability but, for me the CVT was a must and I got no regrets. |
12-15-2015, 09:29 AM | #6 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 129681
Join Date: Oct 2006
Chapter/Region:
MAIC
Vehicle:2024 Crosstrek Ltd Ice Silver Metallic |
When the subject of reliability is widened to embrace more than one part, the transmission, the picture broadens significantly. With a CVT you then have the possibility of EyeSight which significantly enhances the chances the entire car and its passengers will suffer less "reliability" problems. There is no EyeSight with an MT.
Then you can throw in the lack of clutch, shifter, transmission, engine mounting, and all the rest of the common reliability problems of the MT. Four years now and counting, and the CVT in the FA drivetrain is without a measurable "reliability" problem. It, and the FA, are unquestionably the most reliable drivetrain components Subaru has ever made. |
12-15-2015, 09:34 AM | #7 | |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 391676
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Ohio
Vehicle:2018 Tesla Model 3 2012 Infiniti G37x |
Quote:
But people need to understand what a replacement costs when the warranty is up. From what I understand the CVT and center differential is one huge non-serviceable unit that is very expensive to replace. |
|
12-16-2015, 01:26 AM | #8 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 235872
Join Date: Jan 2010
Chapter/Region:
MAIC
Vehicle:05 WRX WRB |
Also check out the Forester forums, since they got the engine and trans a year before the WRX. Some of the XT guys are over 60k miles.
I've heard of a few cvts failing due to mods exceeding a just a retune. I think the out of warranty repair cost is something like 7-8K depending on the dealer's labor rate. |
12-16-2015, 10:59 AM | #9 | |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 328283
Join Date: Aug 2012
Vehicle:2004 STi PSM |
Quote:
I know this sounds crazy, but I want to get the car and use it as a commuter. I'm in a situation where I'll be driving a lot of miles and I want something I enjoy, not just an endless string of rentals. Comfort is a huge thing for me in this regard. I had a 2004 STI and while I loved it, I'm not looking to repeat that purchase for this purpose... If this job goes well I might buy a 2004-2007 STI to play with, but my commuter will more than likely need to be an auto in some form and the CVT looks promising. I know some of you might be cringing at the idea of me putting 100k on a 2016 WRX in a matter of what might be 3 years, but I really want to drive something I enjoy and not have to drop the money on a 3-series BMW or A3/A4. Really 3 things stick out as being essential for me. AWD - I'm in Michigan and experience lots of bad weather, can't do without it for a job with lots of travel. Comfort - For both myself and customers, this vehicle needs to be professional as I'll have customers in it form time to time Reliability - Being on the side of the road waiting for a rental car or tow is unacceptable. So that's why I've been thinking WRX. My 2004 STI despite being Stage 2 and abused was rock solid. Seriously, I know it's a subaru forum, but any other recommendations are welcome. An AWD Audi A3 was considered, but they're fairly expensive... I'm all ears to suggestions though. |
|
12-16-2015, 11:16 AM | #10 | |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 299286
Join Date: Oct 2011
Chapter/Region:
NESIC
Location: Upstate NY
Vehicle:2017 Legacy Limited White |
Quote:
I drove mine down and back to Maryland and it is a great highway commuter car. You can easily cruise with traffic and power is there when you need to pass someone safely/quickly -- no need to hang out in the blind spots of other drivers. Oh, and upgrade the stereo, if I did more than my typical ~10 mile commute I would have done that right away. Last edited by Zeeper; 12-16-2015 at 03:23 PM. |
|
12-16-2015, 03:08 PM | #11 | |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 328283
Join Date: Aug 2012
Vehicle:2004 STi PSM |
Quote:
|
|
12-16-2015, 03:21 PM | #12 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 299286
Join Date: Oct 2011
Chapter/Region:
NESIC
Location: Upstate NY
Vehicle:2017 Legacy Limited White |
I have a 2015 Premium, no upgrades. The 2016 Starlink head unit is probably already an improvement, and the kit you are looking at is probably fine.
|
12-16-2015, 09:33 PM | #13 |
Scooby Guru
Member#: 2452
Join Date: Sep 2000
Chapter/Region:
SCIC
Location: California, USA
Vehicle:2016 WRX WR Blue |
5 months of occasional LA traffic/freeway driving and one road trip with no major CVT issues on the 2016 WRX.
The 3 SI Drive modes took some time to get use to my driving habits. S# Is a little too "rubber-bandy" at low RPMS but is a wasp at higher speeds. This model year's suspension seems VERY low and stiff. I understand that it's all been tweaked and enhanced but holy hell: the bad roads in LA are horrible for this cars suspension. You feel EVERY bump, crack, and dip. High drive-ways cause my tires to rub against the wheel well guards. I really do miss the space in my old hatch and that awesome rear windshield wiper and fluid nozzle. Everything else is leap years ahead of the out going model/body The only concerns I have is a weird shuttering in the engine compartment when engaging the car in drive from park on initial morning start ups. You put the shifter in drive or reverse and accelerate and get a moment of resistant and shaking/shuddering. I was told from other members that this is a characteristic of CVTs but it's definitely something I haven't gotten use to. Anyone else experience this in the morning when starting up your WRX and driving off. I'm also experiencing slight attempts of stalling during early morning start-up while the car's temps are warming up. I plan on getting all of this checked out once I get my first oil change. Edit: Did a quick search and this is exactly what I've been experiencing: http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums/538585-post5.html Last edited by ejicon; 12-16-2015 at 10:00 PM. |
12-16-2015, 09:59 PM | #14 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 270569
Join Date: Jan 2011
Chapter/Region:
International
Vehicle:'15 Foz XT & GT86 |
Do you plan on modifying for more power?
Quote from 'DJ BrianBASS' on this forum: "Everything we have found so far with the 14+ FXT's show 445 NM or 330 TQ as the max that the CVT can handle. I do not know if the WRX CVT limit is different. This has been verified from FXT's that are higher than that on COBB Tuning software. John Visconti is running higher TQ on his '14 FXT, but with EcuTek and his custom tuning. Once over 330 TQ the CVT starts to "slip", but not sure if it's a mechanical issue or the TCM allowing the torque converter to slip to prevent the higher power from damaging the CVT." |
12-17-2015, 06:32 AM | #15 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 430224
Join Date: Sep 2015
|
I have a 2016 wrx cvt and it has almost 3k miles on it. I'm at stage 1 cobb big sf intake and accessport. No issues right now. Love the cvt drove stick all my life but needed to have a car that the wife can drive too (didn't want to learn stick) and only draw back is you do miss the stick shift but it weights it self out when you get stuck in traffic ***128522;. Only thing is that I did hear after stage 2 there is issues with the cvt but I haven't confirmed.
|
12-17-2015, 06:53 AM | #16 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 222893
Join Date: Sep 2009
Chapter/Region:
NESIC
Location: Revere, MA
Vehicle:2016 WRX DGM Limited 2002 WRB/2012 SWP Hatch |
I went for a limited. The h/k is FANTASTIC. I have no desire to upgrade the audio system. I would suggest some sound dampening material in the doors and roof.
|
12-17-2015, 10:17 AM | #17 |
Scooby Guru
Member#: 98210
Join Date: Oct 2005
Chapter/Region:
Tri-State
Location: Upstate NY
Vehicle:2016 Forester XT CWP 2002 WRX SRP 2016 Sienna |
I've had both transmissions now, the cvt is quite impressive but if I were you I'd probably just go for the sti unless you just really can't deal with stick anymore.
|
12-17-2015, 10:38 AM | #18 | |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 106116
Join Date: Jan 2006
Chapter/Region:
NESIC
Location: Massachusetts
Vehicle:2016 VW Golf R Limestone Grey |
Quote:
|
|
12-17-2015, 10:40 AM | #19 |
Scooby Guru
Member#: 98210
Join Date: Oct 2005
Chapter/Region:
Tri-State
Location: Upstate NY
Vehicle:2016 Forester XT CWP 2002 WRX SRP 2016 Sienna |
If you want comfort and the cvt wrx powertrain....forester XT ftw
|
12-17-2015, 11:03 AM | #20 | |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 299286
Join Date: Oct 2011
Chapter/Region:
NESIC
Location: Upstate NY
Vehicle:2017 Legacy Limited White |
Quote:
They are incomparable, the WRX is much better. It cost ~$8,000 more out the door, but I also traded a 5MT Impreza Sport to a WRX CVT, so if I had owned an Impreza CVT it would have been ~$7,000 difference in sale price. Is the WRX a bit louder? yes. Does it have a stiffer suspension, yes, but in an entirely great way. The Impreza had quite bit of wallow/body roll. The steering was also quite a lot looser than the WRX. The interior finish of the WRX is better (comparing premium to premium, cloth to cloth). Power? WRX has power to spare, Impreza had to be flogged and would still be a dog climbing hills or passing. Sure buying an Impreza is an option, but they are two different classes of vehicle, and the extra money is worth it if you want that level of upgrade to the ride, power, and finishes. Last edited by Zeeper; 12-17-2015 at 04:35 PM. |
|
12-17-2015, 03:28 PM | #21 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 328283
Join Date: Aug 2012
Vehicle:2004 STi PSM |
Great questions guys, I want something fun to drive, plain and simple.
Sure the Impreza could "work". But I need a certain amount of class to the car because I'll have customers in it. I'll admit, the WRX is more fun than class, for sure. I'm actually really leaning towards a Legacy with the 3.6L now after comparing all my options, it costs less than a loaded WRX, it's almost as powerful, it's larger inside, probably rides better and has a classier feel. I'm still thinking it over, but am liking the Legacy more and more. Also I keep talking about "customers". I recently got a job as a technical systems engineer in pre-sales with a network security company. If I'm taking customers out it will usually be a 10-20 minute drive with what is usually 3 other large men (just seems to be the norm in this industry). I'll have a 1 - 2.5 hour drive to most customers, so comfort for me is extremely important. |
12-17-2015, 03:50 PM | #22 |
Scooby Guru
Member#: 98210
Join Date: Oct 2005
Chapter/Region:
Tri-State
Location: Upstate NY
Vehicle:2016 Forester XT CWP 2002 WRX SRP 2016 Sienna |
I really think you should check out the forester xt, its basically a wrx that trades handling for comfort and space, but it still has an amusing enthusiast feel without drawing any attention at all. The fa20 is better than the 3.6.
The wrx is a lot more fun to drive but for long trips its really no contest. |
12-17-2015, 04:12 PM | #23 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 299286
Join Date: Oct 2011
Chapter/Region:
NESIC
Location: Upstate NY
Vehicle:2017 Legacy Limited White |
I think Legacy would be a good choice. The 3.6 is not a turbo so powerband should be smooth and engine should be reliable...you probably put a lot of miles on.
Also, you may not need to stuff the seat with foam to give you lumbar support... Last edited by Zeeper; 12-17-2015 at 04:33 PM. |
12-17-2015, 04:15 PM | #24 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 160346
Join Date: Sep 2007
Chapter/Region:
MAIC
Location: Virginia
Vehicle:2015 WRX Limited CVT Ice Silver |
I will turn over 16K on my 2015 CVT on the way home tonight.
I would describe my driving as 'spirited' when I'm not commuting in traffic. I have been issue free with my CVT. I mainly use S and S# modes. For highway merges, often I put it in "full manual" where I have to use the paddles to make it shift "gears" (virtual gears). I do not take my car to drag strips or race tracks, or try to "launch it." I have been quite happy with the CVT, it is perfect for my commute and gives me the ability to have "fun" when the roads clear out.... the perfect balance. I can't offer an opinion of the Forester vs. the WRX. I would say that depends on what you are looking for, both have advantages and disadvantages, depends on what compromises you are willing to make. |
12-17-2015, 06:07 PM | #25 | ||
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 129681
Join Date: Oct 2006
Chapter/Region:
MAIC
Vehicle:2024 Crosstrek Ltd Ice Silver Metallic |
Quote:
Quote:
As far as I'm concerned this drivetrain has no peer, in whatever vehicle it is in. Were I to need the utility I'd have kept the FXT, which I don't, but the word reliability isn't and has not been an issue in any of the three i've owned. Cannot say that about any other previous car but these. |
||
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|