How often should I be changing CVT fluid?

BarryB333

BarryB333

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Contrary to what is recommended by Subaru in regards to changing the CVT fluid, I had a Subaru mechanic tell me that changing it more often than recommended is a good thing as it helps avoid a CVT failure. I did some research and it appears that many seem to agree with him. And so...how often should I be changing out the fluid? I just purchased my first Subaru (Forester, Touring...2020) and am wondering what kind of schedule I should use for replacing the fluid. Suggestions??? Any other maintenance suggestions would be appreciated as well.
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I'm aware of what goes on in Japan. What I'm dealing with is a Subaru dealer that is insisting that it's not necessary and that there is some risk in doing it every 30K miles. I'm tending to agree with Japan.
 
If the fluid hasn't been touched I wonder if it's more of a liability or "don't ask for trouble" mentality? As in stirring up solids, dissolving and redopositing varnish, etc?

Not to mention anyone noticing a small change in "shifting" or anything that smells different will come in to have it checked?

Also with the transmission self learning or manually teaching sounds like a good opportunity for finger pointing.

Personally I am in favor and do the fluids ahead of schedule if doing other work.

I do want to ask.... Any idea if all the controls are the same for other markets, as in the same module and same firmware/software?
 
CVT fluid certainly does not need to be changed at 30k intervals
Use the owners manual for a recommendation
If it says "never needs it" replace at 100k mile intervals
 
I disagree with this suggestion. Japan Subaru directs its car owners to change the fluid every 30,000 miles. I don't understand why Subaru US indicates the fluid is "lifetime". That makes no sense to me. Until this issue is clarified I will follow the 30,000 mile rule.
 
msilverm said:
I disagree with this suggestion. Japan Subaru directs its car owners to change the fluid every 30,000 miles. I don't understand why Subaru US indicates the fluid is "lifetime". That makes no sense to me. Until this issue is clarified I will follow the 30,000 mile rule.
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Yet another annoyance of the US market vs most other countries (annoying to me at least)

Fluid intervals are totally different. SOME make sense i.e. engine oil in some cases is extended because the fuel has less heavies that don't burn as easily or volatilize off in the sump, for for diesel they don't use any Soy mixed in that is just plain rancid but rather a nice Rapeseed oil.

I am not familiar with Japan having nearly as many environmental incentives regarding fluids or bragging about lower costs of "scheduled maintenance" over the life of the car like the US has.
 
According to the car care nut and Mr. Subaru 1387, transmissions are supposed to last until 100,000 miles, after which you are on your own, and the cost of Repair is on you. By claiming that the fluid never needs to be replaced, they keep their own warranty costs down and can advertise less time and money spent on maintenance.
It just makes sense that 30,000 miles which is approximately two years of driving is going to allow tons of condensation and debris buildup so it seems pretty counterintuitive to suggest that the fluid would never need changing.
I’m going with Japan.
And also with what appears to be basic common sense
 
HowAboutThat said:
According to the car care nut and Mr. Subaru 1387, transmissions are supposed to last until 100,000 miles, after which you are on your own, and the cost of Repair is on you. By claiming that the fluid never needs to be replaced, they keep their own warranty costs down and can advertise less time and money spent on maintenance.
It just makes sense that 30,000 miles which is approximately two years of driving is going to allow tons of condensation and debris buildup so it seems pretty counterintuitive to suggest that the fluid would never need changing.
I’m going with Japan.
And also with what appears to be basic common sense
Click to expand...
Japan driving is way different than USA driving, typically ...

I'm getting more and more curious about the structure they have there vs otherwise
 
My JDM owners and service manuals just came in the mail yesterday. They aren't like ours!
 
You aren't kidding! Layout is quite a bit different too. And the pics are a riot.
 
We're way off topic now...just like every forum ever. :)

And there's one about bubbles in the refrigerant. If you don't have them, you have to go to a dealer for more bubbles.

61473360-2e25-4cd7-8953-d914bb2d8a0a (1).jpg


Screenshot_20250515_165242_Google.jpg
 
there's some mechnics that say 50-60k mi , that's what i'm going with , just atf/filter , from indie shop. not dealer.. just make sure it's the right oil
 
My Crosstrek has 8400 miles on it, I had an oil change at 1K then the free dealer oil change at 6K and I’m about to get another oil change at 9K. My mechanic, who is a genius but specializes in Mercedes and Toyota, recommended a transmission oil change at 12 K, and I’m going to do that because All of the “breaking -in” shavings need to be flushed out. Once I get that done, I think I’ll be OK.
 

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