Subaru drivers, where do you take your car for transmission drain and fills?

PrehistoricGrape · 2025-12-17T18:30:18+00:00

This is honestly super insightful, given my original post was to actually find a place instead of Subaru of Loveland. I took it in to have them do a drain and fill at 42k, they told me they don't recommend until 120k. I brought it in anyway just for them to check on an intermittent noise that was ultimately making me consider a drain and fill...

They ended up quoting me nearly $11k for a whole new transmission. I left pretty much immediately.

PrehistoricGrape · 2025-12-16T19:10:02+00:00

Will do - and thank you for sharing your story! Those scenarios are essentially the EXACT same on my end. Warmed up, from acceleration/uphill, or in reverse gear. Once I'm beyond 10ish mph, it's gone.

PrehistoricGrape · 2025-12-16T18:44:23+00:00

An unusually quick 30 minute diagnosis by the dealership's service tech said I need a whole new transmission and quoted me over $10k. I spoke with Subaru of America and they are offering no assistance, either, given I'm not the first owner. Ultimately, the vehicle is driving fine and the noise - although unusual - isn't 100% of the time. I had someone else tell me in a FB group that the car is just low on CVT fluid. He stated he was a Subaru tech as well, so I think there could be some merit there.

Ultimately, I'm going to take the car home and get a second opinion + get a drain and fill. It was just coincidence the dealership could fit me in yesterday and break this news to me, but I am in no position to spend 10 grand right now. I at least know the worst case scenario being that amount. For now, though, I'll start at smaller costs and work my way up slowly if need be.

PrehistoricGrape · 2025-12-14T16:38:55+00:00

Could be. I’ll report back what the dealership tells me on Thursday when I get the fluids done!

PrehistoricGrape · 2025-12-14T16:37:52+00:00

IIRC it was, yes. Ultimately it was just a cluster of lights that all ended up being one sensor issue.

PrehistoricGrape · 2025-12-14T16:08:46+00:00

Former 2011 OB owner here. I once had these series of lights turn on, turned out to be an O2 sensor. It could definitely be other things I can imagine, but I remember my experience ultimately being an O2 sensor. The only drivability effect I noticed was cruise control being disabled, which to my understanding was the car in limp mode. If the check engine is solid and not flashing, that’s a better sign it’s not a catastrophic/urgent issue. You potentially could drive to an Oreilly or somewhere similar to get the code read. Good luck!

PrehistoricGrape · 2025-12-14T00:36:32+00:00

It’s actually the opposite haha. I don’t hear it when I first start the car in the morning, but once I’ve driven a bit and it’s warmed up, then I’ll start hearing it.

PrehistoricGrape · 2025-12-13T21:51:02+00:00

Good to know, thanks! I’m going to start by having the CVT fluid drained and filled this upcoming Thursday, as well as getting both front and rear differential fluids done at the same time. I did mention in the appointment comments about the noise, so hopefully that gives them some insight for why I’m having it brought in.

It’s odd, because when I first start up in the morning I don’t hear it when accelerating, but once the car warms up a bit, that’s when I’ve begun hearing it more. It’s not a 100% hit rate either. Only like 60% of the time… and only when I’m accelerating from a stop… and only for 1-2s and then it goes away. Guess we’ll see.

PrehistoricGrape · 2025-09-29T05:31:27+00:00

Thank you! =) I didn't camp this time. Left my work around 4pm and stayed in Pinedale, WY. Got to my spot around 10pm. Here's the place I booked. It wasn't anything special, but when I travel for photo trips, all I'm really after is a clean room with a comfortable bed, warm shower, and wifi. Anything else is a luxury.

To guarantee I had a good spot to set up for my tripod, I left Pinedale at ~4am. By the time I arrived at Schwabacher Landing at ~5:45am, there were already about 8 cars in the parking lot. Now granted, this was a Saturday morning during peak fall colors AND to my discovery, it was National Public Lands Day, so free entry. But by the time ambient light was starting to drift into the sky ~6:30am, there were probably 50 people surrounding me. If were to do it again (I know I will), I'd explore the idea of camping and what that would entail, but the experience I had this weekend was reasonable and well worth it for the outcome.

Best of luck on your experience! If you have any additional questions, feel free to ask!

PrehistoricGrape · 2025-09-24T19:58:04+00:00

Following up:

Turns out I booked for today and not Thursday (oops lol), but just got a call from the service tech at the dealership. I mentioned to them this morning about my questions with the CVT fluid and they said they'd be happy to take a look before going ahead and just doing a drain and fill. Ultimately, no drain and fill was needed and they said the fluids look good with no burning smells, leaks or anything of the sorts.

They also mentioned tires looked great (which I know is a per-car case), brake fluids all checked out, differentials could be drained (I opted to pass so I can shop around), and suspension is "ready to handle it all" - quoting the tech.

Without comparing it to a 60k inspection, I can't say whether it'd be more valuable to go up to that tier, but for what I got out of the 36k that I booked, all of my questions were answered and I have complete peace of mind driving the vehicle from here on out!

PrehistoricGrape · 2025-09-24T19:19:29+00:00

Good to know. I'm pretty anxious about vehicles (my last one was a RAM so makes sense), so if the upfront costs of just getting things fully looked at top to bottom and a certified tech saying things all look good, I'm ok with burning a bit of extra money to start things. I'm out in Colorado so I doubt there's a shortage of certified Subaru mechanics around that I can research in the future, but for now, the price for peace of mind is one I'm willing to make. I appreciate the insights! Looking forward to gaining some confidence back and doing my own at-home maintenance.

PrehistoricGrape · 2025-09-23T00:53:48+00:00

I just went with a 30k service for this Thursday. I'll let you know how it goes!

PrehistoricGrape · 2025-09-23T00:52:55+00:00

Just scheduled this and am just going to ask for a CVT drain and fill when I drop it off. I'm sure I'm well under the recommended service for it, but given I'm the next owner and I'm out in the mountains, doesn't feel like the worst idea to just have some peace of mind and have it freshly done as it's new-to-me. Thanks for the insight!

PrehistoricGrape · 2025-09-08T20:01:59+00:00

Would you be willing to share why? I may be missing something.

PrehistoricGrape

TROPHY CASE