I have a 2019 Forrester. 100k miles. Burns no oil somehow. I monitor it closely. I've changed the CVT fluid 2 times. Zero issues. I change my own oil every 5k miles. It's been so easy to own but maybe I'm lucky.
Seems high, but I’d be leery of going to independent shop for the cvt fluid. You really want to keep that as Subaru brand and the dealer will do the transmission relearn procedure.
The reality is that they need more thoughtful and consistent maintenance than other cars, and the maintenance tends to cost a bit more.
As long as you pony up the effort and money to maintain them, they are very reliable.
And I'll repeat, again, as I have so many times: Change your CVT fluid every 30k miles.
Also consider doing cvt fluid changes every 30k or so despite dealers considering it a “lifetime sealed unit”. So far mine hasn’t had the slightest hiccup over its 50k miles. They’re relatively simple and easy to service if you’re even slightly hands on as well. I certainly expect to get more than 10 years out of mine
I just recently paid $227 for my CVT fluid drain/refill on my Impreza at the dealership.
CVT price is pretty good. I paid 375 a few weeks ago for mine to get done.
Same question for Europe: Subaru in Germany recommends cvt fluid change every 45 000km on heavy duty and every 90 000 on standard usage.
At what point would you recommend to change CVT fluid in a 2018 Forester? A relative has one with 45k miles and it developed a quiet “howling” noise starting at around 50mph. It is not very loud and we cannot the if it’s coming from the CVT. It doesn’t go away when transmission is shifted into Neutral at that speed. Front and rear differential fluid has been replaced.
Write your review about CVT fluid OEM Subaru
Help others - share your experience with this part.
Voted AGAINST engine oil RAVENOL on the rating page
The brake pads NIPPARTS got the first review!
The brake discs Hella got the first review!
The brake discs OEM Suzuki got the first review!
For tires OEM Toyota already 25 reviews.
For tires IRONMAN already 25 reviews.
For starter motor OEM Volkswagen already 25 reviews.
In the rating best ignition coil already 13 brands participate!
In the rating best fuel pump already 5 brands participate!
In the rating best turbocharger already 4 brands participate!
In the auto rating headlights for Volkswagen Golf already 5 brands participate!
In the auto rating brake pads for Mazda 5 already 10 brands participate!
In the auto rating brake pads for BMW M2 already 5 brands participate!
Voted AGAINST engine oil RED LINE on the rating page
Voted AGAINST engine oil PENNZOIL on the rating page
The brand is registered in Japan.
In March 2026, PartReview does not yet have a formed opinion of OEM Subaru CVT fluid. You can help by adding a review for OEM Subaru CVT fluid.
Currently there are 8 reviews and 24 votes. Average rating — 4.1 out of 5. Vote balance: 21 up, 3 down.
Users also evaluated the qualities of OEM Subaru CVT fluid:
Unfortunately, there are no car-specific ratings for this part yet. You can help by adding a review and specifying your car.
