Recent video on Gen 4 CVT reverse issue

[taiguy]

2010 Subaru Outback CVT Test - YouTube

2010 Subaru Outback CVT Test - YouTube

Video was posted yesterday (12/3/2012). Never realized it was that bad. Guess I don't reverse that often.

[1 Lucky Texan]

Originally Posted by taiguy

2010 Subaru Outback CVT Test - YouTube

Video was posted yesterday (12/3/2012). Never realized it was that bad. Guess I don't reverse that often.

and evidently the ecu reflash tsb doesn't help.

Of course, if you had a few inches 'running start' it would mount the curb OK I'd guess so, a 'real world situation' where you'd be stuck might be uncommon. In fact, doing that in a bunch of soft snow or sand would make for a more damning video as I'd bet you'd have to get out and shovel.

embarrassing for Subaru to say the least.

[4wheeldog]

I believe there is something wrong with that particular car. I can wedge my '12 up against a 4"x4" and pop up over it easily. Reverse is much taller that I would like, but it works OK.

[subiesailor]

Originally Posted by 4wheeldog

I believe there is something wrong with that particular car. I can wedge my '12 up against a 4"x4" and pop up over it easily. Reverse is much taller that I would like, but it works OK.

My 2010 CVT will back over that also heck it will back my 1700lb boat trailer over that.

I don't put much weight on these videos given my car does the same thing when the parking brake is on and I leave my seat belt off. Not to mention this situation is fabricated given even in this example I can't recall ever BACKING over a cattle grate and even if I had to there is always enough room to pull forward and back up without starting out having the wheels blocked.

[vr4Legacy]

This has been discussed over and over in another thread.

1 Lucky nailed it. It's not a real world problem, even the smallest rolling start will cause it bump right over any obstacle. You have to try hard to get it to get stuck. I've done it with my OB, and yes it sits there a revs, but if you just let off the gas and let the car naturally roll forward while still in reverse, then give it gas it pops right up. But, again, I had to intentionally try to replicate this problem.

4Wheel, your car will probably do the same thing. But its not a real world problem so you have never had your car in the exact situation to cause this.

Both wheels have to be against the obstacle flush, if you go at an angle one wheel will pop up then will the other.

Again, not a real world problem, so Subaru won't address it. I'm guessing it's solved with the new CVT in the '13.

[Novablue]

I may have to post my first you tube video. I'm able to back over a 6.5 inch curb with out issue. I can not replicate thus issue.

I'm not denying that some people don't have this problem, but my car can mount the curb i think i did hit 3k to do it. I do have a 2012.

All these vids seem to show off pavement OB's. I wonder if Maybe the ecu is going in to "abuse" mode because of heat and high rpms?

[vr4Legacy]

I took my car to an abandoned parking lot and backed up into a grass median with the front wheels still on the pavement agains a ~4" curb. I slowly back the car into the curb, stopped then tried backing straight up. The car revved to ~3k and stayed there.

I then let off the gas, let the car roll forward ~4" and gave it gas backwards and it hopped right up. I tried at an angle and the car rolled up one wheel at a time. At no point was I "stuck", but this situation can be duplicated.

The rear wheels can climb the curb just fine, it's only when the rear wheels are elevated and the front wheels are stopped on the curb.

Again, not a real world problem and nothing to leave anyone stranded. There have been arguments that if you were on a trail and your car was up against a ditch and you had to back out, but couldn't roll forward, you'd be stuck... Maybe. But that's not real world, and if you're taking your car on trails like that you should at least have a shovel to help alleviate the steep edge.

[Spike]

What caught my interest in this video is the methodology of slowly ramping up the RPM until the rev limiter kicks in. I'd like to see what would happen if the driver were to "punch it", or at least hit the throttle with more aggression than is shown in the video.

[dboz]

I think the 2012 CVT behaves better than our 2011 did. Wonder if this is a first two year issue?

[bradze]

that makes me wanna trade for a 3.6r. but i've basically always regretted the 2.5i. lately ive come to accept the 2.5i was probably a better choice for me cuz of my commute, but yesterday i confirmed this issue. but i didn't know if i do one wheel at a time itll work. so who knows