New member, I've been lurking off and on for a few years. I've owned nine Subarus, currently own a 2016 2.5i Limited Outback and 2016 Forester 2.5i Premium.
I've read the few threads/posts on here regarding "surging/stumbling." My 2016 OB surges/stumbles EVERY time when applying "part-throttle acceleration" from a stop. What I mean is, I push the accelerator a small amount and the car reacts as if I'm accelerating in 2nd or 3rd gear from a stop in my 2011 WRX. I keep the accelerator at the exact same position, not giving any more or less force, and it sloooooowly accelerates, then, once it hits a certain speed, "jumps" (surges) forward, like I just passed a rich spot in a carbureted vehicle or made it through some turbo lag. Sometimes this surging is accompanied by various "stumbling," with the CVT "hunting" around a bit before it "bites" and accelerates smoothly. It does this whether the motor/transmission is cold or hot, no matter the outside temp, road conditions, etc. This only happens when I accelerate at a slow-to-moderate pace, not at 1/2 to full throttle starts, which are normal.
If I shift manually using the paddle shifters, this issue doesn't happen. I'm pretty much convinced this is a CVT programming issue. My background: I recently worked at a major automotive manufacturer's Torrance, California HQ as Senior Technical Editor for Owner's and Service Manuals for almost a decade. When I say I'm convinced it's a CVT issue, let's just say I'm pretty convinced.
I'm wondering how to get Subaru to do something about this. Having worked for a major automotive manufacturer, I know how difficult it is for them to address an issue they'd rather not acknowledge. So, my questions for those on here are: 1) Has anyone experienced this issue?; 2) If so, has anyone had luck getting it "fixed," whether at the dealer level or with an escalation to corporate?; 3) Is this an issue dealers are aware of and have a fix for (TSB, technical service bulletin)?
Again, mainly I'm looking for some background on the issue before I approach Subaru.
Other than this "surging/stumbling" issue, I love the car. And yet, every time I drive my 2016 Forester, also with 2.5 and CVT, I'm reminded how sub-par the CVT programming is in the OB. The Forester's power train behaves perfectly.
Thanks for any feedback.
I've read the few threads/posts on here regarding "surging/stumbling." My 2016 OB surges/stumbles EVERY time when applying "part-throttle acceleration" from a stop. What I mean is, I push the accelerator a small amount and the car reacts as if I'm accelerating in 2nd or 3rd gear from a stop in my 2011 WRX. I keep the accelerator at the exact same position, not giving any more or less force, and it sloooooowly accelerates, then, once it hits a certain speed, "jumps" (surges) forward, like I just passed a rich spot in a carbureted vehicle or made it through some turbo lag. Sometimes this surging is accompanied by various "stumbling," with the CVT "hunting" around a bit before it "bites" and accelerates smoothly. It does this whether the motor/transmission is cold or hot, no matter the outside temp, road conditions, etc. This only happens when I accelerate at a slow-to-moderate pace, not at 1/2 to full throttle starts, which are normal.
If I shift manually using the paddle shifters, this issue doesn't happen. I'm pretty much convinced this is a CVT programming issue. My background: I recently worked at a major automotive manufacturer's Torrance, California HQ as Senior Technical Editor for Owner's and Service Manuals for almost a decade. When I say I'm convinced it's a CVT issue, let's just say I'm pretty convinced.
I'm wondering how to get Subaru to do something about this. Having worked for a major automotive manufacturer, I know how difficult it is for them to address an issue they'd rather not acknowledge. So, my questions for those on here are: 1) Has anyone experienced this issue?; 2) If so, has anyone had luck getting it "fixed," whether at the dealer level or with an escalation to corporate?; 3) Is this an issue dealers are aware of and have a fix for (TSB, technical service bulletin)?
Again, mainly I'm looking for some background on the issue before I approach Subaru.
Other than this "surging/stumbling" issue, I love the car. And yet, every time I drive my 2016 Forester, also with 2.5 and CVT, I'm reminded how sub-par the CVT programming is in the OB. The Forester's power train behaves perfectly.
Thanks for any feedback.