Subaru Outback Forums banner
Cancel

2013 Outback Slight Jerking Sensation

E
4237 13
Maybe it's because it's a new car and you kinda notice every little thing but this seems strange to me.

My 2013 OBL has ~800 miles on it and I've noticed when it's cold there's a slight jerking feeling when excelerating at low speeds. (5-15mph) my first thought was its the CVT or an associated part. It almost feels like you're pumping the gas lightly. It only lasts a second or two then it's gone. After it's warmed up it doesn't seem to do it...or if it does it's so slight I don't feel it. One of my employees has a 2012 OBL and he says his does it to but it's hardly noticeable.

I've heard a lot of people talk about how the CVT has a jerk or lurch, but I'm not sure if this is what they're referring to or not. I've never owned a car with a CVT, so I don't know what's normal and what's not. I plan on having the dealer check it out when my first oil change is due, but was wondering if anyone else noticed something similar.

Thanks in advance.
Save Share
Reply Quote
1 - 14 of 14 Posts
KansasOutback

· Premium Member
2016 Outback: 2.5i Limited with Eyesight
Joined
·
50 Posts
#2 ·
I understand the feeling that you are experiencing. At times it felt like a hesitation. At just over 2000 miles I can't say I notice the pause any more. The vehicle now feels very familiar and smooth for me.

The one thing I am very use to is pausing an extra second when I back up - stop - pause - then select drive. Seems like the transmission needs to slow down before drive can be engaged.

Welcome to the Outback.
 
W

· Registered
2013 2.5 CVT Limited Outback Graphite Grey
Joined
·
41 Posts
#4 ·
7850. Miles on mine now. Before operating temps get up there and under lite throttle input my 13 exhibits the same condition on the 1st pull so to speak,little more throttle and it won't do it.
I call it normal ?
 
B

· Registered
2013 Outback Limited 2.5i/CVT/Graphite Gray
Joined
·
52 Posts
#5 ·
It's probably just a bit of surging or inaccuracy in the fuel injection program...

Old cars ran rich so they wouldn't do this.. new cars are on the bleeding edge in terms of running the engine as lean as they possibly can to get improved fuel economy and reduced emissions.. the computer is analyzing tons of variables (air pressure, temperature, throttle position, engine rpm, coolant temp, catalytic converter temperatures, O2 sensors, etc..)

When the car is warming up it is sitting there slowly adjusting the program to warm the car up.. it is an easy time for something to get slightly off.

Cars are good.. motorcycles tend(ed) to be horrible about this for a long time.
 
E

· Registered
Joined
·
17 Posts
Discussion Starter · #7 ·
WINGED V said:
7850. Miles on mine now. Before operating temps get up there and under lite throttle input my 13 exhibits the same condition on the 1st pull so to speak,little more throttle and it won't do it.
I call it normal ?
Click to expand...
Bingo, that's exactly it! It only does it when I first start out in the AM, at Lunch time, or when I first leave work, and after I get going (or as you put it "1st pull"...great description BTW) it disappears. It seems like a lot of folks have experienced the same thing. I don't see it as a big deal or even irritating, I just thought worst case scenario. I can be that way...just ask my wife. ;)

Thanks for the info Winged.
 
1 - 14 of 14 Posts
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
About this Discussion
13 Replies
10 Participants
Last post:
lavarock
Subaru Outback Forums
Welcome to the Subaru Outback Owners Forum, we have tons of information about your Subaru Outback, from a Subaru Outback Wiki to customer reviews.
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Gen 5: 2015-2019 Gen 4: 2010-2014 Problems & DIY Maintenance Gen 6: 2020-Future General Discussions
Top