Introduction

When TikTok user @amandarants purchased her Subaru, she fully expected her new ride to take her beyond 300,000 miles, a hallmark of Subaru's reputation for reliability. However, her joy quickly turned to despair when the vehicle's CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) failed shortly after crossing the 100,000-mile mark.

Viral Frustrations

In a viral TikTok that has stunned over 172,000 viewers, @amandarants expressed her frustration as she shared the unexpected turn of events. “People have approached me in parking lots and asked how many miles are on my Subaru, and when I tell them, they respond, ‘Wow, you’re going to have this car forever.’ Today, those same people are saying I need a new transmission,” she lamented.

Complex Reality

So why did this happen? Many consumers believe that a Subaru is built to withstand years of driving without major issues. However, the reality is more complex. According to estimates from RoadSumo, while a well-maintained Subaru can indeed last up to 300,000 miles, this is heavily contingent upon regular maintenance. Recent reports shows that Subaru vehicles face various common problems, including persistent head gasket issues, oil consumption complications, and transmission faults. In particular, the 2.5-liter turbocharged engine variant has shown a tendency to fail more rapidly than other configurations.

Expected Longevity

Historically, it’s been expected that Subarus could last at least 200,000 miles without significant troubles, although reliability tends to decrease in models manufactured after 2016. This raises the question: are Subaru owners really getting the longevity they hope for?

Understanding CVTs

Understanding CVTs is crucial to the conversation. Unlike traditional transmissions with distinct gear shifts, CVTs provide a seamless driving experience by adjusting smoothly to changing speeds. However, they require specific transmission fluid, often necessitating a change every 60,000 miles. While some Subaru dealers will tell customers they can wait until 110,000 miles to change their fluid, many automotive experts emphasize that regular servicing is essential for the transmission's health.

Community Concerns

In the comments section, several viewers echoed @amandarants' concerns, while others who profess to be Subaru technicians weighed in with advice. “As a Subaru tech, trust me—service your CVT every 60,000 miles. Fresh fluid is the key to longevity,” one commented. Another user noted, “I own a Subaru and used to work as a technician. They can last 200-300k miles if properly maintained!”

Cost of Repairs

But the conundrum doesn’t end there. For those facing costly repairs, is it worth replacing a CVT transmission? Typically, if the repair cost is less than the price of a new vehicle, it makes sense to go for the repair. Given the current used car market—where prices have surged to an average of $25,361—the option to replace might be the route many choose. And if a brand new transmission is beyond budget, refurbished options are increasingly available.

Seeking Help

In her ongoing saga, @amandarants even sought help from Subaru's customer service regarding potential extended warranties, highlighting the growing community of Subaru owners sharing solidarity over similar experiences.

Conclusion

The automotive landscape continues to evolve, and what once seemed like a sturdy choice is now under scrutiny. Are buyers’ expectations mismatched with reality? Only time—and these viral stories—will tell. As consumers navigate repairs and reliability in a post-pandemic market, one thing is certain: transparency about vehicle performance is more crucial than ever. Stay informed and protect your investment—who knows what surprises your vehicle might have in store!