NHTSA ID Number: 11728666
Incident Date: 2026-02-18
Manufacturer's Name: Subaru
of America, Inc.
Vehicle/Equipment Make: SUBARU
Vehicle/Equipment Model: FORESTER
Model Year: 2015
9999 If Unknown Or N/A
Vehicle Identification Number: JF2SJABC2FH
Vehicle Mileage At Failure:
Vehicle Speed:
Number Of Occurrences:
Was Vehicle Towed: No
Consumer Location: Sammamish, WA
Summary of Complaint
Vehicle: 2015 Subaru Forester Mileage at Failure: 85,000 miles Component: Powertrain – CVT Transmission My 2015 Subaru Forester is experiencing a premature safety‑related CVT transmission failure at approximately 85,000 miles. The vehicle developed a pronounced whining noise that increases with vehicle speed, consistent with internal CVT bearing or pulley failure. This is a known defect pattern in Subaru Forester CVTs and is not related to maintenance or wear. The noise is continually progressing and the risk of sudden catastrophic failure makes the vehicle unsafe to operate. An authorized Subaru dealer and the District Parts & Service Manager (DPSM) both confirmed that the CVT has failed and requires full replacement. This failure occurred well within Subaru’s extended CVT warranty mileage limit of 100,000 miles, and matches the defect pattern Subaru acknowledged when it extended CVT coverage nationwide for this model. However, Subaru is refusing to replace the CVT due to the 10 calendar year extension expiration. Subaru’s maintenance schedule for this vehicle does not require any CVT fluid replacement interval, so there is no missed maintenance that contributed to the failure. A failing CVT creates a safety hazard due to to the risk of sudden loss of power, hesitation, or inability to accelerate. I am filing this complaint so NHTSA is aware of this premature CVT failure and the associated safety concerns of SOA's refusal to replace the CVT under their extended warranty.
Check if your Subaru has a Recall
Complaint 11728666 Documents
For Latest Documents related to this Complaint, visit the NHTSA Website.
Click the (+) Plus Sign
Then click Associated Document(s).
Most Complaints Don't have any PDFs.
- CUTTING EDGE TECHNOLOGY - Shockproof technology designed to...
- QUIET SMOOTH SHIFTING - V-Twin Transmission oil dampens...
- IMPROVES PERFORMANCE - Transmission fluid that dramatically...
- POPULAR POWESPORTS OIL FOR - UTVs & Side by Sides, ATVs...
- WHY RED LINE - Established in 1979, Red Line Products...
- EXCELLENT - gear and synchro protection, balanced...
- ALSO USED WITH - manual transmissions and transaxles like...
- MOST VERSATILE ATF - use where Dexron III, Dexron II, Mercon...
- POPULAR TRANSMISSION FLUID FOR - Toyota
Type T-III and T-IV... - WHY RED LINE - Established in 1979, Red Line Products...
This product presentation was made with AAWP plugin.
Search NHTSA Database for Recalls
Search NHTSA Database for (TSB's) Technical Service Bulletins
Technical Service Bulletins TSB's List
Search NHTSA Database for Vehicle Investigations
CRASH: No
WAS VEHICLE INVOLVED IN A CRASH
FIRE: No
WAS VEHICLE INVOLVED IN A FIRE
INJURIES: 0
NUMBER OF PERSONS INJURED
DEATHS: 0
NUMBER OF FATALITIES
Was Medical Attention Required: No
Was Incident Reported To Police: No
Date Of Incident: 2026-02-18
(YYYY-MM-DD)
Date Added To File: 2026-04-01
(YYYY-MM-DD)
Date Complaint Received By NHTSA: 2026-04-01
(YYYY-MM-DD)
Date Purchased:
(YYYY-MM-DD)
Was Original Owner: No
Product Type: Vehicle
V = Vehicle T = Tires E = Equipment C = Child Restraint
Anti-Lock Brakes: No
Cruise Control: No
Number Of Cylinders:
Drive Train Type:
[AWD, 4WD, FWD, RWD]
Fuel System:
FI = Fuel Injection TB = Turbo
Fuel Type:
BF = BiFuel CN = CNG/LPG DS = Diesel GS = Gas HR = Hybrid
Vehicle Transmission Type [Auto, Man]:
(DOT) Department Of Transportation Tire Identifier:
Tire Size:
Location Of Tire:
FSW = Driver Side Front DSR = Driver Side Rear FTR = Passenger Side Front PSR = Passenger Side Rear SPR = Spare
Type Of Tire Failure:
BST = Blister BLW = Blowout TTL = Crack OFR = Out Of Round TSW = Puncture TTR = Road Hazard TSP = Tread Separation
Was Defective Tire Repaired:
Was Part Original Equipment:
Date Of Manufacture:
(YYYYMMDD)
Type Of Child Seat:
B = Booster C = Convertible I = Infant IN = Integrated TD = Toddler
Installation System:
A = Vehicle Safety Belt B = Latch System
Dealer's Name:
Dealer's Telephone Number:
Dealer's City:
Dealer's State:
Dealer's Zipcode:
SOURCE OF COMPLAINT CODE:
CAG = Consumer Action Group CON = Forwarded From A Congressional Office DP = Defect Petition,result Of A Defect Petition EVOQ = Hotline VOQ EWR = EARLY WARNING REPORTING INS = Insurance Company IVOQ = NHTSA Web Site LETR = Consumer Letter MAVQ = NHTSA Mobile APP MIVQ = NHTSA Mobile APP MVOQ = Optical Marked VOQ RC = Recall Complaint, Result Of A Recall Investigation RP = Recall Petition, Result Of A Recall Petition SVOQ = Portable Safety Complaint Form (PDF) VOQ = NHTSA Vehicle Owners Questionnaire
Previous Complaint | Next Complaint |
- [Notice] When you receive a used device, it may be a customer return resold by Amazon without inspection. You can exchange it for a new one through Amazon. As this situation is unavoidable, we sincerely apologize. For any issues, contacting us via Amazon's "Messages" is the best way, and we’ll provide a solution within 24 hours. THINKSCAN 689BT Can Be Used Immediately After It is Turned On, Without Complicated Registration Process, Which is More Convenient & Quick.
- [Good News] THINKSCAN 689BT is the most competitive automotive scan tool to date, offering wireless updates with no subscription fees(valued 500Buc.ks) . With all the features of THINKTOOL PD8,PRO, built on Android 10 platform with 4-core CPU, 4GB RAM and 64GB ROM, serving up to 5X faster than older MAX/MINI/PLUS vehicle scanners, no more slow and delayed feedbacks, it's time to update your garage tool.
- [Big Money Saver] Premium THINKSCAN 689BT Wireless Diagnostic Scanner, save up to 400USD per year, includes all useful features: Full bi-directional controls, ECU coding, 34+ services, OEM all system diagnostics, Worldwide vehicles coverage, CAN FD & DoIP, FCA AutoAuth（The 689BT only provides a login and purchase portal, and users are required to register for an FCA account and pay a membership fee in order to perform the relevant automotive diagnostics)
- [3000+ Active Tests]Active testing is one of the most useful features in automotive maintenance and greatly improves mechanic efficiency. THINKCAR 689BT bidirectional scanner can send action commends to vehicle sub-systems or components for active test without using vehicle controls. It can perform various tests such as: EVAP Test, Fuel Trim Reset, Injector Buzz Test, Window/ Mirror/ Door Lock Test, Pump and Value Tests, etc. Get functions from "Diagnose>Car Model>System>Active Test".
- [Hot Advanced Features] 689BT bidirectional tool newly adds ECU Coding, Power Balance, Flash Hidden Functions, Reset Adaptive Data, Match Replaced Components, Customize OE-Settings. Such as: 1. changing the color of interior lights 2. switching on/off the auto hold, 3. customizing dash kits 4. activating the auto side mirror folding function 5. disables auto start-stop. Note: Coding functions vary by model&year.
- 【Warm Tips】Wired THINKSCAN 689 is connected through a detachable OBDII cable, and we also have added OBD2 Extension Cable (about 60 cm/2 feet) as g ift, enabling customers handling vehicle repairs with ease. Just click "Bundles Item" above to get it.
- 【Professional Car Diagnostic Tool】Tired of renew fees? Thinkscan 689 scanner provides dealer-level advanced functions for lifetime f.r.e.e update for auto mechanics and repair shops. 34+ Services, 3000+ Active Test, ECU Coding, 140+ Brands Coverage, FCA AutoAuth, CANFD&DOIP Protocol, Component Matching, Power Balance, V.A.G Guided, Compatible with Google Chrome integration, etc. With strong hardware backing, 64G Memory, Android 10, 4-core processors, and 4150mAh battery. Thinkscan 689 brings you the best as your daily business helper and never lets you drop the ball!
- 【Over 34 Reset Service, Adaptation + Relearn + Calibration + Initialization + Matching】Made for workshops, Thinkscan 689 scanner provides 34+ services for worldwide vehicles: such as Gear/SAS/EPB/TPMS/D.P.F/I.M.M.O/BMS/ETS/Oil/Brake/AFS/GEARBOX/SUNROOF/SUS Reset, ABS Bleed, Injector coding, etc. Warm tips: Compatibility may vary on vehicles' model and year, please contact seller before purchase to make sure it works well on your cars.
- 【Real Active Test】Thinkscan 689 scan tool features over 3000+ full bi-directional control ability, to send commands to vehicle’s systems/components, to verify system input/output without using the vehicle's controls, e.g. turn on the radiator fan, modulate the throttle, open/close windows, operate mirrors, Injector Buz Test, turn on interior&exterior lights, sound horn, test door lock actuators, turn on/off front/rear side ACM Solenoid, Vehicle level position calibration, Wheel Speed Sensor Supply.
- 【Comprehensive Solutions with Advanced Features】Take your vehicle customization to the next level with the Thinkscan 689's advanced ECU coding capabilities. This scan tool provides power balance, PMI, unlock more new features and enhance performance by activating dormant functions, customizing OE settings, matching replaced components, and reprogramming adaptive data to elevate your driving experience. Note: Compatibility varies by car models, please check before order.
- 【15+ Advanced Reset & Calibration Functions】The Thinkdiag scanner provides 15+ professional maintenance functions, including:✔ Oil Reset | ✔ ABS Bleeding | ✔ Injector Coding | ✔ SAS Reset✔ TPMS Reset | ✔ BMS Reset | ✔ Transmission Adaptation | ✔ AFS Reset | ✔ Sunroof Calibration | ✔ Brake Reset | ✔ Suspension Relearn | ✔ Electronic Throttle Relearn | ✔ Seat Calibration | + More reset/relearn/calibrate/adaptive functions under automotive full systems diagnostic menu. Ideal professional OBDII scanner for mechanics and DIY enthusiasts, Thinkdiag delivers factory level diagnostics with adaptive relearn capabilities for precise vehicle servicing.
- 【Full-System Diagnostics OBD2 Scanner Bluetooth】 Thinkdiag OBD2 Scanner supports all Systems diagnostic function, it can read/clear DTCs, read live data, read control module information, actuation tests and maintenance functions for ECM, BCM, SRS, TCM, BMS, TPMS, SAS, A/C system etc... It works with most car models after 1996, cover more than 120+ car brands. All car make and reset software come with 1 year update without any charge, much valuable and powerful than other scanners in the market.
- 【Potential Feature Activation】 Thinkdiag diagnose obd2 scanner Bluetooth allows you to match the replaced components with ECU, activate potential functions for BMW, for GM, for Benz etc. Adjust some annoying features, adapt vehicle's settings to improve performance. No matter you are private owner or professional technician, Thinkdiag is a powerful and handy scanner in your repair tool list. Potential features activate is not suitable for every car models, please check with us before purchase. This superior function required newest Android OS device, it performs better on Android cell phone.
- 【Bidirectional Test/Active Test】 Thinkdiag car code reader actuates solenoids and actuators for active testing, send commands to systems/components to test their real-time working status, without using manual vehicle controls which saves much diagnostic time and effort to identify malfunction causes. You can check windows, doors, mirrors, sunroof, fans, fuel pump and other parts working status by actuation test function. Recommend to do reset functions under car make software, and please check the capability before order.
- 【Intelligent Diagnostic Tool with Auto-VIN】Thinkdiag Bluetooth OBD2 scanner makes your smart phone device become a professional vehicle diagnostic tool, it compatible with Android and iOS system. Auto-VIN function supports the Thinkdiag identifies the most car models automatically, if autovin failed, you can choose car info manually. Full system Vehicle health report will be automatically created after diagnosis, report can be shared. Live Data Stream combined 4-in-1 Graphing+Data Record better for monitoring vehicle performance and analyze the abnormal parameter.
This product presentation was made with AAWP plugin.
Last update on 2026-04-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API