Subaru Forester Gearbox & Transmission Problems

As we promised when you first contacted us regarding this problem we got in touch with Subaru and asked for an opinion on the noise on your car. We understand that they had a technical rep drive your car and talk to you about the problem, which the company says is “normal”. They have also agreed to change the clutch, despite the belief that it’s unlikely to fix the problem. It seems from what we have been told that the noise is a harmonic problem in the drivetrain and can’t easily be fixed by swapping parts.

Without being able to listen to your car I can’t say I have or haven’t heard it before, but it seems clear from what you say that Subaru is aware of the noise. You would have to wonder why they removed the gearbox, twice at that, if they believed it was nothing to do with the box, and why replace the clutch if, as they say, it won’t fix the problem. I’ve sent your complaint off to Subaru and asked for a report on your car. Hopefully that might get an answer.

Clutch wear could be your problem, have your dealer check it for you.

We asked Subaru to help us answer your questions and they have told us that the "manual release mechanism is to provide for emergency recovery if the vehicle becomes stuck in Park for any reason." We were told that there is no current or historical problem with the car, and that this type of mechanism is not uncommon. It was recommended that you discuss the issue of the recurrence of the problem with your dealer. We were also informed that the original switch should have been covered by Subaru's 24-months parts warranty, which applies when an authorized dealer installs a genuine part. Subaru says that it is possible that the extensive electrical modification and subsequent restoration that is made to emergency vehicles could have contributed to the problem with your vehicle, but that it is equally likely that the switch simply failed. It was suggested that you go back to your dealer and request that the warranty be honoured, and also request that the issue be referred to the Subaru regional office for technical review if it reoccurs.