Forester XT tranny problems (already!)

[dquirino]

I just bought an '04 Forester XT in January with an automatic transmission. From the start, the shifting was rough and the gas mileage was horrible. Each morning when I decelerate at my first stop sign, the transmission shakes once so violently that the car feels like it hit a bump. I took it to the dealer twice and finally was able to reproduce the problem with a service tech riding along. He admidted it was a problem and ordered me a new Transmission Control Unit (TCU). Fast forward a couple of days, and the service department calls me back. It turns out Subaru decided my problem was "perfectly normal" and "operating within specification." In fact, I shouldn't be worried at all, according to Subaru, all '04 turbo Imprezas, Foresters and Bajas do the same thing. That said, they won't be fixing my car.

Anyone else experiencing this shake or rough shifting? The dealer said I wasn't the first to complain.

If you're thinking about buying an '04 Subaru with turbo, think twice. My service after the sale on this issue is a 1 out of 10.

[Jaymes]

yes. The automatics have rough shifting, especially in the morning when it's cold. The whole car just lurches forward. On the plus side it wakes me up

[freakray]

Never heard of this issue on a manual, and never experienced rough shifting on our Forester which is an auto.
Did occasionally get it on my previous Impreza which was a Auto but that just reminded me it was service time soon.....

[martinicharlie]

Yes, I have given up on auto trannys. I have gone back to stick - in the long run I will save 100's of $$$ A lot of the Japs just do not know how to make Auto trannys, I'm afraid - and there is a lot more that can go wrong. If you want stick shift driving lessons in New England _ I do good rates! ;-)

[kirbyjrt]

You get a lurch forward in drive, which is cool. Not a problem when decelerating and the first thing we do each morning is head down the hill to a stop sign. Also since car is AWD all the time with a turbo, I would hope you didn't buy this expecting super gas mileage. Also are you using Super unleaded?

[cat5]

Bought an 04 Forester XT with AT in May and have not had any of the problems reported.
Very smooth and great acceleration. Not so great on the MPG of course with the turbo. But I consider this a trade-off getting the excellent accel and AWD.
I had been driving a Ford Exploder (Explorer) 94 with AT until I bought the Subie. Love this car. Great handling in rain and all condx. Can't wait for the snow!!
Exploder couldn't handle well in sloppy condx until I used 4X4, and being that this was not an AWD or full time 4X4 (95 Exploder did go to full time 4X4), I had to deal with RWD in most condx.

Several of my co-workers have the Forester (but not turbo) and have not had any problems with trannies either.
I am bit unsettled about Subaru telling you that your problem is "normal" and that they are not going to repair the car.
Makes me glad that I purchased Xtended Warranty 6yrs full coverage.

Maybe writing a letter direct to Subaru America would get you some satisfaction?

[SUBARU_TECH]

this is a easy fix.there is now a reflash available for your trans control module (tcu).very easy fix but the car will be down for 3 days as the unit must be sent out for the reflash.dont get to upset yet its a great car and transmission.this reflash will take care of your cold down shift shock and other concerns.