Subaru Forester Gearbox & Transmission Problems

It’s possibly worn out and in need of replacing.

Switching the transmission and ECU clearly hasn’t fixed the problem, so look at sensors in the system, the wiring harness, and connections. I would suggest you take it to a Subaru dealer or an auto transmission and have them check it for you.

It’s rated to tow up to 1500 kg if the caravan has brakes, so providing it weighs less than 1500 kg when fully loaded it should tow it without difficulty. But I would recommend that you have the automatic transmission serviced before you leave on your trip.

The difference between 4WD and AWD has become blurred as some AWD cars have become more capable of use offroad. It used to be that a 4WD were part-time four-wheel drives with high and low range, which could be locked in for off-road use. An AWD was really an on-demand system, which was front-wheel drive for most of the time, and drive as sent to the rear wheels when needed for traction. A lot of AWD SUVS now have quite sophisticated electronic systems that give them greater ability to go down bush tracks. One of the big issues for AWDs vehicles off-road is usually their ground clearance, so you have to assess the roads you want to use and drive accordingly.

The XV is underpowered, as well as having a very dozy CVT. If you are that worried I would definitely suggest a brand swap to something with a regular automatic.

No, the transmission can be used the way you use it without suffering because it's changed more than it might if it were left in auto mode.

Noises like this can be hard to trace, but you're obviously on the right track and will ultimately establish the cause. Taking the shaft out seems like a good course of action having worked out that it is possibly at the heart of the problem. Good luck.

The Forester with CVT transmission is rated to tow 1500kg, but you also need to make sure you stay within the maximum weight limit for the car. Provided you are within those limits you shouldn't have any trouble with the CVT.

Rear diffs on that model Forester are known to be a problem, even at low kays like yours, but it's important to make sure it's not a wheel bearing that's making the noise. Your mechanic should be able to identify it if it is a wheel bearing issue.

I would ask the dealer to demonstrate that it is an induction noise, if necessary by driving other vehicles, which should have the same noise if he is correct.