Same TC shudder pattern as Legacy/Outback CVTs.
Reviewed by SubaruReview Editorial Team · Last reviewed 2026-05-15 · Editorial standards
How this problem ranks against the other documented Impreza failures — cost, severity, and DIY difficulty at a glance.
| Problem | Years | Severity | Repair cost | DIY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Impreza CVT Shudder (this page) | 2017-2022 | Major | $250–$4,200 | 3/5 |
| Subaru Impreza CVT Chain Stretch and Transmission Slipping | 2017-2024 | Critical | $5,500–$8,500 | 5/5 |
This is one of several documented Impreza problems we track, and it fits inside the broader Transmission & AWD guide. If you're weighing repair against replacement, cross-check the Subaru repair-cost database and any open NHTSA recalls on your VIN before booking a shop.
Factory CVTF degrades; no scheduled change interval published.
Factory CVTF degrades; no scheduled change interval published.
National average $250–$4,200.
Difficulty 3/5. Torque converter or valve body service.
Shudder 25-45 mph; Slip on stop-go; P0741 code
Owners typically pay $250–$4,200 at an independent Subaru shop, parts and labor included. Our Subaru CVT Replacement Cost guide breaks the job down by parts, labor hours, and where the money actually goes.
The same generation also sees Subaru Impreza CVT Chain Stretch and Transmission Slipping. Both are documented with symptoms, cost, and a permanent-fix walkthrough — see the full list in the Impreza hub.
We rate it 3/5 on our DIY scale. Confident wrenchers can tackle it in a weekend using the permanent-fix steps above. Cross-reference the reliability & common problems hub for related jobs worth bundling while you're in there.
It's part of our Transmission & AWD cluster, which collects every article covering the same system as this failure.
Dig into the Problems Database to plan your next maintenance sprint, or browse every model hub for buyer's guides, generation breakdowns, and known-issue lists.