You also did not tell us if you recently checked the transmission fluid, and if so, what the level and the color of that fluid is. It is located about 8 inches from the passenger side fender well and you will be best served by removing the air intake assembly tube which comes from the air filter. I haven't seen this particular vehicle but there is a drain plug on all Subaru automatics. Under the hood, on the driver's side near the back is the yellow transmission dipstick. My old '97 Outback—which is now in the possession of a relative—has something over 170k on the odometer, and its transmission is still functioning as it was designed. Seal conditioners reduce fluid leaks.
However, the lubricant must still protect against excessive wear. Finally, the 1993 Jeep Cherokee Sport is known to have a problem with fluid leak from the speed sensor on the transmission. Three transmission fluid changes would have cost you, in total, a few hundred dollars. So, as to whether this is a common problem with Subarus, I can tell you that it is not. Remove the dipstick before filling but don't forget to put it back in when you're done. The Forester owner must take the Subaru back to the dealership to have this problem corrected. Once it's removed you can look at the timing belt and see if it's been replaced or not by looking at the printing on the belt.
Start the car, with parking brake firmly engaged. Taking your for regular maintenance can improve its performance as you drive through Freehold and Farmingdale as well as increase its longevity and resale value. I think the owners manual states only the total capacity. If you have a gunked engine and change oil with new detergents you will break loose all kinds of stuff. I replaced it with transmission fluid. There is a large bolt on the rear of this case. With that said, there is a drain plug on the transmission pan.
Does anyone know what causes this and a fix? The maintenance schedules in the service manual don't show how often the fluid should be changed. Has the transmission fluid ever been changed? I had just shy 200k on mine and changed it when I swapped the trans due to a bad front diff. Get yourself a shop manual, such as Haynes, that you can purchase at your local auto parts store for less than 20 dollars. And yes it has been very well taken care of. My sister's Explorer's trans recently went out, and the rebuilder told her the same thing my friend said, so I guess the advice is still good. If you think that your skill level and your tools are up to it, have at it. Fortunately, it did work, and bought me some time until I was able to find myself a Subaru.
I think you will prolly need to change the timing belt and pulleys. Thank for the response Gary. I asked a friend who owned an operated an automatic transmission shop for many years. Will use three change method, replace the screw on filter and no pan drop. I had same trans problems at 80,000 mile, blown head gasket, and now another trans problem yet to be identified. But we know it can be tough remembering when your Subaru needs servicing, which is why our has listed its maintenance intervals for you below. Thanks to all for the solid advice.
I change every 30,000 miles and use Mobil 1 synthetic. They have durable friction modifiers to help prevent shudder during shifting. Do you have an automatic transmission? His reasoning was pretty much what Matt said: you keep the fluid at a reasonable level of cleanliness by changing regularly, but changing on a high mileage or neglected trans can break loose a lot of crud. Hopefully that is a safe assumption, though of course, noone knows it all. The Subaru transmission are know for seal shrinkage with age. I don't remember how many quarts but that may vary anyway.
You may want to pull the road wheels to check the wear on the brake pads. I only am accused of thinking I do. . Just let the cap touch the top of the transaxle and then pull it up to see the fluid level. So, please check the fluid and report back to us on your findings. I changed oil and filter and within 3000 miles I had stuck lifters and an oil burner. If anyone could clarify that I would appreciate it.
There is a spin-on filter on the same side of the transmission as the drain plug, and I have changed that filter but I don't think that it is necessary unless your transmission is already having trouble. Use a new gasket as recommended. Even though it fails after warranty, I have seen many other manufacturers make good on something this significant especially for a company that touts their dependability and reliability. That way, I know they are good. Subaru says to change the belt at around 100K miles. The Subaru owner must not overfill the transmission fluid level which can create additional transmission problems.