5 Symptoms of Transmission Failure

5. Delayed Response

A delayed response is more noticeable in vehicles with an automatic transmission. When you shift from park to drive, there should be an immediate response. If you experience a few seconds of delay, but the engine revs, there may be something happening in your transmission.

4. Rough Shifts/Grinding Gears

When shifting gears in your Subaru, it should glide into place without resistance. This holds true for both automatic and manual vehicles. When driving your manual vehicle, if it is physically tough to change gears or when shifting a grinding noise is audible, the transmission may be to blame. The same grinding sound or a clunking noise heard from an automatic transmission can also mean trouble.

3. Burning Smell

When your transmission is not getting enough fluid, it produces a burning smell. The transmission fluid keeps the transmission parts lubricated and cool so when the transmission gets too hot, it starts to burn off the fluid, causing a burning scent. If you smell anything resembling burning while driving your vehicle, it is time to bring your Subaru in to be examined by our team of professionals.

2. Leaking Transmission Fluid

If you see red or brownish fluid under your Subaru, this means it's time to call our service center. If your vehicle is leaking fluid of this color, it's a sign that the transmission is leaking fluid. The transmission is a sealed system, meaning no fluid should escape. If your transmission is leaking, it could cause a great deal of damage.

1. Transmission Slipping

Transmission slipping is dangerous and should be addressed as soon as possible. When driving an automatic transmission vehicle and the transmission slips, it will pop from one gear into another. This action may be accompanied by a sound coming from the engine as well as a feeling that your vehicle is not accelerating as it normally would. If you are experiencing transmission slipping, reach out to our service center as soon as possible.