Harsh downshift in Automatic

I recently got the Legacy Premium 2.5i and I noticed that when I am doing my everyday driving there is a rough transition when downshifting (noticeable engine braking) and a little bit clunky at slow speeds (around parking lots). I am a gentle driver and have heard about this once somewhere else. Is anyone else experiencing these problems and/or have a solution?

My down shifts at low speeds can be rough as well. A lot of 3.6r owners have experienced a rough transition around 1st and 2nd gear. Some members here have complained that their CVTs have an issue with rough shifts, which doesn't even make sense considering CVT has no gears. Those threads are in this area too. This is my first subaru purchase and I am not overly thrilled by their AT transmissions. I hope they are as bullet proof as people say.

I don't have any harsh downshifts when coasting to a stop.

I used to get the hard downshift at slower speeds as well. But as the car was broken in it has pretty much gone away...i dont really notice it at all anymore! Id say around the 2000 mile mark was when it was gone.

I would agree that my car did got better after the break in period. I also want to justify myself a bit. My car doesn't jolt or do anything scary, I'm just picky when it comes to this stuff. I can sometimes feel the car shifting in lower gears. It's not silky smooth 100% of the time. Lately I haven't real noticed it : ) however I can identify with people that complain about it. Actually my transmission has improved since I bought it. It's much better at shifting with my style of driving. It's really cool how they can learn their drivers habits.

Originally Posted by KMW

I recently got the Legacy Premium 2.5i and I noticed that when I am doing my everyday driving there is a rough transition when downshifting (noticeable engine braking) and a little bit clunky at slow speeds (around parking lots). I am a gentle driver and have heard about this once somewhere else. Is anyone else experiencing these problems and/or have a solution?

KMW, check out superscoob's post cvt tranny issue...Don't know if the valve in the tranny he refers to affects your problem??

Thank you all for your response! Im at about 1,500 miles so I am hoping that it goes away- at least I know it is not something that I am alone in

I'm currently at about 900 miles and noticed the same problems. At low speeds the engine seems to get drowsy and go to sleep, it seems very sluggish. I too hope it improves with time.

formattix, do you know if Subaru applied this TSB regarding reflashing the ECU for better Emissions? I posted a new Thread about it. I am NOT doing it. Some respondents have indicated there appears to be an Affect to performance? Check to see if that occurred.

Not to sound like a total noob but do I contact the dealer for that info?

On another note I drove without traction control today and it seemed a lot better, I was driving on Jericho Turnpike which is one rough ride with sewer grates, large cracks and bumps. The Subie handled better and more importantly didn't seem to hesitate. I'm not sure how traction control relates to this issue but just a thought.

I looked up your post about the ECU re flash, I haven't received any letters from Subaru. When did you get yours? I've had mine for almost 2 months so there's a possibility the update was applied at the dealership pre sale.

formattix: I have a 2010 Legacy purchased as a CPO in February. You have a 2011. The TSB is a reflash of the ECU for what Subaru calls "to improve vehicle emissions when the vehicle is operated in cold weather and the engine is turned off and restarted within short period of time such as in several minute intervals"....I would tend to believe that since it is applicable to 2010 models - yours may already have been applied. Ask the dealership...If it's been done, there's no going back. For me, I will wait. It's a Meet The Emissions Requirement Thing for Subaru.

If it's an "Emissions requirement" then it's bad news for us. I'll definitely be calling the dealership now. The engine lag is annoying and makes the car seem under-powered. There are times are literally have to mash the accelerator to get power.

Originally Posted by 3.6subie

My down shifts at low speeds can be rough as well. A lot of 3.6r owners have experienced a rough transition around 1st and 2nd gear. Some members here have complained that their CVTs have an issue with rough shifts, which doesn't even make sense considering CVT has no gears. Those threads are in this area too. This is my first subaru purchase and I am not overly thrilled by their AT transmissions. I hope they are as bullet proof as people say.

Its probably the 3-2 downshift on the 5EAT. I think it has to do with a large RPM jump between 3-2 and the transmission trying to engage too quickly. The computer seems to have smoothed it out over time.

I get it with mine occasionally. Might have to do with the A/C being on. That being said, the CVT transmissions are a bit different. I would describe what I feel as if you're in a manual car and you're in the wrong gear too long. Shouldn't be anything to worry about. Just about any other car I've driven does the same thing.