Under heavier acceleration (the kind you need for a hill) the car would buck/jump terribly and fight getting up to speed. The first time I took it in I could not replicate the problem and subaru didn't do anything. The second time how ever the vehicle jumped with the subaru tech in the car. He proceeded to say Holy S*@# and subaru took car of the issue and covered a loaner while I waited for the repair. The transmission was on back order and too a while to get to the shop. Once it did the shop did the replacement right away and I had the vehicle the next day. I wish the problem didn't exist, but I can say Mid-Hudson Subaru did a great job fixing the issue.

Purchased car new. First 30,000 miles car performed excellent. Started experiencing poor throttle response around 30,000 miles. Brought car to dealer and was told they could do nothing as vehicle was not producing any error codes. Tolerated problem until recently as problem is getting much worse. Vehicle now has 68,000 miles. Problem is much more severe and seems to be getting worse. Condition is worst when engine is cold but still detected at operating temperature. Car has been serviced by dealer. CVT fluid was changed at 60,000 miles as instructed by Subaru.

Update from Mar 17, 2019: 12/2018: Complained again about poor throttle response, hesitation, surging, bucking to dealer. They suggested to have the throttle body cleaned. I also had the 90,000 mile service inspection performed. The vehicle is much better, but not as good as the first 30,000 miles, but is tolerable now. It is disheartening that I had to endure 60,000 mile of poor performance. I am in the market for another car and I'm really having problems considering another Subaru. Unfortunately, I am running out of car manufactures to choose from that I trust.

Have owned new Forester for 1 year, now at 10,400 miles. Ever since I drove it off the lot, the vehicle jumps/lurches when going from stop to start. It's worse going up hill. I brought it in within the first few months but the dealer said it's the CVT and that others have complained about the same problem. My co-worker owns a 2014 Forester as well and said hers does the same thing so I just accepted it and learned to deal with it. I'm just telling my story now because I've been driving more lately and it's been really annoying. I've adjusted my driving a bit but it just doesn't drive like a new/ 1 year old car should. My 2000 Camry was a much smoother ride. I wouldn't have made the investment in a new Forester if I knew I would constantly feel disappointed when I pull out of my driveway.

My 14 Forester has a flat spot/bog upon light acceleration when cold. Worse when on an incline. As you try to accelerate past the flat spot/bog, the car lurches, studders, shakes and vibrates. Only happens when cold and much worse on an incline. Happens around 1,500 to 2,000 rpm. I suspect the CVT is the issue but my local dealer could not replicate the issue because it's always warm by the time I take it to them. Problem is getting worse but started when I bought it new. I now have apx 13,000 miles. Will keep trying to get it fixed but not too hopeful since it is intermittent and only happens when cold. Not a fan of CVT right now. Wish I had avoided this vehicle because of its CVT.