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Zso · 01-16-2022, 09:24 AM

I had bought a 2018 Subaru Forester manual 6 speed trans back in 2018. Before I had purchased it, I checked with Subaru corporate to see why Subaru does not recommend towing the manual transmission all wheels down. While the 2016 manual transmission was allowed to be toad.

They sent me an email stating the 2018 Subaru will damage the transmission if toad. It sounded like a standard liability issue.

My warranty still has another 1 year on the power/trans. However, i thinking to tow it anyway.

My question is. Does anyone know the difference from transmission types from 2016 vs 2018?

Any help would be appreciated

lllkrob · 01-16-2022, 10:02 AM

There is no difference. What changed was the corporate legal position on towed vehicles. Same thing happened at Toyota. They got tired of going to court when some idiot couldn't follow simple instructions on how to tow the vehicle. So a blanket prohibition on being used as a toad.

ChrisDParise · 01-16-2022, 10:03 AM

Not a direct response to your question

Tried to help another member on their toad purchase and they decided on an 2016 Outback of course with a manual transmission.

I bet your owners manual has no section on recreational vehicle towing, correct? Well, neither does the 2016 or 2014 Outback manuals. Yet, people are towing them. In the case of the 2014 and 2016 Outback, Blue Ox sells the base plates too.

You might want to check the Blue Ox website or eTrailer, etc for base plate availability if you haven't done so already

So, it's a bit of a puzzle as to the real reasons behind Subarus stance. Also, it's a confidence thing too, no one wants to wreck their toad. Having flat 4 wheel down procedures laid out in an owners would certainly help with that.

Zso · 01-16-2022, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lllkrob

There is no difference. What changed was the corporate legal position on towed vehicles. Same thing happened at Toyota. They got tired of going to court when some idiot couldn't follow simple instructions on how to tow the vehicle. So a blanket prohibition on being used as a toad.

So I have a Toyota 2004 Tacoma with manual trans as well. Cannot win.