Any Subaru drivers...

[DitchPanda]

Well I'm considering getting a new vehicle and I'm having some desire to get into a car or SUV instead of pickup. I like my truck just fine but I don't pull a boat or camper so I don't really have use for a truck. I've been looking at the Subaru outback and forester wilderness packages and like what I see. Any Subaru drivers out there? How do you like them?

[throttleplate]

Subaru Engine Problems You Should Know About if You’re Shopping for a Used One

by olive us | Jul 8, 2021 | olive it covered, olive us giving back, used-car-buying-guide

 

Subaru Engine Problems You Should Know About if You’re Shopping for a Used One

 

The Automaker’s Commitment to the Subaru Boxer Engine

Almost exclusively, Subaru has chosen to outfit its vehicles with boxer engines. All of Subaru’s four-cylinder engines are liquid-cooled horizontally opposed boxer four-stroke engines, which the automaker has been making for more than 40 years. The exception to this is the EN engine series, which is used in the Subaru Kei cars and trucks (Japanese mini cars and trucks).

The boxer engine features pistons that move toward each other in a horizontal fashion. The movement of these pistons look like boxers throwing punches, which is how the engine name came to be. Because the movement is in opposition to one another, they counterbalance each other, resulting in a more balanced and smooth ride. For more than four decades, Subaru has been committed to the boxer engine because of the many advantages it affords, which we’ll dive into later. So while there have been a few Subaru boxer engine problems reported, the automaker is committed to this engine and continuously improving it for future models.

Subaru Engine Problems + What Years Subaru had Engine Problems

Some of the most expensive repairs an owner can deal with are engine issues. And because the engine is such a complex component, “engine issues” are not just one type of problem. There can be several issues that may affect a vehicle that may be labeled as an engine problem. Below are the most common engine issues Subaru owners have experienced. If you’ve noticed your Subaru not running at its best, your Subie may be dealing with an engine issue. Now just because Subaru has been challenged with engine problems doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t consider a Subaru as your next vehicle. We’re just outlining the most commonly reported problems so that you can be aware of them and know what to look for, especially if you’re experiencing some of the same, or you’re shopping for a used Subaru to call your own.

Stalling Caused by Faulty Fuel Pump – 2020 Recall

In April 2020, Subaru issued a recall for more than 188,000 2019 Subaru vehicles, to include some of its more popular models like the Ascent SUV, Impreza hatchback and sedan, Legacy sedan and the Outback wagon, that were manufactured between June 2018 through February 2019. The culprit is a faulty fuel pump which can cause the engine to stall. This faulty fuel pump can become more of a safety issue if the engine stalls while in motion, with the potential to cause a crash. The issue that Subaru noted was that the fuel pump could crack and cause the vehicle to not start or stall while it’s running. Some symptoms include the vehicle running roughly, or possibly shaking and loud noises coming from the engine area. These would result in the Check Engine Light illuminating. Per the recall, Subaru will replace the fuel pump. The NHTSA campaign number is 20V218 and Subaru’s recall number is WRD-20.

Engine Computer Issues – 2019 Recall #1

In 2019, Subaru recalled more than 450,000 of its models in the U.S. to address engine computer issues. According to reports, the computer unit was incorrectly programmed, causing it to continue to power the ignition coil even after the motor had been shut off. This increased temperature could cause a short circuit or a blown fuse, resulting in a sudden power loss and the inability to start the engine. The models affected were Imprezas, model years 2017, 2018, 2019; and the Crosstrek, model years 2018 and 2019. Subaru will address the issue by updating the computer software and replacing the coils and fuses required.

Faulty Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) – 2019 Recall #2

In 2019, Subaru issued another recall for more than 250,000 vehicles to address a faulty PCV valve that could cause the engine to lose power while in motion. It was noted that this faulty part could crack or split apart allowing pieces of itself and/or oil to enter the engine combustion chamber causing damage to engine components. The PCV valve is an emissions component that helps keep pollutants created by the engine from being released. It also helps to keep the engine clean and prevent crankcase pressure from building up. A telltale symptom includes increased tailpipe exhaust that is blue or gray in color. As part of the recall, Subaru will replace the faulty PCV valve, and if necessary, take care of any other damage that may have resulted from this faulty part, to include replacement of the engine if necessary. Models that were affected are listed below. The recall number is 19V744 for the 2017/2018 Impreza and Crosstrek, and 19V856 for all other models.

• 2017 and 2018 Impreza sedans
• 2018 Crosstrek SUV
• 2019 Hybrid Plug-In Crosstreks (manufactured between September 2018 and October 2018)
• 2019 Subaru Forester SUV
• 2019 Subaru Ascent SUV

Engine Noises and Possible Stalling – 2018 Recall

In 2018, Subaru issued a recall to replace a valve spring fracture that could lead to engine noise, malfunction and possibly even engine stalling. The fractured valve springs may cause abnormal noise and possibly even engine malfunction such as stalling if not addressed. Subaru noted that the problem was only seen in a few models, but chose to recall 140,000 early-year models – Impreza, XV Crosstrek and BRZ – to be proactive and abundantly cautious. According to Subaru, the issue was considered a “low risk” of engine problems occurring. The Subaru models that were affected were model years as early as 2012. Below are the specific models and years.

• 2012, 2013, 2014 Impreza hatchback and sedan models
• 2013 XV Crosstrek SUV
• 2013 BRZ coupe

Engine Oil Leaks Due to Faulty Head Gasket

One of the most common engine issues Subaru owners have dealt with has to do with faulty head gaskets. The issues spanned across a few models for a period of about five years. There were two rounds of head gasket problems. The first group is specific to the 1st gen EJ25D 2.5 liter boxer engine found mainly in the Legacy, Legacy Outback, Forester and the Impreza from 1996 to 1999. These engines suffered from internal head gasket leaks. The second group of head gasket issues came with the EJ251, EJ252 and EJ253 2.5 liter boxer engines. These head gaskets suffered from external leaks between the cylinder heads and the engine block causing coolant and/or oil to leak out between the head and the block. In both instances the issue stemmed from the type of head gasket that was used, not the engine itself. In all of the problematic vehicles, the head gasket that was used was a single layer graphite coated head gasket that is known to lose its coating at about the 100,000 mile mark. The stripping and chipping of this coating resulted in the head gasket seal to become jeopardized. Subaru rectified the issue by extending its powertrain warranty and is now using a non-coated multilayer head gasket. Models prone to head gasket issues are listed below. To learn more about these Subaru head gasket problems, read olive®’s blog detailing Subaru Head Gasket issues.

First round:

• Legacy LSi, GT and Outback 1996 – 1999
• Impreza 1998
• Forester 1998

Second round:

• Impreza 1998 – 2003
• Forester 1999 – 2004
• Legacy 1999 – 2004
• Outback 2000 – 2004
• Baja 2003 – 2005

 

Excessive Oil Consumption

Owners have consistently reported excessive oil consumption from their Subarus. While there was no official recall from Subaru, there was a class action suit filed. The lawsuit was filed because owners claimed some 2011 to 2015 Subaru Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, Impreza and Legacy models were using excessive amounts of oil between normal services. One owner noted that his Legacy was using so much oil that he had to start topping off his own oil with one quart every two weeks between services. According to the lawsuit, more than 650,000 people owned or leased one of these models. While Subaru did not do an official recall, the lawsuit was settled with Subaru agreeing to replace these engines with a redesigned boxer engine if the vehicle was deemed as one that was guzzling oil excessively. The vehicles that were affected include:

• Forester (2011 – 2014)
• Legacy (2013)
• Outback (2013)
• Impreza (2012, 2013)
• XV Crosstrek (2013)

Pro-Tip: If you own or are considering a used Subaru that is less than 11 years old, you may want to consider an Extended warranty solution from olive®.

Subaru 2.5 Boxer Engine Reliability

Many consumers ask: Is the 2.5 liter engine a reliable engine? The answer is not cut and dry. Subaru makes a lot of different 2.5 liter 4 cylinder engines, so to say that the 2.5 liter 4 cylinder engine is reliable or not reliable would not be fair or a true assessment because we’d be casting a wide stroke across multiple 2.5 liter boxer engine versions.

Here are the facts: Subaru experienced lots of engine issues due to head gaskets primarily in the EJ25D 2.5 liter engine and the EJ251, EJ252 and EJ253 liter engines. These engines were used primarily in the Legacy (1996 – 2004), Impreza (1998 – 2003), Forester (1998 – 2004), Outback (1996 – 2004) and Baja (2003 – 2005). These engines in particular have received a bad reputation for their lack of reliability. It was such an issue for Subaru that the automaker extended its powertrain warranty from 5 years/60,000 miles to 10 years/100,000 miles. These same engines seemed to guzzle excessive oil, so much so that a class action lawsuit was filed and settled by Subaru. Eventually these engines were phased out and replaced with the latest FB boxer engine series.

Most Reliable Subaru Engine

Although Subaru has been challenged with engine issues, most of the issues were isolated to a few engines, namely the EJs that were in the Impreza, Forester, Legacy, Outback and Baja models between 1996 and 2005. The latest Subaru boxer engines are part of the FB series boxer engines. This engine series has done well in reliability tests, and specifically the FB20D has been praised for its reliability. According to Consumer Reports, it has performed really well over the past few years in its predicted reliability tests, scoring mainly 5 out 5 in the Engine Major category, which accounts for major engine repairs like engine rebuilds or replacement, as well as cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, and timing chain or timing belts issues. This engine has been able to reduce emissions and boost fuel economy without compromising the performance of the engine, achieved through a marked increase in the piston stroke. More torque is also seen through this engine because the pistons and rods are lighter. Another benefit of the FB20D boxer engine, which is the latest Subaru boxer engine, is that it now comes with direct injection that provides a noticeable increase in power and efficiency. The FB20D is in the latest Impreza, Outback and Forester models, three of Subaru’s best-selling models.

Subaru Boxer Engine Benefits

As noted earlier, Subaru is committed to the boxer engine. It affords many benefits which make the investment in it worth it to the automaker. Let’s explore the benefits.

The design of the boxer engine is innovative. It’s flat design is more efficient because it allows for direct output into the transmission. This reduces engine components and inefficiencies, resulting in better fuel economy. The engine is also quieter because the engine experiences less vibrations because of the “flatter” design. In essence the pistons’ punches cancel either out. It’s also smaller than a typical engine, which means it weighs less, making it the perfect size for Subaru’s vehicles.

One of its most important benefits is its low center of gravity, which makes it more stable and more responsive than a traditional inline or V engine, which also means it provides better safety. For instance, if the vehicle were to experience a frontal crash, because the engine sits lower to the ground, it is more likely to drop “below” the passenger compartment rather than into it.

To get the lower center of gravity point across, Subaru cleverly uses three different animals to illustrate how much more stable the boxer engine is. Imagine the inline engine as a giraffe, the V engine as a flamingo, and the boxer engine as an alligator. If you think about a lower center of gravity and how that equates to stability…Which do you think is more likely to be more stable? The giraffe, flamingo or alligator?

Currently there are only two automakers in the world that use the boxer engine in their vehicles, with Subaru using it almost exclusively across its lineup.

While the boxer engine does offer some great benefits, the fact remains that the automaker has dealt with numerous engine issues that have resulted in a few recalls. We hope this blog was helpful in summarizing some of those commonly reported engine issues consumers have experienced. We believe that research is key when buying a new or used vehicle. Subaru’s reputation for reliability and safety is strong, so use this information as a supplement to your own research to help you when negotiating and ultimately buying your next Subaru.

 

[schplurg]

Well there's one opinion! Wild guess - former Subaru owner?

[purpurite]

Donno what that copy & paste does for anyone, because all car manufacturers have recalls and issues. That mess isn't an owner's point of view, it's white noise, IMO.

 

I've owned my 2.5L Crosstrek Sport since October of '20, and it was the second Subaru we have owned (a 6-speed '15 WRX was my wife's ride for 4 years). We have loved BOTH cars and have had next to zero issues with either of them. I would buy another Subaru again in a heartbeat.

If it holds any water, a recent Consumer Reports ranking had Subaru as the #1 overall brand. In my ownership, I haven't had anything show me otherwise.

 

 

 

doug

[ike8120]

I am on my 3rd Forester and never had any issues.

[DitchPanda]

6 hours ago, DinkHero said:

Donno what that copy & paste does for anyone, because all car manufacturers have recalls and issues. That mess isn't an owner's point of view, it's white noise, IMO.

 

I've owned my 2.5L Crosstrek Sport since October of '20, and it was the second Subaru we have owned (a 6-speed '15 WRX was my wife's ride for 4 years). We have loved BOTH cars and have had next to zero issues with either of them. I would buy another Subaru again in a heartbeat.

If it holds any water, a recent Consumer Reports ranking had Subaru as the #1 overall brand. In my ownership, I haven't had anything show me otherwise.

 

 

 

doug

Nice looking ride. After my initial post I went and looked at the cross trek sports...right up my alley. I don't think I'm gonna be doing any mudding or rock climbing to justify the cost of the wilderness package.

[Deleted account]

Most folks who have them like them, and they are well thought out. I think the wife is going to get a CX-5 for our anniversary though, anything without a CVT anyway...

Large bucket extra butter please...

[purpurite]

I would agree with the CVT comment, too. I'm definitely not a fan, but I don't hate it enough to make me not love my car. I don't think I would buy another CVT car, though. I don't know how to describe it. I have had 35 cars since I was 15 and only 3 of them were automatics, so it could just be my dislike for automatic transmissions, in general. It just feels vague and disconnected, if that makes any sense.

Just saw a Car & Driver list of the top 10 fastest selling new cars and the Crosstrek was number 1, with cars not sitting on dealer lots longer than 7.5 days at the most. Tough to get anywhere, and many dealers are marking them up $1500-$2500 over sticker. Dealers are calling owners like me and offering more than I paid a year and a half ago to buy them back.

[TnRiver46]

1 hour ago, DinkHero said:

I would agree with the CVT comment, too. I'm definitely not a fan, but I don't hate it enough to make me not love my car. I don't think I would buy another CVT car, though. I don't know how to describe it. I have had 35 cars since I was 15 and only 3 of them were automatics, so it could just be my dislike for automatic transmissions, in general. It just feels vague and disconnected, if that makes any sense.

Just saw a Car & Driver list of the top 10 fastest selling new cars and the Crosstrek was number 1, with cars not sitting on dealer lots longer than 7.5 days at the most. Tough to get anywhere, and many dealers are marking them up $1500-$2500 over sticker. Dealers are calling owners like me and offering more than I paid a year and a half ago to buy them back.

I’m with you, I’ve only owned stick shift vehivles. Way more fun to drive and much Cheaper to fix haha

[volzfan59]

I've always wanted an Outback, I think they look great. Seems like I read that the Forrester and the Crosstrek are built on the same platform?

 

Everyone that I have known that owned a Subaru loves them and wouldn't own any other brand.

[TnRiver46]

12 minutes ago, volzfan59 said:

I've always wanted an Outback, I think they look great. Seems like I read that the Forrester and the Crosstrek are built on the same platform?

 

Everyone that I have known that owned a Subaru loves them and wouldn't own any other brand.

My mom has had two outback’s . She loved them both but the first one did go completely haywire with all the fancy bells and whistles. They made it right though, gave her a killer deal on a replacement outback haha

[Bird]

We bought a new 1996 Subaru Outback stick shift and went on to put over 300K on that car without a single failure.

It was single handledly the most reliable vehicle we've ever owned.

 

It did start using quite a bit of oil but it's still running today. We sold it to a young family for $500.

[fishwizzard]

I bought an 17 Outback a few years ago specifically due it’s fishing/yaking suitability.  I can fit up to an 8’ rod in there and anything under 7’ doesn’t even protrude into the front compartment very much. I keep larger rear seat folded down all the time and I can fit an incredible amount of fishing/hiking/yakking gear in there and still have room for groceries.  My only complaint is the factory rack, it’s not compatible with aftermarket stuff but a little hillbilly engineering will fix that so I can install a Hullavator this summer. 

[throttleplate]

16 hours ago, schplurg said:

Well there's one opinion! Wild guess - former Subaru owner?

Never owned one myself. My friend had a 1966 subaru wagon 1000 with a 56 hp, 4 cyl, 4 speed. We drove that car from Detroit Lakes Minn to eastern montana nonstop.

 

The only problem we had was finding a store that sold super glue so we could glue are teeth back in. Great times.

[DitchPanda]

3 minutes ago, throttleplate said:

Never owned one myself. My friend had a 1966 subaru wagon 1000 with a 56 hp, 4 cyl, 4 speed. We drove that car from Detroit Lakes Minn to eastern montana nonstop.

 

The only problem we had was finding a store that sold super glue so we could glue are teeth back in. Great times.

I'm clearly no expert on them but I'd imagine they have improved some since then

[Koz]

I've been in the "I almost bought a Subaru" club for a while now. When the BRZ first came out I was on my way to the dealer to order one and stopped off at the HYundai / Genesis dealer and ended up buying a Genesis Coupe because I got a ridiculous deal on it.

 

I've been in the market for a new car for a while now and the Crosstrek and Outback are on my shortlist, but recently I saw the Ford Bronco Sport and may go that route.

 

I don't think I'd go wrong with any of those vehicles, but I have a problem with the Subarus selling for way of MSRP. I just can't pull the trigger on that.

[DitchPanda]

2 hours ago, Koz said:

I've been in the "I almost bought a Subaru" club for a while now. When the BRZ first came out I was on my way to the dealer to order one and stopped off at the HYundai / Genesis dealer and ended up buying a Genesis Coupe because I got a ridiculous deal on it.

 

I've been in the market for a new car for a while now and the Crosstrek and Outback are on my shortlist, but recently I saw the Ford Bronco Sport and may go that route.

 

I don't think I'd go wrong with any of those vehicles, but I have a problem with the Subarus selling for way of MSRP. I just can't pull the trigger on that.

The bronco looks pretty cool. See that my local dealer has a bronco outer banks sport model..sharp looking. Honestly the price isn't as awful as I woulda thought either.

[Koz]

1 hour ago, DitchPanda said:

The bronco looks pretty cool. See that my local dealer has a bronco outer banks sport model..sharp looking. Honestly the price isn't as awful as I woulda thought either.

And that's the thing - the CEO of Ford has stated he will take action against dealerships that price gouge, so their prices are still reasonable. Subaru's in my area are $4k - $5k over MSRP. To me, that's ridiculous. I've never paid even close to MSRP for a new car let alone over that price.

 

I'm unbelievably stubborn in that I don't want to pay any more for a vehicle than I feel it is worth.

[DitchPanda]

17 minutes ago, Koz said:

And that's the thing - the CEO of Ford has stated he will take action against dealerships that price gouge, so their prices are still reasonable. Subaru's in my area are $4k - $5k over MSRP. To me, that's ridiculous. I've never paid even close to MSRP for a new car let alone over that price.

 

I'm unbelievably stubborn in that I don't want to pay any more for a vehicle than I feel it is worth.

Makes sense to me

[TnRiver46]

I put a 15 foot aluminum canoe on moms factory outback rack and drove it 14 hours to fort Myers, FLA. I forgot to mention hers is the V6, she named it zippy 

[throttleplate]

17 hours ago, Koz said:

the CEO of Ford has stated he will take action against dealerships that price gouge, so their prices are still reasonable.

 You can still get taken at the dealer. Since the virus and shortages of some vehicles the dealers have upped the destination fee by 50% in some reports.

 

Paper work fees, car prep fees can be jacked up. Just do your homework between dealers, good luck.

[Koz]

51 minutes ago, throttleplate said:

 You can still get taken at the dealer. Since the virus and shortages of some vehicles the dealers have upped the destination fee by 50% in some reports.

 

Paper work fees, car prep fees can be jacked up. Just do your homework between dealers, good luck.

I always give them MY out the door price. They can take it or leave it.

 

When it comes time to sign paperwork, if they try and hit me for any additional fees I stand up, shake their hand, thank them for their time, and walk out the door.

 

In the end, I only pay my price for the car even if I have to go to a handful of dealers. I have found that if you offer a fair price, the dealer will always come around.

[throttleplate]

I am hoping my 2004 honda civic with 135000 miles on it lasts me well into the 300000 mile range. I will keep that car even if i did buy a new one just because it isnt all super computerized for every function and still gets 39mpg on the hwy.

 

 

 

 

[TnRiver46]

12 minutes ago, throttleplate said:

I am hoping my 2004 honda civic with 135000 miles on it lasts me well into the 300000 mile range. I will keep that car even if i did buy a new one just because it isnt all super computerized for every function and still gets 39mpg on the hwy.

 

 

 

 

Civic won’t have any trouble cruising beyond 300 k 

[Tennessee Boy]

Were looking for a new car.  Only thing that matters to us is being able to go to the dealer,  see the car,  pay for it,  and drive it home.   They don't seem to have anything like that around here.