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Subaru Crew Problems & Solutions

19283 messages,  Last post on May 01, 2013 at 9:15 AM

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What is this discussion about? Subaru Impreza, Subaru Outback, Subaru Forester, Subaru Legacy, Coupe, Sedan, Wagon, SUV


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Messages Page 1782 of 1929

#17809 of 19283 Re: Thanks Mr. Shiftright - I know you want to help our customers [subaru_t by johnmcc

May 04, 2008 (5:01 am)

Replying to: subaru_team (Jun 15, 2002 6:19 am)
Hi I'm john from Va.Here's what I,ve done and still have the problem back.Replace head gasket ,water pump,.rear end seal,serpentine belt,timing belt,thermostat,.Now 10 days later after all this replaced have a temp hike going up again.I had only 64,000 miles on it.Sent a leter to head quarters no response.Expect this below plus more of what I had done.Now I had repairs done at an ACE certified shop using all Subaru parts from the dealer to do the repairs with from a shop does a lot of these exact repairs for the head gasket problems.All I had to do was mention the 2.5L engine and he knew the problem.After was a part showed me the blown head gasket and you could see the problem.I will be seeing him tomorrow since i have 12 months on the repairs.The point is without my car I can't work.Subaru should fixed this problem but uses a stop gap with their condtioner added to the radiator fluid.It's a cheap fix know as leak seal which all the mechanics I talked including ex-subaru mechanics who confirm my guest as to what is was.
 
Dear John:
Thank you for contacting Subaru of America, Inc. I am sorry to hear of your concerns with your 2004 Subaru Impreza Wagon. According to our records, your concern is being handled by our representative Marisol Crespo under Case # . She would like to have some documentation from you of the vehicle service history. You may fax this information to her at F: 856-488-3016. I will let Marisol know that you have emailed us, and your emails will be attached to the case. Best Wishes.
Grant Noble
Subaru of America, Inc.
Customer/Dealer Services Department
-----------------------------------------------------------
YOUR ORIGINAL MAIL:
 
I truly hope when I go to the Subaru dealership in my area that I get it resolved but from all I've and tried to fix it so far sound like the head gasket will be what is the problem.No Subaru should ever have these kind of problems before 100,000 miles.Bubbling water in reserve tank,smell of anti-freeze,sudden up downs of temperature gauge since yesterday.The real problem even if you get the car fixed at your cost will be me getting to work.I work for myself and only get paid when I work and without a car to drive well and won't make any money to pay bills.I know that head gasket repairs take a long time to do but also know that the repairs don't seem to last long from what the websites I've read since Subaru doesn't generally remove engine to get a good seal on new head gasket.I love the style and handling of Subaru's but I hope to have you resolve this by letting me use the
WWP-99 repair notice.I have saved and printed many many stories of the 2.5I HG failures.My biggest concern is even if it's repaired how long will it last before goes again.There have to be a better way to fix this problem.I just can't see after 100 years of building cars how this stuff still happening.If I had the money I would buy your knew electric car you sell in Japan in a heartbeat since that HG would never be a thing to worry about.I saved for years to get a Subaru since I know they had the best AWD in the world and had a great car.Sorry had to sent three e-mails but couldn't fit it all in.
 
First name:
Last name:
 I have found site after site all dealing with the Subaru engine problem with Head Gasket failure on the 2.5 engine.Do you really think any reasonable person won't see the pattern of this problem.That so called conditioner is nothing more then leak seal.Why would a Subaru need to have the so called conditioner add again and again unless they knew that had problems with their engine design on the 2.5.The right thing to do is simple replace the engine with a 2.2 that doesn't have this problem instead of making the same 2.5 over again with the same problems.I have read so many reports of HG failures even after the repair was done a short time later.I know for a fact the engine doesn't cost you more then $500 to produce.I cannot believe that it makes sense to you to lose multiple costumers that will never buy a Subaru again considering the low cost to you to fix the problem.The simple thing would be send me a letter with notice of intend as to replacing my engine at no cost to me with an engine without this flaw.The 2.0L and the 2.2L all seem to have a good track record but the 2.5L has a horrible design flaw to have this happen over and over again since the start of 99 on.Yes I've heard you say oh we fixed that problem and it doesn't exist in the 2004 model.well guess what it does exist.The 99-2004 model use the same engine and the same exact part number for a Head Gasket kit.If all the parts for a head gasket repair are the same then the engine on a 1999-2004 are going to have the same problems.I have never in all the years of driving cars seen a more obvious factory defect but you decide that the WWP-99 doesn't apply to the 2004.I have talked to more then a few mechanics from different shops and a few ex-subaru mechanics and they all say same thing.The failure rate is too high to be just something by accident.However does the math at Subaru doesn't know how to add.The Subaru cost on average between 17,000-up and you feel that you would rather lose a few hundred dollars on a new engine replacement which is all it really cost you for it.Aluminum engines weren't really a good idea to begin with.Yes much lighter but with a higher failure rate due to the temperature problems.Just so you know not all people out here in the real world can't see the real problem you refuse to fix properly.Here's a free bit of advise.First do what's right not what's cheaper for you to do.Customer loyalty is worth it's weight in Gold.If you keep hiding behind your words of "oh sorry that model doesn't have that problem".I can guarantee the problem will just keep losing clients in a time that your product has not keep up with the times.

#17810 of 19283 06 subaru Legacy GT 2.5 update-HG PROBLEM TOO by paulad

May 08, 2008 (7:44 am)

well, after much ado and 7 weeks later--I got the car back--first they changed the EGR valve--then the turbo--then the head gasket--then finally the engine---it seems a piston broke and the gaskets MELTED--the turbocharger and other parts were actually SO discolored and melted--they were unrecognizeable---parts of the exhaust system also MELTED--UNBELIEVABLE! Among numerous other things--originally they checked the pistons--they were fine--but when they finally took the engine apart--the found broken rings--I hope that was really causing the problem--just not a casualty of the real problem--- the temp light NEVER came on--and as soon as the check engine light came on --2 days later the car was there---this had to happen over time...somehwere it shoud've gave warning--good thing the car was under warranty--but I am not happy--it should never have happened THE CAR WAS LESS THAN 2 YEARS OLD---and it should've been indicated earlier on the car on the panel that there was a problem--I am afraid of what is going to happen to it when the warranty is over---and they never even kept me informed--I plan on making a serious complaint about this and follow through---we've owned subarus in th past and I was thinking about buying the outback--but now, I am afraid to do so....

#17811 of 19283 to johnmcc by paulad

May 08, 2008 (8:32 am)

same problem--see post--cracked piston ring

#17812 of 19283 Re: 06 subaru Legacy GT 2.5 update-HG PROBLEM TOO [paulad] by paisan

May 08, 2008 (6:34 pm)

Replying to: paulad (May 08, 2008 7:44 am)
A ring or piston failure is usually catastrophic and happens quickly.
 
These are physically manufactured products and as such there is always a chance there is a failure.
 
I'm still not sure what kind of "warning" you wanted that your engine blew up!
 
-mike

#17813 of 19283 Outback needs new engine: sell, trade, shoot by vtxc

May 14, 2008 (6:52 am)

Hello, I need suggestions. My 02 Outback wagon's engine is shot.I will get info./quote from repair shop about replacing it.About 114,000 miles. There's a hole in the block I guess. I know it will be expensive, even with used engine, and I am torn between doing repair and keeping it for my teen, or trying to get rid of it without the repair. Am inclined to lease or buy new Subaru--should I attempt to get a dealer to take it, or would I lose too much on the trade (probably). If I repair it, it doesn't make sense to trade it in. any suggestions? I am new here, and I don't know cars very well. Thanks!

#17814 of 19283 Re: Outback needs new engine: sell, trade, shoot [vtxc] by ateixeira

May 14, 2008 (10:50 am)

Replying to: vtxc (May 14, 2008 6:52 am)
Well, can't hurt to ask. Dealers lowball trades that are in good condition, though, I can't imagine they'll give you much for yours.

#17815 of 19283 Re: Outback needs new engine: sell, trade, shoot [vtxc] by johnmcc

May 14, 2008 (4:34 pm)

Replying to: vtxc (May 14, 2008 6:52 am)
well I found a whole 1994 Subaru Impreza on criagslist.com for $2300.I would check craigslist and just buy the whole car for less then the engine will be unless you can find a junkyard engine.Also look into other engine sizes.Many other Subaru engines are able to switch them out.

#17816 of 19283 Synthetic .vs. Regular OIL for Subaru by kurtamaxxxguy

May 28, 2008 (7:14 pm)

Any folks here have experience with using Synthetic oil in their Subaru?
Good? Bad?
 
FYI I asked Subaru directly if Synthetics could be used. This is their response - all the caps are theirs :
 
"As for the use of synthetic oil, this is your decision. Our Technical Services
Department advised that if you do decide to use synthetic oil, that you always use
it because your engine will become accustomed to it. The same goes if you decide
to use 'regular' oil.
 
We recommend that you first change the oil in your vehicle at 3,750 miles or 4 months,
whichever comes first. We STRONGLY recommend that you at least wait until the break-in
period of 1,000 miles is surpassed, which I see you have done!
 
The break-in period of the engine requires that a given amount of friction exists
between components. The piston rings need to rub against the cylinder wall to break-in
or finely tune the machine mating between the two metal parts. To properly seat
all mechanical components, a certain amount of friction is required between the
metal parts. Since synthetic oil has a lower friction rating than regular oil, we
recommend that Subaru owners wait until after the 1,000 mile break-in period to
switch to synthetic engine oil.
 
Synthetic engine oils can be used in our engines if the user follows the engine
oil recommendations prescribed in the Owner's Manual. Subaru has not tested
the compatibility of all synthetic oils with engine seals, but the petroleum industry
does adhere to standards for the refining process which meet Subaru requirements.
Subaru does not guarantee the performance of any brand of any engine oil.
 
Engine Oil Guidelines: - only use engine oil that meets or exceeds the API classification
designated in the Owner's Manual for the vehicle - only use engine oil that
meets the VISCOSITY requirements for the ambient temperatures under which the vehicle
will be operated as outlined in the Owner's Manual - THE ENGINE OIL MUST BE
CHANGED AT THE INTERVALS SPECIFIED IN THE WARRANTY AND MAINTENANCE BOOKLET FOR THE
VEHICLE. SOME SYNTHETIC OIL REFINERS RECOMMEND EXTENDED OIL CHANGE INTERVALS. SUBARU
DOES NOT RECOMMEND ANY DEVIATION FROM THE SPECIFIED INTERVALS IN THE OWNER'S
MANUAL.
 
So it looks like Synthetic is OK provided they "follow the rules" above.

#17817 of 19283 Re: Outback needs new engine: sell, trade, shoot [johnmcc] by paisan

May 28, 2008 (7:53 pm)

Replying to: johnmcc (May 14, 2008 4:34 pm)
Also look into other engine sizes.Many other Subaru engines are able to switch them out.
 
Actually it gets VERY expensive to swap engine sizes. If you are going to swap you'd do a WRX motor swap into an NA car, but that runs in the $10,000 price range to do it correctly.
 
I'd look for a junk yard motor of the same year to swap in, would cost about $1000 in labor to do that. (maybe less)
 
-mike

#17818 of 19283 Re: Synthetic .vs. Regular OIL for Subaru [kurtamaxxxguy] by paisan

May 28, 2008 (7:57 pm)

Replying to: kurtamaxxxguy (May 28, 2008 7:14 pm)
So it looks like Synthetic is OK provided they "follow the rules" above.
 
I run Amsoil full Syntetic (25k change interval oil) in my Legacy GT. I usually do my changes every 7k miles give or take 2 or 3k. The reason you can't do synthetic later on in engine life is that the build up from non synthetic will get washed away when you change to synthetic, this then puts the engine oil in contact with a portion of the gaskets that are now dried out (from lack of oil seeping to it) and they leak. As for going back to non-synthetic, that's not usually a problem, the "getting used to it" is a line of BS IMO.
 
-mike

Messages Page 1782 of 1929

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