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Subaru Crew Problems & Solutions

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

You are in the Subaru Crew Forum.

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


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Your Community Leaders are ateixeira and rsholland.

Messages Page 620 of 1929

#6184 of 19283 Re: Coolant leaking from head gasket? [ateixeira] by ronald711

Jan 24, 2006 (12:06 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Jan 20, 2006 5:28 pm)
I have a 2002 Subaru Forester L, it has 78,000 miles and about 3 months ago, I had noticed the temperature guage creeping a little higher then its normal range, but never got near the H, so I checked the coolant overflow, it was fine, when the vehicle cooled down I opened the radiator cap, I added several turkey basters of 50/50 mix into the radiator. everything seemend fine I checked it up to two weeks afterwards. then about one week ago, it was reported to me that I left some coolant under my vehicle and that my vehicle had a smell from the outside of coolant. person at work said I may have a pinhole, and not to worry about it, I topped the fluid back off in the radiator and immediately took it to a local shop, they said it was leaking from teh head gasket and they do not do the work, I then took it to another shop, they did a pressure check on the system and verified the same information, but they declined to do the work, due to 14 hours labor. they recommended I take it to a dealership. I called Subaru dealer in town, and they advised that it may be a item that will be covered under a recall, I never got any information on my subaru about my vehicle being part of this, so I took it in, they spent an hour with the vehicle and reported that back I am leaking on two sides of the head, and that it was not part of the recall, and it would have been covered before 60K was hit. They quoted me 10 hours and $1100 with tax to have the work done. They also encourage to have the timing belt and some minor other items done at that time that would be part of the 90K, and that would be cheaper while they have the engine out and that would be an additional $250 if I wanted that done as well. My vehicle has been wonderful up until this point expect for the rotors needing resurfacing and replacing so often. I did get a dealer quote of $7500 if I were to trade it in, obviously they are not aware of the problem. I owe $5800. trying to find out what I should do, obviosuly people are having head gaskets replaced left and right, has anyone had problems after having this repair, should I feel comfortable having this done or may I end up with other problems shortly after. I bought this car with intentions of keeping it for 125K minimum, and it has proven up until recently that it wanted to, but this is in my book something major... your opinions and experience appreciated. Ron

#6185 of 19283 Now that's a long paragraph! by ateixeira

Jan 24, 2006 (12:10 pm)

I would call 800-SUBARU3 to see if they can help you in some way, maybe share in the cost.
 
Gaskets were covered for a certain range of VINs. Some 2002s were, some were not, so it's possible yours was not covered. Even then, you had to bring it in for a coolant conditioner that the dealer added, plus a sticker on the radiator telling the service staff the conditioner was present.
 
But call and see how they can help. It's worth a shot.
 
-juice

#6186 of 19283 Re: Now that's a long paragraph! [ateixeira] by xwesx

Jan 24, 2006 (12:33 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Jan 24, 2006 12:10 pm)
Was there some sort of requirement that owners be notified to add the conditioner? I would think that if a since-new owner was not notified of any requirement and the gaskets failed prematurely, it should still be covered if within the 100K range. Anyhow, like juice suggested, contact Subaru directly and explain the gasket failure.
 
As far as dumping the car vs. keeping it.... tough call. It would be easy if you owed nothing - Keep it! But, since you do but owe less than trade value... Eh, still cheaper than a new one as it is fewer payments in the end. If the job is performed correctly, you should be able to get many more miles of worry-free (further major repairs) driving out of the car.

#6187 of 19283 TSB by ateixeira

Jan 24, 2006 (1:39 pm)

I'm not sure if it was officially a "recall", maybe more of a technical service bulletin. Plus not all VINs were covered. Gray area, so call them up.
 
-juice

#6188 of 19283 Re: TSB [ateixeira] by kev_xt_owner

Jan 24, 2006 (4:56 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Jan 24, 2006 1:39 pm)
Perhaps this is an example of why it's good to have the dealer do maintenance every so often just to check that the vehicle has received all its recalls and technical service bulletin (TSB) requirements. I've read that people recommend seeing the dealer for a check-over just prior to expiration of the warranty.
 
Assuming you had work done at a dealer, if a TSB or recall weren't applied and if something were to go wrong later, it makes a good case against Subaru for any follow-on problems like the leaking head gasket.
 
Then again, you might be just as successful asking the dealer to verify your car is not in need of any recalls or TSB but the dealer won't likely be as motivated to provide you this information.

#6190 of 19283 Re: Now that's a long paragraph! [ateixeira] by ronald711

Jan 24, 2006 (6:30 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Jan 24, 2006 12:10 pm)
I will give them a call in the morning. I will let you know what I find out. Ron

#6191 of 19283 Headgaskets went at 103k in my 00 Outback with the WWP-99 TSB!!! by bellafrau

Jan 24, 2006 (6:31 pm)

Regional factory rep offered me 25% discount. I feel if it's a problem they know about they should do it under the "recall" but I understand it is technically 3,000 miles out of warranty....but come'on...what about customer satisfaction?
 
So, I paid and was going to fight with SOA later and now found in the first 200 miles after the repair now it's using oil. Took it back to the same dealer and they said a gasket they put in was cracked. Dangnabit. Shouldn't they have figured that out from a pressure test? So, did they just shorten the life of my engine or what?
 
Also, do I have a case NOW with their screw up to comp me for an additional amount for the headgaskets?
 
THANKS!

#6192 of 19283 Re: Dealer or independent shop for maintenance of Subaru? [jimtarheel] by tattoodude

Jan 24, 2006 (9:28 pm)

Replying to: jimtarheel (Jan 24, 2006 6:38 am)
My experience with dealers is not good. I've taken Subaru's to two of the four dealerships in the Portland Oregon metro area and have been screwed by both. I currently patronize a small independent shop that works only on European and Japanese cars. They have been in business for years and have earned my loyalty. Look around and see who has a neat and clean shop that does a good amount of business. Chances are they are treating there customers ok. Good luck.

#6193 of 19283 1998 Outback Power Steering Problems by pdp

Jan 25, 2006 (9:58 am)

My 1998 Outback loses its power steering intermittantly. The first time the steering fluid was flushed, and this fixed the problem for about 6 months. When it started to happen again, the repair shop suggested replacing the pump - this had no affect whatsoever. The problem is most noticeable coming out of turns - I have to pull the wheels back to straight, and steering is just not smooth. The repair shop is thinking about replacing the entire steering rack, but that will be expensive - any suggestions?

Messages Page 620 of 1929

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