Subaru Crew Problems & Solutions

leo2633

I've been using Blizzaks all around during the winter months on my Forester since 2001 and on two different Outbacks since 2002. No issues at all. The snow traction is phenomenal (all vehicles are 5 speed manuals). On dry ground they leave something to be desired, but that is not what they were designed for.

Forget what the dealer says. I say go for 4 snows (AKA "dedicated winter tires") and don't look back.

Len

poodog13

Have 2005 Forrester and live in Pittsburgh (lots of snow, lots of hills). Had no problems getting around in OEM radials, would recommend forgoing snow tires altogether until such time that you find you're not getting the snow performance you would expect.

sschmid

Sorry, new to forum but I'm learning Thanks again!! Hope to get the job done this w/e.

barriostkd

Thanks for the input & suggestions. I brought it back to the shop where I had the sway bars installed and they fixed the problem. Basically, what they did is wrap teflon on the area where the bushings were squeaking. They said that was better than applying grease because teflon doesn't breakdown like grease.

I also noticed that there were some slight damage (scratches) on the endlink on the left side, but not on the right. So I guess it was grinding or hitting when I took right turns, but not the other way around.

JB

lfdal

It might be worth knowing where those scratches came from...... any interference with a bar or end links is by definition a BAD thing. Again, I don't know about your set-up but on the FXT there's very little room between the link and the banjo bolts on the calipers with an add on bar / links.

If yours are close as well you might want to dab some white paint, (or red, or orange...) on where you think it might be hitting and recheck it periodically to see if any of the paint has rubbed off. Damaging a caliper would be painful.

Just 0.02.

Larry

xwesx

Larry,

How's the situation with your '04's engine (it was an '04, wasn't it?)? Any new developments?

lfdal

Wes,

Thanks for asking.

Actually the 04XT's engine has been okay, but it burned its transmission fluid something fierce before it hit 27k........ Had the dealer do a drain and fill and its nice and pink again, although it still doesn't smell "right" to me.

The 03 OBW's engine is supposed to be boroscoped on the driver's side two pistons at the end of the month. Hope they do something, it sounds almost as bad as the last loaner car the dealer gave me - a 98 Legacy wgaon w/150k on it. He fondly referred to it as a "clatterer".

How're the new head gaskets holding up?

Larry

hammerhead

Perhaps if you were to use traction tires on only the front axle - then the computer might have issues regarding constantly having to adjust to the differences.

I've used studless snow tires on all 4 wheels for the last 5 winters. Like runign on rails.

Be careful out there

Cheers!
Paul

xwesx

Beautifully (as far as I can tell) so far. No external leaks at all yet (3000 miles!), the coolant looks good and is holding its level, and the car *sounds* very nice. The MPG is still not in my range of acceptable, but I am waiting until the summer rolls around to see how it is doing. I've tracked it with every fill up and I have yet to do better than 21.5 and it has always been between 20-21.5 since the replacement. I was at about 23 prior and was at 26 under the same driving conditions when I first purchased it. Frustrating, but still cheaper than a new car.

The thing I am really stoked about is that I finally figured out why the interior heating system was all screwballed. After replacing the blower motor, it was still being finicky about giving me consistent heat. Turns out that a cable had slipped itself loose from some rather questionable holders. I got them all put back together and I can adjust the intensity of heat flow with the dash-mounted controls now! It is brilliant and I am really appreciating the consistency with the temps dipping below zero F daily now.....

Let us know about that darned engine. Such "clatter" would drive me nuts, even on an old car (and no, mine is not what I would consider OLD!).

dmcrane

I have a high-pitched noise coming from the rear of my new 2006 Forester X Premium. It is most notable when idle. I read in previous posts that this could be the fuel pump. However, when I took it over to the dealer, they did not hear anything. And, when I left, I didn't hear it either. I hear it most when it is cold - in the morning, in my driveway. I am going to drop it off tomorrow night at the dealer so they can try it out it the morning. Any one know how I can figure this out? Is there a recall or something on the fuel pumps? Somebody suggested in an earlier postthat I turn the enigtion so the pump turns on briefly - will this work?

karlnic

HI, This is the 1st time on this site. I found it while trying to reasearch the problem I am having w/ my car.
I have an 03 Subaru, Legacy, wagon Lmt. I bought it 1 year ago w/ 19k.
I live in a rural area, far from any freeway, therefore, don't frequently drive highway speed regularly. 6 months after I bought the car, I went on a 5 hour road trip.
When I drove over 50-55, there was a loud, fleeting sound coming from the passenger side of the dash board. Sounded almost electrical. Happened about 1/2 doz times. It happened several times when on some of the open rural roads over the next few months. Brought it in for service at about 34k, asked them about it. I was told the mechanic saw it once b4, it was a vibration around the insulation in the heater boxes. He made some cuts in it and we hoped for the best. Well, the other day, I drove about 30 miles on the highway and it did it nearly constantly, loudly, from both sides of the dash.
So loud, at 75 mph, stereo on, windows down, could still hear it.
I have appt. for a ride w/ mechanic Tues. But if this is not solvable, I will have to trade in the car. There's no way I could deal w/ this sound. ANYBODY OUT THERE HAVE ANYTHING LIKE THIS EVER HAPPEN??. I really dislike buying cars, didn't want to spend as much as I did on a car, and am really disappointed.
Thanks,
karlnic

dmcrane

This morning I listened while I turned the ignition on and the noise happened for about half a second. So, I guess it has to be the fuel pump.

fibber2

Sometimes little things like this can make you really crazy. I know... It took me weeks to track down an annoying buzzzz. On my '02 OBW, it turned out to be part of the bracket that supports the brake pedal.

You need to have someone drive the car over that section of road while you poke around under the dash. Or pay the dealer to solve it. Face it, if you like the car otherwise, it is certainly better economics to pay someone a few hundred $$ to take apart the dash, than what you will surely loose if you trade in the vehicle.

Steve

ateixeira

Yeah, you turn the key to the ON position, wait a second and listen for the "whirr" noise and the fuel pump primes up the pressure. Then start it.

Make a habit of this and you'll have smoother starts and easier warm-ups.

-juice

mrfc

trying to locate the front oxygen sensor on a 1999 forester. is it easier to get at from up top or underneath?

also from what i am reading they are easy to replace with special wrench.

any comments on location or replacement?

dmcrane

I dropped it off overnight so they could try it in the morning and they say that they still don't hear anything. Any suggestions?

samsubaru

I hope someone can help me with a problem I'm having with my Subaru dealer. Whenever my car is in for warranty repair the dealer is very reluctant to provide a loaner car. When they do provide a loaner it's about 7 - 10 years old, with a 100,000 miles or more, in bad repair, stains on the seats, unwashed, trash inside, and smelly. I'm not exagerating at all. I complained to Subaru of America. Now the dealer hates me. My car is currently in for a repair that will take about 5-days. When I told the dealer I would need a car to get home and until my car was repaired, he blew a gasket and started yelling at me. He said he only had cars like I was loaned previously and that if I complained again to Subaru of America that I would never again be allowed in their dealership. I would have to travel very far to find another dealer. He then went on to say that he just had to speak his mind and kept on going on and on. I could see that he was beyond reason. My only reply to him was "I get the message." So he tells me he had a crappy car to loan me and that they would get me something a little better the next day (today). So I call the dealership several times and am told "we don't have anything now, try us later." Then I'm told that none of the other loaner cars have been returned. In the meantime I call Subaru of America. I ask them if my warranty would cover a rental car and they say it would -- but only $30 per day. They tell me that my dealer is a member of the Subaru Loaner Car Program -- this means that they get new cars at HUGE discount to make available to customers with car repairs. He told me that I should be provided with a Subaru car that is a 2004 or 2005. He told me that the dealers bill SOA $30 per day on the bill that is submitted for the warranty repair. He also told me that my Subaru dealer is supposed to have favored arrangements with local rental car places -- and that the dealer is supposed to rent me a car and have the billing submitted with the warranty repair, and that I'm supposed to be given an AWD car similar to a Subaru. I then call my dealer and ask them to get me rental and they say they don't do that. So I told them I would be returning the loaner they gave me (a 1995 Subaru Impreza with over 100,000 miles that is filthy, smelly, stained seats, radio missing buttons, non-power windows, balding tires, etc.) and renting a car. The rental will cost me $39 per day plus tax for a Dodge Neon that is a 2004 or 2005. What should I do now? I'm so f-ing mad. I feel that I and many other customers have been defrauded. I don't know why Subaru of America doesn't visit dealerships and make sure things like this can't happen. I've owned 3 Subarus and don't see how I can ever buy another. I really like Subarus, but without a good trustworthy dealer, then what good are they. I also believe SOA has been defrauded by this dealership -- they are reimbursing the dealer $30 per day for renting junkers to unsuspecting customers. They are also taking advantage of the SOA loaner program. I hope someone on this forum has some advice. Sorry for being so long-winded. :mad:

c_hunter

I sure understand your frustration and agree with you, but don't let it prevent you from buying another Subaru. As you said, your beef is with the dealer, not Subaru. I would hope that SOA pursues this, however, since the dealer sounds lousy. Personally, if anybody at a dealership yelled at me, I'd be out of there (with my business) in a jiffy.

Craig

bluesubie

"I would have to travel very far to find another dealer..."

Your profile says NY, NY. There are many good dealers in the NY metro area although not many in the City.

I would tell SoA that you would like to meet with the Regional Rep. I was having major dealer problems several years ago and that's what brought me to Edmunds.

I was having problems with the Service Manager of the now defunct Bell Subaru in Rahway. I was lied to about whether or not repairs would be covered under warranty. I watched the Service Manager yell at an another customer. A few months after my meeting with the rep., the service manager was gone. I think there were a lot of complaints about him.

I now make a 30+ minute drive to Flemington NJ for service, even though there are about six other dealers within 20 minutes.

No matter what the reason is, a dealer should never yell at a customer. Who are you dealing with? The service manager or a service advisor?

-Dennis

superj

Hi. I found this place searching for a solution to the problem I'm having with my 2001 Subaru Forester S model. Hope someone can be of assistance. When I first got the vehicle, the 6-CD changer/cassette/radio deck functioned perfectly. A few months ago, it started functioning less than perfect...as a few CDs wouldn't play like they have in the past (they weren't taken out...they just stopped playing). Now, none of the CDs will work. In fact, some that have played before in the past will spit out as I select that CD. Other CDs will turn and turn to find the beginning of the CD and then stop and then lock-up the entire unit! The radio and cassette still work fine...it just something with the CD player that's wrong.
I have heard of "re-booting" the vehicle by disconnecting the battery for a half hour or so and then re-connecting it. I haven't tried this yet, but may do so soon.
Any suggestions? :confuse:

samsubaru

The thing is once you complain to SOA, the dealer will treat you even worse. The dealer can make it a lot harder to get warranty repairs. Even when you complain to SOA, all they do is scold the dealer, they don't really get inolved enough to make sure things are done correctly. I once gave a dealer a bad review on a screwed up repair and SOA sent the dealer my review and then the dealer confronted me. I stood up for myself and told him everything I wrote was true. But, my point is that these repair evaluations should protect the consumer's privacy.

Anyway, I spoke to my dealer again today. I said don't you have any loaner cars that are a year or two old. They told me they had two -- one they sold, and the other was in an accident, but that they are expecting 3 new ones. Meanwhile I was told many of the loaners are 1993 or 1994 -- the one I have is 1995. I've been driving Subarus for 10 plus years, but I may look into Nissan. All SOA has to do is visit these dealers and ask to see the loaner cars.

kens

Sorry to hear about all the troubles with your dealer. The dealer obviously has no right to threaten you if you were to contact SOA directly.

However, regarding the loaner cars, dealers are not required to have them. The standard offering is a $30/day rental from a local rental company for basic transportation -- in other words nothing similar to a Subie, we're talking Ford Focus territory.

Dealers often provide loaners as a courtesy to customers since it's often quicker (no need to wait for the rental car company to come get you) and you usually get a much nicer vehicle.

The dealer I has a very nice loaner program. I've driven Outback Ltds, H6s and WRXs from them before. However, even my local dealer runs out of loaners and on occasion, I've had to resort to my $30/day rental.

How far away is the next closest dealer? Are they any better? If at all possible, drive the extra distance to get better service. While the closest dealer to me is down the street from work, I actually drive 30 miles out of my way to get to the aforementioned dealer I can trust.

If you can't change dealers, then don't even bother with the loaner. The dealer isn't obligated to provide one for you and you'll probably be better off with an albeit smaller, yet probably in better shape, $30/day rental.

When faced with that choice, I often will pay some additional out-of-pocket money to upgrade to a nicer model. I know Enterprise Rentals often has nicer vehicles for just $10-15 more per day. I just look at it as an inexpensive way to enjoy an extended test drive on other models!

Ken

rangner

Sorry you've had such a bad experience with a subie dealer. At least you guys have a few dealers to choose from. My next nearest dealer is 100 miles away. :sick:

Anyway, I just wanted to know the procedure for fixing stone chips in my hood. Some are slightly rusted, should I use sandpaper to get rust off then paint w/touch-up paint? Or try rusty primer then after drying, touch-up?

Thanks,

Eric

randysch

My "normal" MPG in my 2001 Forester is about 24, with normally fairly short drives. Last winter, it dropped all the way down to 17! The dealer was clueless, but replaced the fuel and air filters to no avail. The spark plugs had been changed earlier in the year (Feb 2004). MPG over the summer was back to mid-20s. Now it's cooling off, and it's down to about 20. With the price of gas, I'm not really looking forward to 17 MPG! Any suggestions? Only thing I've read that seemed applicable was the possibility of a dirty thermostat, but I don't know if that would only affect it in cold weather. I've had the O2 sensor replaced twice, but there doesn't really seem to be anything noticeable with driving it. Maybe a little sluggish on acceleration, but nothing dramatic. Thanks for any help!

randy

jenny8

Hi Everyone

I have a 2005 Forester that I got in March, I'm pretty happy with but I just had the strangest experience. I took it to one of those drive through car washes and the minute the water jets started to go, water started coming in through the driver and passenger side front windows.

I know what you're thinking, yes, I had the windows rolled up and the doors were not ajar either. I've washed the car before but always at the Do-it-yourself car wash where they have the hose attached to the ceiling and the foam brush... and I never any problems.

It was quite a bit of water, luckily I had a towel in the front seat. When I've wahsed it in the past and when it's rained, I get a bit of water in the seal where the window glass connects with the rubber around the door frame. Anyone else had similar problems?

Thanks,

Jenny

c_hunter

Jenny,

If you don't have any problems with wind noise, then the windows are probably sealing OK, and you just had the misfortune of finding a carwash that shoots water the wrong way! If however, you also have a wind noise problem, then perhaps your windows need to be adjusted. It's pretty straightforward.

It's normal to get some water in between the secondary rubber seal and the glass. However, it should not get past the primary seal into the passenger compartment.

CRaig

c_hunter

Where do you live? I would bet they sell oxygenated winter gas in your area, which causes the exact issue you describe.

Craig

c_hunter

Definitely get the rust out first. The corner of a folded piece of fine sandpaper works well, just try to stay in the pit and not damage the finish.

Craig

randysch

Hi Craig. I'm in Maryland, and you may be right about the gas. But _that_ much of a difference? And it only started last winter, didn't happen any of the years previously. Any additive(s) that I could use to test the theory? I put premium (93 octane shell) last fill up, and that didn't change a thing.

Thanks,
randy

p0926

I once gave a dealer a bad review on a screwed up repair and SOA sent the dealer my review and then the dealer confronted me. I stood up for myself and told him everything I wrote was true. But, my point is that these repair evaluations should protect the consumer's privacy.

"If" SOA gave the dealer your name, I'm sure it was intended to afford the dealer an opportunity to make things right with you (since "most" dealers want to have satisfied customers). However, SOA "could" have removed the personal info from your review, but depending on what the repair was for, date, model, etc, it could still be easy for the dealer to determine your identity.

I've been driving Subarus for 10 plus years, but I may look into Nissan.

As has already been pointed out, your beef is with the local dealer, not the product itself so why switch?

All SOA has to do is visit these dealers and ask to see the loaner cars.

And then what? All Subaru dealers are independent so there is very little that SOA can do to get them to behave.

Were I in your shoes, I'd do two things:

a. Switch dealers!
b. Report the Subaru dealer to the Better Business Bureau

A 3rd and certainly more radical step would be to picket in front of the dealership on a busy Saturday morning (check with local law enforcement beforehand for dos and don'ts). This will guarantee that you get their attention and quite possibly get them to offer you some form of compensation.

-Frank

stever

As has already been pointed out, your beef is with the local dealer, not the product itself so why switch?

I guess I disagree with Craig and Frank.

I tried to buy a Honda in '98 and even ran home from the showroom to get my checkbook. I got tag teamed when I got back and so I walked and wound up buying a Nissan, which has worked out well.

There are lots of good reliable cars in the market these days so if the dealer is bad, it's just as easy to find a better one selling something else. Dealers are independent, but it's up to the car company to weed out the bad ones and there are monetary and contractual ways to make them fall in line.

I'd sure let Subaru know why you are buying a different brand.

Steve, Host

dmurphy1

I am looking for a car to replace my 91 Acura Integra (180,ooo miles and no major problems) so my expectations are relatively high. I like the look and AWD the RS has to offer, but looking through the archives of this site, I am questioning the reliability (wheel bearings, erratic MPG, warped rotors, gasket issues, etc..). Sorry to rehash things already discussed, but can anyone summarizes the problems Imprezas have had from the 2001 model type?

Thanks for the help.

Dale

p0926

Good point Steve. Many people base their purchase decision, at least in part, on the buying experience and type of treatment/service they can expect from the dealer. Hence the reason why Lexus, Acura etc can demand a premium for their vehicles.

And I'm not for a second excusing the rotten treatment given by that dealership. Hopefully SOA does value owner satisfaction enough that they will punish the dealer.

-Frank

stever

Can't you just hear Patti calling up the GM and saying "No cruise for you!"

File under wishful thinking. :-)

Steve, Host

1843forester

Hey everyone,

I just got a brand new 06 the other day and I have a few questions that I am hoping someone can help out with.

1) When I move the key to the #3 "On" position, right before "Start" I hear a clicking/whirring noise as the lights etc... power up. Is this a bad sign/electrical problem already.

2) When I turn my headlights on, I hear a click noise...and am wondering if this is a fuse issue or normal.

I am getting concerned that I could be having early signs of electrical issues to come.

Is this stuff typical of Foresters or do I need to bring my car back immediately and have it looked at.

Thanks in advance.

Cheers.

:confuse:

leo2633

I believe what you are hearing is the headlight relay when you switch on the lights. This is normal.

Len

jfl

The whirring sound is probably the fuel pump. It should stop after a few seconds when the fuel line is pressurized.

Jim

kens

Also try using a product called Langka or Mother's Paint Chip Repair. It's a rubbing compound/solvent that you use to smooth out the touchup paint blob. The stuff doesn't harm your OE paint so it's safe to use. It requires some practice but often gets the repair looking much better.

As a matter of fact, I just got my first noticeable stone chip on my hood this past Friday. I was driving home on the freeway and heard the crack of a stone hitting the hood. It's a shallow nail-head sized chip. I cleaned it out with some rubbing alcohol and am now letting some paint dry on it before I smooth it out.

Ken

damish003

Does anyone know why some Subarus start having the low fuel indicator light come on earlier and earlier as the car ages? My '04 OBS is having this problem. It comes on sometimes with over 1/4 of a tank left, when I've driven about 200 miles. Maybe 10 gallons of fuel have been used when this occurs. I've noticed it is more frequent. Any solutions to it, or do I just have to live with it? Thanks.

-Dan-

p.s. The car has a bit over 35k miles on it.

aviatorvisa

Did you check the tire pressure? Colder temperatures will cause the tire pressure to drop (PV=nRT, brings back fond memories of general chemistry) and rolling resistance increases. Factor that in along with oxygenated fuel, short drives where the engine doesn't fully warm up (richer fuel/air mix) and the mpg drops.

Al

c_hunter

Al makes a great point about tire pressure, that can also have a notable effect. Put a few things together and all of a sudden you have a big hit.

Also, what type of driving do you do?

Craig

c_hunter

Yep, relays and fuel pump. Pretty much the same thing you'll hear on any new car.

c_hunter

Well, you probably won't get 1991-vintage Honda reliablity even in a new Honda (sad to say), so be sure to adjust your expectations. All of the issues you cited affected the last generation Impreza which included the 2001. There were additional clutch issues that affected up to 2002 models, and head gasket issues that went into 2003. That's about all I am aware of. If you keep cars for a long time, then I'd recommend looking for a new 05 or 06 model that you can start fresh with, in terms of maintenance and care. Unless you personally know the owner and history of a used car, then there's a heck of a lot more to worry about than what you read here.

Craig

c_hunter

I have run into lousy dealers across the board (including Acura). If the dealer mistreats you, then definitely take your business elsewhere. But I wouldn't necessarily switch brands because of a dealership. It's the wrong way to solve the problem. It would be like boycotting Coke because a particular vending machine stole your nickel.

In this particular case, it is very clear that the dealer sucks. They could be selling lawn mowers and the service would still suck.

Craig

ateixeira

MPG - until an engine warms up fully, it's not nearly as efficient as it should be. The short drives plus the extreme cold will just kill your mileage.

I take long drives and even then, my mileage is about 2mpg below my yearly average in the winter. Summer is about 1mpg below average due to A/C use. That means that for me, the cold has twice the impact as A/C!

01 RS? I would get an '02 if those are concerns for you. In 02 they changed the wheel bearing design to the sturdier Legacy ones.

When I move the key to the #3 "On" position, right before "Start" I hear a clicking/whirring noise as the lights etc... power up

Fuel pump priming the pressure. It's normal and actually good for you to wait until you hear that before starting up the vehicle.

The low fuel light is supposed to come on when there are 2.3 gallons remaining in the tank. But Subaru recommends you fill up right away so you're not using the gunk in the bottom of the tank. :surprise:

-juice

xwesx

I have not noticed this at all with my '96 OBW, 196.5K miles. It comes on at about 13 gallons used, but if anything, it will sometimes wait LONGER! For instance, I had the light come on about 10 miles short of where I filled up. I had put 352 miles on the car when I stopped at the filling station and thought, "wow, I must have had great mileage this time!" Turns out I put 14.9 gallons in it! If I had used another 0.3 gallons, the bugger would have stalled out on me. :surprise: That was about a 20 mile warning vs. a usual 50.... I know that it uses exactly 15.2 before stalling because I've been goofy enough to use that much once or twice. Okay, maybe three times.

If yours is the exact opposite, I would get it checked (under warranty!). For me it is a problem because I would tend to start ignoring it if it came on with nearly a 1/2 tank left. At that point, there's really no reason to even have it glaring at you!

randysch

Hmmmmm, driving distance, tire pressure, winter gas.... I guess those could all add up. But we're talking a huge change, from about 24 to 17 (that's how low it went last year, currently about 20-21). I drive 8 miles each way to work, and rarely drive over 20 miles one way anywhere (convenient locations!). But that's all been true for the life of the car, and the mileage drop only happened last year (and starting again now). Plus it really hasn't been cold yet, only one light frost. I appreciate all the suggestions! Taking it in for its 60K workup tomorrow (NOT to the dealer), so I'll mention all these things and see what they think.

Must say I was hoping for a "it's a 2 dollar discombobulater coil replacement" type answer, but what do I know?

Thanks all!

randy

samiam_68

It's a $10 thermostat

jfl

...and $60 labor.

bluesubie

The thing is once you complain to SOA, the dealer will treat you even worse.

As was already mentioned, you should switch dealers. Definitely demand a meeting with the District Service Operations Manager (NY and Northern NJ Subaru rep).

-Dennis