Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your Subaru
Subarus Models:
Subaru Problems
Check Engine Light Due to Failed Catalytic Converter
The Check Engine Light may illuminate because of low catalytic converter efficiency. This same issue may cause the car to fail the State Smog Test if one is required.
Cooling System Problems Cause Head Gasket Failure
The head gasket has a high failure rate due to cooling system problems. Subaru is aware of the problem and has extended the warranty to 8 years/100k miles on many vehicles.
Check Engine Light Due to Failed Knock Sensor
The Check Engine Light may illuminate because of a failed knock sensor. Although the sensor often tests okay, it can fail intermittently, while the vehicle is being driven.
Engine Misfire Due to Failed Spark Plug Wires
Sometimes the Check Engine Light illuminates because the computer detects misfires. Subaru released an improved spark plug wire set to solve the problem. The ignition coil should also be inspected for carbon tracks or short circuits between the contacts.
Failure in ABS causes pump to run continuously and wear down battery
A failure in the anti-lock brake system (ABS) causes the ABS pump to continuously run, which will eventually
wear down the battery. An improved ABS relay is available to solve the
problem.
Subaru Recalls (Recent)
The Auto Lock Function of the Rear Center Seat Belt May Not Function as Expected
The automatic locking retractor, in the seat belt assembly located at the rear center seating position, may not lock as expected when used with a child safety seat. In the event of a crash, this would increase the risk of injury to a child seated at that location. Dealers will replace the affected seat belt retractor assembly to correct this concern. The Subaru recall number is WQA-37.
Subaru Forester
Moonroof Glass May Detach from Vehicle
Due to the amount and position of the adhesive between the glass and its retainer, the moonroof glass may come loose or completely off. If the moonroof were to detach from the vehicle while driving, it would become a potential road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect the condition of the glass adhesion and apply additional adhesive or replace the moonroof glass as necessary. The Subaru recall number is WVW-33.
Subaru Legacy, Subaru OutbackManual Transmission May Fail Due to Lack of Lubrication
Some six speed manual transmissions may have been manufactured with a certain lubrication hole not drilled. Lack of lubrication can result in an abnormal noise from the transmission. If this noise were to be ignored, the transmission could fail completely. Engine power available to the drive wheels would be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect the affected transmissions, drill the lubrication hole as necessary, and replace any internal parts damaged do to lack of lubrication. This recall is scheduled to begin by July 28, 2010. The Subaru recall number is WVS-29.
Subaru Outback, Subaru LegacyFront Windshield Wipers May Stop Working
Components inside the front wiper motor bottom cover may overheat. If the bottom cover overheats, the wipers may stop working, which can reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash or fire. Dealers will replace the front wiper motor bottom cover assembly to correct this concern. The Subaru recall number is WVV-32.
Subaru Legacy, Subaru OutbackFront Lower Control Arms May Break
The front lower control arms may break at the hanger brackets due to corrosion. This corrosion is commonly a result of the hanger bracket being exposed to salty conditions, such as roads where salt is used as a snow melting agent. A broken control arm can result in loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect the affected control arms and rustproof or replace them as necessary. The Subaru recall number is WVX-34.
Subaru Forester, Subaru ImprezaSubaru Questions and Answers
When I pulled the hood release latch under my dash in my '90 legacy i heard a snap and a piece of plastic fell down now I'm getting no redidtance when I pull on the release and the hood is not ope...
Head gasket blew, and water mixed with the oil.I am told that I should have all gaskets & seals replaced, and the heads milled. I have a 2.2 engine. Est received Labor & Materials -$1,175.00. Thank...
I just bought My justy yesterday and its a 88 not 90 and it drives fine except when i start to speed up then the car has really bad steering and swerves all over the rood...I have an idea what it c...
The puttering or popping or seemed starving for fuel happens when a load is puton engine. Ease up on pedal, then gains power.
Hello,
I drained the gas tank of an '86 Subaru Brat that has been sitting for years and old,thick,dirty,sludgy gas(?) came out. I removed it from the car and want to clean the inside real good be...
Subaru Owners' Stories
LOVED my Baja--the perfect vehicle for the Western NC mountain terrain, good on gas, plus the handy back compartment for hauling a bale of hay for the garden or taking the trash to the dump--that is, until it burst into flames on I-81 coming into Syracuse last week. I was lucky to get out. Took 4 firetrucks, and literally melted into the pavement. "Nightmare" does not begin to describe it. Fire inspectors determined it was an electrical fire originating with the blower (fan) that circulates air through the vents. OMG.
This is my 1st and perhaps last Subaru (not that I think it will last me forever). It is a 6-speed manual with the short-throw shifter (that is the only "extra" that the car has -- and it is factory installed). The car doesn't have 20K on it yet & already, I've had 2 clutches put in it (so this is #3) -- about 1 every 8K. Just this evening, I have lost reverse gear. I do not grind gears, I don't ride it hard, I don't rock it back & forth, I drive reasonably & responsibly.
All I can say is I LOVE MY CAR!!!! I was thinking of trading my car in but not sure what i wanted...sitting at a light one day i saw a yellow (not to crazy about that color) subaru baja pass me and i followed it so that i could find out the make and model....checked the internet and there happen to be one at a nearby dealership....and the best thing is its blue...my favorite color....sad to hear they stopped making them....
2000 cc(near)90000KM.Ihavent replaced ANYTHING yet!Only oil gasoline and filters.Runs like a dream.So no real story to tell...EXCELENT vehicle
my subaru has lasted me the last four years. i love driving it and it handles fairly well in the snow. but in the last two years i have noticed when i go up hills it seems that the car wants to die and break down under the preasure. if i down shift up the hill it seems to help as long as the RPMs r high enought. but if im in first gear i cant do enything but rev the car up the hill. what part is fouling? o2 cencer? a foul plug? i just dont know