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)
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 OutbackSteering Column Electrical Connector May Break
The electrical wiring in the steering column that provides power and communication to the steering wheel components may break at the roll connector. This may cause steering wheel components, such as the driver's side air bag, cruise control, and horn to malfunction. Loss of these components may result in an accident and possible personal injury. Dealers will inspect the steering roll connector and replace it as necessary. This recall began on July 7, 2010. The Subaru recall number is WVR-28.
Subaru Outback, Subaru LegacyFront 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
This is the second Subaru I have owned, It will be the last. It's great when everything is working properly. So far outside of routine maintenance, let's see where to start. At the radio was recalled, the one in my car would actually spit the cd's out when it felt like it and shot them into the back seat, the heater control panel went bad had to be replaced under warranty. The rear wheel bearings went bad, and not at the same time, at about 40K. There was a recall but the garage wouldn't fix both at the same time, had to return about 2 months apart to have the other one replaced. Less than a year later there was another recall for the main computer, it took only a few minutes once the garage got it in. At about 100K the driver side muffler went bad, this is a FACTORY item to the tune of $400. ( Side note, outside of brakes, filters, fluids,wipers, small things, its ALL Factory items ) At 120K kept hearing this high pitch squeal inside the car, only when the car was moving at least at 20mph, bearing in the main drive shaft leading to the rear, $640 just for part. Check engine light on at the 120K also. Catalytic converters not functioning properly, there are 3 on this model. One is $1,400, the other two are $820 a piece. With the check engine light on the cruise flashes and does not work. Bought it with hopes of having a car that would last 300K, but it will bankrupt me before I can get to that point. All wheel drive means replacing all 4 tires at one time. Definitely not a car that I would recommend to anyone, and for craps sake Subaru, I am not the only one that has had the exact same issues, its called a RECALL, if the other car manufactures can back theirs, I don't see why you can't! Regardless last Subaru this family will own.
my 2004 lagecy engine light is on and cruise control is blinking
I have a subaru outback 2002 w/190000 miles I am mechanic (small engines ) I do good maintenace and service every 3000 miles. on driver side when I remove the spark plug I founded oil around the spark plug boot wire. ( when has 95000 miles) now leak oil from both head/valves cover the question is only gaskets or major problem?
I have a 2002 Subaru Outback Wagon. I had both head gaskets replaced at 54,527 miles at Subaru dealer. I now have 98,000 miles and took my car to dealer because of the same issue. Dealer now says that I need to have them replaced again. This seems to be odd, as I was told by dealer that if the head gasket job was done correctly that it would be good for 100,000 or more miles. The dealer first told me that both gaskets were bad and would cost me $2,100 to fix. Then they said that only one side was bad and it would cost $1,200 to fix. Subaru of America tells me that because of the age of the car that there is not anything they can do.
Prior to the first gasket job, all maintenance (oil changes) were done at the dealer every 5000 miles. I have continued to have the oil changed every 5000 miles, just not at the dealer. It obviously did not make a difference on the first gasket replacement and do not believe that this has any bearing now.
I am not sure who to contact next. Any ideas???
Love my 2004 Forester XT. It's at 115,000 miles on it with most of those miles on trips to Ski resorts in Vermont and New England. Love its reliability, handling, comfort, practicality, and BIG MIRRORS AND WINDOWS!! However, I did have to replace both my front window motors recently. Now, its a little noisy on the highway over 70 mph. The glass was not aligned well because the doors do not have a window frame. But thats a minor problem for a fabulous vehicle.