I want to add my report of oil loss in the hope a recall is made. I found out after purchase that 2012-2014 or 2015 has a known problem with piston rings. With normal local driving I need to top off the oil every couple of weeks. With longer trips, say a couple hours of driving one way, the oil gets a quarter to half way down on the dipstick. I carry oil for all roadtrips and can't forget to keep checking the level. My understanding from many sources online is that Subaru is aware they put in bad piston rings and just call it good enough or within spec, but dumping so much oil isn't right. This isn't a wear and tear problem, although it can get worse over time and lead to other problems. The problem goes away when the rings and the engine block is replaced. Scotty Kilmer on Youtube tells a story of a customer that complained enough and after being persistent had it fixed for free (piston rings and block), and still has no oil loss issues after 60k miles. He also recommended reporting it here. This engine is used in various Subaru's, not just the Legacy.
Windshields crack easily. I was using the original windshield and it was cracked on the passenger side. Common error of Subaru Outback. My car is only 37000miles.
I experienced a fuel leak while driving my car. It was leaking from the fuel lines in the engine bay. My fuel gauge was showing low and i had just refueled several days before. I didn't know it had a leak in the line. When i tried to put more gas in, the fuel ran out under the car. I had my car taken to the dealer where i had bought it less than two years ago. They called me and said it was a bad fuel line caused by squirrels biting the line. They said the insulation around the line had soy in its making which attracted them. I i got it back after a week. This is most certainly a safety hazard. They also said other makes and models have used these same components since 2010.
I experienced sudden acceleration in downtown and almost hit three cars, caused me to run three red lights and almost hit pedestrians. I had the car, 2017 Outback Subaru towed to the dealer and was told there are no recalls, but saw many problems listed on the NHTSA website. It was terrifying and still shakes me up when I think what could have happened. Subaru told me this was the first they have seen this and that I do not have the extended warranty and I would be held for the cost. I am beyond upset. They tried to have me pick up the car after finding nothing. I told them they are to keep it until they find the issue. I have a loaner from them.
The contact owns a 2024 subaru outback. The contact stated while driving 72 mph with no other vehicles nearby, the forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking system engaged inadvertently, and the vehicle came to a complete stop. The contact stated that he was able to continue driving; however, the vehicle started jerking and was hesitating while driving. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure related to the forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking system. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 100.
Over the course of 5 years, a lot has been mechanically wrong with our vehicle. Each service appointment yielded a 'cannot duplicate' response. Recently, my car has been in the service department a few times. My car had recall work performed on a ground bolt, and my husband advised them that the car had a 'rich fuel' smell when starting with the hood open. I've complained since 2021 of a smell when pulling up the mountain. The smell is what i described as a perm solution smell. Each time, the response was 'cannot duplicate. ' in february, i took the car in to have the exhaust inspected because it was getting louder each passing day. I was advised that the entire exhaust needed to be replaced, and i would be responsible for costs. I brought my car home, unrepaired, and called subaru of america to file a claim through them. I had repeatedly expressed concerns, and nothing was done, yet i'm expected to foot the bill now. Since february 12th, i have been back and forth with subaru and just made the appointment to get the exhaust work completed, with a small contribution from subaru. However, this past saturday, april 13, 2024, my vehicle caught on fire while driving. I am fine, but my vehicle has now been deemed a total loss. As i was descending the mountain, i smelled the same 'perm solution' smell, and shortly after, there was smoke coming from under the hood. The smoke entered the cabin as i pulled off the road. Upon exiting the vehicle, flames and smoke were visible from the hood. I grabbed my purse and ran, called 911, and watched my vehicle engulfed in flames.
Windshield cracked and replaced
The front suspension is making a clanking noise. Inspection of the front strut towers tops shows an interior separation of the rubber in the strut bearing at 63k miles. There is also a noticeable difference between the left and right side relative to the components present. The space at the drivers side which is making the noise has a bigger separation in its components when the wheels are in a straight ahead position. The failure of this component can cause a catastrophic accident.
On 03Feb24, immediately following a 4-wheel alignment of my 2022 Subaru Outback Limited, my vehicle’s suspension feels unstable over patched potholes or rough/broken pavement. I can best describe the condition as similar to the movements felt while hydroplaning but it does it on dry road. It jerks side to side; 3 or 4 times; in rapid succession; just enough to command the driver’s full attention. The condition happens periodically at highway speeds. I’m afraid my vehicle might lose grip and crash. I have brought my vehicle in twice to my local Subaru dealership for inspection. The mechanics have been able to witness the condition. A few measures were taken to remedy the condition including, vehicle re-alignment, installation of one shock absorber on the rear suspension to no avail. The mechanic report, issued 10Apr24, states the condition may be due to the brand new tires installed on 19Feb24. However, this assessment is inconclusive and requires expensive trail and error tied to buying a new set of tires. The condition started on the OEM tires and still occurs with the new set of tires. The condition began 03Feb24, immediately following it’s first ever 4-wheel alignment at the dealership. I have been trying to get this fixed since then. The condition persists as of the date of this writing. On 16Apr24, I submitted a formal complaint through Subaru of America web form.
The wireless car play phone connection randomly drops and is a known issue with subaru. This a potential safety issue due to dropping calls mid calls that are hands free and encourage the driver to grab the mobile phone change it from air play to phone and then back to air play to fix it. Or take it off car option requiring the drivers attention to be diverted. Also this issue drops the navigation embedded into the radio unit on the car which could again create a safety issue distracting drivers and causing accidents. This needs to be addressed immediately and subaru has no fix available.