Top 5 Subaru Failures! Why They Happen, How Difficult They Are To Repair, & How Much It Costs You!

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[originalgoof]

Your videos have saved me thousands over the past two weeks. We have a 2015 Outback and last weekend I had to replace the thermostat and so I went through all of the thermostat, PCV union, coolant crossover, etc and while it was off did the spark plugs and cam carrier reseal. Ours had oil all in the spark plugs just like the 2015 you worked on did. Then yesterday I replaced the driver's side CV axle. Couldn't have done it without your walkthrough videos. Thank you so much and big thanks to SubaryPartsDeals.

[steve_ks]

Ah yes….#5. 2013 Impreza Hatchback …at 146, 000, been through two left wheel rear bearings and one right rear. When the right side went, at 60, 137 miles, I was just out of warranty. Had the dealer repair it then I emailed Subaru Customer Service asking if they would consider reimbursing me. I submitted the bill and pertinent information.
A week later, I had a check for the full amount.

[TheLanard]

The main thing I learned from this video is Take Care of Your Car. Although repairs might seem expensive, they’re much less than buying a new car. Especially these days. Subarus are very reliable. But you have to do your part in keeping them running right. Thanks for this video❤

[FrancescaClement-je]

Thank you so much for these videos. I’m a brand new Subaru owner and a senior woman to boot. I find it extremely helpful to know what kind of things I need to keep an eye on. One of the most important things I’m understanding is to have everything done at the Subaru dealer. This is a new thought for me as I used to have Fords which have become complete junk. Four dealers don’t care, they lie to your face, they say they did things they didn’t do, etc.. The Subaru is an absolute delight and I will keep watching your videos to learn how to keep it that way. T nap.hank you.

[jukeboxzero]

Another great video! 2003 WRX bought new now @109K miles. Commuter car driven year round including heavy snow. Modified +70 HP over stock with dozens of track day laps. No noticeable oil consumption so far. No head gasket issues since it's a turbo 2.0L. Had to replace an inner front CV boot which was leaking grease. Had dealer replace timing belt at 90K miles (used SubaruBucks which were expiring). Easy, affordable and fun to work on. Would have to say that, overall, it's the best car i've owned in over 40 years.

[richardgruss]

This is Richard from northern Michigan I really enjoy and I found your videos to be very valuable I purchased a 2011 Subaru Outback Limited in December of 2010 the vehicle currently has 482, 000 Mi on it and has the original engine and transmission the only failure that I have had is the head gasket with a multi-layer metal Subaru gasket per year recommendation and it has been perfect ever since. My CVT transmission for the past 482, 000 MI however I have drained definition fluid every 60, 000 me with OEM CVT fluid and the transmission has worked flawlessly. Thanks for all your good work and your excellent videos

[johnprusa]

You are a blessing to all who own a Subaru Thank-you!!

[mattalki]

We had a 2002 Forester for 18 years and about 210K miles. We had 4 of 5 of these issues with it. The only one we didn't have was the timing belt breaking (I changed them pretty religiously). I changed the oil in that thing every 3K miles on the dot, and it still started developing oil consumption problems. Had the rear wheel bearings fail at about 190K, and the head gaskets were replaced around that time too. We finally sold it as it was becoming a money pit.

[channeltrader]

I was a fully Subaru certified technician as well as an ASE Master auto technician in the 1980's; Subaru had oil consumption issues in their new generation 1985 model engines as well as head cracking issues between valves, this is a long-standing issue.

[baytown]

Very cool! I did price the rear wheel bearings replacement at my Subaru dealer on my 2013 outback and they wanted $1300. Did it myself and very easy after watching one of your videos.

[OzFrogZ]

I would add ac compressor clutches, lower control arm bushings, and ball joints to the list. Also while not super common, CVT valve bodies. The good news is Subaru covers most of them under warranty.

[desotosky]

My '05 Forester had a cylinder head oil leak. Dealer quoted $2K in 2018. Had the rear wheel bearings replaced on my Outback at 100K, mechanic said one fought him every bit of the way. Comparing the 2 vehicles, I much prefered the quietness of the timing belted '05 engine. Hate the noisy chain timed engine in the Outback, especially when cold. I'm pleased the CVT didn't make the top 5 list, I worry that Subaru says the trans fluid is permanent. I have a problem when cold but the dealer couldn't verify and wouldn't do anything. Thanks for the video.

[subieracer]

my 99 Outback blew the HG at around 100k. pulled the engine, but while in there.. do the rear main and water pump and timing belt. Ended up selling that car, but ran into it years later with another 100k and it was still running like a top! I was stoked.

[gregdolecki]

Anti-seize is your friend for the bearing/hub assembly, especially up north. Your second time around the car replacing these will be much easier.

[OZBIE]

Great failure list, I've had encounters with all of them. Another failure I've seen on many of my Subaru's is the oil pressure switches leaking, in fact I've got a stock pile in my tool box.

[tracyrainwater]

The head gaskets started leaking externally on our 2018 3.6R. It was under 20K miles and luckily under warranty. The dealership said they replaced with the turbo gaskets. No issues so far, wish me luck.

[arthurmiller-vlsw]

I have a strong feeling the 2006-2007 EJ’s all had bad oil compression rings. Owned 3 and around 125, 000miles all started burning excessive oil in the quart per 600 mile range. All had oil changes every 3500 miles with good synthetic oil and wix premium filters.
The only non standard thing I ran was K&N air filters that I kept clean and properly oiled. I no longer run those for fear the problem was related.
I’ve had all the problems described on the 7 Subaru’s we’ve put 1 million miles on (total).
Completely relied on your video’s for repairs so thanks for all your help over the years.

[ecopennylife]

2013 Forester Diesel 6 sp manual, 200, 000km. On second set replacement front lower control arms, 3rd turbo hose under top intercooler, 2nd set of hoses at other end of engine, clutch replaced 7 yrs old, alternator when about 9 yrs old, still happy, still trucking along at 11 yrs old, owned since brand new 😊

[ismaelcruz]

I had a 2007 Outback with all of the five problems and thank God I have a real good and reasonable Subaru mechanic with a family business and honest in upstate NY.

[billrogers]

We have a 2017 Outback 3.6R. Got 4 new tires at around 40, 000 miles. I kept thinking. "Those Michelin CrossClimate 2s are really noisy." At around 51, 000 miles I took the care to dealer for brake fluid flush. They told me that my rear wheel bearings needed to be replaced. WHAT!!?
Based on what I saw in one of the Subaru forums I contacted Subaru of America. The agreed to pay part of the cost.
Oh. The tires quieted down. IMO those wheel bearings should have lasted longer than 40, 000-ish miles in Florida!