10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 1 / 1
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 0 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 91,617 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
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« Read the previous 20 complaints
Engine using synthetic ow-20 oil per dealer recommendation uses oil faster than new car should. Oil changed 18,951mi. At around 22,000 oil was noted leaking around oil filter. Also dipstick showing low level. Owner had to add oil while on a trip. After 24,393mi oil filter leak reported, dealer replaced gasket 803916010 and topped off oil. At 26,312 mi, oil again changed by dealer. 3K mi later (29,000mi) oil again showed below low on dipstick requiring owner to add oil. 32,191 mi service appointment oil change by dealer states "close to full." Dealer told us that cars use a quart of oil every thousand miles normally. No leak found on inspection. I always park in the same place at parking garage and there are no oil leaks on the concrete. My family has had 2 other new Subaru vehicles since 2003 which also use synthetic oil and no other car has had this oil usage. I have owned 6 new cars in my lifetime. I know how to maintain an engine by frequent checks and maintenance. My concern is that owners may lose an engine due to seizure if they follow Subaru recommended oil change by mileage or months. Some owners who are not diligent in checking frequently may lose an engine. My other concern is that either Subaru engine design, gaskets, or other parts may be to blame in excessive oil usage. Please investigate this problem.
- Seattle, WA, USA
The engine consumes too much oil for such a relatively new & low mileage vehicle. This is the 2nd complaint to the dealer about this concern. Each time the engine oil is checked the dipstick would not register any oil reading. On the second visit, the dealer changed the oil & filter under warranty as per bulletin 02-144-13R & having me return after an additional 1200 miles of driving. This engine is defective for having oil usage at such low mileage and begin relatively new. I have owned many cars in my time and understand all cars consume oil at some point or another but not when the car is still practically new. Did research online and have seen many other owners with similar complaints, most with no resolution. This poses a safety hazard mainly for the owners who are not as savvy with vehicles. The engine oil could run out & seize the motor of which can happen while driving during highway speeds.
- Orlando, FL, USA
The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that whenever the check engine warning light illuminated, the cruise control would independently disable without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician stated that the vehicle was working according to standards. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 8,650 and the current mileage was 11,626. Updated 10/17/13
- Duluth, MN, USA
- Los Alamos, NM, USA