9.9

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
250 miles

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problem #1

Feb 142015

Forester 4-cyl

  • 250 miles
I purchased a new 2015 Subaru Forester January 31, 2015. Anytime the temperature is below approximately 10F, the interior windows ice over. Have to continually switch from 100% defrost to 100% side windows to be able to see out one or the other. If anyone is riding in the back seat, the rear side windows are never clear. This poor visibility is a safety hazard. In addition, the car is extremely cold inside, especially in the foot well. My feet are numb from the cold as the heater is blowing cold air on your feet and legs. Even when no air is directed to the foot well, there is a continual cold draft. Have taken this vehicle to the dealer twice with these complaints " both times they contacted Subaru and was told that the car is operating as designed, so no effort was made to improve. For comparison the dealer provided a loaner car " same make, model, year and features. We drove it and our car on the same 60 mile route at the same ambient temperature (0F), the loaner car heated up quicker, was more comfortable inside, had minimal foot well draft, had higher engine oil temperature and the windows were much clearer. This was communicated to Subaru, with the same response " your car is behaving as designed, no service is required. In addition to my complaint, there are over 1100 comments complaining about these same issues as detailed on www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/F77/2014-Forester-weak-heater-263009/. although many of the comments are follow ups, the trend is clear " there is a shortcoming in some cars that result in poor heater performance, with the symptom being poor visibility and very uncomfortable passengers. For whatever reason, Subaru is either unable or unwilling to correct this issue or even admit it.

- Lakewood, NY, USA