10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
120,000 miles

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problem #1

Jun 052009

Impreza

  • 120,000 miles
I was driving my 2004 Subaru Impreza outback sport when I had a flat tire (right rear). I changed the tire, using the "donut" in the car. I drove another 25 miles no faster than 40 mph, and us. Slower. Then a driver behind me flashed her lights signaling me to stop. I stopped and learned my car was burning underneath, near the back. When I had the car looked at, I found that the rear differential was badly damaged. In the owner's manual, persons with automatic transmissions are instructed to use a switch to turn off the AWD when driving on the "donut." Otherwise, damage to the differential is likely. However, no such switch exists for cars with manual transmissions, which I have. I followed the instructions, not going more than 50 mph or more than 50 miles on the donut. But I did extensive damage anyway, and the fire (which was caused by the heat of the differential setting the undercoating on fire) could have been dangerous.

- Williamstown, MA, USA

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