I bought this car in January 2017 from a private owner. Within two weeks the check engine and brake warning lights would randomly come on along with cruise control light flashing. I had it checked thinking it was the brakes but everyone said my brakes were fine. Last year (8/2018) I went to the dealer to have some recall issues fixed & asked them to check it. They said I needed a new catalytic converter. Within in two weeks the lights started flashing again and I had them check it out again. This time they said it was the cam shaft senors that needed to be replaced.
I went to a different mechanic and had the cam shaft sensors replaced. Within two days the lights came on again. They then said that the cam shaft senors sometimes needed a "shim" to work properly. They replaced the sensors and added the shims. Within hours the lights came on again. I took the car in 5 times to have them check it but each time they said the sensors were fine. I replaced the gas cap and didn't have any lights come on for almost a whole month. Then.... my valves started pinging recently and I had to have a solenoid replaced and they suggested that I use a higher quality gas.
During all this my battery died and I also had the alternator quit on me. I have spent almost $3000 in the last year on this car.... I feel defeated.
2013 is definitely the worst year to buy a Subaru Outback. I also have a 1998 Legacy and it's a gem with 280,000 mile. Guess which one I'm getting rid of as soon as I can????
I bought this car in January 2017 from a private owner. Within two weeks the check engine and brake warning lights would randomly come on along with cruise control light flashing. I had it checked thinking it was the brakes but everyone said my brakes were fine. Last year (8/2018) I went to the dealer to have some recall issues fixed & asked them to check it. They said I needed a new catalytic converter. Within in two weeks the lights started flashing again and I had them check it out again. This time they said it was the cam shaft senors that needed to be replaced.
I went to a different mechanic and had the cam shaft sensors replaced. Within two days the lights came on again. They then said that the cam shaft senors sometimes needed a "shim" to work properly. They replaced the sensors and added the shims. Within hours the lights came on again. I took the car in 5 times to have them check it but each time they said the sensors were fine. I replaced the gas cap and didn't have any lights come on for almost a whole month. Then.... my valves started pinging recently and I had to have a solenoid replaced and they suggested that I use a higher quality gas.
During all this my battery died and I also had the alternator quit on me. I have spent almost $3000 in the last year on this car.... I feel defeated.
2013 is definitely the worst year to buy a Subaru Outback. I also have a 1998 Legacy and it's a gem with 280,000 mile. Guess which one I'm getting rid of as soon as I can????
- Joni C., Boise, US