2018 Subaru Outback purchased June 2018 has three small paint issues on the hood, less than 11000 miles. Took it to the dealership for routine maintenance, showed it to them and asked them to address it. My expectation was since it was less than a year old no problem it would be fixed. Dealership took pictures sent it to Subaru Corporate for warranty approval, it was denied. Dealership said once corporate denies it nothing they can or will do to address it.
Called Subaru Corporate and was told they denied it based on expert recommendation from the dealership. I was told at the dealership the bug guts left on the car too long cause paint damage. I get car washed pretty much weekly, dark color shows dirt. I was also told turn it in to my insurance. Pretty sure it would cost the dealership less to fix it than my deductible. Last I knew it was more cost effective to keep a customer than it is to get new ones.
I love my car, but am disappointed by this treatment. I expect to have it fixed but this has left a very bad impression of Subaru. 30 year GM customer and 1 Ford product, never had this type of issue. Thinking of ways to get rid of this car. Paint should last longer and be made to withstand abuse.
Update from Jun 24, 2019: I am delighted to report Subaru Corporate customer service contacted me to discuss this issue. As a good will gesture, they were willing to pay a significant portion of the repair costs. It was still not covered by warranty but I didn't have to pay the total repair cost. This definitely made me a much more satisfied Subaru customer. I would be more inclined to purchase or recommend a Subaru in the future but not the dealership of original purchase.
click to see larger images
2018 Subaru Outback purchased June 2018 has three small paint issues on the hood, less than 11000 miles. Took it to the dealership for routine maintenance, showed it to them and asked them to address it. My expectation was since it was less than a year old no problem it would be fixed. Dealership took pictures sent it to Subaru Corporate for warranty approval, it was denied. Dealership said once corporate denies it nothing they can or will do to address it.
Called Subaru Corporate and was told they denied it based on expert recommendation from the dealership. I was told at the dealership the bug guts left on the car too long cause paint damage. I get car washed pretty much weekly, dark color shows dirt. I was also told turn it in to my insurance. Pretty sure it would cost the dealership less to fix it than my deductible. Last I knew it was more cost effective to keep a customer than it is to get new ones.
I love my car, but am disappointed by this treatment. I expect to have it fixed but this has left a very bad impression of Subaru. 30 year GM customer and 1 Ford product, never had this type of issue. Thinking of ways to get rid of this car. Paint should last longer and be made to withstand abuse.
Update from Jun 24, 2019: I am delighted to report Subaru Corporate customer service contacted me to discuss this issue. As a good will gesture, they were willing to pay a significant portion of the repair costs. It was still not covered by warranty but I didn't have to pay the total repair cost. This definitely made me a much more satisfied Subaru customer. I would be more inclined to purchase or recommend a Subaru in the future but not the dealership of original purchase.
- single1432, Marion, US