Subaru
Reviews and Complaints

I have a 2011 3.6R Limited Subaru Outback with over 100k miles. Over a year ago as I was driving to work, I couldn't accelerate. The check engine light and traction control light was steady, and the parking brake light and cruise control light was blinking. I brought it in to my Subaru dealer and they couldn't find anything wrong. The lights turned off. After I picked up my car (about 2 months later) it happened again. The car does not pick up speed and the same lights were blinking. Again, my dealership did another diagnostic and it registered with another code. So, they fixed the issue based on the code. A few months later it happened again! This time when I brought it in Subaru said it was a disconnected wire. So, they temporarily replaced the wire harness. During the snow storm recently, I was backing out of my driveway and the engine just stopped. When I turned it back on to start and drive, the SAME thing happened. No acceleration, lights on and blinking. I had the car towed. The dealer held onto the car a few days only to tell me that this time the diagnostic said it was the catalytic converters. Now, I had already spent over $4, 000 trying to get this fixed that the repair shop was confident in doing. Am I supposed to dish over another $5, 000 to replace the cats only for it to happen again?

After doing research I know it's the transmission. The dealer never said anything to me about replacing the transmission.

I've already spent a lot of money on this car. Now, what am I supposed to do when the repair shop can't even figure it out?

Please help!

Hello, this is Robert Chiu. I recently leased my third Subazu in last three years and I am a loyal customer and Fan of Subaru. But on 23Jan, 2021 as I received my new lease Subaru Crosstrek, I did not received a credit for my 1st payment from of the Subaru of America Lease Loyalty Program. (Under the Lease Loyalty Program, Subaru will make the first monthly payment on my behalf ) as per advertised, as the Dealership told me that due to time constraint the dealership could not apply for me the loyalty 1st payment credit. This is why I am writing directly to you and applying for this 1st month payment credit. Sincerely Robert Chiu, Cell# [protected] email: [protected]@yahoo.com

Name: Robert Chiu
Lease Date: 01/23/2021
VIN# JF2GTAPC8M8264023
Model: Crosstrek
Dealer: Star Subaru, 206-26 Northern blvd, Bayside NY 11361

Hello, I have emailed your [protected]@subaru.com.au today

My issue, I've been told by Subaru Echuca Vic a software issue with my radio. They tell me there is nothing they can do.
Paul Gover has informed me that the whole infotainment system needs to be replaced.
The radio is always set on AM with the volume at 21.
I have to adjust it every time I get in the car due to the fault in the system.
The problem is a little hard to put into words.
Regards Andrew [protected]

Recently my cars ignition coil went out due to overheating and blowing a fuse specifically as noted in the recall verbiage, under certain circumstances, the ignition coil may be energized longer than designed after the engine is OFF. If the ignition coil remains energized for too long, the internal temperature of ignition coil may increase which could cause a short circuit and a blown fuse. If a short circuit occurs while the vehicle is in motion, the vehicle may experience a loss of motive power while driving without the ability to immediately restart the engine. This is exactly what happened to my car. There was a recall about this problem, recall number #WUQ-02. The recall was performed on my car yet it still failed. I contacted Subaru corporate customer service and they stated the best they could do was give me a 350 coupon to help offset the cost of the repair which I am grateful for however, it is still going to cost me approximately 150 dollars that I don't feel I should have to pay plus the inconvenience of not having my car and time wasted waiting for repair parts. Not to mention it would appear that the recall problem was not corrected because the car did fail in the exact manner previously described which also makes me concerned about it failing again. I really feel this is not my fault I did my due diligence by making sure the recall was performed on my car and it still failed and is now going to cost me money I don't have.

I feel like this repair should be paid for in full by Subaru not just a 350 dollar coupon. This is a design failure, not normal wear and tear on a car.

respectfully
William Keith

We recently went to our subaru dealership for a factory recall on our 2017 subaru forester. But things went terribly wrong. We had already planned to return our forrester in approx 1-1/2 - 2 months coming due. This visit to the dealership was only for the recall.
The dealership took our car in and then would not return our car. We were told to shop for another car and were driven around the car lot to try out new 2020 models. We thought it was just to pass time but when we tried to get our 2017 car back we were told it was being taken and there was no problems with the car and not to worry about anything. How wrong everything went. After 5 months, we were sent a bill from chase with a $2,000 amount due for all the things that were wrong, missing or needed for the car. What? We were told many times at the dealership not to worry, everything is fine and since we were leasing another subaru, there was nothing we needed to do.
We are still very upset and do not want the new lease to go any further with a dealership that lies to us. We had in place a time to bring the 2017 forester to a detailer and have them go over the car before it would go back to the dealership. We were not given the proper time to bring our car in to the detailer. Now we are looking at dislike at the dealership for bamboozling us when we brought our car in for a recall. Can you please help us. We have called the tv station to air our complaint as well. Sincerely, Beverly & Paul Rice

I took my car into the dealership in Coconut Creek, Florida the week of Thanksgiving 2019, which was the week ending 11/22. I had slammed the driver car door and the airbag curtain deployed.

On January 10, 2020 I was told the car was inspected and the report was sent to the Japanese Headquarters. Now 2 months later I still have not gotten my car back repaired. I received a letter from a Tyler DeVault at the Camden New Jersey office on March 19th, saying in two weeks he will provide a possible update. So Subura took my car and for 4 months has done nothing. All I get is that you are waiting on the report at your Corporate Office in Camden, New Jersey.

Enough is enough, you need to repair the car and give it back to me or keep it and give me back my deposit on the car so I can purchase a car, other than a Subura.

I have filed a complaint to the Better Business Bureau.

I want a resolution to this, four months is too long. It's ridiculous.

Brandon Park
[protected]
email: brandon.[protected]@yahoo.com

2015 Subaru Forester, presently 37k kms, purchased new from Cofino Stahl (Cofal Automotriz S.A), Guatemala. Warranty claims, eg tires wearing unevenly, addressed by Cofino Stahl as normal. Recently had front bumper removed for to repaint scratches. On its removal, found energy absorber badly deformed. Obviously had a frontal collision. So much deformed it is certain bumper was replaced prior to car being sold to us. Of course, we have no idea how much more damage was repaired that could attribute to other problems we are having, but being unable to align our front wheels properly has us extremely upset. There is NO doubt there was a frontal collision. There is NO doubt the bumper was replaced. There is NO doubt the Energy Absorber was not replaced out of Cofino Stahl´s assumtion the evidence of the accident would not be discovered. Worst of all… front alignment was not checked, or if it was, the problem ignored. Obliviously UNETHICAL … border line negligence on the part of Cofino Stahl. We have written to Subaru Global/Guatemala a few times thinking there would be a record with the VIN. No reply… not even a "Go pound Sand". Cofino Stahl denies all. Can you direct somebody to check if there was any damage to the car prior to its sale to us Nov. 03, 2015?
VIN: JF1SJ9LC5FG201703

We are long time Subaru fans. Prior to this purchase in Guatemala we have had nothing but praise for Subaru. This vendor must, for the sake of Subaru´s reputation with us at least, has to be held responsible.
Thank you,
Anabella Giron de Schmieman([protected]@yahoo.com)

Dear Customer care dept,

I'm car owner of Subaru Forester, my name is Yong Chin Ying from Malaysia.

I would like to raise my complaint on your long waiting time for car service. I came to service my car on 29 JUN 2019 (Sat). My appointment was 9.30a.m, i reached your service center at 9.00a.m. It was more than 10 owners ahead of me, after leaving my slip to service counter i got to wait 45mins before they call me for registration and car check. I asked the service adviser why there are so many people ahead of me when my appointment was 9.30a.m? The answer was they practice on first come first serve basis. I would like to ask, what's the point of making an appointment and you're practicing first come first service basis? I waited until about 1.30p.m only my car is ready. Total I waited nearly 4 hrs just for normal service & this is ridiculous long waiting time. When asked the service adviser why is it so slow, his reply was they're shorthanded and management have to plan to add on manpower, he also said many customers also complaint about this. He cannot do anything and ask me to write in a complaint email. I would like to know what is your action plan to reduce your long waiting hours?

During service on 29 Jun 2019 I also informed service adviser that my car daylight is not working well, it's sometime have lights sometime no lights or it will turn off by itself. I request them to repair it. After my normal service is done, they told me they're not able to check the lights because Saturday they only work half day they don't have time to check. In other works your service team is not train on customer satisfaction & no responsibility. Even they're working half day they need to get their job done before going home, if they need to work OT they will need to do so. Now, they request me to come back other day to check & fix the daylight, i request the appointment to be on any Saturday. However your service adviser insist that they're not able to do the repairing on Saturday, they refused fix Saturday appointment. Out of no choice I made other appointment on 18 July 2019 8.30a.m

On 18 July 2019 the registration is faster only told me 15mins however I waited again other 4.5 hours to get the light fixed. It seem okay when they handover the car but within the same day evening the lights again not working well. I had been monitoring it for few days and it's still showing the same old problem so I called up again Motor Image Jalan 223 on Wed 24 July 2019 and inform them the problem and i request them to fix the appointment for me on Saturday.
Again the service adviser reject my request, his reason was they only working half day they're not able to get it repair on time.
As a customer, i would like to know what kind after sales service Subaru is providing? This is the treatment I'm getting? Motor Image Jalan 223 is doing things as your convenient but without thinking of your customer.

First I compromised to came back on 18 July 2019 to repair the lights but you failed to resolve the problem and the problem come back.
Second you trouble me & wasting my time to come back for other day to repair it and yet you reject my request to fix it on Saturday.
Third your waiting time is way belong the market level and unexceptionable long with waiting time min 4 hours.

Subaru Malaysia please come back to me how are you going to resolve my car daylight problem? I can only come back on Saturday.

I bought a 2019 crosstrek in december 2018 since I bought it the hatch was broke it took 3 weeks to fix my problem since I have nitrogen in my tires I have never heard of that until know I have a inflation problem I called my dealer service department they told me they dont fill nitrogen tires take it back to where I bought it put I bought it there I called my salesman who no longer works there I spoke with a mike he told me he would check with service and get back to me but he never did not a good way to handle a new customer all I want is to solve my problem not fight with you guys please let me know how I can resolve this sincerley michael mc guire

Daniel smith made an oral deal over the phone for a lease price on a subaru forester. Over two days we confirmed and re-confirmed the deal. We drove over an hour to pick up our car and of course, dan smith said he made an "honest mistake" and said it would be an additional $50.00 a month.

My wife has been subjected to a classic "bait and switch" scam by the above business. An offer was made, we have the e-mail trail, and even after corporate guaranteed a price, the dealer would not stand behind it. They are rude, condescending and they lie. Do business there at your peril!

My 2006 champagne gold tribeca paint job is going bad. It has odd branch looking shadowy faded areas on the hood, roof, back hatch and bits on both sides of the car. It has gotten really bad this last year or so. I got on-line to see if anyone else has had this issue and yes they have and subaru of america has paid to re-paint those cars. It looks like the 2006 champagne gold tribeca's have this problem. I have contacted a subaru of america representative and have been talking to him on off and on since the first part of august. He asked me to have our subaru dealership take pictures of my car and send it to him at subaru of america. The pictures have been sent at least 3 times by my dealership and once by me personally. The subaru of america representative says he has never received them. I feel like I am being jerked around on this issue. I would appreciate any other advice or avenues I can take to get my problem solved.

Parts prices and up selling service has gotten so bad that I plan to never do parts and service at subaru again. $84 for wipers?! That's insane
Change resevoir brake fluid ($80)?! Nobody does that on a brand new car. I can't trust then enough to send my wife in for service, and that's sad because I love the car.
Should have bought a toyota venza

Bought a 2012 outback, after one day I noticed that fender when you lean on car, it makes a dent... The sheet metal is so thin it dents with about 5 lbs pressure.. Front fenders particulitly, no foot heat, car is brand new and i'm stuck with it, its a lease for 687. Monthly.. Tried to break leaese.. Its a piece of junk. Now it will ruin my credit as dealers like doing this kind of thing.. I traded my infinity.. For this junker, its not safe of the hyway if you get a front impact, as the car will crumble as there is no strenght in it... Byer be ware.. Do not trust gold fleet or subaru as they sell this car for 43k not including taxes... Boy did I get hade...

I have maintained my car there since the beginning of it's lease as I plan on purchasing it and I question their dealership and service dept. On 10/19/10 I went in for my routine oil change and their report stated that I will need a brake job soon and my pads were 4 mm and quoted pads and rotors. Mileage was 38228. On 11/19 I went to another subaru dealership for my routine oil change and their report stated that my brakes were fine and they were 6mm. My heater failed to work and I went to the same subaru dealership and they stated that they inspected and found that the heater control cable was off at the back of the control head - cable had been disconnected at some point and was twisted. They straightened the heat control cable and reattached to correct. They advised that the condition was not warranted due to the cable having been tampered with. (I have the extended warranty) on this 11/29 service my brakes were documented fine. On 12/20 I had a nys inspection at an another dealership and again my brakes were fine as my car passed inspection. Mileage 45308. This has been my 3rd. Subaru and the number of problems and services I have had in 2 years at 5 star have been extremely high. I was told to come in and work it out. I am not in town and simply want the $50.+ that I had to pay on the warranty deductible. At this point I do not care to proceed with all of the other questionable service calls I have made. I feel this dealership should be investigated.

Subaru of america, inc. And chase bank are charging a $327 (includes tax) disposition fee on the termination of my lease. I did everything stated in the lease, even returning it 3 weeks early. Because I did not lease another subaru (which I tried but was sent away from the dealer 2x!), I am now responsible for this $327! I specifically asked if there were any additional fees when I returned the car and was told no!

Total rip-off! Read the fine print people... And be aware that subaru will charge you heavily if you do not continue to lease with them forever!

Have had a 2008 subaru tribeca since new. Since I took delivery, I have had a problem with it hesitating when climbing a slight grade or as when passing another vehicle.
I feels as though the engine is misfiring, although I was assured by the technicians that this was not the case. The problem, I was advised, was in the transmission. They have remapped the transmission computer, changed out two torque converters, and performed a myriad of other tests. The technician insists the problem remains, and indeed, I notice it daily. Subaru canada advises that (in spite of the technicians comments to the contrary) the vehicle has no problem, and what I notice cannot be fixed. Basically what they are doing is calling the technician, his boss and me liars.
Subaru customer service will not answer my calls to date. Nor did they answer my emails and registered letters.
Sad. I bought this car because of their reputation. However, now they have lost me as a customer as they have anyone to whom I have expressed my views.