Your Subaru is a beast on the road and supports all your adventures effortlessly. But whether you own an Outback, Forester, or WRX, unfortunately, their auto parts have a lifespan, and just like the parts of any other car brand, your Subaru components may also rupture over time due to aging or frequent usage. Well, it has its quirks, ranging from minor inconveniences to costly repairs if ignored. Thus, this article covers the most common troubles encountered by your cherished Subaru and their effective solutions so that you can easily fix the faults to enjoy peak vehicle performance in the long run.
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Head gasket malfunctions
Subaru drivers usually complain about head gasket failure, specifically in the older models having 2.5L engines, like the Forester and Outback. Since this element is responsible for keeping the engine oil and coolant separate, so when it fails, both the fluids might mix, resulting in overheating and severe engine damage. Plus, you may also see white smoke coming from the exhaust, oil leaks, or signs of overheating with a malfunctioning head gasket. To prevent this, make sure to use top-quality coolant and inspect for any signs of leaks regularly. But even after following the preventive methods, if your car still faces this issue frequently, you may upgrade it to a multi-layer steel head gasket for better protection.
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High oil usage
Certain Subaru engines of the FB series, especially in newer models like the Crosstrek and Impreza, have a history of burning oil quickly. So, if you find yourself adding engine oil regularly before the next oil change, your vehicle might be dealing with this problem. It usually happens due to faulty piston rings that let oil enter the combustion chamber and burn off. Subaru has also faced legal battles because of this issue. Thus, to stay ahead of these issues, inspect the engine oil periodically, use premium synthetic oil, and follow Subaru’s maintenance guidelines. However, in case of severe damage, a complete engine rebuild is the only way to get rid of the problem.
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Continuously variable transmission (CVT) troubles
Though CVT offers seamless vehicle performance and high fuel efficiency, it isn’t free from problems. Many drivers have experienced issues like unusual vibrations, slow acceleration, and even complete transmission breakdown with a problematic CVT. Some Subaru models, like Forester and Outback, are more prone to premature CVT issues than other models, which can result in high repair costs. So, if your vehicle’s transmission is shuddering abnormally or producing strange and loud whining noises, it’s crucial to address them immediately. Always ensure to perform fluid changes and update the software regularly to increase the durability of the CVT. Your Subaru often provides extended warranties for transmission issues, so be sure to consult with a dealer to claim the warranty first.
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Poor Starlink infotainment system
Nowadays, a new, high-tech feature is been introduced in your Subaru i.e., the Starlink infotainment system. However, many users have raised complaints about this system that its encountering glitches like freezing screens, random reboots, and unresponsive touch controls. This can be truly inconvenient since you depend on the infotainment system for the navigation and stereo. Usually, these faults can be rectified simply by a software update, so always make sure to keep it up to date. However, if updating the software doesn’t resolve the issue, you have to replace the entire head unit with a new one to get everything back on track. This trouble is occurring more in the latest models due to the implementation of advanced technologies, but if you own an older model, the infotainment system might act up occasionally, unlike newer ones.
The final words
Subarus are highly regarded, though they have their flaws. Like all machines, its auto parts also have their mechanical quirks. Issues like head gasket failure, CVT malfunctions, etc, can be avoided with proper awareness, preventing major expenses down the line. Timely maintenance, quick fixes, and paying attention to recalls can keep your Subaru running seamlessly for a long time. So, as a Subaru owner, always remember to monitor the usual problems discussed above and take immediate action to treat them. After all, your Subaru deserves the best care.
