Are Subarus Reliable? / Detailed Brand Review

Today I will go over the common issues found in Subaru models from the last 20 years along with if/how they were fixed. I'm going to discuss problems found with the Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, Impreza, Ascent, BR-Z, Legacy and WRX. I will also touch on what makes Subaru stand apart from Mazda, Toyota, Honda, Hyundai and more!
Thank you, Royal on the Eastside service department for answering my questions!
royalontheeastside.com
‪@900BRZ‬ video on oil starvation
• BRZ/GR86 FA24 Oil Pres...
‪@kellyclarkautomotive3747‬ Head gasket leak visual
• Head Gasket Leak Anima...
Source on Boxer engines and vulnerability to head gasket leaks.
mechanicbase.com/engine/subar...
As stated in the video, much or the information here can be found on individual model reports from carcomplaints.com with nhsta reports, Consumer reports, cars.com owner reviews and model forums.
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00:00 Background info
00:50 Head gasket leaks
02:18 Oil consumption
03:45 Transmission issues
05:16 Wheel bearings
05:39 Teething issues
06:07 Oil starvation / RTV problem
07:44 Timing belt (old)
08:05 Common current issues
09:13 Boxer limitations
09:33 Subaru Brand thoughts

[@MrSubaru1387]

Every engines cooling system is fully filled with coolant. No air. The boxer engine’s head gaskets, as well as every other water cooled engine’s head gaskets, are in constant contact with coolant! 🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️ Every single Subaru doesn’t have a boxer engine.

[@Realistick]

Noted, seems my source was misleading! Though, for the sake of this video, I’m ignoring the Solterra or cars that came out before I was born🤓

[@thewordisgood1544]

@realstick MrSubaru here is a great source of accurate information. He confirmed my comment from earlier today. BTW: ever take a look at the engine of a small private airplane, like a Cessna 150 or 172, it looks a lot like a boxer engine. Not exactly the same, but just another example of something that is obviously not a bad piston layout.

[@MrSubaru1387]

@@thewordisgood1544 a lot of single prop airplanes use Subaru engines to power them.

[@MrSubaru1387]

@@Realistick Subaru Justy was an inline 3 cylinder. Subaru Sambar an inline 4. Lot of Subarus without boxers in foreign and domestic markets.

[@thewordisgood1544]

@@MrSubaru1387 yes sit, I helped someone by answering questions so he could use a Subaru engine in his home-built plane kit. I was a service advisor for 5-6 months.

[@bajablast989]

It's really bad when you hear things like "No problems ever, just oil changes!" That reveals an owner that's neglected/ ignored a LOT on a car.

[@Realistick]

Some people don’t run into issues. Some neglect but just because a model has some notorious issues associated, doesn’t mean you will run into that problem!

[@glennhansel9411]

agreed, there's more to preventive maintenance than "oil changes". Deferred maintenance costs much more in the long run

[@Blimpie1000]

I love my 2015 Forester. At one point had two at same time. BOTH had catastrophic air conditioning failure. One was within a warranty. The other was just outside of warranty (a week after I got rid of car, I got a call from dealer service department telling me they reconsidered and would fix for free- great help!)

[@5265060]

Lol just wait

[@tkkcali]

2016 crosstrek had leaking AC gasket. Ac problems seem to occur in this era. It’s the only problem I’ve had in 6.5 years though

[@tauzu]

2018 Crosstrek Limited here with ~90k miles. I get each service on time and it's been pretty good so far! Been on beaches, snow, ice, mud and the Texas heat. If it lasts til 200k I'll be a lifetime Subaru fan!

[@Thatsotaguy]

Absolutely the best review channel. No fluff and you mention reliability and common problems

[@williamegler8771]

My neighbors were serial Subaru buyers for decades. They purchased their first one when they graduated from college and drove them almost exclusively until recently. They even gave their children new models as graduation gifts. Starting in the early 2000's they began to have serious issues and the final straw was the numerous issues, from minor issues to catastrophic failures, with a new Ascent. They now have a Lexus SUV and a Toyota minivan.

[@5265060]

ya subies are fucking wallet raping timebombs

[@corrosivedevourer]

That was me as well, I drove Subarus in the early to mid 2000s and after some failures, I now drive new Mazdas

[@gergnotsloh]

@@corrosivedevourer Enjoy the rust.

[@lmstefanini1]

I discovered your channel recently and I really appreciate your reviews. Balanced , transparent and have the reliability subject, something rare to see in other channels. Thank you

[@Realistick]

I appreciate that, thanks for watching!

[@0HOON0]

This Subaru coverage was really thorough and well researched. Subbed and hoping for more coverage like this for other brands.

[@SF.Automotive]

I had a tuned 2011 Subaru STI with 266,000km (around 160k miles), on the orignal engine, headgaskets and turbo. I sold it last week and never had a single issue with the car, all I did was change my oil every 5,000km with 5w-40. Amazing cars.

[@0HOON0]

These stories will exist even for the more unreliable brands.

[@bookstore101]

@@0HOON0no, this was just a lazy and incomplete review. Not all makes and models had the issue. This also highlights your willful ignorance as well.

[@davidjohn9006]

Thanks for the rundown, well compiled and presented. Got my used, 2019 Forester in 2022 … after having had a 2014 Xtrail ( a little beauty), went to the 2019 Xtrail, took it for a 6000 k road trip, and got rid of it straight after, went to a Ford Everest, loved it, didn’t get to use it to its full capabilities, then the diesel prices went through the $2 per litre + plus the Adblue "shortage". And said nope, not economically justifiable, then the Forester … took it for a run through 3 states, 7000 k round trip, and loved it. Efficient, comfortable(fitted as a sleep-in "carmper"… and average of 7.4 litres per 100 k.mixed driving … last book service, wiper and cabin filter replacement extras, all good …. What can I say, just absolutely enjoy getting in and going for a drive, dirt roads often, just because I can … 👍🏼

[@AllStars2525]

This is a very reassuring video. I'm almost ready to boy a new Legacy or Outback. Thanks.

[@900BRZ]

Thanks for the mention and for the balanced look at various reliability issues.

[@Realistick]

Of course, thank you for conducting real firsthand research to help people out!

[@parsley0120]

I’ve put hundreds of thousands of miles on my Subarus and they’ve always proven to be reliable. As you’ve stated, the prior years have had their issues with head gaskets and such. My 2016 Outback needed nothing other than regular services and a rear wheel bearing. My 2022 Touring is now at roughly 45k and has been a dream. Just standard maintenance, most of which I do myself as these are not very difficult cars to work on.

[@tkkcali]

I have a 2016 crosstrek Just normal maintenance except did have leaking AC gasket once. That’s it.

[@SilentCartography]

Got a 2017 Impreza new back in the day and I got the exact same outcome, nothing but a wheel bearing so far. It definitely isn’t the most flashy hatchback out there but it’s a little tank I stg 😂

[@fergusferguson4782]

45k on a one year old car. Are you a taxi?

[@parsley0120]

@@fergusferguson4782 originally purchased July 2021 so it’s just over two years worth of mileage.

[@dougeutsey9533]

Subaru can be pretty reliable if you keep up on the maintenance and don’t run them hard they don’t like a heavy right foot if you know what I mean🎉

[@mbeacom21]

Another good subie video thanks! Only thing I would add is that the head gasket failures in the early 2000s were confined to the 2.5 liter non-turbo engines. The 2.0, 2.2, 2.4s and turbos etc haven't had the issue. Also with the oil consumption, I think it was confined to certain engines but I forget which. That would be helpful peole buying used cars, for example to know that a WRX didn't have the head gasket issues.

[@DeltaWhiskeyBravo13579]

Thanks for the checklist on issues as I'm considering a used Subaru. Not at all sure what I'll end up with, but this helps highlight problems and years. Great info.

[@GaryKari]

pfft..

[@tonyvargas368]

Long gone are the days when Subarus tag line was, ‘Inexpensive and built to stay that way.’

[@DeltaWhiskeyBravo13579]

Doesn't seem to be a Subaru thing only though. Yes it was their tag line. There's almost nothing that's inexpensive anymore, and far more rare to be reliable.

[@heidimariebee]

There IS an oil consumption problem with later Subarus, but corporate classifies it as "normal" (ie, no law suits YET). They will order an oil consumption test performed by the dealer which is short-term and designed to mask the oil consumption issue overall. My 2019 Outback started burning oil around 50k miles.

[@NowheresGirlZ]

Before you all sing Kumbaya... This is actually from a real Subaru owner: I made it a whole 300 miles in my brand new Crosstrek 2024 sport (yeah the fancy one with yellow stripe and all) before It forced a full stop on me while driving!! Do I need to repeat that vehicle was in 'D' mode when the computer decided its time to full stop??!. Subaru towed it away 2 weeks ago. If I had been on the freeway, not in turtle mode, it could have killed me! Not sure if I even want it back. Subaru, I'm afraid of my Subaru!!!

[@Realistick]

That’s rough but bugs can and do happen for every brand (especially after a redesign)! Make sure to report the problem on carcomplaints.com or to the nhsta that way people can see if others are having the same issue and if it’s something common. Best of luck!

[@NowheresGirlZ]

@@Realistick Thank you very much for your kind words!

[@mesawingsmedia6031]

When I look at negative reviews for the 2024 Crosstrek, I see a lot of them talk about problems with the electrical system. Do you know if that's the problem with yours?

[@andrewparson9832]

This video can be applied to every major car manufacture. You should make a video knit picking every other car manufacture!

[@kathleenspring4522]

My 2017 Outback at 93000 has the head-casket issue! So this is problematic. I am still under warranty but it is hell getting it in to get fixed.

[@bwebbs28]

The power lift gates are a known problem as well. We just had to have the motor in ours replaced. We also had to have our full infotainment center replaced. The engine and the car is great but definitely get the extended warranty.

[@josmo5770]

Great video, with my 2013 crosstrek. I have had bad rust problems. Exhaust and from and back suspension completely falling apart. I also live in ga with no salty roads..

[@Realistick]

Noted, it really seems like the first gen crosstrek was a doozy, I’m sorry that the problems stacked up for you😥

[@theunown1912]

Appreciate the work you do and really like how honest you are. I watched a video by Scotty Kilmer yesterday where he mentioned that newer Subaru engines use silicone sealer instead of actual gaskets in the engines. He says that they eventually become brittle and cause oil leakage. Is this true? How much of an issue can this really be and are you aware of how to avoid this.

[@hlk5887]

So far so good on my '19 Crosstrek. It's maintained by the book, I'm getting the cvt serviced at 35K miles. Not a single issue but then again it's still pretty new. Fantastic resale value on these too. A great show, I really enjoy this channel.

[@danielfair4675]

Change it every 35 - 40k and it'll be fine. The valve body is the culprit in the CVT issues for pretty much all transmission issues. No fluid is a "lifetime" guarantee.

[@billricheter5678]

@@danielfair4675ot disagreeing but I was thinking at 50-60

[@shalashaskaa8]

Changing the fluid at 35k is a little concerning 😅 typical change is 60, and many many people don’t even do that…. I put 200k on my Camry never changed it, shifted like a dream lol

[@user-tb7rn1il3q]

@@shalashaskaa8Changing the fluid doesn’t extend the life of the transmission. In many cases it shortens the life since the dirty fluid provides more friction on the worn clutches. Manufacturers don’t want the transmission to break. They want a repeat customer. They want you to buy a new car because of new features not because the old one blew up.

[@tkkcali]

Have a 2016 crosstrek with 52000 miles. I think at 60000 I’ll consider cvt, differential, new plugs. Only issue I’ve ever had is leaking ac gasket which seems to be a common issue with Subaru. Watch out for it

[@mikeh.9954]

Great content! Also, anyone else hate the fog lights on the new Outback?

[@kornholiokid867]

And then the Fire Nation attacked😂😂😂

[@Darthvolvo]

My 2003 Subaru Forester is indeed similar to an Anime character who has died 3 times in battle..lol. I just installed the third engine into it. So far, this one seems to be running well. As with all of the earlier EJ engines, if you do the MLS head gasket upgrade, then the issue is solved. Great review as always.

[@samuelgitari529]

What is MLS

[@Darthvolvo]

@@samuelgitari529 multi layer steel gasket.

[@rafael502]

How many miles on it so far? And when did the engines fail?

[@danhowell3574]

2009 Forrester. Air conditioning failure twice. Leaking head gaskets. My exhaust system completely rusted out including pipes from catalytic convertor. Fixing exhaust was $1400. If I need to rebuild engine it's $4k.

[@coryhamelehle6439]

Great video. Just an added comment about headgasket issues. People tend to think it is a Subaru problem when in reality many different cars had headgasket issues back in 2000-2010. One of the most notable cars is the 2nd generation MX-5. People love to dote on the MX-5 all the while ignoring that is also faced very similar headgasket issues. And this is true for a lot of cars made at the time, it wasn't just Subarus...

[@OutsideTheTargetDemographic]

BuT SuBaRuS hAvE tWo GaSkEtS!! And so does every other V-shaped engine. It's not unique to Subarus.

[@eskieman3948]

You can throw Chevy, Ford, and Toyota into Head Gasket World, too.

[@mengx94]

Cope

[@shalashaskaa8]

But you fail to mention that Subarus CONTINUED to have head gasket issues it was for a while

[@chrisschepper9312]

@@mengx94such a trendy word, cope. Love how folks latch on to whatever some talking heads coin.

[@diegoeleazar9154]

Have fun to your brand new Subaru. See you in 5 years 😁

[@tipntrn]

Hey Tyler, thanks for this video and the 24 Outback one. Great stuff! I have a 2019 Outback, and it also burns oil, a quart per 5500 miles. So that's not fixed after 2017. It's my 3rd one, and I plan to buy the 25 Outback when it comes out.

[@heidimariebee]

Agree 100% I also have a 2019 that burns oil but will "pass" their oil consumption test (designed by Subaru to pass). Out of curiousity, why isn't that a deal breaker for you?

[@tipntrn]

I'm hoping that it's a rare problem and that I won't have it again. Other things about the car outweigh this negative.

[@edwardzdankiewicz9068]

This is good timing. I am trying to psyche myself up to buy an outback (2024) this weekend. The battery kill issue is the one that has me hesitating the most. There was a class action covering up through 2020 but there are still people reporting problems in outbacks and foresters thru the 2023 models..

[@Realistick]

Honestly, the service advisors said that one really varies depending on how you drive it, I wouldn't be too worried about it unless you primarily drive short distances, leave the car sitting quite a bit or have a bad habit of leaving interior lights on. Best of luck!

[@JamesSymmonds]

Out of all the issues a car can have, the battery issue is one of the easier to remedy. Just put in a better battery if you start seeing issues. (I also disable auto start stop as often as I can remember.)

[@0HOON0]

Battery died in my '21 Forester too. Not to big a concern, as long as the first warranty replacement fixes the issue.

[@MM-yy9ib]

Just got a. 24 Outback Limited XT. Coming from a 22 Outback Premium. Had a 23 Ascent Onyx for a few weeks. That thing was a gas guzzler. Just call around for insurance. They're charging high for the 24's right now. And I have an impeccable driving record.

[@GaryKari]

Just get a good battery recharger... They cost 100 dollars. not a big deal...

[@rufaimuhammadaminu6873]

I love Subaru especially for the group clearance but the issues of 1. Head Gasket replacement 2.Bearing premature replacement 3. CVT bad experience makes me to take Mercedes benz All Terrain over the Subaru. Mercedes benz perfect Engine and Gearbox including chassis, all the suspension issues is mastered by our Mechanics in Nigeria.

[@ihatebobsaget1989]

my clutch and throwout bearing went out in my 2011 wrx, but ive since replaces and running smooth

[@josephversace5895]

The infotainment screen issues, especially in the 21 Outback, when the screen was enlarged are excruciating. Subaru over-thought this. Having electronic climate controls integrated in the screen requires you take your eyes off of the road to make adjustments. The system also suffered from delays. I understand that a software fix is coming but my dealer knew nothing about it yet.

[@brooklynbummer]

Owned two Subaru Foresters with twenty one years old driving. The first had the head gasket issue and I replaced alternator, timing belt and struts. Mostly routine maintenance as a car ages. My second Forester, I have had for five years, just the battery.

[@ahmadalhaji]

My 2023 Outback has squeaking sound from the roof when the car flexes. My dealer service changed the roof rails, it got fixed for few months, then the sound came back again. It is due for another service appointment.

[@mikhailmamontov2155]

I had Subaru Legacy outback with 4 cylinders long time ago. It had small problems with many things. I do not want another one. Plus, I did not like acceleration at all.

[@jdway8646]

I subscribed for the “No War in Ba Sing Se”

[@BrickhausENT]

My 2019 costs 5k a year in repairs/maintenance. It’ll be my final Subaru. Time for a Toyota

[@BrickhausENT]

My last had the torque converter randomly go early in its life too. Would rather just deal with head gasket/oil issues. Total money pits but great in winter

[@poopsie117]

Great and up-to-date information for buyers! Impressed cus I saw the oil starvation issues come up online only just few short weeks ago with the GR86/BRZ while tracking the car (right-hand corners, elevation), and you've already included such relevant info in this video. Keep it up man love that you do your research :)

[@edwil111]

OK, my 2008 Forester still has original intact gaskets, 170,000 miles. Small external oil weep. Thats itI Doesn't use any coolant (I watch for it). Great on highway, gets ~30 mpg on trips. Yippee! Has had an easy body life in Nevada and Cali.

[@2bleubird]

I had to replace two wheel bearings on my 2013 crosstrek that I bought used with 30K miles on it. In addition to that I had bad calipers that had to be replaced after I had already replaced the brake pads so I had to do two complete brake jobs on it too.

[@GaryKari]

talking about a 10 year old Subaru? I bet not even one other manufacturer has some maintainance going on in those years.

[@vlj1133]

Fantastic review. Very thorough, as always. As someone who is very familiar with recent Subarus, the only item you missed was the rather nebulous, nearly universal issue that plagues nearly all modern cars, not just Subarus, and that is...direct injection, which leads to carbon build-up on the intake valves. Among all Subarus, only the BRZ is free of this, because it utilyzes Toyota's D-4S direct/port injection system. Otherwise, while direct direction won't cause premature catastrophic failues the way some of the other issues will, it is a long-term issue that the owner will have to tackle, and it's not a cheap fix. Also, the fact that so many Subarus now have turbochanging doesn't bode well for the longevity of those motors. I would feel a lot more confident in buying one of their N/A motors, if I'm buying new. In general, however, I agree with your summation. If a person is willing to do all the scheduled maintenance on time, including changing the CVT's transmission fluid every forty thousand miles, then I would be reasonably confident in recommending a new Subaru to a buyer who prioritizes reliability. I'd be less inclined to recommend a current model for longevity, however, the way I would have in Subaru's pre-CVT/turbos/direct injection era, but if someone only plans on keeping the car for ten years or so, or roughly 120,000 miles, sure, go ahead and grab a new Subaru. You should be fine. Beyond 140,000 miles, I'd be leery.

[@cabuco2006]

I did have a lot of wheel bearing failures on my 17 Impreza. Only issue with the car. 184k

[@sparkydogsparky2992]

My 2014 Forester has had the AC dryer replaced twice, to the tune of $1k each time.

[@markkovelan436]

Had a 2007 Outback..worst car I've owned in 60 years of driving. Failed head gaskets twice, replaced steering rack, all four wheel bearings and ball joints, strut mounts, exhaust system weld failed, etc. Never happier to get rid of a car and am a confirmed never Subaruer.

[@minnybiker4505]

I took the risk... 23 Outback Limited. I enjoy it very much so far! We'll see how it goes. I've loved my Toyota products over the years, but this Outback has so much more personality already. Very pleased.

[@darvelbidenisapuppet7275]

I went with the 23 wilderness Outback. I have almost 3 k miles already, I keep coming up with excuses to go places.

[@minnybiker4505]

@@darvelbidenisapuppet7275 congrats, very nice! I occasionally wish I had gotten the turbo, but just couldn't afford it... Would have enjoyed the extra ground clearance, too! But I'll rarely if ever go off-road in it, and I had to have the Dark Mahogany color... Hehehe. Enjoy!

[@darvelbidenisapuppet7275]

@minnybiker4505 ya, I upgraded my tires and barely get 22 MPG, also the rearend it bigger on the wilderness model so i lose MPG there also. But I am now finding off road places to go that are verry fun.

[@97I30T]

@@minnybiker4505 That crimson red color is really pretty on Outbacks. It's certainly way better than that pukey autumn green color.

[@arrowbow122]

I'm thinking of buying a 2017 Impreza, this video is helpful. Thank you!

[@5610winston]

You mentioed WRX manual transmission issues. Do those carry over to the Crosstrek? I bought a 2023 Premium specifically for the stick, and I like it so far. Also, I have a question about road noise: is there an issue with the G91 Geolandars? Mine sound like a Huebsch coin-operated washing machine with a bad basket bearing on the final spin.

[@yonallb]

2003 WRX with 255k on her. Original engine, two clutches, a couple CV boots and a radiator. Not too bad.

[@jeffmorse645]

I've had two cars with CVTs - a 2010 Mitsubishi with a Jatco CVT and now my 2021 Subaru. I heard so many horror stories about Jatco and Nissan that when I got my Mitsu I decided I would have mine serviced at 30K. I plan on doing the same with the Subaru. Oh, and that Jatco in the Mitsu is still fine for a family member I sold it to. 12 years and over 100K. TBH on any car (Toyota, Mazda, Ford) I've owned over the years I always "over-maintained" the transmission regardless what kind it was. Service is cheap compared to a new or rebuilt transmission.

[@joeb2588]

Good move. You really cant rebuild a cvt. Very expensive

[@sshah2545]

This was a really excellent video, and really well timed. This was good automotive journalism by a creator who knows the industry properly. Really good stuff. Im looking forward to you blowing up and becoming the next AoA or RR. Keep it up brother, youre well on your way!

[@billricheter5678]

Excellent video

[@pingpongballz5998]

I had a 2016 Crosstrek. Problems some minor, some major started at 72k miles. At 86k miles, I traded it for the 2023 Mazda CX-5. The Mazda drives so much better. I wanted to keep the Crosstrek because it was almost paid off, but I had 2 months left on the warranty.

[@0HOON0]

What issues?

[@pingpongballz5998]

@@0HOON0 3 issues with AC going out, stabilizer, check engine light, transmission leak, then other small minor stuff.

[@OutsideTheTargetDemographic]

My 2018 Forester had it's rear right wheel bearing replaced at 47k miles. And that's it. Oil changes, tires, brakes, and wash and wax. At 72k now, and getting 29mpg as a daily driver (Cleveland Ohio, snow in winter 80s in summer).

[@cormaro13]

I would hope so , wheel bearing don't go out til past the 100k mark lol

[@OutsideTheTargetDemographic]

@@cormaro13 All parties involved had concerns about that. To be fair, Cleveland Ohio started paying for car repairs a few years back due to not maintaining pot holes, so.....

[@zoty24]

You forget to mention the huge problem with the suspension bushes on the 2014 on Subarus esp on the Foresters . The upgraded design was a disaster .

[@zoty24]

And yes I love Subaru 🥳

[@JBLynch]

I had a 2014 Honda Accord LX-MT. Got rid of it at 84K miles because the gaskets started leaking oil, and the mechanic said to just keep adding oil. My trusted mechanic told me this was a common issue for that year Honda. Was really a disappointment because I'd owned Hondas for 25 years and never had oil burning issues with any of them.

[@gsalemi1954]

I bought a 2019 Crosstrek PHEV. The battery went dead in 18 months and the dealer replaced it with a 30 month battery. I sold auto batteries for 31 years and I never sold or even saw a 2 1/2 year battery. Since the that battery died so I replaced it my self. I know a couple of people in my small piece of this world that also have battery problems. The wireless Bluetooth stopped working last year. There are real problems that have to be addressed. Fixing the car with the cheapest possible parts is the wrong way to address the problem.

[@thewordisgood1544]

All radiator cooled engines have constant contact with coolant, they are closed systems. It doesn't matter if it is a boxer or inlune or V, the coolant is always in contact with the head gaskets. Otherwise, pretty good review.

[@rossmcgreg6r642]

The windshield problems seem to be across the whole Subaru line.( 2017-2023) Is it true that the windshields need to be thin to make sure the eyesight system works? Therefore they crack very easily. Any owners have this problem?

[@rslover65]

I rented an outback this summer and drove it 4000 miles across the west and back to Indiana. What a pile of crap. The CVT was awful and the electronics package was irritating as hell. I was going to buy a crosstrek, and actually ordered one back in March but Subaru cancelled the order. So glad that did after my experiance with the outback.

[@mgs.915]

I have a 2001 2.5RS Coupe and a 2004 WRX wagon…biggest issue I’ve had with the RS is rust. That ej255 in the rs is the exact engine that gave Subaru the bad reputation!

[@dirtcurt1]

'I've been looking at an 24 Outback Touring XT, love it but will lease it after reading comments below.

[@kornholiokid867]

Thanks for the info brother. I'm excited for possibility that the new BRAT comes to the US

[@Realistick]

Wait what😵‍💫😵‍💫

[@sshah2545]

I'm gonna assume he meant BRZ AT.. but who knows

[@darvelbidenisapuppet7275]

I had a Brat with 215 k miles lol before I sold it for 800 bucks still running. Non turbo.

[@craigc1879]

I saw that video, that would be cool!

[@wharrison7131]

Had a 2016 Forrester with 61k miles on it when it was totaled. Never any problems, no oil consumption issues, got 34 mph on the highway. Great little car.

[@marktuyet]

Subaru rebuilt our 2012 Impreza engine 3 times. No more subbies for us .

[@thebigempty_5792]

I owned a 2001 Outback VDC 6 cylinder and an 05 Outback XT turbo - premature wheel bearings/rear shocks gave out early/fuel line froze hard and sprung a leak (Im in Texas) little things.....not necessarily a brand deal breaker, but it was nit picky stuff all the time. I drive Toyotas now, but don't think Toyotas don't have issues too....they are a plenty :D

[@eleventy-seven]

Im on my second and last 3.6 Outback. Great 6 so smooth, zero issues but a electrical update was needed to stop power drain when shut off. If you lock the doors the system shuts of and you now get very little parasitic loss. 2019 last year of the 6. Also xomes with larger CVT and a transmission cooler.

[@AntonyLD]

At 70,000 miles, had to replace all 4 wheel bearings, main drive shaft & bearing, both front suspension struts, completely rotten under the plastic underbody trays so all the brake pipe hangers to rear rotten, all metal work rotting as not fully rust protected from new. trays hold mud/salt etc against metal parts. #Realistick

[@aygwm]

My girlfriend has 80k on her 2018 Forester and the AC compressor failed out of nowhere.

[@hildeschmid8400]

I have had my 2016 Outback for 7 years now, and have NEVER had a problem with it. I LOVE it!

[@TheChillBison]

Is it actually a paper or rubber gasket on 2020+, or is it essentially just silicone caulk, which will eventually break down?

[@markcoopers1930]

Brothers' early 2010's outback has started burning through headlights and taillights (mostly headlights) Each side seems to only last a year. And changing them out is a pain in that model design.

[@LKWDITE]

We have a 2011(same generation as the 2010) and had the headlight problem. Subaru sent a letter a few years ago offering to reimburse all headlight replacement costs and extend a warranty for 10 years to cover future headlight problems. I felt this was more than fair on their part.

[@markcoopers1930]

@@LKWDITE That letter didn't come with his when he got it, haha. Also the cost of the bulbs is minimal compared to the hassle of the replacement process. Either the whole bumper comes off, or the wheel and wheel well liner. And best be careful because the rubber gasket for the headlight cover is very fragile

[@ryantoner3367]

Yes they are a pain to change. I bought a pair of led bulbs on Amazon that are supposed to last 50k hours

[@jasonoshima6839]

A Subaru is the only car that ever died on me during a test drive (a brand new one) :\ Someone from the dealership had to come pick me and the salesman up.

[@5265060]

haha

[@Jean.34]

😂

[@tim8295]

Are you sure you weren’t in a Kia😂😂

[@Jean.34]

Pure bad luck

[@davidwayne9982]

I'm comparing these- outbacks in particular--- to MAZDA CX-50 and RAV4... and wonder which will be the best for me.

[@LavernLee-zz5ln]

Have a 2021 Subaru Touring with extended service contract. Every 6,000 miles or 6 months we have it serviced. Scheduled maintenance is key to keeping any car in good mechanical condition.

[@graemecorder4237]

I have a 2 month old outback, it drives well, but all the stupid design like the horrible big screen , the extremely uncomfortable top of the drivers door, and the clunky aggressive lane keeping and centreing, and the intrusive driver monitoring. Yes you can turn all this off, but every time you push the start button, give me a break.

[@zacknagel827]

The family’s 2016 outback blew up at 126k recently and the customer service is a joke. I don’t plan on ever recommending Subaru’s to anyone after owning 3. Sticking to Toyota and Mazda now..

[@theperimeter1026]

Thanks for an in-depth and honest review. My concern is with the frequent and expensive maintenance that Subaru requires (at least every 6 months). This can become expensive for those that don't drive many miles each year. Subaru should develop a maintenance minder type system like Honda has been using since 2005.

[@Realistick]

Thanks for watching, it can seem a little daunting but It’s not very expensive every 6 months, more so a little extra every few years. Tbh, most cars also should have trans fluid and diff fluid changed more often than people tend to do it.

[@theperimeter1026]

@@Realistick In Canada, Subaru requires service every 6 months or 10,000 km/6,000 miles whichever is first. At many Subaru dealers, the cost for the 6 month service for the synthetic oil change is about $75 (CAD $ 100). The 12 month service for oil change, brake service and a wheel alignment check is about $500 (CAD $650).

[@eskieman3948]

"My concern is with the frequent and expensive maintenance that Subaru requires (at least every 6 months)". Have you compared the service schedule on other manufacturer's vehicles? Apparently not. Oh, and for my '22 Outback, didn't pay a penny for maintenance for the first two years of ownership.

[@darvelbidenisapuppet7275]

Hyundai and kia do this and So does Subaru I get the Texts and Emails.

[@TheWestisBig]

My 2014 Forester is the most unreliable car I've ever owned and I've been driving cars to over 100K miles for over 40 years! The rear hubs went out at 40 and 60K miles- rear springs about the same time. The front track arms went at 80K. The transmission at 103K and the dealer said it needed $3700 to fix an oil leak in the engine. And now at 105K the AC compressor is done. I'll never buy another Subi!!!!

[@Bradmurphy13]

Do you take care of it and change oil & trans fluid regularly ?

[@TheWestisBig]

Of course!! Mobile 1 every 3-4k miles and transmission according to manual. Besides the rear hub failure, rear spring cracks and front suspension specifically track arm failures have nothing to do with those maint items. Either does the failed AC- rusty heated seat coils or wind screen cleaner hosepipe failures- or the intermittent back up camera and blue tooth. Like I said worst car ever!!!! @@Bradmurphy13

[@thomaswipf7986]

Subaru doesn't recommend valve adjustments so my 05 legacy gt needed head work. Subaru mechanic did a bad job so I sold. My 05 outback 3.0r started misfiring after rear accident. After replacing 02 sensors, plugs & doing all the leak tests the misfire was still there so i let insurance total. I have low confidence in subaru mechanics in the denver area. I will not buy another subaru.

[@PsychoCPU]

Love my 2021 WRX. I bought it new, I would NOT have bought it used. User error is the biggest issue with Subaru, especially their performance vehicles.

[@realdeal8607]

So 2020's and up are safe from premature wheel bearing failures?

[@danarussell4246]

Our 2009 Subaru Forester has had zero problems but it does only have 84,000 miles on it. We bought it new and I’m pretty anal and change the engine oil every 3,000 miles.

[@jamesf7222]

I was a dedicated member of the Cult of Subaru. I'd owned three and had a fourth on order. Then, at 90k miles, my wife's 16 Forester and my 17 Outback both had their head gaskets go. $5k repair on each. She had a fuel leak as well. Subaru covered most of the repair cost, but it was enough to make me skeptical since they swear the head gaskets are fixed. I left the brand and went to Mazda.

[@airmanma]

Subaru bent over backwards to fix the head gaskets. My 2018 has no issues, apparently they fixed it. I once bought a Mazda, it rusted out in 2 years. All they did was repaint the bad parts, which soon rusted back out in 2 months. Finally dumped it for a Saturn. Went through 6 Saturns, too bad GM ran them into the ground.

[@marcofeature]

If what bothers you is the reliability, then Mazda may disappoint you... just saying...

[@it1988a]

My wife's brand new Legacy died at 100k miles.

[@Jean.34]

Died how? Would you elaborate please

[@milktop1]

I had a 2011 Outback and had the oil, gasket and torque converter problems. I did get 220000

[@Realistick]

Ouch, the trifecta! 220k is respectable nonetheless🤙

[@armandocardona6975]

@@Realistick I have a 2006 honda civic that i bought at 150k and haven’t done anything to except oil changes and it’s at 300k miles. It’s just not a platform i would recommend with this economy. There is just not room to be quirky and risky with transportation these days sadly…

[@milktop1]

@@Realistick I’d buy another but will buy used

[@dabeamer42]

The CVT is "appliance-esque"? What the heck does that mean? Is that good or bad that it's like an appliance?

[@litchips]

I have mixed feelings about Subaru. The lifetime CVT fluid lie specifically. If they weren't sure about the actual service life, they should have erred on the side of advising people to over-service than under-service their transmissions. And after they changed the guidance for new vehicles, they never reached out to existing owners or updated them on new guidance, because they know that once these CVTs have been allowed to accumulate large mileage with no fluid changes, the transmission is liable to start slipping if fluid is finally changed. And they only give 100K mile warranty to cover for this screw up of theirs. What am I supposed to do after 100K miles? Spend money on maintaining a car that can be mechanically totaled by an $8K transmission at any time? So, to me, a Subaru is a 100K mile car, like a Hyundai or Kia, so the price better reflect that. Anything above that is just bonus, but not something I am going to assume when deciding how much to pay for the car or comparing it to other cars.

[@lorenschwiderski]

Do Subarus now have the revised TCV, or did they drop it on the 2.5 engine, like they are with the '25 Forester? The 2.0 has the old school -- an inexpensive thermostat.

[@rmwright11221979]

I have a 2021 Outback. One issue is a rather slow infotainment screen. Some things like heated seats are buried in menus, although an infotainment update has since been released. One more thing is now and then the radio doesn't work. It almost always does though.

[@gregmcclure6922]

My 2019 Forester with 82,000 kms blew a rod bearing. Short block replacement under warranty.

[@Realistick]

Ouch! Glad it was still under warranty, I haven't heard that reported much but I'll keep an eye out for that.

[@fergusferguson4782]

My Outback blew its engine to bits at 70,000 miles. Head gasket on a mountain road. I had already spent thousands of dollars trying to control coolant leaks before that. Plus leaky front and rear engine seal oil leaks. Constant headlight bulb failures. I was actually glad to get rid of it. $2,000, tow away.

[@erikdavenport]

I had a 2016 outback with over 185k miles. Never burned a drop of oil its whole life. Subaru’s claim to the “lifetime” CVT fluid is a load of BS…if you look at Subaru of Canada, they recommend replacing every 60,000km but in the US, it’s lifetime (not all of us live in Florida). I ended up doing the flush at about 150k miles. I did have to replace the windshield 3 times in 2 years and dealt with the weak batteries. I just swapped the 2016 for a 2024 Onyx and have no doubt it’ll last a long time.

[@Realistick]

3 times🤕🤕 great cars nonetheless

[@erikdavenport]

@@Realistick I must have pissed off the rock chips

[@JL-rj9fl]

It's good to change the CVT fluid early, smart move. Just as a point of accuracy for readers of the comments, Subaru of Canada actually recommends CVT fluid changes every 5 years or 100,000km on the 2016 Outback. I do it every 80,000km on my wife's 2017 Forester.

[@erikdavenport]

@@JL-rj9fl thanks for the clarification. 🫡 kms are hard to understand for us Americans

[@JL-rj9fl]

@@erikdavenport It's all good, I forgot to mention that I was glad to hear about how you had no oil consumption issues. It sounded like Subaru resolved that issue, but always great to hear from another owner. Especially someone like you that takes good care of their vehicles.

[@Kibwunga]

Have they addressed corrosion issues in the 2024s?

[@armodudegiantfan]

My 2012 Impreza: things that have failed Wheel bearings ✅ MT throwoutbearings ✅ Oil overconsumption ✅ Really hoping my head gasket holds up, although apparently 2012 is when they first started being less of an issue 🤞

[@yonallb]

Just change it at the suggested service interval.

[@marcofeature]

@@yonallb Like, the wheel bearings?

[@yonallb]

@@marcofeature I totally read head gasket as timing belt. 😂

[@PardyN2]

I feel like Subaru isn't the same. I have a 2018 Crosstrek, been through 4 sets of brakes with 100k kms, the infotainment is dysfunctional and my reverse camera is non existent about 40% of the time.

[@carl4737]

They have crappy exhaust material, it rust super fast in northern climate. They should benchmark Honda or Toyota

[@AEVMU]

I dont see a lot of CVTs going past 175k miles without some sort of issue and if it does nwed to be replaced it is extremely expensive.

[@catchawave21]

Rear brakes on my 2019 Impreza Sport manual turned to dust after only 50,000 kms. Surprising because I downshift /engine brake all the time. Dealership guy actually told me Subaru skimps on back brakes 😕

[@JamesSymmonds]

Partially true that they skimp on brake pads. They try to shave an ounce here and there to bump fuel economy as much as they can. The other thing you're up against is that Subaru leans more rear brake bias for more stability in stopping than you would have if you did more fronts.

[@catchawave21]

​@@JamesSymmondsHey thanks for the info, makes sense, much appreciated 👍

[@catchawave21]

​@@JamesSymmondsBetter explanation than I got at the dealership.

[@JamesSymmonds]

@@catchawave21 Oddly, this is information that I only just came across this week! Makes sense though. The hard part I have is reconciling saving the brakes versus saving the transmission when it comes to slowing down. Being new to CVTs, I want to lean towards replacing brake pads over expensive CVT repairs. The fact that the brakes are an integral part of the X-Mode system, you really want to make sure to stay on top of those pad replacements. What I don't know is what happens if you opt for a beefier pad and that's something I think I need to ask Subaru about.

[@catchawave21]

​@@JamesSymmondsMine is a 5 spd manual, almost always downshift, clutch is still fine at 100,000 kms now.That's why I was surprised the back brakes weny so early.