Subaru's New BIG Issue! TCV - Thermo Control Valve Failures!

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[@MrSubaru1387]

If you’ve already paid for this repair out of pocket, Subaru will reimburse you.

[@pedrofabianc]

Hi, where we can find the document that you show in they video?, thanks.

[@MrSubaru1387]

@@pedrofabianc www.subaruforester.org/attachments/09-119-24-1-pdf.595286/

[@wandameadows5736]

I blame Government Regulators for this & other problems ridiculous emissions standards have created. People need to learn the truth about the agenda that's destroying the automotive industry & trying to force people into EVs. In school they teach photosynthesis & the laws of photosynthesis contradict the claims of the C02 alarmist. Yes it's a good idea to capture carbon monoxide but carbon dioxide is a life sustaining element on the periodic table & more C02 means more Green. A catalytic converter is all you really need & fuel injection really helps your engine run more efficient but you'll never reach the mpg standards Federal Bureaucracies have set & they set these standards knowing it will be impossible. If they really want better mpg they should promote diesel engines. What this is really all about is promoting an Agenda that's become a faith based Religion. Government needs to hand the Automotive Industry back over to the Free Market. I know some people try to avoid politics but it's impossible to do when talking about vehicles in America. 1 crazy thing is not all States in America have Emissions Regulations but car manufactures have to build cars that can sell in all States & its an example of how a few Big Government States can ruin an Industry for all States.

[@goldblueberries326]

Is it possible to purchase a conversion kit back to the traditional thermostat on the cars that have TCV?

[@MrSubaru1387]

@@goldblueberries326 not currently. Likely not to be able to.

[@petertyliszczak3411]

Just went on my wife's 2019 forester. I went in fully expecting to pay $1300, but it happened to be THE day that Subaru finally decided to cover them. Walked out paying nothing.

[@Rudevette]

It’s hard to beat a good old school thermostat. Tried and true. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it!!

[@Medevicerep]

I agree but the blame lies in our government. These CAFE standards to improve gas mileage have gone too far and force the manufacturers to cut corners.

[@JesseCampbell0]

I guess you've never had an old school thermostat get stuck open or closed then?

[@robertceroli3512]

​@@JesseCampbell0I remember them well 20y ago but they were about $10 to replace and 1hr labour .not up to $2000 in repairs

[@Rudevette]

@@JesseCampbell0 I’ve had a few that stuck in the last 40 years. In most cases the cost of a beer and 20 minutes time and your back on the road.

[@JesseCampbell0]

@@Rudevette I hear that, yup. in a VW/Audi it might be a couple hours to get to it but it's still a cheap fix

[@LarryMcNaughton]

I'm in Canada, I have a 2020 Subaru Outback Limited I bought used a year ago. Today I received a letter from Subaru Canada informing me that they are extending the warranty period to 15 years for owners of Subaru's with the TCV. Anyone who has paid out of pocket for the repair can now apply for reimbursement. Thanks for the great explanation you gave on the TCV, so far mine is holding out.

[@jamesgeorge4874]

I remember when Subaru commercials tag line was " _Inexpensive, and built to stay that way_ " .

[@electroevolution5777]

i dead ass read this comment and actually started laughing so hard... rolling on the floor. My fiancé is worried for me lol

[@jamesgeorge4874]

@@electroevolution5777 The early 80's Subaru's were the cats pajamas. Dual range transfer cases, with FWD / 4HI and 4LO, adjustable suspension, If they built them like that now, I'd buy one.

[@electroevolution5777]

@@jamesgeorge4874 I totally agree. On a side note, my last name is george and my grandfathers name is James George. Never seen someone else with the same name haha.

[@jamesgeorge4874]

I have James and George in my whole name, but not just those, and not in that order either ! But I do like it better that way,

[@cbijames7]

Here is the information I found on this there is a law suit. The 85-page Subaru lawsuit says the thermo control valve defect affects 2019-2021 Crosstrek, Forester, Legacy and Outback models (the class vehicles) and can manifest without warning, rendering the vehicles “unsuitable for their intended purpose.” The case alleges the automaker has known of the problem since at least 2021, when it updated the design of the thermo control valves in the wake of numerous failures and a bevy of consumer complaints.

[@lvsqcsl]

"Unsuitable for their intended purpose?" That is the first time I have heard that used to describe, "Overheat the engine and ruin it."

[@michaelking42]

@@lvsqcsl I would rather the phrase "engine go kaput."

[@slavojalois1639]

What about the cars made from 2021 to 2025s, another law suite, I guess!

[@RU55IANROUL3TT3]

2021 Subaru Outback here. just had car 60k serviced two weeks ago. one week ago CEL. we didn't buy the extended warranty. so we are now out of warranty 5yr/60k powertrain factory warranty...we are as of this writing, in a loaner car from the dealer, and I got a text earlier the CEL was the coolant bypass issue, and that Subaru is extending the warranty of this particular component and WILL be fixed under warranty. I was very glad, because as a 10yr Subaru owner, i was actually considering another brand in the future. But Subaru did me right on this.

[@ytSuns26]

After this Subaru Forester I am going back to Toyota . I will not be looking back. My decades of Toyotas proved trouble free. I have no interest I. These crappy cars.

[@kenbo80]

Fire the idiots involved with this change.

[@deplorablelibertarian]

Let's throw the idiots in there who thought auto stop was a good idea....

[@davewilson7602]

@@deplorablelibertarianyou’d be throwing government officials in there, the car companies just add it to comply

[@missletoad]

Its fine. We can used the leftover cvt oil from a pre 19 to grease the internal parts of the wood chipper.

[@bliglum]

Obvious anti-consumer planned obsolescence.

[@skyfall8788]

spoke to one of my guys from subaru canada and i hear they removed it off the 2025 engines

[@skyfall8788]

Man I had like 20 in a row come to the dealership last February.

[@slavojalois1639]

@@skyfall8788wow!

[@theonesickman]

Glad to hear Subaru is backing this up. Not like the head gaskets.

[@dreamrelaxation7239]

This was foreseeable. Plastic and electronics working with super hot coolant.

[@nerd1000ify]

It's only 80-90 degrees C under most circumstances. An electric kettle deals with hotter liquid (100 degrees C) and is probably made of plastic. Properly engineered design would not have a problem.

[@523ind]

How hot is “super hot” coolant?

[@dreamrelaxation7239]

@@523ind Over 190°F.

[@bryandepoy8030]

This happened to my (former) 2020 Subaru Outback at around 45,000 miles. I was on a long road trip and couldn’t get it in right away. Fortunately, the valve defaulted to open, so I was able to get home for service. It was a long drive without some of the features, and lots of dash lights came on. Neither the oil nor the coolant got to normal operating temperature. I know folks might not find this rational, but I was so frustrated and disappointed that I traded it in for a Honda. I still have a 2016 Outback and a 2011 Forester, but since I do so much long-distance driving, I lost trust in the vehicle. Fortunately, Subaru did step up and replace the part at no cost, but I couldn’t regain the confidence in the Outback.

[@ofcbob6391]

Any problems for you with cracked windshields on your Outback? That's my main concern in looking for a good slightly used Outback.

[@bryandepoy8030]

No windshield cracks at all.

[@ofcbob6391]

Bryan, I meant to inquire: what Honda did you get to replace the Subaru?

[@bryandepoy8030]

2021 Honda Pilot. Incredible vehicle, in my view. Not particularly good on gas, but solid and does great in snow. My first Honda; won’t be my last.

[@mark8684]

@@bryandepoy8030New Pilot has really good driving dynamics, V6 engine, and probably the best AWD torque vectoring system among all mainstream SUVs! I just wish it had a nicer interior and full power passenger seat with lumbar adjustment. Even the Elite trim doesn’t have that.

[@jamesstang4234]

My wife and I have owned may Subarus because of where we live, Sierra Nevada mountains. Our 9th Subaru , 2023 Forester, experienced TCV problems within one month of taking delivery. It was replaced by a dealer and subsequently experienced coolant leaks with in a month. Took it to another dealer and had the leak fixed. I look at the parts list from the replacement work and noticed items like manifold gasket kit. That was not a quick job to fix. I am disappointed with Subaru making the simple difficult, replace a thermostat with a complex TCV. And then designing and building, I hate to say a substandard TCV. They did not learn from the head gasket fiasco. This in the long run will be an expensive fix let alone a customer nightmare.

[@michaelking42]

They've learned from this mistake, as they have removed it on the 2025 models. All car makers go through this process of research and development, coupled with fuel economy, reduced emissions, cost savings and increased profit margins.

[@MyLife2020]

Subaru started building low quality parts to boost profits

[@hotcarlsf]

Love how they designed it how to fail optimally instead of how to work reliably

[@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017]

At least make a fail safe design ffs!

[@billohara383]

With some more fore thought and planning they may have achieved both. Though nothing is foolproof to a determined fool.

[@MrPoppyDuck]

Suddenly my old '15 Outback doesnt look so bad... 😉

[@melissasmess2773]

Still driving my 2001 Outback 😊

[@danmc2678]

...or my 2005 Outback.

[@jimclarence5441]

My 2014 Forester is doing quite well. My favourite car was my six cylinder 2010 Outback. Sold it when we went down to one vehicle.

[@MicMc539]

@@jimclarence5441 My 08 225 000 klm EJ Forester goes strong, but I'm on tenderhooks waiting for the Head Gaskets to go!

[@bobboberton1841]

“Beloved Toyota”. Mine were both junk. And everyone seems to excuse any issues they have. Thanks for the video. Very informative.

[@caseydavidphillips]

Just wanted to hop on here and say thank you! I had a check engine light for about a week. Have followed you for a while and you post this video. I had no idea if it failed in an open or closed state so I took it right over. Sure enough, the engine codes were about the TCV and they replaced it under warranty with the upgraded part. Appreciate you and what you do!

[@JenniLudes]

One more reason to love my 2019 STI. It may be "old tech" compared to the newer subies but what works, works!

[@NoNo-iz8hd]

Subaru will back the repair. Unfortunately, the Stealership will make you pay.

[@HalfBit360]

Well the new WRX doesn’t have this problem and is better than your 2019 STI what’s your point

[@AntilleanConfederation]

@@NoNo-iz8hdnegative. All cars that are affected by this will have a 150k miles or 15 years extended warranty on that part.

[@JenniLudes]

@@HalfBit360 Better is subjective. I just happen to prefer my STI over a WRX. No big whoop. Both versions, WRX and STI don't have this issue. You do you.

[@HalfBit360]

@@JenniLudes Ah I see, I was looking at it in a matter of mechanics rather than personal experience. It’s not my problem, I get paid to fix it!

[@deltabravo1257]

You have the Best Subaru channel on KZbin! Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I have a 2013 Crosstrek that I bought in 2017

[@bobwilliamson5993]

You are the Subaru MAN, Dude!

[@willmenv3566]

I’ve lost count how many thermo control valves I’ve replaced since starting as a tech 😂. I’m not complaining since I get the job done quick, It usually takes me 1 1/2 hours to replace the tcv & bleed the cooling system. The common ones are the Foresters. The Outback/Legacy & Crosstrek I rarely get.

[@jeffstone28]

I take it you are a mechanic at a Subaru dealership?

[@alanlangley7246]

Where is that TCV located at ? Will it let you know before it goes out ?

[@willmenv3566]

Yes I am a technician at Subaru. The TCV is located on the left hand side of the engine. Unfortunately no it won’t let you know when it goes out until the check engine light comes on with all the other lights. Most common symptoms are no heat and reduced engine power. As a fail safe the radiator cooling fans stay on at the highest speed to keep the engine coolant temperature as low as possible. Other symptoms which are rare include the car not starting or stuck in limp mode. In rare cases the thermo control valve can completely short out and since it’s in a can-line circuit with other 5V circuits I believe and also share the same ground (tumble generator valves, fuel pump pressure sensor, throttle body, etc.) and can also screw with the engine control module causing it to kinda glitch but it won’t cause damage to the ECM itself that I know of. In this situation the vehicle would have to be towed to the dealer for diagnosis & repair. If you are able to, what I’ve done to diagnose this problem and make the short go away when it won’t start is unplug the thermo control valve to eliminate the short. Looking from the front of the vehicle, It’s a little difficult to get at but there’s a grey connector in the back for the TCV close to the throttle body. The vehicle should start up but it sometimes this won’t always work since the ECM is stuck in limp mode. At that point again, it would need to be towed.

[@ofcbob6391]

Can you figure out WHY the Foresters so much for failed TCV's? I thought the engines were identical when you opened the hood of a 2024 Outback vs the Forester 2.5L.

[@lvsqcsl]

A very good friend of mine had a 1973 Subaru D/L in high school. He finally started to use aluminum beer cans to keep the cylinder-head gaskets from leaking until it finally overheated and died. As far as that plastic valve, plastic can only go through so many heating and cooling cycles until it cracks. I know. I have a 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis with the plastic intake manifold. (IIRC 1996 was the first year.) In 500,000 miles, I have replaced 3 of them. I think that led to a class action lawsuit. GREAT VIDEO!

[@vader2774]

Pretty common we replace these at the dealer often ive seen these fail due to it sharing wiring grounds ect with tgv’s it can cause a stall condition has caused a few people to be stranded

[@jlw1985]

If for some reason you are out of warranty, call SOA, they will goodwill it

[@gregdolecki8530]

I just got the notice last week in the mail for my 2020 Forrester.

[@darkartsteacher]

My 2019 Foresters TCV failed this month Fortunately under warranty, just. 73000km

[@Jesusbcappin]

Dont worry, theres a warranty extention for this part

[@lawrencefeldman462]

Thanks for the heads up 😃. Have 2022 Outback touring 2.5 . No issues so far. Glad you mentioned that Subaru backing up the issue.

[@blond98]

@MrSubaru1387 As the owner of a 2022 Subaru Outback, I was unaware of this potential problem. Thank you for this video!

[@ES-uf7zp]

Another awesome video. I had this happen to my 2021 CrossTrek Sport about a month ago. Freaked me out especially when the eyesight went out. I’m past the warranty thresholds so the worry about cost was real. Dealership replaced under the extended warranty and they said they had seen and replaced a ton of these recently. The dealership also told me without Subaru’s extended warranty it would have cost me around $1800 (part, labor, taxes, etc)!!

[@hmongxas1642]

the tcv part alone only cost 400 USD. easy replaced.

[@pansmasher5956]

Thanks for the info Mr. Subaru. 🫡Looking forward to learning how to DIY fix. I have a 21MY Forester. The valve went out at about 30k miles. covered under warranty but sucks to know it most likely will happen again 😕.

[@brandon1076]

Yep. My 2019 forester had it. Luckily got it fixed under warranty

[@joec9004]

Thanks for this. I had this happen on my 2020 Outback at 24,000 miles in 2022. I just got my letter last week . My dealership was awesome, gave me a loaner and had the fix done in about a week . I just hope I received the “improved TCV” . I may have to revisit my automobile choices . I was part of the 2001-2004 Honda Odyssey transmission failures , three replacements on my 2001. Of course I also had a 2004 Forester with the faulty head gaskets . In this case , I should have bought the XT. Next time .

[@653j521]

You are like iron filings to the magnet of bad car technology. :)

[@joec9004]

Exactly. If you want to know what not to buy, check my driveway over the years 😂. I’m dating myself but add a 1979 Pinto, a 1980 Plymouth Volare and an 1986 Oldsmobile Calais. Now you know why I switched to Honda and Subaru.

[@missletoad]

The new 21319AA040 valve part only cost 288 online. The one time use gas line is 54. New gaskets about 6 bucks total. Add in some subaru coolant and the total for me came to 399. While my 2020 subaru forester has no issues yet I would rather swap this in now because realistically you could end up spending 200 for a tow to the dealership plus the down time of not having a car. Add in the fact that if this happens on vacation you could find yourself having to cancel or extend plans. 400 bucks to keep that from happening is worth it to me. Ymmv.

[@MercifulLamb]

Love that I'm at work, watching KZbin videos as I go and happen to see this as I'm doing a Thermo control valve on a Forester. With new ECM update and new part, they seem to be good. Time will tell

[@ofcbob6391]

The new part has to be better, but not the fix...because for 2025, they went back to the old tried and true. No more TCV for their normally aspirated engines. hmm

[@camerondaley1481]

Subaru senior master here. Been replacing these since 2019 when they were introduced and started failing and have yet to see one come back. The redesign and reprogram seem the fix the issue. Not sure there’s much to worry about with this being an on going issue or a problem that needs to be “bandaged”. I encourage everyone to get their information from the dealer/subaru.

[@Tugnman]

Well snot balls! Just got a 1 owner 2019 forester with 6900 miles from the dealership, got the letter in the mail last week. Time will tell. Thanks Mr Subaru for the diagnostic tips, great information.

[@davidyaroch6622]

I put 90k miles on my 19 Forester with 0 issues. Gas/oil/tires. As promised.

[@AaronClow]

Almost 90K on my 2019 Forester purchased new - knock on wood, but no issues with it so far. It's been a really good car so far. The infotainment used to mess up sometimes but I think a recent software update fixed it.

[@anthonytammer9214]

Polycarbonate plastics really don't like many types of chemicals. The polycarbonate "windows" in modern computerized lathe housings become brittle over time because the coolant splashing on them during the cutting of metal. This can be really dangerous if a part flies out of the machine. So It's just a matter of time before they crack. I mean it's inevitable!

[@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017]

It's too bad more of the aerospace quality plastics haven't migrated into cars. They continue to use crappy ABS and polycarbonate plastics.

[@walterspringer565]

Great Report. We're going to keep our 2017 forever. Subaru has got to quit this gadget obsession and just build reliable cars.

[@cigarsgunsandgasoline8032]

Need to make a MANUAL optional on ALL models... and ditch the damn CVT...

[@mrgarrison3516]

Keeping my 2017 Crosstrek as long as possible (100k miles so far)......I think Mr Subaru's Crosstrek has about 200k miles so far, original CVT (& he tows also)👍

[@Thisoldhiker]

Reliability-wise, the tail end of the gasoline automobile is looking pretty ugly.

[@mrgarrison3516]

​@@Thisoldhiker The nose of the EV's are 10x worse 🤦

[@SpectralOoze]

Hard to do that with the EPA guidelines. Be glad Subaru's doing it relatively simple compared to Audi Volkswagen etc. This is the cost of wanting boxer engines.

[@trevorpogue4484]

I just graduated college and decided it was time to finally get my first car. I was shopping for a Subaru Crosstrek and ended up getting a Subaru Outback instead. I was excited because i got it for a decent price used of course because i have money saved but I'm trying to get to grad school. It has only 56,000 miles on it and is a 2020 no less! I was skeptical about the eyesight system and scared any problems with it would be catastrophic in terms of repairs and calibration. I did my research and felt pretty safe seeing as the head gasket issue has been addressed (relatively, still not a fan of the silicon gasket). But after having it for a week the battery died. I don't blame Subaru for that, it was the dead of winter in January and the car had been sitting for a month or two before i got a hold of it. Then comes just last month. I have only put about 1.5k miles on the car so far and my check engine light comes on after driving for only an hour straight and i loose the eyesight and x-mode feature. I pull out my OBD scanner and sure enough it was the Thermocontrol Bypass Valve. No warranty, completely out of pocket I'm going to have to find a way to fix this. Luckily it stuck open and im just stuck running cold. I've loved the car thus far but idk if im starting to really regret my decision or not yet. Im trying to get settled and start working multiple jobs and get a new apartment so i can make money to get to grad school but im wishing i just bought an older model toyota with less cheap and modernized electronic bells and whistles at this point.

[@MyBacktrail]

If you run it cold for too long it can lead to sludgy oil because the moisture never boils out and you don't want that. Change the oil frequently until you can get it fixed.

[@trevorpogue4484]

@@MyBacktrail Just did an oil change before the light came on. Used royal purple too so thought it'd do me good considering it's a little higher end than what I usually get. So much for that, but thanks for the tip 👍

[@RodneyW]

I hope you've seen the pinned comment from @MrSubaru1387 - you can get this fixed under extended warranty.

[@trevorpogue4484]

@@RodneyW This is my first time buying a car so forgive my ignorance, but this is a second owned car that came with no warranty to me at least. Would the warranty not be applicable to me due to the fact that I've never bought this from the dealership it originally came from? Or is the service bulletin claiming that this extends to any 2019-2021 Subaru with TCV repair reimbursement out of pocket?

[@RodneyW]

@@trevorpogue4484 Normally (I am in Australia), the manufacturers warranty applies to the vehicle, not to the owner. Thus the cover has transferred to you, as long as you are the registered owner of the car.

[@jungleant2961]

2016 crosstrek premium 96000 miles, running well. Just basic maintenance. Simple.

[@TassieLorenzo]

First coolant service is what 10 years/100,000 miles? I don't think maintenance will help these TCVs last longer on Subarus that have them. Unless maintenance means "replace the TCV before it breaks" which seems like getting into German car thinking, lol.

[@Devilhog1981]

Never seen a single redesigned TCV fail. Also never seen these things fail "closed". 100% of the failures I have seen led the TCV to remain open. Once an issue happens the fail safe will open the TCV fully. Also this isn't a "New Big Issue! omg!". It's been known for a long time. They have had a redesigned part since February of 2022. They finally got off their rears and extended their warranty but these things don't get stuck closed and if it does, there is plenty of warning before the vehicle over heats. Don't ignore check engine lights.

[@jeffstone28]

Are you a mechanic? Do you work at a Subaru dealer?

[@Devilhog1981]

@@jeffstone28 Both of the above.

[@jeffstone28]

@@Devilhog1981 K - thanks. Now I know where you are coming from!

[@melissasmess2773]

I have worked on Subaru's for 33 years, this new system is a bad idea.

[@Devilhog1981]

@@melissasmess2773 Not saying it ever was a good idea. But all good idea's started with a ton of bad ones. They are trying to do everything possible to squeeze more fuel mileage out of these boxers. Thermal management is one more way to gain if done correctly. This day and age, old school mechanical management isn't as accurate and quick to respond than electrically controlled.

[@camrsr5463]

2018 crosstrek premium (the best model year) no auto start stop no eyesight no problems

[@carlmeyer6840]

Agree 100% I have a 2017 Forester Touring and have not had any problems

[@yal100]

I have a 2018 Legacy, no eyesight, no auto start 🙂... phew so glad I missed this!

[@6mtzhp55]

I've got two of them (2018 Premium and a 2018 Limited) because I wanted the next generation (at the time) while it was fresh. You left out that a 6 speed manual was available back then. Times have changed quickly.

[@Motorcycledad160]

Hey, at least they provided the extended warranty on the part. Lots of companies wouldn't do that. Thank you so much for this info because I have two Subarus with these engines. One has 62k miles and the other has 44k miles, no problems...yet. Again, thank you!

[@A_barrel]

Oh yes, daddy subaru didn't completely fuck you over

[@Wynorrific]

I mean, it's either that or the class action lawsuit goes through which would be even worse for them

[@mddunlap03]

Lol becuse they would have been out legal fees and then still forced to fix it. This was a decision made 100% by accounting they don't give af about anyone but shareholders

[@jamesdarcy3902]

Thanks for the heads up, my 2015 Outback (150000 miles) with port injection seems to be worth putting money into rather than buying a new direct injection Subie with that TCV. Also I much prefer physical buttons for the controls instead of everything behind a buggy info screen.

[@kurona]

Thanks for the vid! I just got a used 2021 Forester so this is good to know for the future.

[@fredbrackmann8392]

This happened to my 2020 Legacy last summer. Scared the crap out of me seeing all those warning lights and the engine just died. My dealer did the repair under warranty, and apparently in my case, it also blew up the engine wiring harness which also needed replacement under warranty. The loaner car was nice, but it was a two week process. I wonder if the extended warranty also covers the replacement components. Thanks Mr Subaru!

[@vegasstang1]

Great. Wish I would have known this 2 weeks ago. Just purchased a 24 Forester.

[@PapaA7145]

Yep, me too.

[@jupdike755]

24 Outback 4 weeks ago 😢

[@greatalaskanjourney3512]

Thank you! Ours just failed and taking it in. It has to go in for a recall on the air bags too.

[@jtwu8931]

Thanks, Mr. Subaru. Thaaaaanks a lot, Subaru....

[@ryecreeks]

I just looked under the hood of my 2018 Forester... Aluminum TCV! Phew! If i trade, it's gotta be a 2025! Thanks, Mr. Subaru!

[@MrSubaru1387]

2018 doesn’t have a TCV. Just a normal crossover pipe and mechanical thermostat.

[@ryecreeks]

@MrSubaru1387 Thank you. There is a disconnect between my brain & fingers... that's what I meant to convey. You are my go-to Suby advisor. Thank you, and 2 thumbs up for your channel, sir! 👍👍

[@punasurf4697]

So glad to hear they went back on the Forester. Planning on a new one in 2 years. I hate plastic sh*t.

[@alb12345672]

Ford got sued over plastic intakes in the crown vics in late 90s. Fix was a metal crossover. No excuse today.

[@easternboy888]

Thanks!

[@MrSubaru1387]

Thank you so much!!!

[@olathestanwalker6717]

Glad I felt the need for speed and bought my 2022 Outback Onyx with the turbo. As always, thanks for the information.

[@user-ku2dt4xt5r]

Mine failed at 62,000 miles on my 2020 Forester and cost $1,700 to repair. After some haggling I got the repair down to $1,000. Things that were affected: cruise control, MPGs went down 3-4 miles, CVT was sluggish and no heat.

[@mb34928]

11:11 Yup, I have 2022 Buick Encore GX that has one that failed. Luckily it fail in the open position but made for a cold ride to work this past winter.

[@K0diak101]

The tcv on the 2021 forester i was leasing failed at 32,000 miles. Luckily it was covered under warranty. I noticed the blue warm up light didn’t go off on my drive home from work, the heat was cool, and check engine light came on. Got it looked at the next day and had it fixed that day. What a pain in the booty. I traded that forester in for a 2024 outback a couple weeks ago.

[@stevenb.1041]

This came just in time. I've been torn between buying a '24 Forester or waiting a bit for the '25 model. You've made my decision for me. Good to know Subaru stepped up and has addressed the issue with an extended warranty. I went through a similar issue with my '17 Honda Ridgeline and had an awful time with them. More than a year later they extended the warranty on fuel injectors that were failing way too early. I had gotten rid of it by then. First and last Honda.

[@alivenumber5]

My wife’s Odyssey has had more recalls than I can count. First and last Honda for me.

[@mrj-charles6383]

I inheritated an 08 Outback from my father with 116k miles on it. He and I are the only ones that ever drove it. Have some one doing the timing belt and head gaskets as preventive maintenance. I will have to email you when I get it south since hard to find a reliable Subaru Tech. Not sure what side of SC you are on. I am across the line in NC near Rockingham.

[@RoundMtnDryGoods]

Thanks for the info. So glad I have an XT!

[@Amberdogproductions]

Well just got a Crosstrek Wilderness back in Oct. Not what I wanted to hear. But glad to know about it.

[@andrewoates8723]

keep the awesome content coming my man! helping me diy my way to 250k miles

[@Mini-Driver]

Good information. Wife was considering getting a 2022 Ascent to replace her 2014 Forester with 281,775 miles and the front oil leak. Something to think about as well as fixing our oil leak / reseal. If you're interested in fixing our leaks, we can drive the car down from Virginia and drop it off.

[@MyLife2020]

I suggest going with HYUNDAI PALISADE better in every corner

[@jimnelson7740]

I really appreciate the info. We've been watching for a deal to replace our high miles 2010 2.5 Outback. Looks like Subaru is now off our list, unless we find a 2018. I ain't dealing with this potential problem. Too bad, as our OB has almost 200,000 mostly flawless miles on it

[@user-qs6eu1bv1x]

KISS is the most important concept every designer should follow.

[@653j521]

As long as it gets the job done.

[@tomskitv]

Thanks for this information!

[@Rich_123]

The old coolant crossover pipe was the first and biggest failure on my '05 WRX STi. Warranty repair thankfully, but still hurt to see the engine pulled out of my new car at only 4000 miles. Glad I gave Subaru a 17 year break to see they made it worse. Hopefully the '23 FB25 revised part isn't failing as much as the '19-'21.

[@cbijames7]

Also mine was manufacture 6/21 . So I don't think mine has the newer version if they started putting them in the cars after June 7 th.

[@zac8123]

As a subaru tech i HATE flipping the bill for these shit thermo valves. Retail pays 4 hours but subaru pays 2.6…

[@jlw1985]

45-1hr repair is about where I’m at now after doing so many

[@jonnyz5772]

@@jlw1985 are you in Calgary? offering a side job. 20 forester.

[@PeterHernandez-lg2eh]

What's the hourly labor rate ? Where I'm at its $160

[@zac8123]

​@@jonnyz5772 I could

[@zac8123]

@@PeterHernandez-lg2eh Ours is $169, but that doesn't mean I get paid that time 2.6

[@JesseCampbell0]

We bought a 2020 3 weeks ago, it took 3 days before we got a P26A3. Fortunately it's at only 112k. Scheduling the repair at the dealership this week, very glad to have found that warranty extension before paying out of pocket at our local. Hopefully the replaced TCV holds up until there's a retrofit kit to put the 2025 crossover pipe on and a DIY ECU flash to go with it!

[@zfunk9]

Just set aside $2k for this repair every few years and just deal with it. You did buy a Subaru.

[@m3rdpwr]

I just bought an Outback Touring XT. I guess I don't have to worry about that failing now, just the turbo. Haha My wife has a 2017 Nissan rogue and we were looking to trade that in for a Forester, we just weren't sure if we were going to do a 2024 or a 2025. I guess going with the 2025 will lessen the chance since it no longer has that part.

[@mz5tbg]

Mine just failed 3 weeks ago. 2019 Forester. 95,000 miles. Dealer warrantied under the new 15/150,000 warranty. One day repair. Only issue so far with this vehicle.

[@Machucalis]

Happened to me with my 2019 forester at 24,000 miles, the replacing was covered. I was not happy with my conversation with the Subaru manger I had when I took in the car she informed me it was temporary fix until it happened again because they were replacing it with the same part. I decided to sell the forester, and thankfully they have a great resale value and went back to Honda.

[@Walawaliguili97]

2019 and up, good thing I have an SJ.

[@adam-davidvaught8382]

Very good to know! Thanks bro 🙌🏽

[@thoughtloop1737]

2021 Forester, I just had this fixed last week.

[@CedroCron]

You would think that Subaru would spend a little more time testing their stuff before having "issues" and having to go through multiple revisions to get it right. This seems to happen with everything Subaru comes out with. Like get it together R&D department!

[@user-sx7ym6nu6l]

They did test it,they let the consumer test it.I see more and more of this on late models.Too much stuff added on to please uncle grinch.

[@logtrimmer]

I have a 2020 Legacy Premium and just received the notice about this last week

[@loluemoua]

My 2020 Forester's TCV failed below 20k miles. Luckily I researched it online (vs just replacing it on my own) and found that it was a pretty well known issue and is covered under warranty.

[@chrisruzicka7452]

I have a 2019 Forester. My TCV went out at 115,543 miles. I guess it was stuck open as it was not overheating. Eye sight disabled, cruise disabled, chech engine light flashing and greaty decreased MPG. Codes present B2806, P26A3 and P26A5. No waiting on parts but it was fixed at the local dealer for a total of $1602. I just recently filled out the reimbursement paperwork and submitted it. Waiting to see. It seems like every year/ model car has some type of problem. My rear sway bars fell off at 600 miles, both front CV axles replaced at 100,000 miles and keeping the battery charged has been a pain.

[@kevinm5177]

My $.02: if you are still running the Subaru factory Panasonic battery, get something else. They suck. I’ve been running either Duracell (really!) or X2 in all my cars, work great.

[@nowiecoche]

I think your Forester is part of the battery draining class action lawsuit, correct me if I’m wrong. Maybe it was just a service bulletin. Regardless, several model years of Foresters, Outback, Legacy, (maybe Ascent), and Crosstrek, around years 2017 to 2022, has had batteries that die really early.

[@stevereimer5254]

@@nowiecoche Our 2015 Forester's battery was replaced under warrantee. It didn't last 2 years.

[@crabjoe]

I've got a 2020 Forester.. It needed the TCV replaced last year. Now I'm hearing a creaking sound at low speeds, especially when I'm turning. I'm guessing it's a CV joint somewhere.. Can't tell if it's coming from the front or the rear.. I've been thinking about replacing it with something new within the next year.. Might just have to do it earlier, rather than later.

[@chrisdestry5394]

Failed open in winter. No heat in car. Temp gauge stayed pegged on cold.

[@chrisdestry5394]

Just replaced one under warranty on 2020 Outback. Just got a letter extending the warranty on it.

[@samsagullo5577]

Glad mine was still under warranty when it happened. 2019 Forester

[@bearstephens6722]

I have a 2024 Crosstrek Limited with the 2.5. I immediately noticed that on cold days, it struggles to warm up and stay warm. I figured maybe a bad thermostat, but that’s extremely rare on a new car. Now I know why….

[@edwardtaylor4785]

My wife's 2020 failed as did her niece's. Probably an emissions related "improvement" which actually worked because engines that can't run don't pollute.

[@wrighma7753]

Mine went up on my 2021 outback right after the warranty period. Cost me $2300 at the Subaru dealership in maryland. These new Subarus are a pain in the assss.

[@david100483]

I got a 22 outback, glad Subaru is extending the warranty for this issue!

[@N0ENEMIES]

I worked at a dealership for a few months and we replaced at least 5 of these in that time frame. Waaay more dcm issues and rear wheel bearings though for sure.

[@SkylineFTW97]

You're dead on about OEM Subaru thermostats. I had a 2002 Outback with the EZ30D and I replaced the timing chain set on it. Since I was in there doing a major job anyway, I drained the block, replaced the water pump, hoses and thermostat (I used an aftermarket one first). The car had issues overheating at first, but then I got an OEM thermostat and the overheating stopped as soon as I put it in.

[@akyukon]

Well damn. My wife has a 2022 Crosstrek, and the winter of '22-'23, for about 3 weeks in the Alaska winter, the engine would not warm up, stayed cool with no cabin heat. I figured the thermostat was stuck open so I got an appointment with the dealer....4 weeks out. In the meantime it started working correctly and worked fine last winter. Keep an eye on it?

[@chow-chihuang4903]

I suggest reporting it so your shop can log it into the records. If it ultimately fails after warranty, it can be traced to starting to fail when first logged, hopefully within the warranty period.

[@jettech1041]

I replaced mines a few months ago on my 2019 Forester Sport. I guess I will find my receipt for the parts purchase, since I did all the work myself. Hope it doesn’t fail anytime soon because it was a pain in the behind to replace.😡🤬

[@1heavyelement]

uh yup. our shop replaces 2 or 3 of these in a week on average.

[@sergeyafanasev7505]

And what's wrong with them? Have you analyzed?

[@joek81981]

I bet some of it comes down to how easy it is to make one outta recycled materials. They're committed to the net-zero waste stuff. Absolute guess, and I don't know anything about anything.

[@jimmyaber5920]

Controlling temp and fast warm up without sucking HP (and fuel) when coolant pump is restricted and it harder to spin. Letting the water move but not have to move through engine.

[@teh60]

Thanks for the update. Great video.

[@fjg2896]

On the positive side, I assume it is the TCV that allows my 2024 2.5L Crosstrek to provide heat to the cabin almost immediately after running the engine.

[@nobi1181]

It's the same thing at Mazda, we always get the P0126 when the weather get cold for insufficient temperature. Replacement for what they call the ECCV (electronic coolant control valve). However, seems like they are going back to mechanical thermostat with their 2024 models.

[@happyhome41]

Love this - though, the truth hurts sometimes. How to tell if my 2019 Forester has this time bomb ? And as I plan to visit you for the CVT flush, would pay to have this replaced, and happy to have you film it. Ours is fairly low mileage, so I suspect the three-year limit we’re well beyond.

[@mrgarrison3516]

0:58👈 That's why I'm hoping to keep my 2017 Crosstrek/ xv for as long as possible 🤔

[@jonlyman400]

2020 outback- TCV failed stuck open December of 2022- dealership had no parts available till April 2023- no heat in winter very disappointed in the length of time it took to make this right- dealership agreed that this should be under warrantee and no charge- final bill they retracted under warrantee statement but still no charge.

[@ryancooper5918]

Moms 2020 forester got this replaced under warranty like 1 month ago, was not fun for like a week.