I will NEVER buy another Subaru

[Lou O.]

I bought a 2020 top-of-the-line Outback. Mechanically, an awesome car. Fit and finish, great even after 4 years. Electronics...CRAP would be a compliment!!!

The amount of times I've been stranded without a car because it wouldn't start is unacceptable. Subaru having my car in the shop for 2 weeks to repair it the last time just reinforces how incompetent they are with building and fixing their own stuff.

I have a CAA Premium membership not because I want it, but because the car keeps letting me down. Tonight is the most recent event where I've had to use the secret key in the FOB to get into the car while I wait for a tow.

Enough is enough. Subaru keeps contacting me that they have buyers for my car. They can have it. Let someone else discover how Subaru still hasn't figured out how to work with electricity in a vehicle.

 

[Einsteiger]

I recently bought a 2024 Outback Onyx that was a loaner. It only had 6 K miles on it, and immediately I figured the start/stop feature would cause more problems than it would solve.
Bought the auto stop/ start eliminator, and after 15 minutes we are good to go.

I no longer have to remember to manually turn it off.

I am hoping that this will mitigate/ avoid the issues others have had. I do not see how constant start/ stops can be good for a vehicle, especially since it is my wife’s daily driver and is all in town miles

So where did you get that device and who installed it? VERY interested in avoiding future problems with the auto start/stop thing. [2022 Crosstrek Ltd]

 

[Trailboss]

Autostop Eliminator - Disable The Auto Start Stop Feature

The Autostop Eliminator is an intelligent tech device for your car, truck or SUV that will safely disable auto start-stop feature and remember your preference

www.autostopeliminator.com

Super easy, plug and play they walk you through on how to open the overhead console.
15 minutes tops for me, and I am no gearhead.

 

[Einsteiger]

Thanks!!!!

 

[Trailboss]

Anytime!

We put ours in 3 months ago when we got the car. It has been great, and it does not void your warranty.

There are some DIY hacks online on adding relays, soldering wires in, cutting into your wire harness for a janky unreliable fix…. $100 going this route is a no brainer.

I live in the greater phoenix area which is extremely hard on batteries with our heat exceeding 110° often.
And as I said earlier the wife does multiple short drives… and of course the battery would go out when I would be traveling for business which is every week.

 

[Hjulbyhavn]

The extended warranty is a profit item for Subaru otherwise they would not offer it.
But them not offering more than 3/36 plus hard selling the insurance is probable cause to think the cars are high maintenance and that they are doing it this way to keep the list price down.
It sucks for us and is really a stupid business model when we can buy a KIA or Toyota for the same $.
I am one of the fools that like the car despite the obvious warning signs.

 

[Trailboss]

The extended warranty is a profit item for Subaru otherwise they would not offer it.
But them not offering more than 3/36 plus hard selling the insurance is probable cause to think the cars are high maintenance and that they are doing it this way to keep the list price down.
It sucks for us and is really a stupid business model when we can buy a KIA or Toyota for the same $.
I am one of the fools that like the car despite the obvious warning signs.

Kia has had a lot of engine problems.

‘Would have kept your head gasket from blowing up’: Mechanic reveals why Kia and Hyundai engines are failing so early

'It never overheated.'

www.dailydot.com

 

[Einsteiger]

My son had two different Kias - both with their V6 and both self destructed after the warranty. Beware

 

[Daniel Renaud]

Funny i have a Premium 2020 outback no issues what ever working great actually no battery failing ect.. weird you got a lemon.

 

[softailrider]

I have a 2019 Outback Limited. If I leave the car for 3 weeks or so the vehicle will not start upon my return. The head unit froze up and was replaced under my 8 year 80K gold warranty. Now there has been a recall on that part. SOA would not give me a loaner during the 3 week wait for the part. Other then that, no problems with the car. Would I buy another Subaru? Maybe, but probably not.

 

[chasfish]

Agreed. with service like that why would you??

 

[Lou O.]

I have a 2019 Outback Limited. If I leave the car for 3 weeks or so the vehicle will not start upon my return. The head unit froze up and was replaced under my 8 year 80K gold warranty. Now there has been a recall on that part. SOA would not give me a loaner during the 3 week wait for the part. Other then that, no problems with the car. Would I buy another Subaru? Maybe, but probably not.

OEM battery? If yes, change it out. Get a AGM battery, they last longer. 5-6 years tops on a lead acid old school battery. Head unit - was the vehicle safe to drive with a frozen head unit? Start, stop, ok? Dash gauges all working? If yes, no reason for a loaner either.
So , we take it this is mostly venting than really being left stranded...

 

[chasfish]

I have a 2019 Outback Limited. If I leave the car for 3 weeks or so the vehicle will not start upon my return. The head unit froze up and was replaced under my 8 year 80K gold warranty. Now there has been a recall on that part. SOA would not give me a loaner during the 3 week wait for the part. Other then that, no problems with the car. Would I buy another Subaru? Maybe, but probably not.

I should have asked why they need your car for 3 weeks until part comes in. Why not just let you have your car back and call you when it comes in. Just don’t let it sit idle for 3 weeks.

 

[softailrider]

OEM battery? If yes, change it out. Get a AGM battery, they last longer. 5-6 years tops on a lead acid old school battery. Head unit - was the vehicle safe to drive with a frozen head unit? Start, stop, ok? Dash gauges all working? If yes, no reason for a loaner either.
So , we take it this is mostly venting than really being left stranded...

OEM battery? If yes, change it out. Get a AGM battery, they last longer. 5-6 years tops on a lead acid old school battery. Head unit - was the vehicle safe to drive with a frozen head unit? Start, stop, ok? Dash gauges all working? If yes, no reason for a loaner either.
So , we take it this is mostly venting than really being left stranded...

I'm on my 2nd battery, 1st was replaced under that excide extended warranty offering. They did give me the vehicle back to drive while the part was backordered, it ran fine but I had no infotainment while waiting for that part. - I thought I should have been offered a loaner / rental. As I mentioned SOA refused that request for a loaner or rental. This 2019 Outback Limited does not have stop start. I'm not venting at all, I have nothing to vent about, just illustrating my experiences with this car. I like the car, It just doesn't start if you leave it for 3 weeks. I might buy another Subaru, but probably will not.

 

[Dick Foster]

I had the same sorta thing happen to me only it was a 1978 Pontiac Grand Prix. Funny thing, the whole stinking brand is gone and only exists in history books today.
What goes around comes around.
One these days people will eventually wise up to the MBA way of doing business and do away with the 90 day nonsense.

 

[Lou O.]

I'm on my 2nd battery, 1st was replaced under that excide extended warranty offering. They did give me the vehicle back to drive while the part was backordered, it ran fine but I had no infotainment while waiting for that part. - I thought I should have been offered a loaner / rental. As I mentioned SOA refused that request for a loaner or rental. This 2019 Outback Limited does not have stop start. I'm not venting at all, I have nothing to vent about, just illustrating my experiences with this car. I like the car, It just doesn't start if you leave it for 3 weeks. I might buy another Subaru, but probably will not.

So, did the dealer state it was normal for the car not to start after sitting for 3 weeks?? If no, you may have a power draw from some vehicle component. They can check for this. Trailer hitches are notorious for this..

 

[DKBrew]

3rd new Subaru. 68k. No issues mechanically or electrically. Original Thermo Control Valve not upgraded. Stop/start disabled 3 years ago. No drains electrical or of fluids. PCV Catch can collects near 30 ml. between oil changes. Upgraded rear sway bar and links, steering damper installed. Vehicle handles better than new.
Dealer? I make no appointments.

P.S. Maybe driving like ya stole it will ward off issues!