Two engine out services in about 6 years on Subaru Crosstrek?

[Robin B]

In 2017, an elderly family member bought a 2014 Subaru Crosstrek XV with less than 33k miles on it; she recently passed the car on to us, with about 45k miles on it (that is not a typo, it had been driven only about 12k miles in 8 years). A year after she bought it, 2018 or so, her dealership told her it needed an engine out cam seal service, which she had done. She also had to take the car back multiple times for persistent a/c problems. A couple of years ago, she asked for a diagnosis of an engine knock and was told it was nothing. We acquired the vehicle a month ago. We noticed the same noise, so took it in to the same dealership, who have told us it needs an engine out valve job that will cost us almost $5k. It seems odd that the engine needs to be removed from a car so frequently and leaves us wondering if, a) the dealership took advantage and sold her a lemon, b) the service department is incompetent, or c) deliberately downplayed the issue until the car was no longer under warranty. Has anyone else had this many issues with their Subaru Crosstrek?

 

[Einsteiger]

Unfortunately, this sounds like a typical car dealer, although I expected better from Subaru. The service department is the real profit center. From the factors you listed, it could be any or all or a combination.

The longer I read these forums, the more I wonder if we should not have held out for a Toyota Rav4. But in 2022 there weren't any!

Good luck with the car. Maybe you can find an honest independent shop qualified to fix it.

 

[bmart]

What he said. I'd ask Suibaru if this dealership has an unusuallly high service business. Sounds like they're scamming big time.

 

[Robin B]

In 2017, an elderly family member bought a 2014 Subaru Crosstrek XV with less than 33k miles on it; she recently passed the car on to us, with about 45k miles on it (that is not a typo, it had been driven only about 12k miles in 8 years). A year after she bought it, 2018 or so, her dealership told her it needed an engine out cam seal service, which she had done. She also had to take the car back multiple times for persistent a/c problems. A couple of years ago, she asked for a diagnosis of an engine knock and was told it was nothing. We acquired the vehicle a month ago. We noticed the same noise, so took it in to the same dealership, who have told us it needs an engine out valve job that will cost us almost $5k. It seems odd that the engine needs to be removed from a car so frequently and leaves us wondering if, a) the dealership took advantage and sold her a lemon, b) the service department is incompetent, or c) deliberately downplayed the issue until the car was no longer under warranty. Has anyone else had this many issues with their Subaru Crosstrek?

Here's some additional info:

Apparently this car had a Cam Carrier reseal as well as a valve adjustment done in 2021 (not 2018), covered by SoA as a "goodwill gesture". A year later she noticed an engine knock they diagnosed as a "minor valve train issue" but was told it was nothing to worry about. The dealership is now claiming it needs another valve adjustment, though it's been less than 6k miles since the last one. They claim it's likely due to her infrequent use of the car (used mostly for local errands and appointments with 5-10 mile radius) that's caused the valve issues.

Though I've been vocal in my skepticism, they are being equally firm in their denial that they've done anything wrong. Subaru of America has not been helpful (I did ask about this dealer's service business) and of course any warranties are long expired. SoA has also supposedly told the dealership that they will not be willing to assist since they've already done that once.

So our choices seem to be to a) bite the bullet and pay for the repair ($4k+) in the hopes it will actually stick this time, b) take it for a second opinion if I can find a qualified independent shop, though there is also another dealership in my area, c) drive it until it actually dies, or d) offload it in some fashion.

So, if this were your car, what would you consider?

After this experience, it's unlikely we will ever buy another Subaru and I will certainly NOT recommend this dealership.

 

[piste]

Here's some additional info:

Apparently this car had a Cam Carrier reseal as well as a valve adjustment done in 2021 (not 2018), covered by SoA as a "goodwill gesture". A year later she noticed an engine knock they diagnosed as a "minor valve train issue" but was told it was nothing to worry about. The dealership is now claiming it needs another valve adjustment, though it's been less than 6k miles since the last one. They claim it's likely due to her infrequent use of the car (used mostly for local errands and appointments with 5-10 mile radius) that's caused the valve issues.

Though I've been vocal in my skepticism, they are being equally firm in their denial that they've done anything wrong. Subaru of America has not been helpful (I did ask about this dealer's service business) and of course any warranties are long expired. SoA has also supposedly told the dealership that they will not be willing to assist since they've already done that once.

So our choices seem to be to a) bite the bullet and pay for the repair ($4k+) in the hopes it will actually stick this time, b) take it for a second opinion if I can find a qualified independent shop, though there is also another dealership in my area, c) drive it until it actually dies, or d) offload it in some fashion.

So, if this were your car, what would you consider?

After this experience, it's unlikely we will ever buy another Subaru and I will certainly NOT recommend this dealership.

What would I consider?

Firstly I would name the dealership in this thread to help others now or in the future should someone do a google search on that dealer.

Second, without a doubt your choice "B" and go from there.

 

[Robin B]

What would I consider?

Firstly I would name the dealership in this thread to help others now or in the future should someone do a google search on that dealer.

Second, without a doubt your choice "B" and go from there

What would I consider?

Firstly I would name the dealership in this thread to help others now or in the future should someone do a google search on that dealer.

Second, without a doubt your choice "B" and go from there.

Thanks for the input; that's the way I'm leaning, but my husband thought it was worth it to ask if others would do this repair. I wasn't sure if naming names was okay here, but I can't find any rules against it.

The dealer is Ewing Subaru of Plano in Plano, TX.

 

[piste]

I really like Subarus...have 3 in the family. doesn't mean they don't produce a lemon on occasion....and not saying that's what you have. Start with another assessment and go from there. hope things work out for ya.

ETA-And moderators may correct me but AFAIK it is ok to name a dealer...good or bad. So long as what you say is true I don't see any harm.

 

[piste]

PS. on another crosstrek forum there is a guy goes by cardoc who is somewhere in Texas...not sure exactly where...maybe near you...despite how big Texas is... but he is someone you would definitely want to consult with..online or in person.