Darin Moore is an ASE certified master auto technician with over 30 years experience who among other makes specializes in Subaru auto repair. If you have a question about Subaru vehicles he can answer it. Thompsons Import Specialties is a import auto repair shop that services Subarus. located on the north side of Bend, Oregon.
One breath summary: Read about scheduled factory maintenance, common Subaru repairs, reliability tips, Subaru advantages, Subaru warnings lights, avoiding bad habits, and a list of the Subaru services we offer. Reading time: 7 minutes.
Getting Your Subaru on a Maintenance Schedule
Subaru owners surpassing the 300k mark for their vehicles all have at least one thing in common; They all bring in their Subarus for factory scheduled maintenance. Subpar maintenance on vehicles has a compounding effect which wears parts down considerably faster. By keeping your Legacy, Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, or Impreza well maintained, you can avoid headaches, costly repairs, and retain resale value of your Subaru. Preventive maintenance for the win.
Local Shop vs Dealer for Factory Maintenance
When you bring in your Subaru to the dealer your vehicle will typically be serviced by a different technician each time. Due to tight service windows the technician will be limited in terms of time spent becoming familiar with the particularities of your vehicle. At Thompson’s your vehicle will be serviced by me, Darin Moore. This gives me the luxury of getting to know your vehicle visit after visit.
Typically at a dealer the service writer at the counter only has basic notes from the technician who worked on your vehicle and gives you feedback 2nd hand. At Thompson’s we discuss your vehicle directly.
Although service you get through a dealer can be good it can vary depending on who you work with.
General Subaru Service Intervals
Minor Service I – every 3,750 miles
Minor Service II – every 7,500 miles
Intermediate Service – every 15,000
Major Service II – 60,000 & 120,000 miles
Special Service – 105,000 miles
List of Services Performed Further Below
Subaru Strengths
Symmetric AWD System: Subarus have equal length drive shafts both in back and in front which makes power delivery balanced and hugely improves performance in slippery conditions.
High Resale Value: Even high mileage Subarus sell sometimes surprising high.
Exceptional Safety: Subarus has excellent crash safety scores and standard and optional safety features.
Road Trip & Off-Road Advantages: Subaru’s rally pedigree, focus on improving handling, and consistent low center of gravity year after year make Subarus a great choice for road trips, snow, general adverse conditions, outdoor lifestyles, and off roading.
Technology Oriented: EyeSight Technology, Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Vehicle Dynamics Control, Automatic Collision Notification, SOS Emergency Assistance, and many other innovative technologies bring unique value to owning a Subaru.
Subaru Boxer Engine: Horizontally-opposed the Boxer engine lays flat and lowers the center of gravity of the vehicles improving handling, stability, and overall safety. Furthermore the short length of the engine improves front weight distribution for more responsive stearing.
Maximize Your Subaru’s Reliability
Some people who own Subarus drive them for well over 300,000 miles without major work. If you adopt best practices and factory scheduled maintenance for your Subaru Outback Legacy, Impreza, Forester, Crosstrek, BRZ or other model, you will be rewarded with years of reliability.
Maintain your Cabin Air Filter – Here’s what it does and when to change it.
Replacing your air filter is part of preventative maintenance for your Subaru. Air filters are an often neglected wear item. The cabin air filter acts as a screen to protect the ventilation, air conditioning, and heating systems and filter the air you breath reducing airborne contaminants. Replace them every 12,000 miles for Subaru vehicles newer than 2015 and every 7,500 miles for vehicles older than 2014. You may notice restricted air flow when it’s time to get changed. You may be surprised by the twigs, leaves, insects, and grime that piles up.
Issues to Watch Out for Further Below
Subaru Warning Lights
Driving with warning lights active puts extra strain on your Subaru whole the condition is present. Yellow is a warning and red is an immediate safety issue.
Check Engine Light
If the light is steady an emission control system malfunction has been detected.
ABS Warning Light
This means the ABS function shuts down. The conventional brake system continues to operate normally. The ABS warning light illuminates together with the brake system warning light if the EBD system is malfunctioning.
AWD All-Wheel Drive (CVT models)
Driving with tires of differing diameters or with variance in low and normal tire pressure can trigger flashing of this indicator. Driving extended periods with this condition will damage your powertrain.
Brake System Warning Light
Potentially dangerous! This means your brake system may not be working properly or brake fluids may be low. If the light remains illuminated get in touch for service immediately.
Charge Warning Light
Your charging system may not be working properly or if your alternator belt is loose.
Coolant Temperature
Yellow means the coolant level may be low. Blue means the engine isn’t warm and shouldn’t be driven hard. Red means the engine has an overheating condition and you should pull over to prevent damage.
Engine Low Oil Warning
When this warning light illuminates you’re low on oil. If you remedy this yourself be sure to purchase appropriate synthetic oil for your Subaru model and year.
Oil Pressure Warning Light
This means your engine oil pressure is low and the lubricating system is not working properly.
Power Steering Warning Light
This means your electric power steering system may be malfunctioning. There may be more resistance with steering if this is the case.
TPMS Low Tire Pressure Warning Light
If one or more of your tires has low tire pressure this light will illuminate. One or more of your TPMS sensors may also have low battery if they are 6+ years old.
Rear Differential Temp Light
If the R.DIFF TEMP light comes on reduce vehicle speed and pull over. Your vehicle will likely be behaving differently if you see this light. Further driving can damage the rear differential and other powertrain components. It is typically advised to replace the rear differential oil if you see this light due to high temperatures which deteriorate the oil.
Common Subaru Problems
Subaru Head Gasket Problem
Legacy 2000-2013
Outback 1996-2013
Impreza 1998-2013
Forester 1998-2013
Baja 2003-2006
Note: Any Subaru 2.5l timing belt driven engine.
Certain Subaru model years have head gasket problems associated with a poor engineering which results in oil leaks and coolant leaks. Symptoms include frequenting overheating especially on road trips, oil and coolant mixing together coolant reservoir, low oil and coolant levels due to the leak, and sulfur-like smells resulting from these fluids dripping on hot exhaust. Early detection of a failing head gasket can keep repair costs down. Get in touch right away if you have a Subaru that fits the above description. Fixing the issue early is highly preferable.
For more information on Subaru engine cooling issues explore the following article:
Oil Cooler O-Rings
A single o-ring above the oil filter has a tendency to wear out and can cause leaks. Although fixing this issue is minor, oil leak problem can compound and cause major problems if left unattended.
Air Conditioning O-Rings
If your AC is blowing warm you may have this common Subaru problem. Once the AC o-ring is fixed the system can be recharged with refrigerant to restore proper function.
Inner Joint Boot Problems
Your axle has an inner and outer joints packed with grease in a rubber boot. The inner boot or “double offset joint” or DOJ is near your exhaust and is prone to splitting and cracking especially in dry climates like Bend.
Front Suspension Problems
The rubber components on front suspension are prone to wear and tear especially in dry climates. This includes suspension, lower arm, and sway bar bushings. We commonly check these with any service.
Common Subaru Legacy Problems
- Cooling system problems cause head gasket failure
- ABS failure causes pump to continuously wear battery down
- ABS module technical service bulletin
- Engine oil leak from pump seal
- Check engine light due to failed front O2 sensor
- Engine oil may leak from camshaft or crankshaft front seals
- Shudder on acceleration
- Recall on mass air flow sensor
For more: https://repairpal.com/problems/subaru/legacy
Common Impreza Problems
- Cooling system problems cause head gasket failure
- Check engine light due to failed front O2 sensor
- Engine misfire due to failed spark plug wires
- Cold start clutch rattle issue solved with improved parts
- Check engine light due to failed knock sensor
- Recall on mass air flow sensor
- Oil leak from rear of engine due to failed plastic oil baffle plate
- ABS control module technical service bulletin
- Engine oil leak from camshaft or crankshaft front seals
- Engine oil leak from pump seal
For more: https://repairpal.com/problems/subaru/impreza
Common Forester Problems
- Cooling system problems caused by head gasket failure
- Engine oil may leak from camshaft or crankshaft front seals
- Check engine light due to failed catalytic converter
- Check engine light due to failed front O2 sensor
- Recall on mass air flow sensor
- Engine misfires due to failed spark plug wires
- Engine misfires due to oil in spark plug tubes
- Check engine light due to knock sensor
- ABS control module technical service bulletin
- Cold start clutch rattle issue solved with improved parts
- Engine oil leak from pump seal
Subaru Owners Should Avoid These Bad Habits
Avoid these bad habits to maintain the reliability of your Subaru.
Ignoring New Strange Sounds
If your car is making a sound you’re accustomed to hearing there’s a good chance something is amiss. Look for the following: squealing or screeching, grinding, sputtering, rumbling, rattling, strange exhaust sounds, humming, grumbling, roaring, popping, tapping, chirping, scraping, clicking, whining, flapping, hissing, or sizzling sounds. Ignoring and waiting consistently takes often benign problems and turns them into costly repairs. Hear something strange? Get a jump on it and give us a call.
Ignoring Your Fluid Levels
This is an obvious one. Every so often check your fluids, or do something helpful for someone else and ask *them* to do it. Your fluids include: washer reservoir fluid, radiator fluid, brake and steering fluids, and tire pressure.
Don’t Rev the Engine on Cold Start
Most people think they’ll warm their car up faster if they rev the engine on a cold start. This puts unnecessary pressure on moving parts before they’re properly lubricated and at proper operating temperatures. Just give it time. Start your engine without pushing down the gas pedal. Revving your engine on a cold start in winter creates extreme temperature changes which are highly undesirable.
Start Your Car Without Accessories Running
A substantial amount of engine wear happens at ignition. Turn off your climate control, sound system, wipers, and any other non-essentials before starting your Subaru to reduce strain on start.
Pressure Washing the Engine
There’s something therapeutic about a clean engine bay, but blasting your seals and electric parts can have unwanted results. If you want to clean your engine, use a garden hose, or at the very least if you pressure wash do it from a distance and avoid hoses, clamps, electrical, and other seals. Avoid “getting in there”.
Full Stop Going From Reverse to Drive
Going from reverse in a parking lot to drive without fully stopping your Subaru puts strain on your transmission. Transmissions are expensive to fix. Avoid doing this!
Not Using the Parking Brake
When you park on an incline use your parking brake. Neglecting to do this stresses your gears by putting a great deal of pressure on sensitive parts, and over time can damage your transmission. Non electronic parking brakes can freeze up in the winter, but it is still recommended to use them when parking on slopes. No need to use the parking brake on flat ground.
Types of Services Performed
Change Synthetic Engine Oil + Treatment
Change Oil Filter & Drain Plug Gasket
Top Off All Under Hood Fluid Levels
Rotate Tires + Measure Tread Depth
Add Fuel System Cleaner
Apply Raincoat Windshield Treatment
Set Tire Pressures Including Spare
Inspect Brake Linings/Rotors
Inspect Wiper Blades Operation /Condition
Inspect Air Filter
Inspect Battery/Battery Cables/Charging System
Inspect Interior/Exterior Light Operation
Inspect Steering/Suspension/Axles
Inspect Belts/Hoses
Inspect for Oil Leaks/Coolant Leaks/Exhaust Leaks
Road Test Vehicle
Replace Cabin Filter
Replace Air Filter
Replace Timing Belt****
Perform complete brake fluid flush service
Perform EFI/Optimizer Service
Perform Front and Rear Differential Services
Computer check systems for fault codes
Transmission flush service (Non CVT)
Perform any open factory recalls