Justin Time

https://www.gilesgateautocare.co.uk I took my car here in for its annual service and MOT in early December. I'd been fed-up with the quality of work at 3 previous Subaru dealerships. So now we're 3 months down the road, literally, and all is well. Nice bunch of guys, and they even wiped off the water stains in the engine bay and gave the car a sprucing up. It's only a 10 min. stroll into the centre of lovely Hexham while you wait, so really convenient.

I was reading a thread on the US Subaru Outback site and I hadn't realised that with newer Subaru CVT systems, the temperature and the 'relearning' process for adding new CVT fluid is crucial, and requires the correct equipment as well as the skills and knowledge to do this. Seems a standard garage, or even an indy specialist (unless you checked them out thoroughly), may not be able to complete this process correctly. https://www.subaruoutback.org/threads/dealer-says-i-must-leave-my-car-overnight-for-a-cvt-relearn.572558/?post_id=6532537#post-6532537 Glad yours has worked out well, and using a mainstream dealer with a longer history of working on Subarus was a good choice.

Ah well done. Glad you got it sorted. I've just returned from a 10 day trip away and the OB has been sitting on the drive all this time, so reading a few replies to this thread I was tentative about starting it up today! All well though, and I then took it for a 30 miles drive around the sunny north pennines, soaking up the bright, if icy cold, sunset.

See above for possible solutions. I've had mine for over 4 years on a 2019 (70 plate) OB, no problems (but now I've just tempted fate!). Hope you find a solution.

Any update on how things are going after the CVT fluid change Jake? I assume all is well as you've not posted to the contrary.

I'm not sure if this is new information, and if it's useful for you or not, but you can access the dealership mode and also the factory mode on your Outback. It's a little bit different to access on my Gen5, where I press and hold the home button while simultaneously pressing the tune button 6 times to get factory mode. You are then able to access a range of menus. I forget which one of the menus, but it's easy to find once you're in, that has a read out of the battery health in volts, when the car has either the engine running, or when not running but with the ignition on. I find this is an easy way to quickly monitor the health of my battery, both on start up and/or just after the car has been stationary for a few hours to see if there's any drain. It saves the hassle of getting a multimeter out, popping the bonnet and connecting the leads to the battery, etc. Here's a relevant thread from the US OB forum which describes the access to the dealership mode in a Gen6 OB. https://www.subaruoutback.org/threads/how-to-access-service-menu-gen6-outback.548488/ Ah.... looks like I've posted this info before: https://uk.subaruownersclub.com/forums/topic/27361-secret-factorydealer-settings-access/

Battery drain issues on late model Subarus is a very common issue (see various threads on this site and many others internationally). A few key suggests for you: 1. Never leave the boot lid open for more than 10 mins. and if you do need to (say you're camping or loading lots of stuff etc.), then do the 'carabiner trick'. Works with mine and easy to fix. or do this: 2. Always drive with the sidelights on and NEVER in auto light setting, unless you do decent mileages and avoid lots of short journeys. The charging algorithm on modern Subarus is designed to flatter the mpg figures so doesn't engage the alternator to recharge the battery (thus less load on the engine so better mpg) unless it really needs to (which is never enough!). Driving with side lights on (or AC, etc.) over rides the algorithm and forces constant alternator charging. 3. Go through all the car settings and switch off auto downloads and wifi connection, etc. as the car will keep searching for updates even when switched 'off' and parked on your drive etc....draining the battery. 4. Lots of OB owners, like me, tape the boot roof light 'off' so it can't be accidentally knocked on. Hope you get it sorted.

That's interesting. Another bit of 'corrective' engineering which causes more problems and will probably need further designed 'corrective engineering' to fix the previous corrective device. Makes me think of the song, t;here was an old woman who swallowed a fly...'! This might be helpful , if you've not spotted it already: https://www.subaruxvforum.com/threads/petrol-particulate-filter-warning.182125/ Glad you got it sorted anyroad.

I received an email today entitled 'Subaru Map Update Portal' informing me that a update was available for my Outback. After checking it through my virus checker etc. I clicked on the link and was taken to the Portal where I had to register and was then sent an activation code. After eventually getting the code and inputting it, to be told I again needed an activation code but when I put that new code in I was then further informed my account was already activated (you're getting the gist of this right!). I realised this wasn't going to be straightforward. Any road, eventually I got an account set up and logged in the vehicle with its VIN - all well again. Then I had to download the map installation system (more shenanigans), but eventually done. The page helpfully (not!) in formed me that Starlink was no longer in use since 2023 (I'd not bothered anyway as it was useless), it then proceeded simply to offer me more opportunities to download the map installer - again, with no way forward. The map installer is for OS X (my laptop) so it should have worked - it didn't. Route two: checked the online manual on the page and saw there was a mobile phone route. Ah ha! Phone put and I got to the page www.subaru-maps.com, and logged in, I had again to download the map installer, but was only given the option of OS X version or Windows - so no ios then! Urgh. Getting more and more frustrated, I went to the 'contact us' link and scrolled down to the UK link and clicked, to be taken to UK Subaru page https://subaru.co.uk/customer-support where I was informed by 'customer support' "sorry - page no longer exists'! What a complete waste of time and sadly simply reinforces the image of Subaru technology being all froth and little substance. Rant over - so back to the my padded cell...!

Really sorry to hear that Steve. But glad you got the car back, eventually.

Yes, that's a good idea re mapping that I hadn't thought of. Also, perhaps if I'd used the 'sport' mode at busy junctions, then that might have solved the issue for me. Thinking of a couple of more positives about the Forester. I liked the higher boot space compared to the OB. Also, the Forester has a better ground clearance (220mm compared to 213 mm (OB Gen6).

My only experience of driving an e-boxer forester was two years ago as a courtesy car while my OB was being serviced. The Forester had less than 200 miles on the clock and it was the black 'sports' (?) version. First impressions (sitting in it) was that it seemed very comfortable and light. However, driving it was not pleasant. It was really slow, tank like, when accelerating from junctions and when pulling away at roundabouts when you wanted to join the flow of traffic. Noticeable slower than the OB. The member of staff I spoke to afterwards also agreed that they found the OB a much more pleasant drive. The stats state: Forester 0 - 62 11.8 secs Outback 0 - 62 10.8 secs. Neither are speedy cars of course, but the Forester was a sloth - that 1 sec difference was marked. Having said that, you do see them out and about so perhaps their owners are very content. Another negative, for me, is that the mpg for the OB is 32.8 while for the Forester it's still just 34.7 mpg. Hardly a great saving. Must be those heavy batteries. Plus you have a smaller fuel tank (48 litres vs 63 litres) in the Forester due to the batteries, so you get hardly much better mpg and you have a much reduced range. So if you're prepared to go slower and have to fill up more often on longer journeys...! Another big negative for me, is that you can't fit a spare wheel in the Forester (again because of the batteries). No car can pretend to offer aspirations of off-road capabilities if a spare isn't available. Overall I think the Forester looks the biz, but unless they offer a none hybrid and also either at least a 2.5 litre engine, or a turbo option, it's not for me. It'll be interesting to see how you find the Forester after the legacy for driving experience.

Sadly, the new Crosstrek is a hybrid! Yuk. Enough said. Yeap, no wheel jack ! Well, I guess they, Subaru, don't seriously think you're going to take it off-road anywhere because if they did you'd need a full size spare wheel (the batteries preclude this space now), unless you're a gambling person who likes to tempt fate while miles away from a road (and maybe also a mobile signal), from where a recovery vehicle could collect you with your flat tyre.

I'm not sure you can alter the pre-collision braking warning distance and stop it sounding off. It sounds as if there is a fault with the system in your car if it is falsely or over frequently triggered. I occasionally have mine sound off if it thinks I'm heading into a tight corner too fast, but it never actually brakes. The only other time it triggers is at my local supermarket carpark when I drive into a parking space with a bush in front of the car and that's at a low speed. It is of course possible to alter the distance of the adaptive cruise control distance, but that's an entirely different issue, albeit also uses the same camera system.

You might also try posting your query here too: Vast amount of knowledge of all things OB https://www.subaruoutback.org/

3 years of ownersip of my 2020 Gen5 OB and 32,000 miles on the clock. My first Subaru ever, after years of considering them, but opting for a string of Skodas (4x4 1.8T Octavia, x2 Yetis (4x4s) and my partner is on her 4th Fabia). I was commuting them and Subarus have always been relatively thirsty, but that's not an issue for me know as I work from home mainly. All the Skodas were great and serviced for over 20 yrs by a local independent Skoda specialist - never any issues. So the Gen5!! Firstly, I love alot about the car. It's size; it's off-road ability (which is why I bought it); etc. But (and it's a big but) I've used Subaru dealers for the last 3 services and the experience has been dreadful. Apparently, major problems with the NSF brakes wearing out - needing new discs and pads ( in 7,000 miles, and then after 10,000) and despite my arguing with the last two dealers that this is a mechanical problem, with that individual caliper, and not normal symmetrical wear-and-tear, and so a warranty issue, they can't/won't agree. So I've been 'banging my head against a wall' and it leaves a sour taste when I think of Subaru now. The same goes for Subaru UK (ie. the IM Group) - no support and terse emails. Overall, terrible customer service. On most of my vehicles I've driven since the 1980s, I've always had discs lasting 50,000 plus miles - no issues. Maybe it's just this particualr car (I'll be selling it before the next service is due), but the service costs have been around £1000 for the last two services - ridiculous. Anyway, best of luck with yours. As I say, there's alot to like about the full ICE subarus.

Just when you thought the head gasket issues and CVT failures had been sorted, along comes another Subaru F-up. Seems like there is another class-action going on in the US too regarding this issue. https://www.subaruoutback.org/threads/thermo-control-valve-tcv-class-action-lawsuit-now-underway.562835/?post_id=6426666&nested_view=1&sortby=oldest#post-6426666 Don't worry though, it's not effecting the turbo engines only the naturally aspirated. How! Hang on...!

Hi Shieldsy, Welcome. Well if you manage to achieve that, I'd love to know and would put my name on the list too 🙂 I believe they also drive on the left in Japan, so...! Best of luck.

https://subaru.co.uk/overview/outback-touring-x Apparently, there are just 100 of these for sale in the UK. They appear to be modelled on the Touring spec. accessories mixed with some Field features, plus use the US OB Wilderness blue paint job. Shame is, there's no turbo version. as in the States, and the suspension isn't jacked up further like the Wilderness. I guess it might appeal to some (re colour option) but it's basically a more expensive Touring version. I have that sinking feeling that Subaru UK and EU will ditch the petrol version of the OB and it'll join the rest of the toothless models in having a mild hybrid version only. Worst of all worlds (IMO). Hey ho...

That all makes good sense Jake, and I think that would be exactly what I'd do if/when faced with the need to change the transmission fluid. I've heard that some dealers refuse to do the work as it's laughingly called 'sealed for life'. However, if you read the OB manual it does say the transmission oil should be changed if the car is driven under 'severe' conditions, such as regualar heavy towing, etc. It's a shame there isn't a means to organise with other owners, so that the dealers could do more than one car at the same time and thereby sharing the costs and reducing the wastage. Too few Subarus on the UK roads though. Thanks for the update.

That's interesting, and thank you for the information. From what I've gleaned checking out the CVT issues on https://www.subaruoutback.org/ they do service the CVT units more frequently in the US. I'm not sure if that's down to different local laws re: oil viscosities or some other environmental issues. I am aware from reading some of the threads that Subaru CVTs have some every specific requirements among CVTs generally, regarding the replacement of transmission fluids - although perhaps that just the manufacturers attempting to 'corner' the market. Let us know how you get on.

Thanks. If I end up eventually visiting them, I'll leave some feedback on here. I can't find another independent Subie specilaist anywhere else in the North-East of England.

Anyone had any expereince, good or otherwise, of using this garage for Subaru work? https://gilesgateautocare.co.uk/specialist-service.htm Thanks

Hi. Welcome to the forum. I have a 2020 Gen5 OB. It's my first Subaru after driving various Skodas for years. I wanted/needed the OB because now I'm not commuting, I'm doing a lot more rural, equestrian activities and needed something for gentle off-road use (crossing fields, streams, rough tracks, etc.) for which it is great. But....I've been plagued by front brake issues needing discs and pads to be replaced at low mileage at both the 2nd and 3rd services (hugely expensive). I've never ever had this issue before on 40 years plus of vehicle ownership. I don't think this is necessarily a well known OB problem, but the experience has tarnished my enjoyment of an otherwise decent driving car, with loads of space, good ground clearance, goods wade depth ability, and a sure-footedness on icy or muddy roads and even driving off sodden muddy verges, etc. The economy is, according to the onboard display, 32 mpg (rural driving unclassified or B roads often) and a full size spare in the boot with tools and horse tack, etc.). The Subaru dealers and the IMG importers are woefully in my experience. My asymmetrical wear brake problem is, according to them, all natural wear and tear and down to my high load usage (it only had 28,000 miles on the clock!) The dealer 'mechanics' seem to be just fitters rather than genuine mechanics, and just swop parts rather than diagnose an issue and solve it. Of course, that's just my experience. I plan to keep the car for a few more months then will pass it on, and if any issues occur in that time I'll go to an Independent Subaru specialist, or anywhere else like my old independent Skoda specialist. Maybe something to consider, not a deal breaker perhaps, is that Subaru sell very few cars in the UK, and like Mitsubishi, might be another company to pull out of the UK and Europe. If so, this may further impact on spares, etc. For me, the OB is the only newer Subaru in the range I'd consider as all the others are now hybrids. I've driven the e-boxer Forester as a courtesy car, and it was a slug (dealer agreed quietly!). No options for spare wheels and smaller size petrol tanks, so range issues. So, in summary, decent car if you're ok with the mileage/costs issues, safe and with decent soft road ability compared to the other so called SUVs. I like that it looks like an estate too, rather than the ubiquitous SUV shapes you see. Oh, other niggles. Because, like other modern cars there's so much tech the battery is under strain, things like the radio switch off after only 5 mins (was 30 on the Skodas) when the ignition is switched off, annoying when sitting waiting and wanting to be entertained. The service reminders aren't automatic and don't flash up a warning weeks, mileage before due! You set them yourself too!. No rear parking sensors on the Gen5! DAB reception on Gen5 is worse than my old 2015 Yeti! As i said above, you can fit a full size spare on the OB - a big plus for me. The auto stop start I always switch off, but if you do use it, it's really crude and jerky. I can live with most of those, as it's a great drive and its size makes it really practical, but the servicing / dealer issue is a major headache. Others will have very different experiences I'm sure. Good luck.