Justin Time

This week I took my 2020 Outback to a Subaru dealer for its second annual service. The car has only 17100 miles recorded and had its first annual service a year ago at 7669 miles. I hadn't expected any issues, but had a call from the service dept. informing me that the car needed new brake pads and new discs. I was astonished as on all the other vehicles I've owned in 40 years of driving I'd managed to get over 40,000 miles or much more out of the pads alone. Obviously, I needed this fixed, and when I called into the dealership to collect the car and pay for the work I read the mechanic's note. The mechanic stated that "front pads 90% worn and binding on nsf wheel, front discs scored". I argued (politely) that while I was aware brakes pads and discs are, like tyres, oil filters etc, understood not to be covered by the manufacturer's warranty as this is usually wear and tear, that my vehicle's issues could not be described as 'normal wear and tear". My point was that if the wear had been due to a) very poor driving or b) poor quality parts, that the wear would be expected to be largely symmetrical. However, with such marked, low mileage significant asymmetric wear, that the worn discs and pads were actually symptomatic of an underlying mechanical problem with the operation and/or components of the nsf brakes. Consequently, I felt that the pads and discs replacement and labour costs should have been covered by the warranty and moreover I would expect the underlying mechanical problem to be investigated and remedied. Not simply to prevent the problem reoccurring and more expense on my part, but importantly due to potential safely issues with markedly asymmetrical wearing brake components. The service staff insisted that this was "normal wear and tear" and stated that "all car parts are less robust these days" and that "automatics wear their brakes much more than manual cars". My reply was that this may or may not be true, but if it was I would still expect largely symmetrical wear. Ultimately, I had to pay the additional £400 on top of the £350 service cost, but I'm planning on making a formal complaint in writing to the Service Manager, before escalating the issue to Subaru UK if the complaint is not upheld. I should add that a few weeks before the service, at low speeds, I had noticed occasionally a slight sqeal from the front brakes when the steering wheel was moved from the straight ahead position to the right, and this occurred when the brake pedal was not depressed but ceased when the brakes were applied. I left a note to this effect for the mechanic to read. Before I email my complaint (and to avoid making a fool of myself!) can I ask if others believe I have a case? Am I missing something here? Am I being unreasonable? Many thanks in advance for comments and opinions.

MrSubaru1387 states that there are some recently reported issues with new Subarus, related to: 1. CVT (again!) 2. Silicon, (not enough) in seals causing oil leaks 3. Silicon (too much!) in seals, causing engine damage. It seems Subaru (in the US anyway) are being very proactive in trying to sort this. Here's the vid: MrSubaru1387

Just been notified that the Class-Action in the US over Subaru battery issues seems to have been settled with Subaru agreeing to compensate. I wonder about the implications for Europe, if any! Here's the link: Subaru Battery Issue

I humbly apologise Judd. Slapping on the Volterol and doses of Single Malt general see me such seasonal exigencies! This time last year we were beginning the first of our Storm Arwen's 10 days without electricity, heralded by two days of heavy snow. I'm well impressed at your cleaning routine. All I've done so far is to go around the treads flicking gravel out and I've scrubbed the grime off. I haven't got around to bagging up and racking yet as they're still damp. I also switched my partner's Skoda wheels over on her Fabia this morning, taking advantage of a dry, bright day. Fortunately, all our winter / summer sets have got at least another year in them. I bought my Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV tyres last year and I'm pleased with their performance. I've pondered, for future reference, on the new all season Michelin CrossClimate 2 SUV tyres and wondered if I could get away with those next time instead of two sets winter/summer. By the way, I'm still mightily impressed at your virility when you boast how you can assure me that you're "without fear of contraception..." Go Boy Go!!! 😄

Summer tyres off - winters back on again. Bring on the white stuff...yeaaaahhhhh 😀

Thanks. I'll have a butchers. Like the razor wire idea though 🙂

There's been a spate of thefts of ccs in my region recently. I've seen a bunch of steel shields to cover ccs on the web claiming to provide some level protection. Anyone got any ideas how best to deter or at least flummox the thieving blighters ?

Agreed. Subaru need to acknowledge there is an issue here with some of their modern cars, given the number of complaints online in UK, US and elsewhere. Either their cars are fit for purpose - meaning you can drive them when and where you want - or they need to offer clear advice on the restricted use of their product due to battery issues. It might be an issue that you could pursue under consumer law as customers in the UK have a right to expect products to perform reasonably. You could contract IMG group directly with your complaint. Here's the customer relations email address: [email protected] Here's also a reference to consumer law re cars in the UK: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/content/advice/how-does-the-consumer-rights-act-protect-you-when-you-buy-a-car or for more details: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/our-work/citizens-advice-consumer-work/the-consumer-rights-act-2015/ Out of interest, how did the battery isolator work out in use? What issues were there with stored settings; the alarm; etc.? I've checked my OB's manual and there's no reference to multiple 'short' journeys (or what counts as a short journey) regarding the battery care. Again, if it's an issue, there should be a warning (not everyone is mechanically minded!). Best of luck with your issue. I'd be grateful if you could keep us informed of any progress.

Thanks for sharing the link. The boot wheel arch protector would be useful for me. No mention of the dog guard in the vid which was interesting.

There are loads of Subaru battery drain issues discussed all over the internet so it's a know problem. To be fair it might also happen to other modern vehicles, but I've not searched for these too. As Mr B pointed out, modern cars effectively never switch off and have loads of stuff going on, electronically, in them all the time even when they're parked up and locked. I was aware of this before I bought my Outback (2020), and picked up a few ideas as how to manage this which have worked ... so far...! First up, if you drive such sort mileages, more 'juice' is likely to be taken out of the battery, than the alternator puts back in, especially since it seems many modern cars have charging algorithms that try to flatter mpg figures by not engaging the alternator (to recharge the battery), until necessary. Aside from avoiding lots of short journeys, one 'hack' is to always drive with the side lights on (or the Air Conditioning, or some other high draw of current) as this forces the alternator to start up from the get-go and constantly recharge the battery. Secondly, if you have a modern Subaru, go into the options in the infotainment system that allow you to switch off things like allowing the car to search for internet connections for software updates and the like. Also, look for hidden 'factory mode' or 'dealer mode' on the infotainment display (see Subaru forums, especially in the US as how to do this for your model) and click on the menu that shows the battery state of charge, so as to regularly keep an eye on things. Also, and I'm not sure if this really helps but I do it anyway - switch off the key fob (press and hold lock which simultaneous pressing the blue 'open' button twice) when you lock the car up for the evening. I think this stops the car trying to search for the fob all the time, but I may be wrong...it saves the fob battery anyway...I think! Do you have an electronic boot? Don't leave it open for too long. If you need to leave it open do the karabiner trick (see Subaru forums/Youtube) to fool the car into believing it's closed. You might also, tape over the boot light switch, or disable it completely, so it can't be inadvertently knocked into 'always on'. Better still, switch all internal light onto permanently off during British Summer Time, when you're less likely to need them anyway. Lots of forums suggest investing in a charged, battery jump start kit to keep in the car. Apparently, according to some, Subaru batteries aren't the best (I'm not sure if that's true or not), but it seems some people recommend alternative brands as a replacement. However, with all of the above issues you're only delaying the inevitable even with a bigger, better battery, unless you drive longer journeys. Hope you get it sorted permanently.

😂 Yes. I like that idea. I've started leaving the electronic parking brake off and the car engaged in P, which is essentially what I've been doing for years with my past vehicles which all had none electronic handbrakes, and the cars left in gear. This was after having quite a few firmly stuck brakes, requiring rear wheel removal and the application of a lump hammer to sort 'tings out. Fortunately, my driveway is level!

Subaru Dog Guard fitted - Hooray!!! OK, it's not like I've just DIYed and replaced the whole wiring harness or stripped and rebuilt the CVT, but it took about 30 mins!!! It's less of an issue with the fixing, which is simply bolts and washers, but the very poor quality of the printed fitting instructions (over exposed photos so really dark) and the strangely contorted bits of metal that attach the frame to the body. Once fitted, seemed sound. Shame they couldn't design it so it fitted closer to the back of the rear seats as that would have given the dog another foot or so of space. Still, it'll do.

Yes, I queried that when I got the Outback and was told the very same. It's curious because, at least with the OB, in Japan the cvt oil is changed every 36000 miles, in Canada I think it's 50,000 and it's something else in the US (sorry, can't remember the mileage). Why isn't it sealed for life in these countries? Climate differences - humity? Local eco laws about oil qualities? I don't know. This guy, John Cadogan, has a Youtube video on the 'sealed for life' claim for CVTs. Sealed for life! CVTs He's a bit brash and likes to hear his own jokes, but if you can bear these idiosyncrasies he has some good auto knowledge (see the towing weights vids for example). Like you, I just managed to get one of the last vehicles with the 5 year transmission engine warranty, before the 'new' 3 year warranty came into play. Bottom line is that while there are some complaints about the cvt systems, given the number of Subarus sold over the years, and the massive mileages some of clocked up, there's not a lot of complaints. Consequently, I'm not losing too much sleep about it - for now 🙂 !

It does, but sadly it's not for the likes of you or me 🙂 Subrau UK (IMG Group) responded to my enquiry to tell me it only applies to the Solterra. But, as Ive repled to them this iis a marketing mess up. See part of my email in reply... "Dear Subaru UK Support Team, Thank you for explaining why I am unable to download the “Subaru Care’ app. after I had spent some considerable time and growing frustrations trying to achieve this. Can I respectfully ask why, if the app only applies to the Solterra EV model, the webpage on which the information is given has a picture of a Subaru XV! https://www.misubaru.co.uk/download-now.aspx and why the page does not mention that it is relevant to the Solterra only? Why does the registration form for the app ask for the Subaru model name, if it’s only the Solterra model? Why does the Subaru Accident Management page, related to the app have a photo of a Forester? Etc. etc. May I suggest that these errors are amended asap so as to manage your customers’/owners’ expectations and avoid wasted time by both customers and yourselves in having to reply and explain. Kind Regards"

Do you mean this https://www.perkins-subaru.co.uk/news/3-years-free-servicing/110539 It looked like a deal this dealership was offering last year. I've not been aware of a general Subaru UK wide offer. I imagine that if there was an option at the dealership it would be sold as some sort of add-on service plan option.

Trigger warning - this post contains a rant, so don't read on if youre in a fragile state of mind or want to continue to enjoy a dippy-do-dah kinda day. The Mi.Subaru App. Any one managed to download this app? If so, I take my hat off to you, and bow reverently. It's right out there - in yer face, on the Subaru UK website, which boasts the availability of an accident management app Mi.Subaru https://www.misubaru.co.uk/download-now.aspx which is supposed to make it v easy to contact Subaru UK in the event of such a mishap. Probably only of interest to those with current Subaru warranties and cover. Seems a plus, and there's a lot of glossy webpage (yes Subaru have spent time and money on this) information enticing you to download the app, with 'helpful' (spoiler-alert NOT!!!) links to the your phone's operating app store. I'm with Apple so the link takes you to the Apple App store. Yet, and here's the crestfallen point, the link actually only leads to a message saying "App Not Available. This app is current not available in your country or region". So why waste my time grabbing my attention and leading me down the garden path Subaru? I first checked it out months ago thinking the Subaru UK website must just be a smidgen ahead of the introduction of the service. But no! All promise and no delivery. Mere empty grinning teeth sales bullshit. Not a good look Subaru, if you're just the ruddy same as all the other motor corporate tat. Not distinctive at all. So, what is there in the App store for Subaru? Well, there's the Subaru Care app! Hey, well that's a result? ' Care' in the title must mean they actually do care about offering support to customers. Erm...no. Not really. You see after registering and logging on, I've found that you can only really get as far as (according to the app) 43% complete because you need to scan the Q Code on your Vehicle's head unit, or input the 8 digit authentication code also needed to "link your Subaru and BECOME ENTITLED". Yes, that's exactly how it describes it - entitled. And let's face it, who doesn't want to become entitled. Who wants to be a mere un-entitled oik. Yeah, gimme some of that free' entitlement pleezzze. But (and I'm guessing you're all ahead of stupid me here), you've guessed it! No Q Code or anything else is available in the real world. Ive sat in the hot, sun-baked car, flicking fruitlessly through diverse on screen menus. I've even delved into the murky depths of the 'dark' dealership and factory settings modes by pressing the secret code buttons (press and hold 'home' while pressing the 'tune' button X2 or X6). What did I find? Nada. Zilch. Not a dicky-bird. Yeap, it seems it's all an overblown, empty, sugary coated, Ad crap promise - again I know. I know. I'm old enough to know better, and I should of. Hey-ho.

Thanks Pete. That's really helpful. I'll get this sorted too.

Hi Pete. Really well done. That's of interest to me with a 2020 OB. Can you share what the modification was and how did you get the dealer to replace it (warranty)? Cheers.

Umm..I've had similar problems with my Outback (2020), which is the first car I've owned with 'High Beam Assist'. When I first used it I found that I was getting flashed a lot by oncoming drivers, as the full beam wasn't dipping quick enough. The car was new, and I seriously considered getting the dealer to have a look at the self-leveling system and also checked out a few Youtube videos to see if i could adjust the headlights myself. In the end, things (kind of) sorted themselves out, perhaps with the car's self-leveling correcting itself (!) with more miles on the clock. However, I still loath the high-beam assist. It now often comes on too late in my judgement (although this can function inconsistently) and then often switches back to low beam if the headlights simply reflect off a clean reflective road sign or similar, and then it subsequently takes too long to return to high beam. My solution? Now, I simply leave it in the manual light setting at night and switch between high and low beam in the 'old fashion' manner I've been used to after four plus decades of driving 😉 Some of these gimmicky bells and whistles are just a wasteful complication that the car marketing teams get all fevered up and rave about. Hope you get it sorted one way or another. You could also look on the US Subaru Forester site as they sell alot more Subarus over there https://www.subaruforester.org/

My 2020 Gen5 had it's first Service in December 2021, when it had clocked up about 6000 miles (the service interval is every 12 months or 12,000 miles whichever comes first). The dealership reset the service reminder to correctly read December 2022, but they left the mileage at 12,000! It should have been reset to 6,000 + 12000 = 18,000. Consequently, it has just recorded a total of 12000 miles and I'm being 'reminded' by the incar computer to take it for a service, even though it's only added another 6000 miles since the last service in December 2021. Is there a DIY way of fixing this error so it reads not only the correct service due date, but also the correct mileage the next service is due on? Also, it's a bit disappointing that unlike my last car (a Skoda) which gave a 1000 miles warning count down if the mileage for servicing was approaching, or gave a 50 days countdown warning it the service anniversary date was going to be reached first before the mileage target. That way there was plenty of time to organise the service, if I'd inadvertently not had that requirement on my mind (rarely 🙂 !), so no surprises.

Cheers ernieb. I really appreciate you taking the time to provide such a fulsome description of the event and the car, plus your considered opinion. What particularly caught my eye was the 20" wheels on the Touring version, compared to the 18' on the Limited. I'm not a big fan of 20" wheels, especially on a car that might perform some (albeit very modest) off-road work. Shame about no spare tyre option too, but I guess that's the way the world is going now. With Subaru planning to sell only all electric vehicles by the early 2030s and with the UK, supposedly, banning the sale of all diesel and petrol vehicles by 2030, I've got some very careful planning to do to ensure my next vehicle purchase remains a budding petrohead mobile just before those cut off dates 😉

Glad you got that sorted. Just for general information for anyone else searching similar threads, I've a Gen5 OB, which as far as I can ascertain has the same (or very similar) boot space and under cover spare wheel space as the Gen6. I fitted a full size (18") matching Subaru Gen5 OB alloy wheel in with ease, plus it's shod with a full size, fully inflated, tyre. Just another option and useful if you intend to do a 5-wheel/tyre rotation (with none directional tyres of course!).

Nice one. I'm not a little bit envious! No, really I'm not. 😀

Go for it! I got the invite/application emailed to me too, but will give it a miss (so that's one less competitor for a place). I imagine there'll be some free canapes and cheap plonk on offer, and a pile of glossy brochures to take home. To be fair, if i was in the market for an EV (can't really see that happening) the Solterra looks okish. I watched this vid road test a few days ago. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duR-jQphyCw Hope you get a place and are also able to give us some feedback afterwards.

Cheers. That's really helpful to know. I too have an unopened set of wiper blades for the OB provided by the free winter check. I've not even opened to have a look, but will do now! I do think the original blades on the OB are pretty good (so far) - no squeaks, jumping, just silent running. I always used to fit the Bosch blades to my previous (and partner's current) Skodas. I park my car outside on the drive and I wonder if prolonged exposure to the elements reduces lifespan, and not simply wear when in use. Not much I can do about that. I guess recent model Subarus have to have top notch blades due to the functioning of the eyesight system.