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I have been waiting for 5 hours and finally was cancelled
StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarBy -
Rating: 1/51

My Subaru broke down on cold, snowy winter day. Dealership suggested to call Subaru roadside assistance, because they had me covered for this service. I called at 2 pm. At 3 pm I still didn't have any details. I called again and they told me that they didn't yet have the driver assigned to me but promised that they would do it soon. At around 3:30 I received the text that my ETA was 90 min. At 5 pm I received the text that the drive would arrive in 20 min. No one came. In an hour the operator called and told me that it would be yet another hour. It have been 4 hrs already and I could not wait for another hour. I was freezing, the temperature was 20 F, was getting dark. When I expressed my disappointment, they told me that they needed me to contact my insurance company.

It was Saturday evening, there was no way to contact my insurance company and what for? What my insurance had anything to do with this all? At that point, I realized that these people were playing games with me, abusing me and they didn't care. I am upset and absolutely disappointed. Shame on Subaru! If they can't provide the service they should let us know and do not lie to us. This is my last encounter with Subaru. I will stay away with this car company.

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Roadside Assistance Kept Me Waiting for 4 Hours to Tow My Car
StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarBy -
Rating: 1/51

MASSACHUSETTS -- My Subaru broke down in cold, snowy winter day. I called Subaru roadside assistance because I was told that they should have me covered. After 3 hrs of waiting in the street they finally told me that someone would be coming in 20 min. After around 30 min. operator called and told me that it would be another hour or so. After I expressed my disappointment, they told me that they needed my insurance company to call them (it's Saturday evening). At this point I understood that all this time they were giving me the runaround, they didn't care and they were never intended to send tow towards me. It's sickening and disappointing not to say more. I am thinking to stay away from Subaru altogether.

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What Subaru and Ganley Subaru especially don't want you to know
By -

BEDFORD, OHIO -- We write this in hopes of helping other families avoid the expense and aggravation we've experienced thanks to Ganley Subaru. We bought a 2005 Outback 2.5 XT LTD in July of 2005 at Ellacott Shaker Subaru dealership, which later became Ganley Subaru of Bedford. At that time we also bought an extended warranty that was pitched hard by the salesman. During that visit, we were treated nicely, with eager explanations of trustworthiness, dependability, reliability, ride, and so on, and so on, and so on regarding Subaru brand. Unfortunately, it was the last time we were treated with respect at Ellacott/Ganley Subaru dealership.

As we discovered much later and in the middle of a very dangerous situation (November, freezing, and on a highway) the window washer tank was filled with water instead of washer liquid. Later, that first winter, one of thin aluminum sliders glued on top surface of the rear bumper simply fell off and ended up being stepped on. It took a month, lost hours, and distinct sense of being unwelcome to replace the slider and one (!) wiper blade. Apparently, at first there were no replacement wiper blades at the dealership and, later, there were no driver side replacement wiper blades.

Regarding the slider, we initially were told that it was not replaceable under warranty because it was bent. That absurd position was changed only after it was pointed out that it is impossible to bend the slider if it glued properly in place. At that point, we gave up since, highly inconveniently, working hours of the dealership service department coincide with most populous working hours.

By the way, below 25°F the window washer doesn't work properly even with the proper liquid. To briefly mention some other deficiencies with our Suburu expensive performance OEM tires lasted less than 35,000 miles and fared poorly on wet and snowy surfaces. Replacing those with regular passenger four season tires much improved the handling and driving in all conditions. Poor fuel economy actual highway economy is around 21m/gal instead of 24 as advertised. Information display is primitive and there is absent "low oil level"€ warning light and, presumably, corresponding sensor.

The latter is very disturbing considering problems we have faced with the engine. After little more than 30,000 miles the power window main switch and, after 45,500 miles, the motor fan and a cam belt tensioner had to be replaced. Judging from our experience, 60,000 miles is a very inadequate drivetrain warranty for this brand.

In the process of removing wheels for the tire replacement, it became apparent that during 30,000 miles service at the dealership lug-nuts were over tightened to the point that one of them broke its bolt instead of loosening. At approximately 45,500 miles "€œcheck engine" light came on, idle became rough, and the car exhibited signs of losing power. Because we change the oil between major services ourselves, the service department employees tried to blame us alleging that we used diesel fuel instead of gas, did not change the engine oil on time, and so on.

After the engine heads were removed, it became clear that all the accusations were groundless but there were no apologies and the repair took an astonishing five weeks. Apparently an oil control valve was faulty. In addition a motor fan and a cam belt tensioner had to be replaced under extended warranty, which could not be blamed on us. The service department reluctantly provided a car for use during repair only after more than two weeks of inquires. Just 5000 miles later, on the Thanksgiving eve and at two thirds into a drive to Boston the "€œcheck engine"€ light came on again and, a few minutes later, the turbocharger stopped working.

We were told at Clay Subaru in Boston that it happened because the turbocharger was not fastened properly, apparently after previous repair at Ganley Subaru. In addition to worrying instead of celebrating, we were stranded in Boston for three more working days more than we planned to stay.

The turbocharger failed again at 69,900 miles or less than 10,000 after a major scheduled service at Ganley Subaru and 1,500 miles after we changed the oil and filter. Although the car is under extended warranty with First Extended, the coverage was denied under pretense that the car was abused by us. Apparently, this happened because Ganley Subaru "€œforgot" to report oil changes that were performed as part of the repairs at both Ganley and Clay Subaru and because we were presumed guilty of lying about changing oil ourselves in the absence of iron-clad proof otherwise (credit card receipts for purchase of oil and filters apparently do not constitute such proof).

It did not mater that, at the time of purchase, we were told that self service is OK as long as we keep the log of it, that, at least once before, this kind of accusation was proven false, and subsequent inspection has shown no signs of the abuse. Moreover, despite every invoice carrying a proud statement: "€œThe team at Ganley Bedford is dedicated to serving the needs of our customers with honesty and integrity with a total belief in our products and services while providing the highest level of satisfaction in everything we do."

For four days after the car was brought to the dealership nothing has been done. It required multiple phone conversation with a reluctant and almost contemptuous employee to find out that the dealership presented a very negative picture to the insurer. First Extended, in turn, happily used that impression and ignored facts proving recent oil change. As a result, two weeks after the car was brought to Ganley Subaru, we decided to tow it to a repair shop we can trust to do honest job.

At this time two things are certain: we'€™ve visited any Ganley dealership for the last time in our lives and we will never consider owning another Subaru. P.S. To add an insult to injury, Service director of Ganley Subaru ** instructed his technicians to put the oil pan (removed on request from First Extended) without sealing it properly as a "revenge"€ for my refusal to pay for it, although, when we complained about it, his boss pledged to reimburse us the cost of this work done properly at another shop.

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2000 Subaru Legacy Outback-Transmission Trouble
By -

HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA -- I have bought a few cars from the Bobby Rahal family of dealerships, and I have been mostly satisfied, except this time! This problem may have been known before I bought the car. (used from the Toyota/Lexus dealership) I am satisfied with the vehicle otherwise.

The vehicle I own has an automatic transmission, it is basically having a hard time shifting into first gear (Drive). When I place the shift knob into first gear (Drive) it doesn't shift, I either need to press on the accelerator or be currently rolling downhill in order for the car to shift into first gear. Usually when it is colder outside (approx. 40 degrees or below) the car eventually shifts into first gear and jumps forward (it's a very rough shift) as a result of the raised RPM level, only when I am not facing downhill.

This problem started about a year ago, and it may have been after a major snow and ice storm when I made an attempt to get out of the snow and ice by pressing the accelerator and moving the tires right and left to sort of 'dig' my way out of the snow. It was an intermittent issue last year, as the problem got to the point of the vehicle kicking out of first gear whenever I would come to a complete stop, I decided to take it to Aamco Transmission. That was a mistake! Not only din't they fix my vehicle's problem, they kept it there for 3 DAYS!

They performed a visual inspection of the transmission, then informed me that all I needed was a transmission flush and it was a 'natural' thing for my car to shift hard into first gear. So I paid them $100.00 to flush my transmission, the manager was incompetent and couldn't figure out how to print a receipt, so I told him to mail me one. I never received one because they went out of business later that month, I have proof because I work for the bank I wrote the check to Aamco from.

So Aamco may not have flushed my transmission properly, if they flushed it at all! I was frustrated because the problem continued, so I broke down and took it to a local Subaru dealership (CVM), who I KNOW (by previous customer experience) is out to make a quick buck! This time I waited in the lobby for my car, because I know better now!

Of course, the Subaru dealership not only refused to flush my transmission, they fleeced me into a service charge of $40.00 for them to do nothing other than try to get me to leave my car there for two days!!! I don't think so! The lady working there was telling me that they don't know what's wrong, they think it might be internal. I also noticed that she had a piece of paper with a WHOLE LIST of possible things to tell me could be wrong with my car! She didn't want me to see it, but I sort of grabbed it. (:-) Tee hee!)

She's a talking head, the mechanic didn't even have the courtesy to come out and explain the problem to me himself, I could tell that she didn't know squat about the workings of a transmission, because she was picking out two different things from her list that were completely unrelated to be wrong with my car! So please, I need your help! I hope that you understand my explanation. On her list, I did see clutch drums written down, and she said something about an internal leak, but what puzzles me is that if it is leaking, wouldn't the dipstick read like the fluid is low?!

My fiance's a diesel mechanic, he's got people who know some stuff about transmission, but I really want a professional who is experienced and won't fleece me to work on my car. I have a customer who works at a Cottman Transmission shop and he suggested that this may be on a recall, but I haven't found any of this sort. I just need some help, before I lose my car!

Resolution Update 02/28/2008:

Well, it turns out it was a piston seal that was leaking. I took it to a place that I trust (Don's Performance Corner) and they found the problem and fixed it quickly and accurately. My car is working 100% better, and apparently this is a common problem, because the seals were updated in newer model years.

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I Have Been Waiting FOUR HOURS for a Tow From Subaru Roadside Assistance - Unbelievable!
StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarBy -
Rating: 1/51

BERKELEY -- I have been waiting FOUR HOURS for a tow after calling Subaru Roadside Assistance, which was supposed to be here in an hour. Each time I have called back after the next hour, I'm told that it will be another 45 minutes. Subaru has tried three different tow companies who still find it impossible to make it to my clear, weather-free location. HORRIBLE experience and clearly Subaru contracts with terrible tow-providers. Next time I will be buying a different model car as this has colored my whole view of Subaru.

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Needed a Jump -- Took Almost Three Hours for Assistance to Arrive
StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarEmpty StarBy -
Rating: 1/51

GLENVIEW, ILLINOIS -- Came out of the Wyndham Hotel in Glenview, Il. to a dead battery. Called Subaru Roadside Service and was told, "About an hour". An hour later, I got a text saying 10 minutes. Forty minutes later, I called Subaru again. Thirty minutes away. Forty minutes later, I called again. Seventeen minutes away. Thirty minutes later I called again. Seven minutes away. Twenty minutes later my person arrived. He said he was out of Chicago and he didn't understand why they sent him zigzagging all over the place. Didn't make it to my family meal. What a discouraging experience.

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Subaru Strands Another
By -

If you own a Subaru, do not rely upon Subaru Roadside Assistance to help you in an emergency. I learned this the hard way on August 12, 2011, when my wife and I were stranded on the curve of the intersection of California Highways 85 & 87 in San Jose, CA. The front left tire of my 2010 Subaru Forester blew out and I pulled onto Highway 87 in an attempt to get off of the fast moving 85. Unfortunately, there was just more fast moving traffic careening around that corner. We immediately called Subaru Roadside Assistance, which I paid for upon the lease of my vehicle.

For 15 minutes I was placed on hold with an automated voice informing me that, "All operators are busy at this moment. Please hold the line for the next service representative." Due to the emergent situation, I dialed 911 for help and received immediate assistance from a California Highway Patrolman (CHP). The CHP also called Subaru and waited on the line for an additional 30 minutes, but he also received the same unhelpful recording. Fortunately, my incident occurred at 3:30 P. M., which officially constituted rush hour. The CHP provides free roadside service, courtesy of the California taxpayers, during rush hours to commuters in distress.

An alert California Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) assistant heard the radio communication between the CHP, who was assisting me, and his dispatcher and responded to our need before the CHP made a formal request for the FSP. With the help of the CHP and FSP, my tire was changed in this dangerous location and I was on the road again in a little over an hour from the start of this incident. Subaru Roadside Assistance never responded to my call and does not have a contact address for complaints. Due to the unreliability of Subaru, I have taken out membership from an additional roadside service provider. I am pleased to submit my concerns to My 3 Cents!

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2006 Subaru WRX Clutch Falls Apart
By -

GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA -- I was driving home from a meeting at work on a major highway going approx 65 mph (just keeping up with traffic flow) when my engine started revving up and my speed dropped. I was in fifth gear and attempted to downshift as I was pulling over, but the clutch would not disengage and nearly missed a car riding over the top of me. I was able to pull the car (2006 Subaru WRX) to the side of the highway. There was smoke and a burning smell. I jumped out and called Subaru roadside assistance. It took 2 hrs for a flatbed to arrive... in which time 5 or 6 flatbeds passed me.

When the car finally arrived at FAIRWAY SUBARU of Greenville SC I was given a disrespectful call from the service manager claiming that the clutch was burned up and falling apart due to my driving. (I have owned 5 straight drive vehicles in 13 yrs and never had to replace a clutch.) He informed me that I was revving the engine up to do burnouts and it would leave blue marks on the clutch plate. In an all-wheel drive vehicle? What? I listened to the man out of respect and then told him how this happened while in fifth gear going 65 mph on the highway... NOT while shifting gears or doing burnouts.

He said that the dealership gets 1-2 a month and it has only ever covered repairs under warranty one time. He took me to see the car while it was "UP" and to my surprise they had not even taken it off the car. There was no material showing as he had informed me earlier, so he proceeded to show me parts from another vehicle. (Not Even Mine!) He assured me that "This happens all of the time." Obviously the manufacturer has a problem that they do not want to address.

The next morning I went to view the parts that he assured me would be Bright Blue due to heat, and there was none. He then said that it was shifting too slow, riding my clutch or some other form of "ABUSE" driver related and assured me it WOULD NOT be covered under warranty. SUBARU does NOT stand by their products. So much for a bumper to bumper extended power train warranty.

Did I mention my WRX is 18 months new with only 22,000 miles. The service Manager also informed me that this happens all the time without any prior warning or shifting difficulties..... Doesn't that seem dangerous. How many people will have to die before this is addressed. Couldn't we just prevent any deaths at all by forcing Subaru to recall? I've seen lots of internet rants regarding the clutches in EVERY Subaru model.

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Poor Customer Service
By -

NEW JERSEY -- It is with great disappointment that I write this review. My husband serves on Active Duty in the United States Navy. We purchased a Subaru mostly because I travel alone with my two children frequently while my husband is deployed and we wanted the most reliable car possible. Well, this is not the case with the Outback 2.5 GTX. Our car is just shy of 6 years old with 55,000 miles and we had to replace the power steering pump. We contacted Subaru for assistance because, according to several Subaru repair technicians, a repair of this nature is unusual with such low mileage.

After reviewing our entire service history a customer service manager at Subaru of America told us that they would offer no financial assistance for the $650 repair. The representative told us this decision was based on the expiration of the warranty and the fact that we garaged the car for three years while we lived in Japan serving in the US NAVY. This decision was reached despite performing the maintenance necessary to keep the car running while we not living in the United States.

It is so disappointing that a company that prides themselves on well manufacture vehicles would allow such a poor quality product to be sold and then due to circumstances beyond our control hold us liable for a repair that shouldn't have happened to begin with. As this time we will be trading out of this vehicle and going with another manufacture that will take care of those who serve our country in this time of war. SUBARU IS NOT A SUPPORTIVE COMPANY!!! IF you are serving in the United States Military DO NOT BUY THIS BRAND OF CAR! They will not help you if you are required to garage your vehicle to serve overseas for your Nation!

I do truly love this car but will not drive a vehicle made by a company that doesn't support their service members in their time of need. Not to mention the unreliability of the vehicle itself. For a vehicle to lose the power steering pump at 55,000 miles is almost unheard of and therefore a manufacturer defect. The company sold us an unreliable vehicle that has caused us financial stress in this already stressful economy and all because we had to garage our car for the three years while we were living in Japan.

I cannot urge service members enough to buy from a company that will go above and beyond to help the men and women of the armed services and Subaru is not that company!!!

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Subaru Forester 2000 Breaks A LOT!
By -

MEXICO, MAINE -- I purchased my Subaru Forester 2 years ago with 73,000 miles for $12,000 dollars. I had heard that Subarus were reliable, dependable vehicles and that the bodies would go before the car went. The car is going. On Carfax reports I learned that my vehicle had the Drive Axle, Right Bearing, Seals/Gasket, Emission Control System, Oxygen Sensor serviced at 62,857 miles and the Electrical System and Coil serviced at 63,225. At the auto dealership they had repaired a few other things but I do not have the information here (it's in the car which currently sits at a garage for an undetermined amount of time.)

During this last summer at 119,000 miles the Transmission started to slip and I brought it to a Subaru Dealership. They informed me that they see the Transmissions going in this Year Model of Subaru Foresters and that I would need to get it rebuilt because it would just go if I had it replaced. During this time I also had to have work done to the steering knuckle and had the timing belts changed. This cost me $2,097 dollars. A month later my car started making more funny sounds and I brought it in to get looked at. I believed it was the struts- but it was much much more.

First off the Mechanic could not believe the amount of rust under the vehicle- he had a hard time repairing what needed to be repaired which is the Rear Wheel Bearings, All four Struts, There is some kind of Electrical failure down the center of the vehicle. (The lights for the Gear Shifter, My Radio and the Clock.) There is also a crack in the catalytic converter and the Oil Filter for the Transmission started to leak.

He has not given a figure for it but the part for the catalytic converter runs from 1200-1500 and the struts themselves are going to be $850 dollars *including labor.* So I am looking at another couple of thousand dollars and haven't even had a chance to pay down the car! I drive the car averagely to work and back and keep up on the regular maintenance of the vehicle. I am 23 years old and cannot imagine that I will ever buy another Subaru in the course of my life and I hope when and if it comes back from the shop that it has the "New Car" smell because that's exactly what it is going to be!

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1.0 out of 5, based on 6 ratings and
22 reviews & complaints.
Contact Information:
Subaru
Subaru Plaza, P.O. Box 6000
Cherry Hill, NJ 08034-6000
1-800-782-2783 (ph)
www.subaru.com
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