Its Official – I need a new engine
First I want to thank everyone who posted and the many who sent me emails, much appreciated.
I got a few emails from people saying they are not going to buy the car because of this . I would say lets wait and see until the final verdict is in.
The guy from the dealership called me first thing in the morning and wanted to get some information on what happened, I told him what happened and he said he will call me back after technicians looked at the car. 2 hours later, i got the call, they found metal shavings in the oil when they drained it. They asked more question about what happened, they wanted more details and I provided it to them.
Another hour later, I got the call that the engine is out and will be on its way to Subaru Canada where they will take it appart, assess and let me know. The process usually takes two weeks, but with the holidays coming up, I expect it to take a bit longer, in any case, they provided me a replacement car.
I picked up the car in the evening, tried to chat a bit with the technician, but I could not get more info. All i gathered up is that this is not normal based on what they told me (but I expected that) and that the engine is the same as the 2008 model with some modifications.
So for now, I have a Subaru Legacy, and need an engine, other than that I dont know anything. I will keep everyone posted.
There where some comments about a break in period for the car. The more I think about this the more I am convinced that, that is not the problem. As I mentioned in a reply to a previous post, The week I got the car, I drove it about 1000 KM on a regional HWY between Ottawa and Toronto, so the car engine would have been broken in. I also know 100% that no one in the dealership talked to be about a break in, again in anycase, like i said I think 1000 KM is proper. BTW. I did go and check the user manual and no where do i see language on break in, where is it, what page? there is nothing in the warning section, nothing in the index, nothing in the content of the chapters. If you know where it is in the manual, let me know. To me bottom line, if break in is important, the sales man should not ask me to let it rip on the rest drive, if its important it should be told, and noted first thing in the manual.
Anyway for the time being, I have the replacement, I am happy with that, but sad that I dont have the car, and which I was not in this situation
Here is a thread I created over at NASIOC when my motor failed
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1648372
Great, thanks for sharing
If you have the same owners manual I do it’s section 8 page 2. There is one paragrapgh about it. I think it says 1600km if I remember right without reading it again.
I got the same problem at 5600Km.
Hey, too bad about the engine. I can only imagine that your problem is a manufacture’s defect … I don’t think the breakin would affect anything. However, there is a big debate as to the impact on performance through a relatively aggresive breakin approach vs the docile one recommended by the manufacturer.
I have had no problems to date, except a major league crack in my windshield. I had a service guy look at it and he agrees there is no evidence of a stone hitting it. Otherwise, the car really is a terror and I hope you get yours back on the road soon!
OMG Duane
You are right, that information is on Chapter 8 – 2 which is about I don’t know 200 pages in to the book.
Chapter 8? if its important it should be first warning in the warning list, it should be the first thing in chapter 1. OR just to make a useful suggestion to Subaru, it should be the first thing in Chapter 7. Why Chapter 7 vs Chapter 8, and why Chapter 8 is absolutely the wrong chapter to put it in?
Chapter 7: “Starting and Operating”
Makes sense, I would go there to read how to start and operate the car, at least its related to what the topic is about.
Chapter 8: Driving Tips.
Driving Tips? come on, you don’t put any important information under driving tips. I’ve been driving for years, do i really need to read Subaru’s tips on how to drive? If its a tip, then its not required
My 2 cents.
Steve, when are you expected to get it back, what did Subaru say?
The more i read about it what a big F up on subaru’s part. Is the entire engine being replaced or just the rods? I’m guessing that if its only the rods whats there to say that the bits of metal floating around the engine did not mess up any other parts such as the turbo since the oil flows thru there as well, could cause problems in other areas prematurely, I really think that subaru should extend the manufacturer warranty on these cars to make up for the problems that may arise, make up for the lost value do to a non matching engine to VIN , and bring back customer confidence. I’m in a big dilemma right now and debating on asking for my 2k deposit back on the one i’m supposed to take delivery on next week. Anyone have news on if only certain VIN vehicles were affected and if subaru has acknowledged an issue or has taken any action? I will contact the dealer within the next day and let you know if he is aware of anything.
Hi Dan
The guys at the dealership don’t know what is going to happen, they are sending the engine to Toronto to Subaru Canada to look at, then they will get back to me. From What i understand I need a new one, they did not say anything about replacing rods.
Based on what Steve is saying he is getting a new one and his went at just over 5K. Steve do you have more info?
I dont know about VIN either, anyone else?
Just came back from de dealer. The engine is brand new (thats what the dealer told me). Take only a week to get my car back, I hope everything will be allright.
The dealer told me that I was not the first one … So I think the problem is a manufacture’s defect.
Hi Steve
Thanks for the information.
this is sad… i was looking forward to taking this car out for a test drive the spring….
Just some info i found with the break in and maintenance info for subie’s thought it might be useful. Still waiting on the dealer update me on the issue with the wrx i’ll let everyone know once he gets back to me.
http://www.cars101.com/subaru/subaru_maintenance.html
Just spoke to the dealer mine is on the truck and should be getting it within the next week or so. I brought up the fact of others having this issue and he stated that subaru has not yet sent any bulletin to them on this issue and if it is widespread they are very fast in resolving the issue. I asked him about the same problem in 08 and he said that it was a very minimal amount of cars that were affected and that a few cars were tagged and had to be checked out prior to sale. he told me to rest assure. So i hope this issue isn’t as widespread as it seems to be so far. this might have just affected the earlier ones that came out.
Great Dan, thanks for sharing this info, and I hope this is a limited problem as well, its such a nice car, I would hate for this to be an issue that is common.
Where did you buy your car?
I also have a 2009 wrx, with stage 1 access port installed and things have been excellent.
I’ll keep an eye on things here, but would guess and hope that this is a one off issue.
Good luck.
I had the same thing happen to me last friday with my 265. It sounds like I will need a new engine too, but I’ve got to say, I’m a bit worried about it crapping out again after reading this all these messages.
Hi Murph Keep us posted
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