As mentioned last week, in my post regarding the wrx oil pump gasket one of the mechanics did mention that they have seen oil gaskets go on the wrx. That was the case for me. I tried to get more info, but none was forthcoming from the person who handed me the key when I picked up the car. He even insisted that this is not a common issue.
Anyway, it turns out that if/when the oil gasket goes, so will the timing belt as it gets soaked with oil. I dont know about you, but if I had to pay for a gasket change and get hit with a timing belt change, I would be pissed off royally.
Attached is a copy of the work, I have no clue what the actual cost is, because it was covered under warranty. My guess, easy $1500
I hope for your sake, if this thing goes, it goes while still under warranty. Otherwise, be ready for a big bill
What do you think the actual cost of this is?
WRX 265 Oil Gasket Repair Bill
I think you are about right on the cost if not more. I would push the dealer to buy that car back from you or give you a good deal on somthing else. You have had way to many problems with that car and it should fall under the lemon law. My wife had a lemon law case aginst ford and won but she had a good lawyer. I would keep pushing them to do somthing and they will eventually give in. I dont think subaru wants a bad name. Good Luck Sammer.
Comment by mwrx — June 6, 2010 @ 7:28 am
Canada doesn’t have a “lemon” law like US. There is something like a arbitration court for these cases, I don’t know for sure (and I hope I never will) but it is different because there is no actual law. On the other hand, I would too push the dealer for a solution. You had way too many problems. Maybe you get a new WRX or whatever you want. Good luck from me too!
Comment by cata_o — June 6, 2010 @ 11:48 pm
I think you might be experiencing this number of problems due to the engine replacement you had. Still think you’re ‘not guilty’ on the turbo replacement. These commonly need replaced when an engine fails due to debris in the oil. Replacing an engine in a dealership is never likely to be as good as factory fitted either, which could be the cause of your oil pump gasket. Incidentally, if this gasket has been an issue for a while it could very easily have caused the low condition that Subaru say caused your turbo failure.
As for the clutch, well, really really hard to say there. One bad launch can fairly ruin a clutch in these things unfortunately, so it’s really hard to prove you’re not at fault.
If I’d endured all this I know what my next car wouldn’t be…
Comment by BG — June 9, 2010 @ 9:02 am
Too much money is the answer.
Man it sounds like you have so many problems with the car… it’s like my damn 2002 Saab 93 that I dumped a shitload of money into. Now I need to put a bottle of transmission fluid into it every 800 miles. Yuck.
@BG – It’s also had to prove that you ARE at fault.
Comment by Mike — June 19, 2010 @ 1:17 am
You haven’t been pretty unlucky, my wrx is very durable although i tend to drive fast with it. You are pretty lucky that you have warranty, or you have had to spend at least 1000$.
Comment by olympic — July 3, 2010 @ 5:17 am
I have a 2009 WRX with 16k on it. Yesterday the motor started to lose power and a consistant knock would be hear as the engined lessoned in RPM. Sounds like a blown motor to me. Anyone with a simular circumstance that can comment, I’d appreciate it.
The car is currently at the dealership with no information as to how or what went wrong. Fortunatly for them, I have another vehicle and don’t require a loaner. You can bet I’ll be getting one in the morning. Screw all this gas I’m paying for to do my random crap in my 07 F150. Which by the way, has 50,000 and runs clean and strong. Built Ford tough. Dammit Subari, I liked that car and was moments away from doing a reflash….shhhhh
Comment by seth7deuce — July 27, 2010 @ 1:02 am
Sorry man, that engine is gone. Same thing happened to me. Subaru has a problem with those engines, I wish they would just admit it and move on in life
Comment by Samer Forzley — July 27, 2010 @ 8:19 am
My 08 WRX (picked up in may 08) threw a turbo (blocked turbo inlet filter with metal shavings) at 60,000KM, threw a bearing at 87000KM, still waiting for Subaru Canada to tell me they won’t cover it. I had my oil changes at 5000KM intervals at an independent garage that does the work on all my other vehicles.
Subaru is giving me a hard time over their invoices so we shall see. Car gently driven with no mods.
From all the forums my car appears to be in the VIN range for the contaminated blocks. At first the dealership said no issues with engine, then when pressed, only happens on US models, then when pressed more, only happens in first 1000 to 5000 KM’s. Subaru is claiming due to low oil, two independent mechanics who specialize in high performance turbos have told me that when the turbo goes, it usually takes the seals with it and blows the oil out of the engine.
I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.
Comment by ron — August 5, 2010 @ 1:20 pm
My 2009 Outback 2.5 4cyl has the same problem. Oil dripping from the bottom of the timing belt cover. Under warranty.
Comment by Jim — April 20, 2011 @ 5:33 am
I guess the Outback has the some of the components as the WRX, Good to know for Outback drivers
Comment by Samer Forzley — August 3, 2011 @ 1:16 pm