Subaru Problems

Are you having problems with your Subaru? Let our team of motoring experts keep you up to date with all of the latest Subaru issues & faults. We have gathered all of the most frequently asked questions and problems relating to the Subaru in one spot to help you decide if it's a smart buy.

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Used Subaru Forester review: 2008-2013
By Graham Smith · 16 Apr 2018
Australia has been waiting a whole decade for a new Forester, but does the all-new model live up to the legend?
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Jeep, Ram , Kia, Nissan, Holden, Subaru, Audi, Tesla, models recalled
By Spencer Leech · 15 May 2018
The Australian Competition and Consumer Comission (ACCC) has issued its latest round of call backs, with models from Jeep, Ram, Kia, Nissan, Holden, Subaru, Audi and Tesla subject to various manufacturing faults.Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Australia issued a notice for 7901 Jeep KJ Cherokee units from 2004 – 2007 as the rear lower control arms are subject to excessive corrosion, which could cause them to break and significantly reduce vehicle control.Meanwhile, 18 examples of the 2018 Jeep KL Cherokee equipped with 2.4-litre engines have also been called back due to incorrectly manufactured fuel tubes.The fault could cause a fuel leak, resulting in an increased risk of an engine compartment fire that puts occupants and bystanders in danger of burns or smoke inhalation injuries. The fuel leak could also cause the vehicle to lose power and shut down without prior warning, potentially causing an accident. American Special Vehicles has issued two recalls, the first affecting 33 Ram 2500s, and the other affecting 429 Ram DJ 2500 and 3500 pick-ups.Some 2018 Ram 2500 units that are equipped with 12-pin trailer plugs, may have a 'Trailer Brake Module' (TBM) installed with the wrong software, which could cause the trailer tail-lights to become inoperative.Secondly, both Ram DJ 2500 and D2 3500s models from 2017 and 2018 may be equipped with a faulty power steering hose. A break in the power steering hose could result in a loss of hydraulic assistance to the brake and steering systems.Kia Motors Australia (KMAu) has issued a recall notice for 1747 2017 YB Rio vehicles that may be equipped with out-of-specification rear door lock assemblies making an active child lock unnoticeably inactive.This could cause an occupant to accidentally open a rear door from the inside with the child lock on.Nissan Motor Company Australia has called back 6268 examples of its J11 Qashqai small SUV as models built between September 2017 and January 2018 may have an incorrect setting on the 'Body Control Module' (BCM), which could cause the car to not trigger a warning in the case of an indicator lamp failure.Holden's new ZB Commodore also joins the list, with 2167 examples called back as the rear left and right seatbelts may have been installed incorrectly.In the event of an accident, it is possible that the seatbelts may not operate as designed, causing an increased risk of injury.Subaru Australia's latest safety recall notice details an issue with 1876 examples of its 2013-14 model year diesel-powered Forester models equipped with manual transmissions.The affected Forester medium SUVs are subject to a fault that could see the clutch pipe rub through the wiring loom insulation, creating a short circuit and stalling the engine.Tesla Motors Australia has called back 874 2016 Tesla Model S vehicles built with Bosch steering racks.In some Model S EVs, when exposed to high-corrosion environments, the aluminum bolts that attach the power steering gear assist motor to the gear housing may corrode and weaken. According to Tesla, if these bolts fracture, the power-steering-gear-assist motor may move, causing the transmission belt to slip and reduce the level of power steering assist.Audi Australia has called back examples of its A4 sedan, Avant and Allroad, as well as the A5 Sportback, manufactured between October 2014 and October 2017. The issue effects models equipped with Bang & Olufsen sound systems, and sees part of the aluminum trim strips on the front and rear doors become detached.Owner affected by any of the aforementioned safety recalls should contact their corresponding dealers to arrange a free-of-charge repair.Those who wish to check if their vehicle is subject to a safety recall can head to the ACCC website to see a list of affected vehicle identification numbers.
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Subaru XV 2014: How much is it worth?
Answered by Graham Smith · 04 May 2018

As a private sale it would be worth $21,000-$23,500, but as a trade-in it would be valued at $17,000-$19,500.

Subaru XV: Is it a good car?
Answered by Iain Kelly · 17 May 2018

Depending on what you want in a car, then the Subaru XV can certainly be a good car. If you're after a jaw-droppingly glamorous supercar that can do 0-100km/h in 2.0 secs and top out at 400km/h then you're in for bitter disappointment. If you're after a well-equipped, quirky premium small crossover SUV then the XV is going to be your jam. Highly practical, fairly cheap to run, easy to drive and not offensively priced the Subaru XV is a great suburban runabout or highway mile-eater.

How to make a Toyota Corolla faster?
Answered by Iain Kelly · 17 May 2018

The best way to make a Toyota Corolla faster is to trade it in on a Subaru WRX or Volkswagen Polo GTI. While Japanese cars are known to be loved by boy racers for their easy ability to hot up, the last few series of Toyota Corolla have next to no options for hot-up parts as these cars focus on excellent reliability rather than tar-burning performance. If you have a need for speed, consider looking to the Subaru WRX for a practical four-door Japanese go-fast car, or a Volkswagen Polo GTi for a fast car at a similar price point to a Corolla.

Subaru XV: Is it 4wd?
Answered by Iain Kelly · 21 May 2018

Subaru's constant all wheel drive is not considered true 4x4 or 4WD as it does not have a selectable low-range option in the transmission. Power is divided evenly between all four wheels through a constantly-driven centre differential, which is why all wheel drive is considered different to 4x4.

Subaru released a new-generation XV in the middle of 2017 so don't expect major upgrades to this hot-seller any time soon. Once again, all Subarus not destined for the North American market are built in Japan.

Should I buy a Subaru Forester or Volvo XC6?
Answered by Graham Smith · 13 Apr 2018

It’s hard to say one over the other, both appeal. The Forester is well built, it has all the features you want, and would be reliable. The Volvo has the style, the features, and would also be reliable, in the sense that there is nothing of a serious nature that could bite you on the backside down the track. As they’re both three to five years old they shouldn’t be expensive to service, particularly the Forester, which has capped-price servicing. I would go with your head and choose the Forester, but you have to like what you drive, and I could equally understand if you chose the Volvo. You wont go far wrong with either of them.

Broken taillights affecting my cruise control
Answered by Graham Smith · 12 May 2018

I can’t see how the stop/taillight could affect the cruise control, but you could remove the bulb you replaced and see if the cruise then works. If it does then that’s a pointer to the cause of the malfunction. To be sure take it to a dealer or an auto elec and have the problem traced.

How to make a Mazda 3 faster?
Answered by Iain Kelly · 17 May 2018

While there are ways to make your Mazda 3 quite fast it is not cheap or easy, and will require extensive involvement from experts. You would be far better served to look for a second-hand factory turbocharged high-performance Mazda MPS model, or buying a Subaru WRX, or Volkswagen Golf GTI, to get your high-performance kicks.

Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.
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