• Subaru is renowned for its reputation for reliable, efficient, and cost-effective vehicles
• Its prices in Kenya range from Kshs 2.9 million to Ksh 7.8 million
• Given its features, ideal for a country with diverse terrain like Kenya, here are key factors to consider

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Subaru, known for its reputation of reliability and a diverse lineup, offers practical, efficient, and affordable vehicles, many equipped with standard all-wheel drive.

With prices ranging from Kshs 2.9 million for the base Impreza sedan to Ksh 7.8 million for the Soltera in 2023, Subaru maintains an overall reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5.0, according to Car rating platform  RepairPal.

However, like any other car brand, Subaru has its share of issues.

In this article, we’ve handpicked 7 key considerations when purchasing a Subaru, not to criticize the brand but to provide you with essential information for making informed choices.

These considerations are not unique to Subaru and apply to various car brands. If you’re in the market for a Subaru, this guide will be invaluable.

1: Watch Out For Models With Transmission Issues

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) offers benefits like improved fuel efficiency, reduced weight, and smoother operation compared to conventional automatic gearboxes. However, it’s a common source of complaints among Subaru owners, with issues like stalling, shuddering, and unusual noises.

Additional problems involve slipping, transmission fluid leaks, and overheating. Subaru faced a surge in customer complaints in 2017, leading to an extension of transmission warranties for specific models. More recently, in 2021 and 2022, Subaru issued a recall affecting nearly 200,000 units due to drive chain issues.

Models Affected by the Drive Chain include the 2019-2020 Subaru Ascent, the 2020-2021 Subaru Outback and the 2020-2021 Subaru Legacy.

2: Certain Models Are Prone To Excessive Oil Consumption

While all gasoline engines consume oil to some extent, some exhibit alarming rates of oil consumption due to issues like leaks, piston damage, or high oil pressure. Excessive oil consumption is a prevalent concern among Subaru vehicles, as reported by carcomplaints. It’s crucial to monitor your oil levels regularly.

The acceptable oil consumption varies; Subaru considers changing oil every 1,000-1,200 miles normal, which led to a class action lawsuit by owners in 2014. This lawsuit was settled in 2016, with Subaru offering free oil consumption tests and extending warranties to eight years or 100,000 miles.

Subaru Models Affected by Oil Consumption Issues include the 2010-2015 Subaru Forester, Outback, and Legacy, the 2012-2013 Subaru Impreza and the 2010-2014 Subaru Tribeca

3: Subaru Owners Complain About Fuel Pump Failure

Fuel pumps are among the most crucial components in cars. Malfunctioning fuel pumps may cause numerous issues such as the engine running rough, which can eventually cause damage to other engine components. It can also cause engine stalling, which can lead to crashes. Subaru uses two fuel pumps in its vehicles – an in-tank low-pressure pump and a high-pressure pump higher in the line.

In recent years, fuel pump issues have caused Subaru a lot of distress. The company recalled 188,207 units of its 2019 Legacy, Outback, Impreza, and Ascent vehicles for faulty fuel pumps in 2020. About a year later, Subaru again recalled 175,968 vehicles for potential fuel pump failure.

Affected Models of Fuel Pump include the 2019-2020 Subaru Ascent, the 2018 Subaru Forester,, the 2018-2020 Subaru Impreza, Legacy, and Outback, the 2018-2019 Subaru BRZ and WRX and the 2018-2019 Toyota 86

4: Cracked Windshields Are A Common Issue

Car windshields can crack due to factors like impacts and the quality of glass. Since Subaru began to use acoustic glass in windshields, the car manufacturer has gotten more than a fair share of complaints about cracked windshields. According to owners, the windshield on many Subarus from the 2015 model year and above cracks for no reason at all.

Due to the number of complaints, Subaru offered to increase the warranty coverage for certain 2015–2016 models. Furthermore, Subaru has also been on the wrong end of several lawsuits over windshield failure. So, before writing any check for a used Subaru (or a new one), you need to know the models that are prone to cracked windshields.

Affected Models include the 2015-2020 Subaru Outback and Legacy the 2017-2020 Subaru Impreza and Forester, the 2019-2020 Subaru Ascent and the 2018-2023 Subaru Crosstrek and XV Crosstrek.

5: Electrical Failures Are A Cause For Concern

Although it is not the only Subaru model with electrical issues, the Outback’s electrical woes generate the most owner complaints. The NHTSA website reports 228 complaints about the 2020 Subaru Outback’s electrical system. Most of the complaints are about dead batteries. Unfortunately, replacing the battery is not the solution in this case.

The culprit here is not the battery itself but the vehicle’s controller area network (CAN) system. In a condition known as a parasitic drain, the system continues to draw battery power when the engine is off. This continuous drain weakens the battery and shortens its lifespan.

Affected Models include the 2019-2020 Subaru Ascent, the 2015-2020 Subaru Forester, the 2015-2020 Subaru Legacy, the 2015-2020 Subaru Outback and the 2015-2020 Subaru WRX.

6: Watch Out For Models With Unintended Acceleration Issues

No matter how elegant, modern, and refined they are, cars can also be very dangerous to own. This is especially true if it is prone to accelerate on its own, even with the driver using the brakes. In many cases, it is due to faulty electronic sensors and systems. Nevertheless, it is a scary situation that can result in crashes and loss of lives.

Over the years, several Subaru models have been guilty of unintended acceleration. Dissatisfied owners filed multiple lawsuits when Subaru failed to acknowledge and address the issue. You need to be sure of the Subaru you are buying; otherwise, you could land yourself with one that accelerates at will.

Affected Models include the 2012-2018 Subaru Forester, the 2015-2019 Subaru Legacy and the 2015-2019 Subaru Outback.

7: Watch Out For Subaru STARLINK Problems

When shopping for cars, most people only consider things like efficiency, reliability, safety, comfort, and performance. They forget that a car’s infotainment system is equally important. It is the communications and entertainment hub of the car and plays a crucial part in the overall driving experience. Subaru’s STARLINK infotainment system packs a range of features to ensure owners’ peace of mind and enhance the user experience.

However, the system has a lineup of issues that led to the release of multiple updates that did little to remedy the situation. Common Subaru Starlink issues include the backup camera freezing and the screen going blank. Frustrated owners eventually filed a lawsuit against Subaru in 2018.

Affected Models include the 2018 Subaru Outback, the 2018 Subaru Legacy, the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek, the 2018 Subaru BRZ and the 2017-2018 Subaru Impreza.

Sources: Swedish Auto Service, RepairPal, CarComplaints, Subaru, Edmunds.

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