Subarus are known for being sturdy, long-lasting cars. However, they aren’t immune to a few common maintenance issues of their own. Did you know that the American car mechanic industry currently employs about 540,000 people and is expected to grow approximately 17 percent in the next decade?
Maintaining and caring for your Subaru is an essential part of owning one of these cars. Here are the three most common maintenance concerns when owning a Subaru:
1. Subaru head gasket problems: Subaru head gasket problems are surprisingly common. This is due to an engine that Subaru installed in most of its Outbacks, Forresters, Legacies and Imprezas beginning in the mid-1990s. These Subaru head gasket problems can best be described as a passive leak between the coolant jacket, oil gallery and the motor’s exterior. When there’s a leak, then the car’s antifreeze and engine oil will start to appear on the gasket seam between the cylinder block and head.
2. Subaru overheating: Some Subarus are prone to overheating due to leaky radiators or a leak in the coolant. Driving a car while it’s overheated can result in permanent engine damage, so get it checked out by a Subaru mechanic immediately!
3. Subaru transmission: If you own a 2002 Subaru Outback, it might be good to know that there was a recall for this model because they were built with an improperly manufactured transmission rod. The recall states that this could cause the vehicle to not go into park, and could move or roll without warning while “parked.” About 173,000 vehicles were recalled because of this problem. If you own one of these cars, it’s highly important to have your transmission looked at.
In addition to these Subaru-specific maintenance concerns, it’s always a good idea to keep a close eye on the rest of your car as well. Always make sure to check your Subaru’s coolant levels on a regular basis to maintain ideal engine performance and prevent damage. And if your Subaru check engine light is on, it might be the result of a loose or faulty gas cap — these account for about 26.9 percent of all check engine signals. Gas caps only cost $3 to replace!
As long as you keep your car well-maintained and cared for by a professional Subaru parts, repair and maintenance shop, you will be able to enjoy many years on the open road with your Subaru.
