2015 Subaru Outback: excessive oil consumption

Filed Dec 5, 2023 · Engine · CA

The cam carrier has a leak that is causing oil to slowly leak out of the car. The current issue is causing me to have to regularly add oil to the car. My safety is at risk as the car engine could fail while driving which would be me and others at risk. My understanding is that the leaking oil could also cause other parts to fail such as the O2 sensor. The recommended repair from the local Subaru dealer is to reseal the cam carrier at an estimated cost of $4,744. I attempted to contact Subaru after reading that many others have had this same issue and some have received monetary compensation to get the repair completed after complaining. Subaru has been very difficult to get in touch with and doesn't seem to want to respond to the issue. The only warning I have had was the oil engine light coming on multiple times to which I proceeded to add oil to the car.

Filed Aug 17, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · NY

#1. I replaced the battery in June of 2022 after all the dash warning lights came on. My eyesight safety feature was rendered in operative. After the battery was replaced, all the warning lights eventually went out. In July of 2023 the same scenario happened again. I returned to Advance Auto retailer and the store manager checked the battery. She replaced the battery with a new one of greater cold cranking amps. she was most knowledgeable and extraordinarily gracious. I asked her to check the alternator for proper function and was told it was functioning as it should. #2. On June 07, 2023, I took the automobile in for service: oil and filter change and brake pads and rotors on all four wheels. My Subaru had 68,482 miles on this date. The technician (who previously was employed by a local Subaru dealership) noticed that the engine was leaking oil and diagnosed the timing cover gasket was leaking oil. Oil leaking would contribute to the bad smells entering the passenger compartment. The gasket and three seals were replaced at a cost of $1329.94 plus 8% tax. Online research reveals that Subaru"s boxer engine suffers chronic oil consumption and seal problems. Subaru of America relies on the consumer to eat any repairs rather than fix the problem that has been going on for years.

Filed Mar 21, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · NC

Oil consumption issues. The oil is burning more then it should. Oil light would come after 2 to 3 more after an oil change. The dealership has been notified and is working on ordering new parts for the engine. Replacing the small block of the engine. Had less the 100k miles when this problem accured. Electrical issues. The battery is being drained after the car is turned off. Car would not start in the morning and need to be jumped. Additionally, battery eventually dies and needs to be replaced. Dealership has been notified.

Filed Dec 20, 2021 · Engine · ME

Engine consistently burns oil. Adding pints between factory recommended oil change interval when low oil light comes on. On average, one pint is burned every 1500 miles.

Filed Dec 14, 2021 · Electrical, Engine · MI

Repeated dead batteries. Replaced OEM battery in year 2, new battery also comes up dead regularly. There is clearly a parasitic battery drain happening. Burning oil, this car burns more oil than any car I have ever owned. Subaru claims it is within specification, but their specification is 1 quart between changes, this is a ridiculous claim in 2021. Heat shield and exhaust noise. Always a new noise or exhaust leak. Lights are not adequate for country driving, it is dangerous.

Filed Apr 28, 2021 · Engine · 82,500 miles · AR

Within 80k miles the car has started showing high engine oil consumption. Engine oil is to be changed every 6000 miles but at 4000 miles low engine oil light will show up and checking on oil level, it shows at the low level of dipdtick.upon diagnosis, it was figured that it has stage 2 head gasket replacement by subaru dealership

Filed Sep 13, 2020 · Transmission · 35,000 miles · CA

Continuous variable transmission (CVT). The vehicle stopped while making a left turn suddenly motionless, engine revved up at 3500 RPM but the CVT remained unresponsive. Paced shift gear to park position then to drive gear then the vehicle moved-up very slow then it pulled forward to a normal driveable condition. This issue happened in 2017, 2018, 2019. Took to dealership 2x tested the vehicle but, no problem found and no manufacturer's issue was release. Several subaru owners complaints with the same issue, on 2013 - 2015 outback models.the battery on 2015 outback model like mine, had replaced in 2017 while under warranty up to 3 - years. Lately, the battery died several times, took back to the dealer for test and replacement but, the 3 - years warranty was over from its original purchased. The warranty should be applied on the second battery replacement that runs for the next 36 - months. Another issue is the catalytic converter the vehicle has, took back to the dealer last july 2020, a srvice advisor admitted that there was a problem, the vehicle drove for testing then came back with nothing wrong on the catalytic converter per mechanic assessment. The front exhaust pipe was cracked and it was repaired as part of manufacturer recalls. There are issues on this model referring to the CVT, battery, infotainment got freezed, no data on screen, engine oil consumption to fast. The main issue for me is the "safety issue." which is the transmission. First time it happened was in 2017, 2018, 2019.

Filed Feb 4, 2019 · Engine, Fuel system · 65,000 miles · MN

Please read upload documents. My 2015 subaru outback began showing signs of excessive oil consumption in the summer 2018. Apparently this was a known problem with subaru and class action lawsuit was filed against subaru for models made prior to 2015. My vehicle failed a oil consumption test in the fall of 2018. I was told by white bear subaru if the vehicle failed an oil consumption test subaru of america would pay to have a new short block installed due to this ongoing engine defect. However, subaru of america refused to pay the full amount to have a new short block installed as even though my car was make in 2014 it is technically a 2015 that the class action lawsuit only protected consumers of models prior to 2015. Also, in the fall of 2018 the interior of this vehicle began to have a exhaust smell and was making me feel sick. They determined that part of the exhaust system was broken but told me not to have it fixed before the new short block was installed and the exhaust system would just become clogged with the oil the car was burning. I went ahead had had the repair done anyway as the exhaust air was terrible.

Filed Jul 25, 2018 · Engine · 45,110 miles · OH

Excessive oil consumption between oil change. When the vehicle reached to 45,000 miles, the low oil light is on less than 5,000 miles between oil change. If the driver ignore the warning and not add oil to the vehicle, the engine can be damages. A three years old vehicle with 45,000 miles should not have to change oil freqently. I spoke to the dealer, they said the oil level is normal, and oil consumption test is not needed. When I took the car to a car repair shop, they told me the oil level is lower than standard between oil change. I also contacted subaru north america, was told that my vehicle is not covered by the class action settlement, and only a very small number of customers have identified a concern on this issue.

Filed Feb 26, 2015 · Electrical, Engine · 1,200 miles · VT

Two issues; the similarly reported electrical stop. Started car on cold morning, drove short distance, dropped kids off at school. Went to restart, and car was completely dead. Had to jump it. Second issue; burning oil smell in cabin. Oil level was fine, and smell not coming from tail pipe. Took car to shop today for the oil smell, and I told them about the electrical stop. They said the electrical issue is related to needing to replace 4 relays. The oil smell, however, is due to a bad crankcase seal that they said failed most likely due to the cold. I found similar reports on subaruoutback.org/forums/