Subaru of America Reviews 113

After paying of my 2019 Subaru Crosstrek SUBARU is not willing to send a SIGNED letter to CA DMV that I paid off my loan. SUBARU was also given the option to fill out a form for CA DMV. Since CA DMV does not have the SIGNED pay off letter from SUBARU, nor the the form back they are not issuing my title. I paid off the car 77 days ago on May 1st, 2024! SUBARU is still holding the title of a car that is rightfully mine and non compliant with CA DMV.

Very bad experience at Larry H. Miller Subaru Boise with my 2024 Subaru forester . Very unfriendly, rude and unprofessional staff! Not recommended at all!

I found out Subaru weaponizes their surveys. I bought a Subaru for $50k...$50k for a Subaru! Still I was happy, then I received their survey for the umpteenth time and filled it out. Gave highest scores to salesperson, and all other personnel such as finance and the technical tutoring provided. Then came "Would I recommend the dealership?" I answered mid scale thinking it was a neutral answer - I wouldn't not recommend but I wouldn't push them on people - why would I? Got a call from salesperson telling me how bad I screwed him and his manager over. I said I gave glowing reviews...he told me what I said about the people was nice but because I answered the one question "wrong" his and his manager's compensation was significantly affected. I asked what I could do to fix it and he emphatically said "nothing"! So, I wondered why he called. So, now, although it may be circular reasoning, I have bad feelings against Subaru of America, this dealership and this salesperson and now I will actively steer people to another nearby dealer. I think about this practically everytime I get in the car and have misgivings about my Subaru. After paying $50k for a Subaru...a Subaru!

After less than 3 years my 2021 Crosstrek needs the ac compressor replaced. Subaru simply doesn't build a quality vehicle anymore. STAY AWAY!!!

Sunroof on a new Forester leaks. Dealership can't figure out why, says it's fine, yet it still leaks. Damage is not covered by warranty and Subaru of America takes weeks to respond and when they do, they don't take any responsibility.

Subaru are frauds. Don’t believe their goodie commercial s. They promised to return the $165 they fraudulently charged my card and never did. Plus the cars are awful. Cramped and noisy ride. Buy a Camry. Don’t deal with crooks.

Bought a brand new cutback touring xt and had it for three weeks before having to trade it in. The seats were so stiff in the lower lumbar area due to a ridged piece of plastic with a sharp angle. Wrote the CEO of Subaru and they had a representative call me. Set up an appointment with the dealership to see if they could fix it somehow. The technician noted that he loosened it some however said this is a problem for some customers. I reviewed on the forums and it is a known issue for shorter people. Ended up taking a 3k loss due to appreciation. No one at Subaru cared. As long as they got their money, that is all they care about. Said they would only be able to help if I bought another Subaru.

Another crappy car company that has empty promises and does not hold to its own recalls. Been to dealership at least 5-6 times for my 2019 Ascent to be looked at and computer checked because the transmission started shuttering and screeching. Started at 95k miles. Even have the paperworker stating when it started. Tranny was reprogrammed 3 times. Each time I called back and told them, before I made it home, 30 mins from dealership, the problem was still there. On the final time, the manager of the techs told me that it was normal and to bring it back the following Monday. Why would I do that if you are telling me that what I am experiencing is normal? Shuttering, especially up a hill, and screeching in the transmission is normal? I pointed out the loaner they had me in did not sound like that, but yet mine was making normal noises? It even gave them the codes for torque converter lockout, but yet still did nothing. I finally took it to another dealership, an 1hr away, but got turned away because my car had gone out of warranty of the 100k since the beginning of the problem. I was now at 133k since all the sounds and shutters first started. The can't do anything without charging me. "What!!","Are you kidding me?" He tells me to call Subaru of America to see if they can help and I do, right then. Opened a complaint and had to wait 2 days before anyone called me back, the "advocate", though they are not helping me, then who are the adovating for? After explaining this situation to the 5th person that works for Subaru, in the past 3 days, I was frustrated. She tells me out right, they can not help me or doing anything because my car is out of warranty. Excuse me ma'am, but you must not have heard me when I said my records that I have at one of your employers dealerships on file, clearly shows the problem has been persisting since 95k and nothing has been done to rectify your recall on the transmission in my vehicle that your company says they are happy to take care of and provide customers with real piece of mind. My mind is in shambles right now, because having my 5 children in your crap that you will not fix properly, and correct the problem your transmissions were recalled for anyway, makes us feel like we are playing Russian roulette everytime we go somewhere and this is our only vehicle. I will never purchase or promote this vehicle company to any of my friends or family. I have been turning them away from Subaru, and I am proud to do it. They do not care about people, only their pockets and how not to lose what's in them. If this pertained to their wives, children, mothers, brothers or husband's they would do all they could to take care of them, but us consumers, they JUST WANT OUR MONEY AND NO COMPLAINTS ABOUT THEIR PRODUCTS!!!

1/21/24 UPDATE - Engaged Attorney to remediate this matter. Subaru and Dealership silent and say this is the car. NOW there is allegedly a new update allegedly at a time to be determined down the road which is to allegedly fix - again. Like the update on 12/20/23 which was full and final fix?

Original review - Negligence. Dishonest behavior. Sleazy Corporate tactics when handling Customer. Basically - Customer advocate keeps lying and moving the goal posts when the result is not favorable to them. Does not care that I have a NEW 2024 car at 3 months with NON FUCTIONAL EYESIGHT SAFETY MODULE. Does not stand behind product or support customer they just sell and move on and hope to wear you down. Happy to provide all documentary support of communications with Subaru and PROOF of what is written in this review. MY experience with Subaru and Subaru Sherman Oaks- Bought NEW 2024 $38,000 Outback Onyx on 9/4/23 at this dealership. Payment was cash and trade in of my 2018 Crosstrek. At 1400 miles (6 weeks after purchase), eyesight safety equipment failed, literally just turned off. The Eyesight system is advertised heavily EVERYWHERE by Subaru. What Subaru does not disclose (actually keeps hush hush) is that the 2023 and 2024 models have a new generation of equipment made by a different manufacturer. The 2023 and 2024 models are subject to Safety system failures. This means all the safety enhancements advertised on Subaru.com and in dealership marketing material - collision braking, lane change warnings et al - are likely to just fail to work when you are driving the car. No recall has been instituted and the dealership does not disclose this when you buy or are looking to buy. I was asked to bring the car back 3 times, the last being the 'full and final' fix declared certain to fix the problem by dealership and Subaru Corporate. Sadly it did not. Dealership and Corporate want to NOW keep repairing. Asked to provide exactly what they plan to do to the car after what was allegedly a full and final fix - results in SILENCE. Asked how many repair attempts they think is fair before I ask them to buy back or replace vehicle under Lemon Law state statutes - THEY ARE SILENT. I ask them to work with me one on one to buy back the NEW car or replace with a NON DEFECTIVE car- as they should in the case of failure at 1400 miles - results in SILENCE. Demand letter went to Subaru Sherman Oaks to ether buy back or replace the defective NEW car - THEY ARE SILENT. Offered 10 videos and screen shots (and counting) showing the system not working between 12/20/23 3rd repair and today - THEY ARE SILENT. Dealership claims they need car to show the default when it is in their possession to see it - but REFUSE to hold onto car and return the car in less than 24 hours claiming it didn't do it on their test drive so it is cured!. Standup behavior, no? Brand NEW CAR off the lot which is now worthless. $38,000 spent. Bottom line - Legal action against Subaru and dealer in process under CA Lemon Law. I am very sad to report this experience as there are a few good folks there at the dealership- unfortunately not enough! Very sad day! Please let me know if you need to see any paperwork supporting this review. Happy to provide.

So now my car has been in the shop for 58 days after being there over ten times they are buying it back but I’m still waiting on that so not only am I out of a car I get to keep waiting and rent a car it vacation very very sad how much I have been f***** over this and they don’t give two shi* just keep telling me it takes time blah blah blah well I will tell everyone how shi**their customer service is and how long they don’t care if a customer don’t have a car even tho I got a new car with 5 miles in it spent over 46,000 dollars and then paid over 20000 in to it they are only giving me back 11000 so glad Subaru if America cares about their customers

We all learn things as we move through life, regardless of our age or experiences. Here's one thing I just learned at 71. Maybe it will help someone else.
I just purchased a 2024 Subaru Outback. The car had 570 miles on it, but because it was a "loaner" car and titled to the dealership, it had to be sold as a used car. So, what did this mean it the end? More than I realized.
1. The NEW CAR WARRANTY disappeared. I had to purchase a special "certified" warranty program for $2500.
2. The Subaru Skylink app which provides safety features, remote start, maintenance reports and scheduling, and other features, is supplied at no charge for 3 years for new cars only. I was expected to pay $99 per year for this service. That's another $300.
3. The Illinois Lemon Law for auto purchases only applies to NEW cars. So my "used" car with 570 miles is not covered by this law. There is a federal law that covers it, but nothing in the state. This is important to me because in my first week of ownership, the car has needed to be jumped off 6 times because it would not start. I hope I don't need to invoke any legal response, but in my research, I learned the reality.
So, I got $3,000 off the list price by buying the loner. I spent $2,800 to back features and warranties that would have been supplied at no charge on a new car. I lost legal rights. I saved $200.
LESSON LEARNED --
If you are shopping for a new car (any brand) and offered a "deal" on a demonstrator or loaner car, stop and think twice. Ask questions about the warranty and any other features or services which come at no charge on new vehicles.
UPDATE:
I worked with Subaru of America directly on the Starlink subscription. They are compensating me with 3 years free subscription. That is appreciated.
UPDATE 2:
The car is at the dealership. They diagnosed a bad battery and one that was deemed too small for the car. New cars have a larger battery. I guess mine didn't get the memo. Anyway, they are replacing the batter and battery mount. It should be at no charge. We will see if this fixes the problem.
CAVEAT EMPTOR (Let the buyer beware).

I have been a Subaru customer for over 25 years. During the 25 year span, I always lease two vehicles every three years. Recently, I was informed from Evergreen Subaru that I needed four new tires after only 20,000 miles. As a result, I called Subaru of America and asked them to resolve the issue. They were willing to credit me with $500.00 towards new tires but did not credit me for mounting and balancing. Bear in mind, the OE Bridgestone tires wore prematurely and I always rotate my tires in a timely manner at Evergreen Subaru. Therefore , I was very disappointed to learn that Subaru of America was unwilling to cover the cost of mounting and balancing of over $300.00

Never again, once the leases are up I will try another car manufacturer, possibly Volkswagen or perhaps another competitor.

Signed,

Very Disappointed

I purchased a brand-new 2015 Subaru Forester from the dealership, but unfortunately, my experience with this vehicle has been less than satisfactory. From the very first year, it became apparent that I had received a defective unit, as I encountered a series of major engine problems. These issues not only affected the overall enjoyment of driving my car but also raised significant safety concerns, particularly with regard to engine oil consumption.
In light of my ongoing issues and the overall unsatisfactory experience, I must express my disappointment with Subaru. I regretfully cannot recommend their products based on my personal experience with this 2015 Subaru Forester. I do not recommend Subaru.

Don't waste your time filling a complaint with Subaru of America they won't help you at all Subaru of America will take sides with the dealership.

Talk about terrible customer service!
The dealer will blame warranty decisions on SOA while SOA tells you it’s the dealer, all the while straight up lying about the problem and then just ignore you when you ask them any technical questions!
I would never recommend a Subaru to anyone!!!

Edit
PLEASE DO NOT BUY FROM SUBARU! TAKE YOUR MONEY TO ANOTHER COMPANY THAT IS WILLING TO HELP YOU OUT IF YOU ARE HAVING CAR ISSUES.
TOOK MY CAR IN ON MARCH 29, 2023 TO DCH SUBARU OF RIVERSIDE! THE REASON I TOOK MY CAR IN WAS BECAUSE IT GAVE OUT ON ME ON THE FREEWAY.I WAS GOING BACK AND FORTH WITH THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY COULDN'T GIVE ME AN ANSWER TO WHAT WAS WRONG WITH MY CAR THEY SAID I WASNT DOING THE MAINTENANCE SO I SENT THEM MY INVOICES OF MY OIL CHANGES AND THEY STILL WHERE GIVING ME A HARD TIME. HAVE EXTENDED WARRANTY AND THEY DIDNT TAKE IT INTO TO CONSIDERATION. AFTER TEO MONTHS OF DEALING WITH THEM I REACHED OUT TO CORPORATE JUST SO I CAN GET THE SAME IF NOT WORSE SERVICE.
ITS 5 MONTHS THS LATER (AUGUST 28,2023) AND THEY STILL CAN'T EVEN TELL ME WHAT IS WRONG WITH MY CAR. I KEEP CALLING TO TALK TO THE SPECIALIST WHO IS TAKING MY CASE BUT EVERY TIME I CALL THEY SAY SHE IS BUSY AND SHE WILL CALL ME IN TWO BUSINESS DAYS AND SHE NEVER CALLS. I ASKED TO SPEAK TO THE SUPERVISOR AND SAMETHING. THEY ARE BY FAR THE WORSE IF YOU BUY A CAR FROM THEM, MAKE SURE YOU HIRE AN ATTORNEY BEFOREHAND BECAUSE YOU WILL DEFINITELY NEED THEM TO HELP YOU GET YOUR CAR THAT YOU ARE STILL PAYING FOR WHILE YOURE NOT USING IT.
THEY DONT CARE ABOUT US THEY CAR ABOUT THERE SALES AND THEY MAKE CARS TO BREAKDOWN AND THEN BLAME IT ON YOU. I KNOW IM NOT THE ONLY ONE GOING THROUGH THIS SO I HOPE PEOPLE CAN READ THESE REVIEWS BEFORE BUYING A SUBARU.
5 MOTNHS WITHOUT A CAR AND THEY HAVENT EVEN TOUCHED MY CAR. CANT BELIVE THEY WILL LET SOMEONE WITHOUT A CAR FOR THAT LONG.

Shame on you Subaru of America, Inc.! Buyer Beware!! My daughter purchased a 2015 Subaru Forester a couple years ago. Just paid it off and it now has 115K miles. Beautiful looking car. She was driving down the road last week and all the warning lights lit up on the dash. She took it in to the local dealer and she was told she needed her CVT transmission replaced. Appx 12K repair cost on a vehicle with a trade in value of 7-10K without transmission problems. A mother of two small children, just paid this car off and now it’s worth nothing? A 2015 Subaru with 115K miles? “Built to Last”, my A**. The worst part is that Subaru knows about this and it is not an isolated incident. Apparently, the Christmas tree of lights on the dash indicating a failure of the CVT Transmission is a common problem. They extended the warranty on this to 10 years/100K miles. Which sadly my daughter just barely missed, based on the mileage only. You have falsely built a reputation of reliability. We will be telling anyone that will listen about this terrible situation. Shame on You Subaru!

Subaru abandoned us when we presented the famous battery drain problem. After a month of no help and talking to 9 “customer advocates “ we sold our Outback and are now very very happy Honda owners The title "Customer Advocate" seems utterly laughable now after our horrible Subaru of America experience.

Subaru of Kennesaw:

Gosh. I do want to keep this succinct to be helpful for prospective buyers. For that reason, not ALL issues will be addressed. ***USED BUYERS BEWARE***. If buying ANYTHING from this dealership other than a Subaru, their service department does not have the tech nor do they take it to the respective specialized dealership for even a basic multi-point inspection. While reviewing photos, I saw the 2016 Cayenne I purchased had a damaged headlight. I was told by my salesperson who happened to be the ONLY person in the building with integrity that'd it'd be fixed before sold. After a 4 hour computer glitch had me sitting (traveled from NC to GA to pick up the car) I headed to the hotel. The car was sold with 17 miles of gas, the oil with 28 days of life, a skipped service,TWO non-working headlights (probably not legal and a $12,000 replacement cost), an exhaust failure (due to the broken gas cap - another state inspection fail), and 3 tire valve stem caps missing. Sound organized, thorough, and professional? The service team tried to hide the damage.The service manager had an email reply to me that included something sent to him on accident by another agent I spoke with. The rep. chastised me behind my back for being concerned about the issues and said "that's what the warranty is for". That same rep. over the phone after confirming with him that they do not often take foreign cars on trade-in (Porsche, Audi, etc.) remarked how his tech's do not possess on-site the technology to review these vehicles. When asked if they take them locally to a dealer with the tools to do the review, he stated they didn't. I asked, being apparently more versed in Porsche's than they were... how would they know if anything was wrong with the car? He didn't have an answer. When speaking with the service manager on how they can get away with selling used vehicles without inspections, he stated I could return the vehicle as had they known about all the issues, they'd have "auctioned the vehicle for parts". LOL. I almost had no words (and I already spent $6k at my local Porsche replacing a pair of bad brakes and other safety/compliance items missed by Subaru of Kennesaw). If they HAD inspected the car, they'd have "gone a completely different route with it". I was contributed $2500 to put towards the $12k light replacement. Yay. I even have in writing from the service manager that the repairs will be covered/paid by the dealership. I'd win in small claims court against the fraudulent transaction and conduct. But I do NOT have the time for the dramatics of that. I would love to force them to spend $ on lawyers. I can def. afford to pay for a bit of karmic justice. Maybe in the fall. The entire transaction, from the finance gentleman making multiple document errors and not listening to the amounts I requested be put down, to the utter laziness and low integrity of the entire service department should make ALL buyers weary.

Bin seit 2020 Besitzer eines XV mit Tageszulassung und kann dieses Auto ruhigen Gewissens keinem Empfehlen. Unsere bisherigen negativen Erfahrungen reihen sich aneinander und Versprechen dem Besitzer ein relativ aktiven Besuch in der jeweiligen Vertragswerkstatt. Diese Besuche bleiben aber weitgehend erfolglos, da die Werkstätten auf abgelegte Fehler in der Blackbox reagieren können/wollen. Die Odysse endet aber keinesfalls mit dem erfolglosen Werkstattbesuch sondern geht weiter über die Kontaktaufnahme zum Mutterkonzern in Japan. Alles im allen ist dieses Fahrzeug nicht Empfehlenswert !