How Long Do Subarus Last

Are you looking to buy a Subaru but don't know how long the Subaru's engine lasts? Let me help you through this, hmm.

Well! While looking for a vehicle to buy, it is essential to know its reliability and durability. Subaru is one of the top vehicle manufacturers, and it is best for fun driving and reliability.

Subaru's cars are undoubtedly popular and favourite, especially for those looking for luxury, style, and comfort. But there is always a question about their reliability!

That is, how long can Subaru Last? What is the life expectancy of a Subaru Engine? Let me tell you all about it, but remember! 

The answer is not simple and applies to all cars; it varies and depends. 

So! Subaru claims that 98% of the vehicles it has sold in the last ten years are still used today. Means: Subarus can travel 150,000 to 200,000 miles and last more than 15 years without breaking down. 

Isn't that impressive? Obviously, yes! But what's more amazing is that proper maintenance and care can improve Subaru's lifespan. 

It looks easy, but actually, it isn't.

Keep this in mind! Ignoring its maintenance and repair needs can lead to serious Subaru engine problems. 

Don't Worry! Some real knowledge can solve half of your problems, and applying this knowledge could solve the remaining one.

In this article, you get answers to everything you have questions about, like: How long does a Subaru last? How many miles can you travel by Subaru vehicle? What are the issues of having a Subaru? How to Maintain a Subaru Engine? And how can you overcome Subaru engine problems? As a Subaru owner, you must not skip this article.

Let's See!

Life Expectancy of Subaru Vehicle

Subaru's life expectancy includes several factors, and you must be aware of them to acknowledge problems and solutions fully.

How Many Miles Can a Subaru Go?

As Subaru's miles drive limit depends on maintenance costs, the more you spend on your car, the more you get out of it. Your vehicle will weaken with age, and parts will wear out, demanding maintenance and reset.

Many Subaru have more than 200,000 miles on them. However, practically everyone has had extensive maintenance work done after 150,000 miles.

It means that! Subaru's first mileage limit is reached when it reaches 150,000 to 200,000 miles; after that, it can be run to 300,000 miles with the best maintenance.  

Got it!

How Long Does the Subaru Engine Last?

Now, let's know something about Subaru's engine.

Subaru's engines are well known for their reliability and durability. It has been reported that almost 98% of Subaru cars that have been sold in the last ten years are still on the road.

Means! It is in good shape and style, and you might see a Subaru Impreza from the 2000s or a Subaru legacy from the 1999s.

Did you know how to do it? I'll tell you!

With proper maintenance, Subarus lasts up to 300,000 miles or more. However, Many Subaru owners reported that their engines last up to 500,000 miles before needing major maintenance and repair.

So! The true secret to getting the most out of your Subaru is assessing your driving habits and developing a maintenance practice that fits.

What is the Subaru Maintenance Cost?

Some people ignore maintenance and don't know that! If you let them go, minor and easily solvable issues in Subaru Vehicles can lead to major and severe problems.

So, having a proper check and early scan of your car is the best way to avoid damage and keep the vehicle in great shape.

During the first ten years, there's just a 23.5% chance of any damage that costs you more than $600. You can easily fix it under budget.

Well! what after that? 

The average cost to maintain a Subaru car after 8,000 miles is about $345,69. It is surely expensive.

But considering that these cars can last up to 300,000 miles and are in good shape, that's a reasonable price.

Major Subaru Problems and Their Solutions

Now, it's time to learn about Subaru's most common engine problems and their solutions so you can easily control them.

Oil Consumption Problem

First is the oil consumption problem, a common and important issue I should discuss with you.

Oil consumption is a significant issue for Subaru owners. Oil lubricates the engine's parts during frequent runs but can also deteriorate the car if it leaks oil.

Oil leaks can appear in these different areas;​​​​

• At spark plug tube seals
• The rare engine
• At the piston access plug 
• There is a cracked seal at the front of the engine
• The area where your PVC battlefield is located.

Reasons for High Oil Consumption In Subaru

Before going into treatment, you must always look for the root cause so that you can treat it accordingly rather than guessing.

1. Valve Cover Gasket

Deterioration or disintegration of the gasket can cause oil leakage. Then, the gasket's function of covering the valve diminishes because, over time, it shrinks and becomes damaged.

2. Camshaft Seals

Deterioration of camshaft seals is also a cause of oil leakage and consumption. Camshaft seals become damaged over time, causing oil leakage.

New Brown Seals are more reliable and resistant than the old black Seals. 

Camshaft seals are allocated behind the Camshaft Sprockets. 

Behind the timing belt cover, you can access the front of your engine by taking aside the front of your engine.

Other Causes of Oil Leaks

Some other important causes that lead to the oil consumption problem in Subaru are:

• Oil leaks could be caused by the wear to the seals or gaskets.
• Poor-quality oil will burn more quickly than high-quality oil.
• Due to worn piston rings, the oil will escape and be consumed inside the combustion chamber.
• Oil overflows the engine when there is high oil pressure, causing it to be consumed.
• Oil will mostly leak through the old engine's small patches of natural wear and tear.
• Because synthetic oil is formulated differently than regular oil, it can frequently escape via considerably smaller holes.

Some Subaru Vehicles that have Oil Consumption Problems

As new vehicles use less oil as they age, you expect them to burn oil. Cars with over 100,000 miles can usually cause oil burning.

Well! Specific engines could cause Subaru oil consumption.

• Forester 2.5L engine (2011-2014) 
• Outback 2.5L engine ( 2013)
• Crosstrek 2.0L engine (2013 XV)
• Legacy 2.5L engine (2013)
• Impreza 2.5L engine (2012-2013)

How to Solve Subaru Oil Consumption Problem

This issue needs to be resolved as soon as possible before it becomes worse.

Solution

Few solutions and tips are there that can help to overcome this oil consumption problem.

Quality Engine Oil

You may feel it illogical or unreasonable to spend money on quality oil, as your engine will burn it anyway, but here are some reasons.

Let me explain

• High-quality oil has a higher chance of lasting longer than any cheaper oil.
• It will also maintain your engine health and cause low or zero damage, which avoids leaks from wear and tear.

Regular Maintenance

Never compromise on regularly scheduled maintenance. It will ensure your car's safety, and you will be aware of any required repair and preservation before it worsens.

It is true; with proper maintenance, your car will hold oil longer than without any maintenance, and it will inform you about any leakage before it's too late.

Check and response on oil leakage

Take your time; check for oil leakage in your vehicles and detect the source and area of leakage, as these measures are necessary for replacing and popping up oil to work.

Think about it! It will cause more severe problems to your engine besides.

• Check out if your car is leaking any oil from any part.
• Also, the source and area of oil leakage should be detected.

Consult Mechanics

I previously recommended oil detection in Subaru Vehicles to solve oil leakage;

However, it's not that simple! 

• Subaru is a complicated vehicle that needs help handling and detecting.
• It is better to rely on the efficiency, experience, and expertise of Subaru car mechanics.

You will be informed how to resolve the issue after he physically deals with the car.

 

Subaru CVT Transmission Failure

The second problem that most customers come across is Subaru CVT Transmission Failure.

Transmission failure is slow or jerky gear shifting, with unusual noises such as grinding, whining, or clunking. 

Slipping gears occur when the engine revs, but the vehicle does not accelerate due to transmission fluid leakage or a burning odour.

Check this out; if you feel these tragic noises in your vehicle, it's time to consult with the mechanic.

Causes of Subaru Transmission Failure?

The prevalent causes of transmission failure are as follows:

Over Heating

Heating is a significant cause of transmission system failure;

Let me explain!

• Subaru cars that drive in extreme weather conditions might experience a heat rise, leading to transmission pressure.
• Heat can degrade or affect fluid properties.
• Heat causes insufficient lubrication that leads to friction, which causes transmission failure.

Torque Converter

According to Car Direct, "torque converter has a common issue of worn and damaged needle bearing." 

When the needle bearing is worn out, it causes noises coming from the transmission while you are driving.

Low-Quality fluid

A clogged filter (typically caused by dirty gearbox fluid) can cause sluggish shifting and gearbox failure. Filter replacement usually solves the problem.

Which Subaru has a Transmission Problem?

Subaru Ascent, Legacy, and Outback are known for having transmission failure problems. 

Subaru has recalled over 198,000 Ascent SUVs produced during the 2019 and 2020 model years, along with the Outback SUVs and Legacy sedans from the 2020 release year.

• Due to CVT transmission failure, Subaru warranted the cars from the 2010-2018 model years.

Signs Of Transmission Failure

Well! You might have a question: how does someone know if there is any problem with CVT transmission?

Signs of CVT transmission in Older Subarus of 2013 and before

1. Over Heating

2. Transmission Slipping

Signs of CVT transmission in recent Subaru of 2014 and after

1. Growling Noise

2. Engine Speed Fluctuation
3. Stalling 

Solving Subaru Transmission Failure

Now! It's time to solve this problem. 

Heat Control

Check the vehicle's cooling system. Properly working, it prevents transmission failure due to heat loss.

In short, regular checks on the radiator, radiator hoses, and coolant levels reduce impearing and damage to the cooling system.

Check and Replace Transmission Solenoid

• While accelerating, if your car shudders, then there is a need to replace the solenoid in the engine.

• When you are not pressing the gas pedal, but the vehicle's speed changes up and down, it is required to change the transmission solenoid for uniform engine speed.

Check and Replace transmission fluid

•  Replacing the thrust washer with CVT-friendly transmission fluid can act to reduce stalling.

• If fluid isn't sufficient and has a burning smell, it could cause a problem.

Head Gasket Failure

Lastly, I am going to tell you about the Heat gasket Failure. It is also a common problem that customers come through.

The head gasket is a key engine component. Its function is to protect cylinder heads and the engine block. All that moves at the base of the engine is a seal.

The 2.5L SOHC engine used in the Impreza, Forester, Legacy, and Outback from 1997 to 1999 is the most common Subaru model affected by head gasket failure.

Common Signs Of Subaru Head Gasket Failure

Let's learn about signs of head gasket failure so that if you ever feel these changes, you can make a safe check before it worsens.

• A burning Smell
• Engine overheating
• White Smoke and a sweet smell Exhaust from the pipe because the coolant leaks in the cylinder and turns it to streams. 
• Milky View Oil because coolant gets into the oil.
• Adour of engine exhaust and oil in coolant.
• In coolant recovery coolant, you get discoloured coolant.
• Without any sign of leakage, the coolant is lost.

Ok! I know what you are thinking.

These issues are measurable, but Subaru doesn't bring any production; however, they announced a warranty on the heat gasket at over 100,000 miles.

Solution

The only thing you can do to solve Subaru's head gasket problem is to replace it with a new one. No other choice.

Subaru Head Gasket Replaced

How do you replace a Subaru's head gasket?

Changing a head gasket requires experience and expertise; it is a challenging task. 

Remove the engine from the vehicle to blow the heat gasket and disassemble the motor to detect the issue.

After cleaning the motor, the engine is reinserted into the vehicle, and they make sure the head is resealed correctly.

What is the cost of replacing a head gasket

Subaru head gasket replacement takes a ridiculous amount of time and work, so it is pretty expensive; it can cost you $1600 to even $3000.

How to Avoid Subaru Head Gasket Problem

Why get stuck in a problem if you can avoid it? 

Change Engine Oil

Change the engine oil regularly! Changing oil helps remove any unburned fuel that has found its way into the engine oil. Fuel is a solvent that can cause seals and gaskets to fail. 

Check Coolant Regularly

It would also be beneficial if you routinely replaced the coolant in your Subaru. Keeping the coolant clean will reduce the likelihood of a gasket leak.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Subaru Forester good?

The 2024 Subaru Forester is a safe SUV. The NHTSA gives it a 5-star overall rating. It also scores five stars in the side crash test, five in the front crash test, and four in revolver evolution.

How can Subaru increase its life expectancy?

Regular oil changes, careful driving habits, and timely tune-ups can help extend the lifespan of the Subaru and keep it running for longer.

Which Subaru engine is to avoid?

You should avoid only the 2.5L turbo motor engine due to its low reliability.

Is Subaru expensive to maintain?

Unlike other cars of different brands, Subaru is less expensive to maintain. However, the most expensive part of owning a Subaru is the change in oil change.

Conclusion

In conclusion, how long does Subaru last? As you know, Subaru is the most reliable engine, which could last 200,000 miles, but at about 150,000 miles, it has started losing its durability and working capacity. 

As I mentioned, Subaru is a durable vehicle, but some technical issues need manufacturing attention for modification.

I mention some of the most common issues: oil leakage problems, Head gasket failure problems, and Subaru Transmission Problems, along with their DIY solutions, so you must benefit from using them.

Hopefully, this article will clear up any confusion or problems.