What Are The Most Common Subaru Problems And How To Prevent Them

Subarus earn loyal fans for traction and practicality, yet a few patterns show up as miles add on. Knowing the usual trouble spots helps you prevent costly repairs and keep that planted, confident feel in every season.

Here are the issues we see most often in Colorado, along with simple habits that keep them from turning into bigger problems.

1. Head Gasket Seepage On Older EJ Engines

Many older models with EJ engines develop external coolant or oil seepage at the head gaskets. You may notice a sweet smell after parking, damp edges along the gasket line, or a slow coolant drop without obvious puddles. Preventive steps include regular coolant service with the correct formula, a healthy radiator cap, and addressing small leaks elsewhere to prevent the system from running low.

If seepage appears, early repair with proper machine checks keeps the engine happy for the long run.

2. CVT Heat And Fluid Condition In Mountain Driving

Subaru CVTs handle daily use well, but long climbs and high temperatures can stress the fluid. Early hints include a brief shudder when taking off on a hill, a flare in rpm without matching road speed, or a temperature warning after a hard ascent. Keeping the transmission fluid fresh on schedule, verifying the cooler is clean, and avoiding heavy throttle with overpacked cargo on steep grades preserves smoothness.

If you tow or travel mountain passes often, ask for a fluid health check during routine service.

3. Oil Consumption On Certain FB Engines

Some FB engines can use oil between changes. The first clue is a low mark on the dipstick before the interval ends or a light tap at cold start that improves warmth. Checking level every month, especially before road trips, is an easy habit that protects the engine.

Using the exact oil spec, keeping intervals realistic for short-trip driving, and addressing minor leaks around the valve covers or oil cooler gasket help stabilize consumption.

4. Wheel Bearings, Strut Mounts, And Bushing Wear

Colorado roads and winter grit are tough on rolling parts and rubber. A steady hum that grows with speed often points to a front or rear hub bearing. Clunks over small bumps or a car that never quite tracks straight suggest strut mount or control arm bushing wear.

Rotating tires on time, keeping pressures set to the door sticker, and inspecting suspension during each brake service catch these items before they chew up tires or make highway drives tiring.

5. Symmetrical AWD Care: Tires And Differential Fluids

Subaru AWD expects all four tires to be very close in circumference. Mismatched tread depth can stress the center coupling and rear differential. Replace tires in full sets when possible, or shave a new tire to match tread depth if only one was damaged. Keep front, rear, and center differential fluids on schedule, and investigate binding or hopping during tight parking maneuvers.

Small fluid services here prevent expensive driveline work later.

6. Cooling System Habits For Colorado Heat And Cold

Big temperature swings expose weak caps, aging thermostats, and debris packed between the condenser and radiator. If the A/C turns warm at idle but cools on the highway, or the gauge creeps up at long lights, airflow is likely the issue. Clean the radiator face, replace coolant at the proper interval, and confirm the fan reaches full speed with a scan tool command during service.

Watch for crust at hose junctions and a faint steam smell after shutdown, both early signs of a leak.

7. Brake Pulsation And Rust Ridge After Winter

Salt and moisture can leave a rust ridge on rotor edges and create a thickness variation that feels like a steering shake during stops. If you sense a pulsation after a wet or snowy spell, a careful rotor measurement and cleaning of caliper slides often restores smooth braking.

Quality pads, even torque on wheels, and a brief post-service bed-in keep stops straight and quiet.

Quick Checks You Can Do Between Services

Look Under The Car After An Overnight Park for fresh oil or coolant drops.
Check Oil Level Monthly and note any change in consumption.
Listen For Bearing Hums on smooth roads at 40 to 60 mph.
Watch For Temperature Creep at long lights with A/C on.
Keep Tires Matched and rotated on schedule to protect the AWD system.

Keep Your Subaru Confident Year-Round With BG Automotive In Colorado

If you notice a hum, a slight shudder on hills, or a slow coolant drop, our team can pinpoint the cause before it grows. We verify fluid health, inspect AWD and suspension, measure brakes, and road test in real conditions so the fix lasts.

Schedule a visit with BG Automotive in Colorado and keep your Subaru surefooted, quiet, and ready for every mile.