Alton Brobst If you’re a car enthusiast or someone who has owned a Subaru in the past, you may have heard rumors about Subaru cars having engine problems. But what actually happened to Subaru cars? In this article, we’ll delve into the history of Subaru and explore the factors that led to the engine issues that have plagued some of their vehicles.
Key Takeaways
- Subaru has had engine issues with some of their cars in the past, particularly with the EJ25 engine.
- The engine issues were caused by design flaws and manufacturing defects.
- Subaru has since made improvements to their engines and has become more transparent with customers regarding their engine design and testing processes.
Subaru’s History
Subaru is a Japanese automaker that was founded in 1953. The company is known for its all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicles and boxer engine design. Subaru has a loyal following of customers who appreciate the brand’s unique features and reliability.
Subaru’s popularity in the United States began to rise in the 1970s, and by the 1990s, the brand had established a strong presence in the American market. However, in the early 2000s, Subaru began to experience engine problems with some of their vehicles.
The EJ25 Engine Issues
The engine issues that Subaru experienced were particularly prevalent in the EJ25 engine, which was used in many of their models, including the Forester, Impreza, and Outback. These engines were prone to head gasket failures, which could lead to overheating, engine damage, and oil leaks.
The root cause of the engine issues was a combination of design flaws and manufacturing defects. The engine’s head gaskets were not designed to withstand the high temperatures and pressures generated by the engine, and the gasket material was prone to failure. In addition, some of the engines were manufactured with improperly torqued head bolts, which could cause the gaskets to fail prematurely.
Subaru’s Response
Subaru initially denied that there were any issues with their engines, which frustrated many customers who were experiencing problems. However, as more and more complaints came in, Subaru eventually acknowledged the issue and began to take steps to address it.
Subaru extended the warranty on the EJ25 engine to eight years or 100,000 miles, and they began to offer repair assistance to customers who had experienced engine failures. In addition, Subaru made improvements to the engine design, including the use of a more durable head gasket material and better torque specifications for the head bolts.
The Future of Subaru
Since the EJ25 engine issues, Subaru has become more transparent with customers regarding their engine design and testing processes. The company has also made improvements to their engines to ensure that they are more reliable and durable.
Subaru has continued to innovate with their engine design, introducing new technologies such as direct injection and turbocharging. These advancements have led to improved performance and efficiency, while still maintaining the reliability that Subaru is known for.
FAQs
What models were affected by the engine issues?
The engine issues were particularly prevalent in the EJ25 engine, which was used in many Subaru models, including the Forester, Impreza, and Outback.
What was causing the engine issues?
The engine issues were caused by design flaws and manufacturing defects. The engine’s head gaskets were not designed to withstand the high temperatures and pressures generated by the engine, and some engines were manufactured with improperly torqued head bolts.
Has Subaru addressed the engine issues?
Yes, Subaru has addressed the engine issues by extending the warranty on the EJ25 engine and making improvements to the engine design.
Is Subaru still a reliable brand?
Yes, Subaru is still a reliable brand. While they experienced engine issues in the past, Subaru has since made improvements to their engines and has become more transparent with customers regarding their engine design and testing processes.
Conclusion
Subaru’s engine issues with the EJ25 engine were a significant challenge for the brand, but they have since taken steps to address the issue and ensure that their engines are more reliable and durable. As a result, Subaru remains a popular and reliable brand for car enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike.
