Subaru issues updated TSB for excessive oil consumption issue

Serious question from a three time Subaru owner considering returning to the brand. When a customer brings in a Subaru for service like this, does every Subaru dealership provide a free loaner car? Any feedback from current owners appreciated.

My 2013 Crosstrek drinks oil like a thirsty sailor. It was even worse after the short block replacement. As of this week, SOA is buying the car back for the maximum amount possible after deducting sales taxes and a small mileage stipend, as my car burned excessive oil from the moment I drove it off the lot. I'm done with Subaru. I don't trust any auto manufacturer that changes its standards and recommendations in order to mask a problem with their vehicles. (SOA considers it "normal" to burn a quart of oil in 1,200 miles. And with my car, they lowered the recommended mileage between oil changes from 7,500 to 3,000. Yeah, right, Subaru...)

I bought a certified pre-owned 2013 XV Crosstrek with 53,000 miles and the low oil light came on after I drove about 3,500 miles. I topped it off with oil and took it to the Subaru dealer the next day to start an oil consumption test. They changed the oil free of charge and told me to come back after 1200 miles. After 1200 miles I took it back and they determined that the oil level was still full. After the oil consumption test I drove another 1200 miles and the oil level light came on again for a brief period. I checked the oil after letting it sit for several hours and found that it was at the low level indicator on the dipstick. I took it straight to the same dealer that did the initial oil consumption. If you have this done, KEEP THE PAPERWORK YOU ARE PROVIDED. They initially tried telling me that I didn't bring the car back after the initial 1200 miles. Once I whipped out the consumption report that showed I had indeed brought it back at 1200 miles and it was still "full" at the time, they took the car in to check it again. After 30 minutes I was setup in a free loaner and told I was getting a short block replacement. Anyone being told that 1 quart every 1200 miles is "normal" should insist on getting a consumption test done. The consumption test paperwork specifically states that if the vehicle consumes 1/3 a quart of oil or more in the 1200 miles, that is considered excessive oil usage and the appropriate repairs must be made. I hope this helps anyone else that may be struggling with this issue and that the short block replacement fixes this issue.

Subaru's EOC issue is far beyond frustrating and annoying. Nothing about it is "normal." If it were, NO ONE would buy these cars. And if Subaru can build cars that **don't** burn excessive oil, there should be none that do. They are screwing up, and/or they are using faulty parts in some of their vehicles. And they are fighting tooth and nail to pass the blame onto the consumer. As I've said in some previous posts, Subaru *implied* on several occasions that MY driving style might be the cause of the EOC I was experiencing with my 2013 Crosstrek, which I purchased new and which began searing through oil immediately. That "implication" was beyond ridiculous and bogus, and I told them so in no uncertain terms. After two OC tests, the short block was replaced in my car. It was worse after the repair. I filed a formal complaint, and after more than a month of "negotiations," the case was settled to my satisfaction. I'm done with Subaru.

I have a 2013 Subaru impreza. Had the OC test in the beginning of october and it showed I burned excessive oil. They replaced the short block in it and the car shows more than a quart low after 1300 miles. After reading these other comments, I'm not feeling confident about how this will be resolved, if ever.

I have a 2015 Forester that seemed to be burning a lot of oil. It only has 7000 miles on it. The dealer did an oil consumption test and told me they would be putting in a new engine block. It's under warranty and a loaner car is provided.

Betty, I hope this short block repair works for you. The SB was replaced in my 2013 Crosstrek and did not fix the problem. Don't give up or give in on this! If need be, fight them until you get your money back. Because I have an old Toyota Corolla that runs great, I have not yet replaced my Ctrek. But where I live, I really do need AWD and high clearance. I'll be replacing the Ctrek with a Honda CR-V.

I own a 2013 Impreza with an oil consumption problem. As part of the class action settlement, Subaru installed an oil consumption test device on my car, for a 1200-mile test. The comments I am reading are helpful.

I have owned Subarus in the past and now own a Forester. I purchased it used from a dealer. I was told it was a second vehicle and the previous owner did not drive it enough to keep it. Before I drove it 1200 miles, the oil light came on. I was told, "I" must have put the wrong oil in it-never put any oil in it, only the dealership. Then it was my driving and shifting, (manual). When I went on line, I found there was an issue so I took it back for an oil consumption test. It failed and now they replaced the short block. Has anyone had a positive outcome?

At the place I fish there is an Audubon building and two workers. Both have current gen Foresters. I asked the owners today if they have any oil consumption issues. The 2014 does not, but the 2015 does. As the woman who owns it put it when I asked if it consumes oil, "Oh yeah! Tons!" I own a new 2016 Forester and so far no trouble. I am now keeping a close eye on it. If it uses one drop I am driving to Mazda's closest dealer and buying a CX-5.