Why Subaru’s excessive oil consumption issue could spoil their party

I bought new a 2014 Forester which now has about 22000 mi on it. It has been using a qt every 1500 miles. I took it to a dealer and they agreed to an oil consumption test. All good so far.
After they changed the oil I checked it immediately at home and it showed .5 qt OVER the full mark. Im thinking the strategy for them now is to overfill so it wont show that it used so much.
Im taking a picture of the dipstick if I can get it to show up.
Any suggestions?

Sounds to me that Subaru is a great marketing company but their engineering department failed to do the proper life tests on the major components of the vehicle or was told to ship the product. In my opinion the engineers were told to ship the product. I will not be purchasing a Subaru. Sort of a shame, I like the features of the 2015 Outback but have other choices from reputable manufactures who admit their mistakes when problems arise to maintain good customer relations. For your information, I own an 18 year old Camry that has never burned oil and always passed emissions. Sorry to all that will take this financial loss. Good luck with the law suit.

I've had to add four quarts oil to my '14 Forester over the two years and 16K+ miles that I've owned it (got it new). I just had it in for an oil change and they told me that using a quart every 1200 miles was normal. OK. I haven't added four quarts in total to all of the cars that I've owned since 1980. However, we are now going to do an "oil consumption test" and in 1200 miles will get the results. I can hardly wait!

My 2.5 liter Impreza was driven hard and fast to 65,000 miles from new. It "burned" a quart every 1500 miles until I moved to one grade heavier oil. From 5-30 to 10-40 and then the burn rate was a quart every 3000 or more. I consider this normal especially in hot weather driven fast.
I think this is a bunch of cranky people who need to take a deep breathe and move to a little haevier oil and thank heaven that they have such a good safe car under them.

A year ago I purchased a 2015 Subaru Forester 2.5i and I go through 1 qt. of oil every 2000 miles.
This is NOT normal like the dealers are telling their customers. Subaru better do something about this or they will lose ALOT of customers incliding me, my family, my friends, and their friends.........

I have a 2011 Forester and until recently, I never noticed an issue. However, at 94+ miles, I'm now seeing excessive oil consumption issues; 5 quarts between oil changes. I'm sure the issue probably existed before I noticed it and I was never told by the dealership that when changing my oil that it was low. I'm a second generation Subaru owner and unless this gets addressed, there will not be a 3rd.

I was close to pulling the trigger on a 2016 Outback after a great deal of research and was aware of the oil consumption issue through Consumer Reports, but I am having second thoughts that the issue has not been resolved. What a shame as I really liked the safety features available on the Outback at a reasonable cost compared to their competitors for the same type of equipment. I feel that one of the main problems with the oil consumption is due to the 0W20 weight oil being used to reduce friction to increase fuel mileage to meet federal mileage mandates. I feel sure that changing to a heavier weight oil would probably remedy the oil consumption problem to a degree that might be more acceptable, but that would void the warranty and not be worth the risk. I guess that I'll have to continue to drive my nine year old Honda Odyssey that has never required adding oil between changes since it seems almost all of the new cars are using the same ultra thin oils and may soon have the same problems that Subaru is already experiencing. Leave it to the U.S. Government regulations to screw up what was not broken until the outrageous fuel mileage requirements were increased for the coming years.

In April of 2015 I bought a brand new Subaru Forester Premium 2.5i. Before 2,000 miles had passed my oil light came on. I stopped to take a look and the dipstick was barely registering any oil. I put 2 quarts in it and called the dealership. Having owned a lot of new cars in the past and working on my own cars a lot, I understand cars quite well. The dealership told me that a new car used a lot of oil until it was "broken in". My experience told me that was hogwash but I let it slide because I hadn't bought a new car since the early 2000s. I got my oil changed at the recommended 3,000 mile mark (as instructed) and then just drove along for the next 6,000 miles until the next oil change. At a little over 9,000 miles, the oil light came on again. AGAIN now oil was registering on the dipstick. I put another 2 quarts in and called the dealership accepting no guff this time. They gave me what I've discovered was the usual runaround about the oil consumption test and asked me to bring it in. I live in the mountains of northern New Hampshire and the dealership (like just about everything else up here) is a good hour and a half drive south. I brought it down and the service manager talked to me like I was a normal blonde older lady who needed to be consoled. He explained to me what the consumption test was for but refused to elucidate me on exactly what this test was and how it was going to correct the problem. I let him take the car and do what they were going to do and then went right in to talk to the general manager. I let him know in no uncertain terms that I was not happy at all and if this problem wasn't fixed right away to my satisfaction (new block, new engine, or replacement car) I was going to make a LOT of noise. He told me that his dealership's hands were tied because they had to jump through all the hoops that Subaru America makes them conform to. I am a retired veteran, computer scientist and linguist and I am NOT going to let theses people run me around. This ain't no little old lady we're talking about here. Did I mention I ride a motorcycle, too?

This is an interesting and concerning post. I just purchased a 2016 Outback and will be monitoring the oil level at every fill up to see if she uses much if any. My dealer told me 5000 mi between oil changes. Coming from a souled up sports car where I changed the oil (Mobil 1 synthetic) every 3500 miles and am monitoring the motor throughout its life I am accustomed to checking under the hood. My LS1 motor was identified as an oil user early in my life with her (the year (2000). Chevrolet said it was normal. It was said that the crankcase pressures created by even the stock engine would cause oil use through the PCV system and I saw about a quart per oil change get burned up! I changed the PCV system to one that was used in the corvette in the mid y2000's and oil consumption went down. Driving conditions, weather, temperature and driving habits also contribute to oil consumption as I have seen higher burn in the winter and hot summer vs milder times of the year. I wonder if Subaru or any dealer or independent has done research into the causes. Apparently so if they are replacing piston rings. But this kind of consumption would seem to me an indicator or higher crankcase pressures caused by ?? Looser piston ring tolerances aside... Anyway, I can see where some consumption would be normal but this kind of oil consumption does not seem so, no matter when they tell you!

I have a 2014 Subaru Forester 6 speed. It is the 5th Subaru we have had in our family since the early 1990's, and I expected to be a lifetime Subaru owner. With the current oil consumption problem I am experiencing with my 2014 Forester, though, and how Subaru is handling it--nationally and locally, this will be my last. The oil level low light comes on consistently between oil changes. Sometimes I take it in and am told it's fine. Other times it is low. The dealership has done multiple oil consumption tests or topped off the oil between oil changes, but there is never any resolution. I was told it was my driving---even though I haven't had this problem with other Subarus.. I was told that it might be a sensor, but that wasn't checked. I asked if there was a recall to make sure I hadn't missed one, and I was told recently that Subaru has changed the engine with the most recent models. Meanwhile, are those of us experiencing this problem just stuck with it until we trade in our cars? Many Subaru owners keep their cars for many years and many miles, and while I love this one otherwise, with this aggravation it is hard to imagine having it another 5-10 years. Come on, Subaru, be as dedicated to your long-time customers as we have been to you!

just about to buy a fully loaded 2016 Forrester

thanks for the heads up

Just got the results of my first OC test, lost 8 ounces in 1200 miles. This is my third visit, the first tow the dealer over filled the oil. Took it back and made them redo it. Pick up car today and drive another 1200 and go back again. This is my first and last Subaru.

I have a 2013 Crosstrek, manual transmission. My car has burned excessive amounts of oil from the day I bought it. After dismissing, in no uncertain terms, my dealership's robotic talking points about how this is "normal," and that "all new cars burn oil," the short block was replaced. This did NO good, and in fact, made matters worse. I burned through 1.1 quarts of oil in SIXTY-TWO miles!! I filed a formal complaint with Subaru (Corporate) 2 weeks ago, and now have an open case and the promise of a new car. What I DON'T have is a promise that this new car will come to me at no additional cost. Believe me, it WILL.

After riding in my friends 2013 Outback, I was convinced I had found my next car. But by 2014 I heard about the oil issue in the 2013 models. So I waited to see if 2015 would be any better, but no. I talked to a Subaru salesman about the 2016 models and he said the oil issue is still there. I think Subaru is trying to tell us what they think of their customers when they make statements like "1 quart every 1200 miles is normal". Even American cars with poor quality control got by this issues decades ago. A long time ago GM made a statement like "GM is not in the business of making cars, they are in the business of making money". After that I never bought another GM car. With their recent issues with ignition switches, I have no regrets staying away from GM. Subaru can stick with their statement if they want, but I think they just hurt future sales. I am currently driving my 17 year old Toyota, which by the way doesn't use any oil between changes, and I really don't want another hum-drum Toyota. But I never had issues bad enough that would force me sell it. Thanks Subaru for showing your true colors.

Update on my post from Sept 30: After more run-arounds by Subaru of America (SOA), I decided to go for a full dealer buyback rather than get another Subaru. With a great deal of effort on my part, I won. After all the deception in order to mask the EOC issues, and their bogus "oil consumption tests" that only serve to keep the Lemon vehicle in your possession longer, I'm forever done with Subaru.

This is not specific to Subaru. Audi, BMW (and others) are also being (or already have been sued) for the same issue and providing the same response. We own both and the manuals list 1qt/750 miles as acceptable. Fortunately our BMW doesn't consume oil, but I had to fight with Audi to have them resolve the issue.

It's sad it is an industry-wide affliction and they thought consumers wouldn't care or (worse) believe their horse-poop song and dance.

My 2013 Outback is getting dropped off tonight, the dealer is replacing the short block, the car has 70,000 miles on it. Uses 10 ounces every 1200 miles.....glug glug glug.....

Apparently Audi and BMW are in the same boat with Subaru, in that the issue is current and ongoing. I have seen reports that Toyota, as well as some other automakers, dealt with EOC a few years ago. Toyota's EOC also resulted in a CALS. It seems they solved their problems and that is no longer an issue. Since I ditched my Crosstrek, I've been doing extensive research on similar class AWDs to replace it. In all of my digging and reading, the available data continually leads to the Mazda CX-5. No EOC issues reported. No other glaring issues that have led to CALS. As AD pointed to earlier today, the excuses and amended "guidelines" for what is "acceptable" {EXCESSIVE} oil consumption by these offending automakers are a bunch of horse poop.

I have a 2012 SUBARUFORESTER it has 68000 miles on it I will be going in for my fourth return on my oil consumption test I feel they are giving me the run around also.

My 2014 Crosstrek has used at least a quart of oil between every oil change (every 5000 miles, not 7500 per manufacturer recommendation) since I purchased it, causing a low oil indicator. I have had two oil consumption tests which the dealer claims to show within a "normal range" of oil consumption. They have replaced the oil light sensor twice, I guess hoping that will make their problem go away. I still have 30,000 miles left on the powertrain warranty and expect the engine will blow up before it runs out. In the meantime I have been added to the second class action. I have been in contact with Subaru of America from the beginning, but they have done nothing and defer to the dealer.

I traded in my 2011 Subaru Forester for a Toyota Prius V, I hate to say I miss my Forester but It was using 1 quart of oil every 600 miles, and it only had 18000 miles, I decided to trade it before the Subaru market is known as oil consumption cars thus the value of vehicle depreciates,. I did not want to battle with the dealer and repairs. I should had never left Toyota. I only hope that those that chose to take the manufacturer to court wins, so customers compensate the loss. A vehicle that consumes oil at this early stage of life will give huge problems in the near future.

Having the same issue with my 2013 Subaru Outback. I thought all along it used to much oil for a brand new car. Took it in for its first oil change at 3K miles then had the oil changed every 5K miles. It currently has 31K miles on it. The last time I took it to have the oil changed, the low oil indicator came on a couple of days before my appointment, so took it in the very next day. This time I was slightly over 7K miles and it was 2 quarts low. Had the shop check for leaks etc. they found none. I was going on a short trip and they told me to bring it back in when I got back and they would check the oil, after a 300 mile round trip, it was down a half a quart. The shop instructed me to call the dealership. So we started the oil consumption test merry go round. Took the car to the dealership where we purchased it, a two hour drive from our home. they changed the oil to start the test. Told us we were NOT to check the oil, NOT to add oil, if the low oil light came back on bring it in. I was going on another work trip, and told them that. They said to drop by before the trip and they would check the oil, now that is convenient, but as it happened I had to be in Reno for a Dr. apt so we went by to have them check the oil. After they had us cool our heels for 30 plum minutes, they checked the oil, it was OVER full. So no telling how much over full it was at the time of the start of the test because we followed their instructions. Needless to say we were not happy and filed a complaint with Subaru of America. We have to restart the oil consumption test and have an appointment to do that tomorrow. This car uses more oil than the Toyota 4 Runner I sold to purchase this car, it had over 200K miles on it, it uses more oil that the 25+ year old Chevy pickup we have and the 20+ year old Toyota wagon we have. they told me 1/3 of a quart for every 1000 miles is normal. EXCUSE ME! That is unacceptable for a brand new car. This car was our first brand new car purchase in our lives and we are both in our 50s. It will be the last Subaru I ever purchase, knew I should have gone with a Toyota!

My 2013 Outback requires a fresh quart every 2000 miles. The dealer said it was normal due to the "thinness" of the synthetic oil. I got the 1st "low engine oil" light at 3000 miles, before my first oil change. I change oil every 3k. Car now has 40K miles; the dealer played dumb, and never mentioned the 3 or 4 technical service bulletins about this issue. Have undergone 2 oil consumption tests that proved I was correct...1 qt every 2k miles. Have a 20 yr old truck that loses NO oil. BTW, I life in the city where Outbacks are produced!

I was about to trade a Nissan Rogue, which needs no oil added between 5K oil changes for a 2016 Outback. Given the comments on this site regarding excessive oil consumption, dealers adding extra oil and the lack of support from Subaru I will not be purchasing a Subaru. My other vehicle is a Toyota Tundra with a 5.7 V8, I tow a travel trailer, have over 100k on it, we use synthetic oil and it does not burn a drop between my 5K oil changes. Subaru is not only throwing loyal customers under the bus, they will loose all potential new customers who research what is reliable to buy. Good way to go out of business.

After an infuriatingly frustrating, but successful battle with Subaru of America back in October (I got nearly all of my money back after driving an EOC 2013 Crosstrek for more than 2 years,) I still haven't replaced the car. I have a 1997 Toyota Corolla with 112K and it run great, so am taking my time deciding on another AWD vehicle. One thing is for certain, I will never so much as consider another Subaru, even if this EOC issue is resolved. After the BS and run-around they gave me for TWO YEARS, they lost me forever. And, friends of mine who were considering a Subaru purchase abandoned that idea after learning of my experience. It's really a shame. My Crosstrek had other weird issues beyond the EOC. In the winter, when the temperature dropped below about 15 degrees, I would routinely be jolted by a severe cracking sound that seemed to come from the passenger-side windshield area. Nothing visible ever resulted, but the **CRACK** sound was really disconcerting. I also had repeated trouble with the relay switch for the air blower. I'm glad to be rid of the car, even though I loved the styling and handling. You can do a LOT better, Subaru.