I saw that this is an old
I saw that this is an old thread but it is still relevant in 2018.
I have a 2014 Outback (OB) 4 cyl. Oil levels are checked regularly, 500 - 1000-mile intervals. Getting a consistent oil level reading on this Subaru and other Subaru’s seems to be very difficult ask. Consumers should NOT have to wait until their vehicle sits for extended periods of time, on perfectly level surfaces, at a specific temperature to get consistent and accurate readings. Yes. Oil level check results should convey a high degree of confidence--SHOULD.
Even though my OB’s oil level was/is checked frequently, the engine oil level idiot gage turned on twice. No good! After each incident, adding just a 1/2 qt. oil, caused the oil level to exceed the 1/2 full level. Why? Yesterday when I checked the oil level--the car had been sitting for 2 days—it did not register on the dipstick. Huh? One qt. of oil was added. After subsequent operation the OB’s the level indicated 1 (ONE) qt. OVERFULL. WHY?
An oil consumption test indicated NO oil (ZERO) consumption. (Strangely though, when I changed out the oil from that test, I felt as if that oil seemed have a generous viscosity--not 0-W 20-W by any means! Hummmmm. Why?) It has been 3000 miles since I changed out the "test" oil. The oil level has been checked multiple times since. Each time the OB was checked oil level was o.k. Yesterday I checked the oil, the car had been parked 2 days, and NO oil registered on the dip stick! One (1) qt. of oil was added. The OB was driven today. The oil level now indicates 1 qt. overfull? Why?
I can't help but feel that Subaru is trying to baffle us with bull…oney. So you know, the OB is now out of (60,000 mile) warranty. Subaru also advises Subaru that my 2014 OB is/was not part of the 100,000-mile extended oil over consumption/engine warranty. Yup. That is true.
I did not just fall off a turnip truck. I have been a car buff all my life. In addition, I am a retired Industrial Master Mechanic/Engineer with over 50 years of mechanical/technical expertise on large, complex, and advanced electro-mechanical systems. That experience has taught me a few things: 1. Engines need—no, require--adequate lubrication; 2. Oil level readings must instill a high confidence in their accuracy to be useful; 3. Smoke screens are intended for the ignorant who don’t remain that way for long!
It is my belief that Subaru has not only tried to snooker me but, just maybe; many others as well. I regret buying this vehicle for inclement weather conditions (which it handles nicely) and not a vehicle from another manufacturer. I sincerely hope that another class action is brought against Subaru and that this time it ends with a comprehensive and an exorbitantly high punitive judgement!!!!!!!!!!