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vettenuts · 06-12-2018, 11:03 AM

I have been looking at the Chevy Colorado and the Subaru Forester for my next vehicle. I just found two manual transmission Subaru Foresters at one dealer that are both 2015's. When I checked the CarFax, one of the Foresters has had an oil consumption test and two owners which makes me believe it has an oil control issue. The second Forester doesn't show any oil consumption tests on the CarFax, however this may not be indicate anything either.

Per the Subaru Technical Bulletin, the first one falls below the serial number before which they introduced new rings for better oil control. The second car has a higher serial number than the ring introduction number so in theory shouldn't have an oil control issues.

It seems that the manual transmission cars have this issue more than the CVT cars, likely due to the way the engine revs up and down and the higher use of engine braking with a stick. I know a lot of folks here tow Subarus and all those towed are manual transmissions so what better place to get some input.

Does anyone have any oil consumption issues with their Subaru? (I don't want to buy an oil burner.)

A lot of the on line discussion I can find is from people who infrequently check their oil and then get upset when the low oil light comes on.

dan-nickie · 06-12-2018, 08:21 PM

Get the Colorado and don't worry about checking the oil. :-)

Vato · 06-12-2018, 09:09 PM

[QUOTE=vettenuts;4237270]I have been looking at the Chevy Colorado and the Subaru Forester for my next vehicle. I just found two manual transmission Subaru Foresters at one dealer that are both 2015's.

A friend has a 15 Suby... Nice little car ...BUT it IS an oil burner....

Plan on a qt every tank

99phantoms · 06-14-2018, 02:47 PM

I have a '15 Subaru Forester. Just over 3 yrs old, 15k miles. Bought it for towing, which starts soon. Just had the base plate installed, etc.

This is the 1st I've ever heard of an oil burning problem.

vettenuts · 06-15-2018, 06:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 99phantoms

I have a '15 Subaru Forester. Just over 3 yrs old, 15k miles. Bought it for towing, which starts soon. Just had the base plate installed, etc.

This is the 1st I've ever heard of an oil burning problem.

Did you buy it new, or used?

99phantoms · 06-15-2018, 07:35 AM

Bought it new late May 2015.

Every time I've checked the oil (which ain't that often), the level has been right where it shoulda been.

Probably doesn't matter, but it's a manual transmission.

vettenuts · 06-15-2018, 10:19 AM

It’s very odd, as some have the issue and some don’t. Subaru made a ring change in 2015 and provides the starting serial number for the change in their tech bulletin. I also think that the way it is driven has something to do with it as well. I would think a lot of downshifting or holding gears would contribute.

HighDesert · 06-15-2018, 10:25 AM

The oil consumption ordeal is a bit of a test of owners patience and thoroughness. I have a 2011 Forester that I went through this on with Subaru. Initially I questioned the burning of a quart of oil every oil change and was told it was normal. Some time later, after continual oil consumption, Subaru issued the "oil consumption test" parameters. I had this done and was told all is well. I kept seeing the oil usage go on and went back to have the test redone. As it turned out, my Forester ended up having the short block replaced at no cost by Subaru as it was determined I had excessive oil consumption. Basically, all you can do is see if 1) your car falls into the possible range of s/n's affected, 2) go to the dealer and st up the test process, plan on driving an additional 1000 - 1500 mies with oil checks to see how much is being consumed. Subaru has an algorithm they go they to determine if you qualify or not for short block replacement. I have had no issues with my Forester after the work was done and am very happy with the end result. Good luck, as I would not hesitate to use a Sub as a toad if you can find one with an A/T. Around here, they are like gold.

baraff · 06-15-2018, 12:13 PM

I own a 2012 Impreza which falls into the serial number range for this problem. My car does use oil, most noticeable on long trips.
I have not had the oil consumption test done, I am retired now and it takes me forever to rack up miles. I doubt I put 3000 miles a year on it now.
This is our toad, has 58000 miles on it, manual transmission.
I should get it tested, but I know they'll fight me on it.
Btw, cars that fall into the serial number range receive an additional drive train warranty, think it's an additional 5 years. I am covered for that anyway.

99phantoms · 06-15-2018, 12:51 PM

I called my local Subaru dealer service department to ask if my '15 Forester was among those with excessive oil consumption.

They told me there was no group of cars identified as having excessive consumption, and that it was completely random.

baraff · 06-16-2018, 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 99phantoms

I called my local Subaru dealer service department to ask if my '15 Forester was among those with excessive oil consumption.

They told me there was no group of cars identified as having excessive consumption, and that it was completely random.

Well, maybe for the Forester. For my Impreza I have a letter around here somewhere regarding the results of a class action suit against Subaru which states a serial number range of cars that are eligible. In the letter it specifies what one needs to do to claim reimbursement for various small purchase items, like oil, etc, and how to determine if your car may be eligible for repair (oil consumption test). It also states as part of the settlement that the engine/drivetrain warranty has been extended for models that fall in that range. I put the letter someplace for safe-keeping and, well, you know the rest!

99phantoms · 06-16-2018, 09:35 AM

Did some poking around online. Apparently the oil consumption problem was resolved for '15 Foresters after Vin # 543624. Mine falls after that... but, I'll check during an appointment next week. Thanks for the help.

Sicduc · 06-27-2018, 02:27 PM

I have a 16 Crosstrek 5spd that is fairly new to me and I have put 13000 miles on it and haven't seen any excessive oil consumption and towed it another 6k so far....

99phantoms · 06-27-2018, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 99phantoms

Apparently the oil consumption problem was resolved for '15 Foresters after Vin # 543624. Mine falls after that... but, I'll check during an appointment next week.

Was told by my local Subaru dealer that there is no cross check by VIN #... that the problem is random. I suppose you have to catch the problem by watching your oil level.