Subaru towable

[canadianguy]

Hello,

I have a 2003 Subaru Forestor, 5 speed manual. It has been a toad it's entire life. Recently required some engine work, so that started me looking for a new toad. I started off looking at Subaru Forestors (not sure if they share the same manual as the Crosstek, but I believe they do).

From what I can find (even in my 2003 forestor ownerer manual) is that flat towing inststrctions have only been in the "emergency section of the manual"

With that said, I have had no issues with approximately 60,000 KM's towed.

The reading in the same section in the manual of the newer Subarus is nearly identical (some variance of key position over the years acc, on etc.).

As others have posted Subaru no longer supports flat towing (2016 onward).

I spoke to an independant Subaru dealer and he advised any 5 speed manual is good to go. When Subaru changed to the 6 speed that is where he agreed, it should not be flat towed for long periods of time. There is a lubrication pump that circulates while running. If this is not running, you could cause damage. I have done further research into this and perhaps an auxiliary pump could be added from a company such as Remco?

Still investigating this myself... but thats what I have discovered so far.

[baraff]

I bought my 2012 Impreza (new) specifically because Subaru told me it could be towed 4 down. (Manual transmission only) I wrote to Subaru before purchasing this car and asked them. I still have the email stating that all manual Subarus except the BRZ roadster could be towed 4 down.
At almost 60,000 miles, (more because the odometer doesn't register when towed), I have not had any problems.
And I have the email directly from the horse's mouth should there be a problem.
We tow with a ReadyBrute Elite towbar/surge brake.
I would write Subaru Customer Care and ask them directly. Don't rely on salespeople or third party advice.

[Sicduc]

Originally Posted by Sicduc

I'm going to roll the dice I just put a deposit down on a 16 crosstrek manual transmission with 5k on the clock for a toad... From what I understand and have read there were no changes from 15 to 16 other then Subaru changing there wording in there owners manual to get out of paying for any warranty problems they may have due to improper towing so I would say as long as you have a manual transmission you should be good to go... I Hope

Finally got our new toad set up and after a 250 mile test drive I’m very happy to report all is good on our 2016 Subaru crosstrek 5spd...