Question for Subaru Forester 2013

[QuietPortage]

Originally Posted By: Donald
Are these manual or auto or CVT transmissions?

I plan to use Pennzoil Platinum 0w20 in my 2015 Forester. The vehicle has got 1225 miles of which I have driven 25 and its suppose to be my car.

Mine has the 5-speed manual that isn't used anymore in Foresters.

Originally Posted By: JTK
Out of curiosity, what thicker oils have you run and how long have you run them?

I haven't tried it yet given my XV is so new, but I find it hard to believe consumption wouldn't be reduced by using 5w30 over 0w20.

I used GC 0w30 early on and then the Bandito Blend for 7,500 miles, both of which burned at the same rate as Pennzoil Platinum 0w-20.

This time, I used the same blend, but added a 300 ml can of MoS2 and I've only burned a half-quart in the 3,000 miles since my oil change. It's too early to make any judgements, but I'll update everyone when I reach 7,500 miles and do another UOA.

 

[WankelRotorHead]

Originally Posted By: geeman789

Or she could just check the oil once a week, and add oil when needed... really not that hard... and if you ditch the 0w20 and just use any conventional 5w30... cheap too... couple bucks a week, maybe.


I'm sure in pretend internet land your 68 year old mother checks her oil weekly...

Now back to reality, I've already got her headed towards the getting her dealer to fix the issue. She has been buying cars from that dealer since 1986 so I'm hoping they will do the right thing. If not, then she can pursue a lawsuit against Subaru.

 

[AZjeff]

Originally Posted By: BikeWhisperer

I'm sure in pretend internet land your 68 year old mother checks her oil weekly...


BITOG quote of the day!

My mother has checked oil exactly.....never.

 

[6starprez]

Originally Posted By: Bandito440

Originally Posted By: 6starprez
On nasioc.com, replacing the rings did not fix the problem for the people that had it done. Subaru has since reduced the threshold from 1 quart per 1,200 miles to 1/3 quart per 1,200 miles in which they would replace the short block instead.

Oh really!? I'm within that limit! I should go get a consumption test before long. I'm at 33k now, so I imagine I'll have to get it documented before 36k.


You have some extra still because it's under the powertrain warranty. It's also mentioned in the class action document on page 3.

 

[FutureDoc]

Originally Posted By: BikeWhisperer
My mom has an 2013 Imprezza that is consuming oil at a ridiculous rate. She has the oil changed every 5k by the dealer but doesn't ever check in between oil changes. She has had the oil light come on twice in between oil changes and the thing is only two years old. This is her third Subaru and the first two were solid cars. She's ready to trade it in, but I told her to start pressuring the dealer to fix the issue.

Here are the TSB's
http://www.thecarconnection.com/news/1092813_some-2011-2014-subarus-to-get-new-piston-rings

Her owner's manual even says 1 qt per 1.2k is "normal"...hogwash, it's not like they're using a Wankel engine! My '95 Imprezza never used a drop for almost 10 years and 150k miles and was still running strong when I sold it.

I think Subaru is only specing 0w-20 to get maximum MPG out of their cars. The older Subaru's got bad MPG but didn't burn oil. Now they get much better mileage and burn through their oil at an unacceptable rate. I wonder what would happen (besides voiding what appears to be a worthless warranty) if a 0w30 or even 0w-40 was used?

If Subaru doesn't fix my mom's car then I might try this route for her.


I am sure with the addition of the oil light, there is a new "concern" about oil use when those who never checked it all of a sudden "notice" the light on the dash. 1qt is pretty darn normal per 1200mi+ even for non-subarus. A Wankel is a qt ever few 100 miles. Keep in mind that oil burning is not necessarily a engine flaw. heck, the most bullet-proof Toyota engines are know oil burners. The rings are not an issue to most reported oil claims. I think most is a result of adding the oil-level warning light..

Quote:
If she trades in her newish Impreza, she will lose, what $ 5 000, or more...

Or she could just check the oil once a week, and add oil when needed... really not that hard... and if you ditch the 0w20 and just use any conventional 5w30... cheap too... couple bucks a week, maybe.

I get it, a new car shouldn't use this much oil... and Subaru should be fixing the problem, if they can...

And that's why there are a couple class action lawsuits underway... google it...

http://www.carcomplaints.com/news/2014/subaru-class-action-lawsuit-excessive-oil-consumption.shtml


SoA is one of the better makers as far as helping out consumers but do not be surprised if they say it is normal and they move on... because it is normal. Go talk to some long-time Subie owners about HG issues, or how about Toyota cat-back issues... or Chrysler "entire vehicle" issues... those are real issues. The 2.2 engine of the old Impreza was a know cockroach (in the good way) as it outlived everything. The non-interference engine would even forgive you for neglect. Going to a 0w20 + extended drain intervals, you are going to notice increased oil consumption. I have noticeable oil consumption in a fleet of domestics after going from 5000mi to 7500mi intervals... with 5w20 and 5w30 weights.

 

[Donald]

Glad I got a Forester CVT.

 

[JTK]

Originally Posted By: Donald
Glad I got a Forester CVT.


IMO, you made the right choice as far as transmissions go, but potential oil consumption can happen to 5spd, 6spd or CVT.

Like I've said in other threads, it's been very inconsistent (thankfully) with my 2014 XV Crosstrek. I've done all oil changes myself and have only used Napa synthetic 0w20 and subaru filters. I had to add oil at ~1600mi, then something like ~10K and ~18K. I some hilly, rural short trips and lots of high speed work commutes with it. Revs are always up with the 5spd and I've certainly never babied this car.

 

[CELICA_XX]

Originally Posted By: HTSS_TR
High mileage oil may be able to reduce or eliminate oil consumption, but currently no high mileage 0W20 oil is available, only 5W20.


Valvoline makes a 0w20, but the original poster's consumption doesn't seem that bad to begin with.

I would be hesitant to use it in such a new vehicle that probably isn't leaking a drop.

 

[LoneRanger]

What is it about the direct injection turbo 2.0's in the Forester XT's that they don't have the oil consumption problem? My understanding is the turbo engine does not suffer from it.

 

[geeman789]

Turbo engines are under much higher stress, and are built stronger as a result...

Two very different engines...

 

[Smetna]

Originally Posted By: JTK
Originally Posted By: Bandito440
... Thicker oils haven't made a difference for me either.


I believe we've chatted about this in prior threads. I too have similar oil consumption with my 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek FB20, 5spd.

Out of curiosity, what thicker oils have you run and how long have you run them?

I haven't tried it yet given my XV is so new, but I find it hard to believe consumption wouldn't be reduced by using 5w30 over 0w20.


What's the build date of your 2014 XV? Was it in late 2013?