If the oil burn test proves the engine has the problem, then you get a new engine. Honestly, it sucks, but IMHO it'd be better to do this now at one year, when it's clearly under warranty with a lot of warranty left, than later on.
FWIW, there was a lawsuit that Subaru settled on for older models: https://www.subarupartsplus.com/blog/about-subaru-oil-consumption
We had one of those that should have gotten a replacement engine, but unfortunately Subaru sent us the info about the lawsuit AFTER the file date had passed. We were so pissed because our car was barely out of warranty at the time and had already been voicing concerns about it burning a shit ton of oil (and basically being told we were crazy).
If the oil burn test determines that your engine burns too much oil, then your engine will be replaced under warranty.
If the test determines that your engine burns an acceptable amount of oil, you will be advised to check your oil whenever you fill the gas tank, and add oil as needed.
So, it's better for you if your engine burns more oil during the test.
Every time you check your oil, a few drops are wiped off the dipstick, effectively lowering your oil level. Not much, but some small amount.
I would check your oil a few thousand times.
Ah, we found someone new to Subarus. There was a class-action lawsuit on it, even.
[https://www.torquenews.com/1084/now-subaru-s-oil-consumption-lawsuit-settled-what-should-you-do](https://www.torquenews.com/1084/now-subaru-s-oil-consumption-lawsuit-settled-what-should-you-do)
Iāve been in your shoes but not with the Wilderness. Mine(ā22) sips. If you read the manual it does state that prolonged highway driving at a constant speed is a factor to oil consumption. Still get the test done. A new engine isnāt the end of the world.
I have a 23 sport with 12.5k miles. same engine. I haven't noticed any issues but I'm definitely keeping an eye on it. hopefully you can get yours sorted out
How long has it been since last oil change and where was it done?
My 2018 will usually pop the low oil light driving on a steep incline when Iām about ready for my 6000 mile oil change. If the last oil change went a little low on the capacity (itās easier to just throw 4 qt in my 2010 instead of 4.2) then youād get there even sooner.
From what I understand, most newer vehicles are expected to have a certain amount of oil loss through combustion that the manufacturers consider acceptable. I believe it has to do with getting better mileage out of the vehicle. I'm not sure what "low oil" means in a newer Forester? Down a quart? How much oil did the vehicle need and when had it been last filled? It's probably okay.
The oil consumption test should let the dealer know if the car is burning an unacceptable amount and they should replace the motor under warranty if it is. It'll be fine!
Yeah my 2018 low oil light pops up after about 5000-6000 miles and a full quart brings the dipstick all the way up to the āfullā markā¦ but itās time for an oil change at that point anyway
For whatever it's worth, it is my understanding from the forums that Subaru's burn oil. I know my 2014 Forester is one thirsty gal. I just keep a case of oil in the back and pour in a quart when the light comes on. I also get the oil changed regularly. Other than that, she has 213K miles on her and is running better than ever.
Damn im pretty lucky, my 2015 doesnt burn or leak much. Ive only had to top off once, recently at 155k miles. I started changing my oil myself about a year or two ago, and that time i had spilled about half a quart when filling it up so it was a little on the low end. I started using high mileage oil probably at 130 k ish. Not sure if that is an option for a new car
Do you check your oil level regularly? Its possible that the tech who did your last oil change filled it on the lower end close to the minimum level. So even if the car burned .1 quart over 6000 miles (which isnt too bad, of course they shouldnt burn any oil tho) it could trip the light. If you are sure it was filled all the way... i would worry
Apparently aggressive driving and engine breaking can increase oil consumption also
Does this oil burning issue happen only in particular vehicles where maybe it wasn't manufactured correctly? I've had two Subaru Forester currently have a 2018 that's almost 6 years old never had it burn any oil at allā¦
I had a oil consumption problem with My Forester XT using Mobile 1 on the advice of a Subaru Mechanic I changed to Motul 8100 and oil consumption issues went away.
This is exactly why Subaru motors suck. Any competition brand wouldnāt burn any oil after one year of ownership. Sick of this brand and all the horror stories I hear, along with all the outdoorsy / loyalist people gaslighting me to think itās still a good car. Never owning a Subaru again after this.
it's not really Subaru specific now. Everyone using 0 weight oil to squeeze every last mpg out of their 4 bangers use more oil than they used to. Just a thing now
Not true at all but ok. I have several friends with new cars, Mazdaās Hondas Toyotaās not a single one tops off oil between changes. Donāt even get me started on how bad the Subaru head gaskets are, none of the competition will ever change that and itās essentially considered maintenance on Subarus. Hell the last car I had a 2020 equinox with 70k didnāt even burn any oil. Just a bad design
I have a 2023 Limited. Havenāt even thought about oil consumption. Of course my car has less than 5000 miles, but I already took it in at the 6 month interval last month. They didnāt say anything.
If the oil burn test proves the engine has the problem, then you get a new engine. Honestly, it sucks, but IMHO it'd be better to do this now at one year, when it's clearly under warranty with a lot of warranty left, than later on. FWIW, there was a lawsuit that Subaru settled on for older models: https://www.subarupartsplus.com/blog/about-subaru-oil-consumption
We had one of those that should have gotten a replacement engine, but unfortunately Subaru sent us the info about the lawsuit AFTER the file date had passed. We were so pissed because our car was barely out of warranty at the time and had already been voicing concerns about it burning a shit ton of oil (and basically being told we were crazy).
well that sucks
If the oil burn test determines that your engine burns too much oil, then your engine will be replaced under warranty. If the test determines that your engine burns an acceptable amount of oil, you will be advised to check your oil whenever you fill the gas tank, and add oil as needed. So, it's better for you if your engine burns more oil during the test. Every time you check your oil, a few drops are wiped off the dipstick, effectively lowering your oil level. Not much, but some small amount. I would check your oil a few thousand times.
It's a boxer engine Moose out front should have told ya
Subaru has a history of oil consumption. They have had many years recalled because of it.
Has there even been a single recall related to oil consumption? I can't remember one. What year(s) and model(s)?
Ah, we found someone new to Subarus. There was a class-action lawsuit on it, even. [https://www.torquenews.com/1084/now-subaru-s-oil-consumption-lawsuit-settled-what-should-you-do](https://www.torquenews.com/1084/now-subaru-s-oil-consumption-lawsuit-settled-what-should-you-do)
Oof š What year/model?
2023 Forester Wilderness. 18k miles. I drive 80% highway, 20% city.
Well thanks for sharing. I have the same so I should be on the look out for this
Iāve been in your shoes but not with the Wilderness. Mine(ā22) sips. If you read the manual it does state that prolonged highway driving at a constant speed is a factor to oil consumption. Still get the test done. A new engine isnāt the end of the world.
I have a 23 sport with 12.5k miles. same engine. I haven't noticed any issues but I'm definitely keeping an eye on it. hopefully you can get yours sorted out
How many kms since previous oil change
How long has it been since last oil change and where was it done? My 2018 will usually pop the low oil light driving on a steep incline when Iām about ready for my 6000 mile oil change. If the last oil change went a little low on the capacity (itās easier to just throw 4 qt in my 2010 instead of 4.2) then youād get there even sooner.
From what I understand, most newer vehicles are expected to have a certain amount of oil loss through combustion that the manufacturers consider acceptable. I believe it has to do with getting better mileage out of the vehicle. I'm not sure what "low oil" means in a newer Forester? Down a quart? How much oil did the vehicle need and when had it been last filled? It's probably okay. The oil consumption test should let the dealer know if the car is burning an unacceptable amount and they should replace the motor under warranty if it is. It'll be fine!
Chippy569 said that the acceptable amount was 0.3 qt per 1200 miles. https://www.reddit.com/r/subaru/comments/1442eqk/comment/jngya1y/
Damn, that's 1.5 qts over 6000mi and these 2.5 engines only take a little over 4 quarts.
Sounds about right. I was thinking about a quart loss per oil change was in tolerance.
Yeah my 2018 low oil light pops up after about 5000-6000 miles and a full quart brings the dipstick all the way up to the āfullā markā¦ but itās time for an oil change at that point anyway
Have a 2014 forester what oil do I use? Synthetic 5w?
For whatever it's worth, it is my understanding from the forums that Subaru's burn oil. I know my 2014 Forester is one thirsty gal. I just keep a case of oil in the back and pour in a quart when the light comes on. I also get the oil changed regularly. Other than that, she has 213K miles on her and is running better than ever.
My husband's Forester is a 2014 and he does the same thing. Keeps 2 quarts in each little cubby in the back lol.
Do you change the transmission fluid?
yes
Damn im pretty lucky, my 2015 doesnt burn or leak much. Ive only had to top off once, recently at 155k miles. I started changing my oil myself about a year or two ago, and that time i had spilled about half a quart when filling it up so it was a little on the low end. I started using high mileage oil probably at 130 k ish. Not sure if that is an option for a new car Do you check your oil level regularly? Its possible that the tech who did your last oil change filled it on the lower end close to the minimum level. So even if the car burned .1 quart over 6000 miles (which isnt too bad, of course they shouldnt burn any oil tho) it could trip the light. If you are sure it was filled all the way... i would worry Apparently aggressive driving and engine breaking can increase oil consumption also
Does this oil burning issue happen only in particular vehicles where maybe it wasn't manufactured correctly? I've had two Subaru Forester currently have a 2018 that's almost 6 years old never had it burn any oil at allā¦
I had a oil consumption problem with My Forester XT using Mobile 1 on the advice of a Subaru Mechanic I changed to Motul 8100 and oil consumption issues went away.
Wouldn't you do an oil burn test by sticking your finger in the tail pipe and seeing there's oil in it?
This is exactly why Subaru motors suck. Any competition brand wouldnāt burn any oil after one year of ownership. Sick of this brand and all the horror stories I hear, along with all the outdoorsy / loyalist people gaslighting me to think itās still a good car. Never owning a Subaru again after this.
it's not really Subaru specific now. Everyone using 0 weight oil to squeeze every last mpg out of their 4 bangers use more oil than they used to. Just a thing now
Not true at all but ok. I have several friends with new cars, Mazdaās Hondas Toyotaās not a single one tops off oil between changes. Donāt even get me started on how bad the Subaru head gaskets are, none of the competition will ever change that and itās essentially considered maintenance on Subarus. Hell the last car I had a 2020 equinox with 70k didnāt even burn any oil. Just a bad design
I have a 2023 Limited. Havenāt even thought about oil consumption. Of course my car has less than 5000 miles, but I already took it in at the 6 month interval last month. They didnāt say anything.
My 2016 Forester has about 52,000 miles on it. Every once in a while I need to add a quart of oil. Bit I've heard that is normal
My 12 did that. New shortblock. Then other issue they ended up.buying it back