I'm not sure how Subaru supports their cranks in their boxer engines, but they certainly have their share of problems with their design, including head gasket issues that allow oil into the cooling system (or worse). Subaru's answer is stop-leak. I have a problem putting stop leak in a vehicle that only has 41k miles on it.
http://www.subaruproblems.com/
Many of their engines also suffer from piston slap when cold, sounding like a thrashing machine, which they consider "normal."
So I'm not sure I'd go there for any solutions.
I had a '99 Miata that was in the build dates that had the dreaded crank end play/bearing problem, and though my engine was not effected, I had to prove that it wasn't when I sold it.
I also own an '00 Acura TL that had to have an extra oiler added to the automatic trans to ensure proper lubrication. Acura has extended the warranty on these vehicles to 8 years or 100k. It is my understanding that they are even repairing trannies out of warranty, but who knows how long they'll do that.
I recently needed two new rear wheel bearings in my Subaru (a known design problem), when I told my dealer that I wanted to talk to the Subaru rep, they declined since my car is not under warranty due to age (6 months past). When I told them I wasn't going to pay the $800, they filed theft of services charges against me, which was later dropped after they knocked 200 off the bill. Needless to say, I won't be doing business with them again (or with Subaru).
It seems design issues are running rapant these days. There are MANY "secret" recalls on vehicles. It doesn't surprise me when there are issues with mass market vehicles, but I expect something better from the premium manufacturers. Something is disjointed when highest profitability = unresolved quality/design issues. Is that part of the Porsche "mystique?"
Hybrid Mode
