Someone who knows more about cars than me… does this sound normal for a 2020 Subaru? Bought mine new in 2019 and it’s been in Florida ever since. I’ve put 81k miles on it with no issues. Always kept up with oil changes, filters, brakes, and tires, all done at the dealership.
Then, in early 2023, things started going downhill. First, the auto stop-start feature started stalling the car at red lights. Sometimes, it would take a second to start back up. Took it in April 2023, and they said the battery was fine. Got a second opinion—battery was bad. Went back to Subaru, and suddenly, they agreed and replaced it under “goodwill.” A month later, I got a recall letter about those same batteries.
Around the same time, I noticed the car would stutter when accelerating. It was rare at first, so I ignored it, but by November, it was getting worse. Took it in again, and they said it was the thermo control valve—$1700 fix. Subaru covered it since I was a “loyal customer.” Then, a few months later, another recall letter… for the same issue I had just paid to fix.
Now, in May 2024, the same stalling and stuttering issues are back. Plus, the AC isn’t cooling as well on the driver’s side. Took it back in, and here’s what they found:
AC compressor hose has a small leak, refrigerant is low ($2000.24)
Auto stop-start system has an internal failure, needs a new starter ($1075.31)
Carbon buildup on the intake valve, throttle body needs cleaning ($820.52)
Needed an oil change and diagnostic check ($4,596.86 total)
They also wouldn’t price-match two tires I wanted, which was just the cherry on top.
My questions:
Could the carbon buildup be related to the thermo control valve? If not, why am I getting the same issues again?
Could the auto stop-start issue be tied to the battery? If not, why does it feel exactly like last time?
Do they really need to replace the entire AC compressor for a small hose leak?
Is it normal for a 2020 with 82k miles to have all these problems?
I’ve seen this before… your dealer is overcharging you big time. Find a good independent shop, and you’ll save a ton. Most of these repairs aren’t complicated. I just cleaned the intake valves on my friend’s Outback last weekend—same engine as your Forester. Cost $20 for a can of cleaner and took 30 minutes.
@ruth
I had a feeling they were hiking up labor costs. They’re charging $600 just for cleaning the carbon buildup. If you have a good video tutorial, I’d try doing it myself!
Hadley said: @ruth
I had a feeling they were hiking up labor costs. They’re charging $600 just for cleaning the carbon buildup. If you have a good video tutorial, I’d try doing it myself!
Check out Mr. Subaru on YouTube—his videos are solid. Just search for carbon cleaning for Subarus. If your dealer isn’t straight-up scamming you, then you’ve had the worst luck possible. My 2012 still has the original starter and AC system. Hope your luck turns around.
A few problems don’t make a car a lemon. The thermo control valve (basically a fancy thermostat that tends to fail) and weak batteries are common Subaru issues. If your warranty is up, stop going to the dealer. Any decent independent shop can handle this stuff for way less.
My 2021 Forester had the same auto stop-start issue. Subaru of America got my dealer to upgrade the battery and housing for free. Still hate that feature… feels like it’s always about to fail. Thinking of getting one of those bypass switches from Amazon.
Also, I get jittery acceleration when going uphill sometimes. We just did the 60k mile service, and it didn’t really change. I’m thinking about switching to a local mechanic for future maintenance.
I use Subaru’s ‘engine maintenance kit’ ($25) to clean my intake valves every 12k miles. It’s just part of owning a direct-injection car. The TCV valve is under recall. And AC leaks after four years in Florida heat… not shocking. You’re mostly paying for labor. None of these repairs are crazy expensive, but the dealership charges a fortune for them.
@Ramirez
I also upgraded my battery to a Group 24F (Odyssey brand). Way better for Florida heat. The stock battery in Subarus is too small, in my opinion. I was having auto stop-start issues in 2021. As soon as I switched to a better battery, all my electrical issues disappeared. I do marine electrical work, and I see the same problem all the time—bad batteries mess with engine management systems.
Hadley said: @Ramirez
They replaced mine after the recall, but I’m still having similar issues.
Do you drive mostly short trips? The alternator in these cars works differently—it turns off when accelerating and only charges when coasting or stopping. If you don’t drive long enough, your battery never fully charges, and that messes with the auto stop-start system.
Hadley said: @Ramirez
Depends on the day. Sometimes I drive short trips with lots of stops, but other times I’m on the road for hours.
Try getting a 12V battery monitor. Plug it into the cigarette lighter, and you’ll see if your battery is actually charging. If your voltage is below 12.6V, the battery isn’t fully charged. If it keeps dropping, that might be why you’re having issues.
@trecy
They want to replace the whole compressor for a hose leak… and $600 labor to clean carbon buildup. The auto stop-start is the most annoying feature ever.