Subaru engines are using excessive amounts of oil even when new, up to 1 quart per 1500 miles. A 2014 lawsuit required them to fix this problem, which they are only barely doing. Hundreds of others with this problem are being required to simply add more oil at $9 - $12/quart 3-4 times each oil change. As the car ages, the consumption causes the car engine to seize when at highway speeds, creating the potential of serious accidents. Again, Subaru has officially acted to not address this issue in their tsb 02-157-14R, titled surface treatment change to oil control piston rings. Prior to this, dealerships were instructed to change out the piston rings. This tsb states: "concerns related to a possible oil consumption condition are generally initiated when the customer believes the engine oil level on the dipstick has dropped since the last time it was checked or when the low oil lamp illuminates. These types of complaints by themselves do not directly indicate a concern with the vehicle exists."

- Houston, TX, USA

Driving on interstate 70 mph, car engine stopped running, RPM's were still up as if car on, coasted out of traffic, no check engine, no sputtering, had gas, but acted as if I had run out. Turned ignition key to off and removed it, attempted to start the car several times within an hours time, it acted as if it was going to start but didn't. had it towed to mechanic, on a flat bed tow truck. It started up and all systems were checked with no evidence of failure. Diagnostics were run with no active codes, electrical was checked, no evidence of failure. This could have been a huge safety event, if I had not been in an outside lane and was able to get out of traffic. I have had three mechanics look at it and no issue found, but in fear of driving on highway. Guesses have been fuel pump faulty" cam shaft sensor faulty? electrical"

- Odessa, FL, USA

At 106,000 miles the check oil level light illuminated on 3/22/2017. At that time after checking I added 1 at of oil. I reported this to the dealer after reading online that there were multiple reports of my vehicle model having oil consumption problems. An oil consumption test was subsequently performed which was negative. It was suggested to me by the dealer that I could contact Subaru directly if I still had concerns which I did. I was told that it was not unusual for cars to use extra oil and there was nothing to be done about it. Since then the check oil light has regularly illuminated prior to my next oil change and has required the addition of 1 qt of oil at decreasing mileage intervals. I am now down to seeing the check oil illuminate and adding oil at 3000 miles. I have followed the Subaru recommendations for service. I have owned cars made by Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Ford, Jeep, Chevrolet, volkswagon, Mazda and Subaru over the last 45 years and have never had a car require oil additions. I have a friend with a 2013 Subaru Forester that was told at her last service that there was no oil registering on the dipstick. That year model has no check oil warning light when 1 qt down. For my year model the vehicle was redesigned and a check oil light was added which may suggest there was a problem developing.

- Paradise, MI, USA

The car completely looses power and stutters. The engine does not shut off, but there is no power going to the wheels. At this point this has happened dozens of time. It began around 20-30,000 miles, and continues into 90,000+ miles. It can happen going 20-40 miles per hour or 55 or 70. It's under load usually, and happens more when it is hot outside. Sometimes it happens once, then I don't have it for months, and other times it has happened repeatedly for mile after mile of driving. I have to let my foot off the gas and re-apply multiple times to keep the car moving. It's happened in neighborhoods, driving on the freeway, and trying to pass on the highway. I have taken it to my dealership numerous times and they refuse to keep it long enough and test it enough to replicate the problem. It is still under the extra warranty I paid for it and Subaru refuses to help as well.

- Vista, CA, USA

The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that the oil warning indicator illuminated when the vehicle had approximately 2,000 miles left before the next oil change. The vehicle was taken to john hine temecula Subaru (4050 dlr dr, temecula, ca 92591, 951-553-2000) to be diagnosed, but the failure could not be duplicated. The contact took the vehicle to another dealer (dch Subaru of riverside, 8069 Indiana ave, riverside, ca 92504, 951-428-2314) where it was diagnosed that there was excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and stated that they would pay a portion of the repair cost. The failure mileage was approximately 119,412.

- Kemet, CA, USA

The problem I am encountering has to do with the engine oil consumption. Since I have owned my 2014 Subaru Forester, I have had the low oil level detected for the entire time I have owned this vehicle. In early 2015 I had a oil consumption text performed by the dealer. They had me bring the car back in after 1200 miles. They said I did not meet the criteria for the oil consumption test that would have made my engine be replaced. I now have to add oil every 2,500 miles, at a cost of $9-10.00 a quart. They stated that it was the norm for this model car. I indicated that I have a VW passat that goes 10,000 miles between oil changes and never losses a drop. I am very dissapointed that the oil consumption test was only for 1200 miles. That did not prove that there was not a problem. Why did Subaru only have oit for 1200 miles. There should have been more Focus on offsetting customers out of pocket expenses for the rest of the time they own there car. As I do drive a lot of miles for my business, I spend on average $140 a year just on buying oil for between oil changes. It is also inconvenient if I am traveling and I am somewhere were I can not find full synthetic oil in the proper weight which concerns me as I my family and I like to vacation in the many different camp grounds around Maryland and the surrounding states.

- Westminster, MD, USA

I got my regular oil change. One month later my indicator came in reading 'system detects low oil'. took it back to the shop where I got my oil changed, they told me it was bone dry and that my car is burning oil. They said that I'm not the only Subaru owner who has that problem. They just top their oil off every month. I cannot afford this. Found out it's a defective piston ring that Subaru knew they were selling. I was driving for 6 hours on the highway with this indicator. The car could have exploded. But I assumed it was just reacting to my long drive. I honestly could have been extremely hurt or killed. I don't know if I should sell the car or pay to take the entire engine apart.

- Westerly, RI, USA

I reported this incident on August 19, 2018 -complaint number 1120961. I had SUV towed the following day to dealer where I purchased it brand-new. The dealer service dept is trying to tell me there is nothing wrong with the SUV, but that is impossible. The dealer has arranged for Subaru of America from NJ to contact me, but I need your help to get this resolved. The problem is intermittent and they say they have not been able to replicate it. When the incident occurred in my daughter's driveway when I placed it in reverse and it acclerated at such a high rate in reverse with brake depressed and I could not stop it when my foot was depressing the brake, I had my accident running into the back of my daughter's SUV in which was parked in her driveway - causing over $2,000 damage to her SUV - my SUV was damaged in the rear bumper but dealer has not told me the estimate of damage. Subaru is having accident rep contact me within next 48 hours. This SUV is so dangerous that I could be killed and so could others in my car or other vehicle passengers. Please please take this complaint seriously because it is a very serious safety issue. Please refer to my initial complaint.. thank you

- Everett, WA, USA

Excessive oil consumption. I bought this 2014 Subaru Forester sometime in August 2013. This was the very first vehicle I ever bought, not knowing any facts about lemon laws. I was driving back from South Dakota sometime in July 2014 on a Sunday night when the low oil lamp turned on. I was on the freeway in the middle of nowhere, so I had to drive maybe 3-4 hrs more to find an open mechanic. Mechanic came back to me and said that when he dipped the stick, the oil barely registered. I had about 8,000 miles at this point. I should've filed a lemon law complaint at this point. But I was too young and naive. I went to the dealership and we did an oil consumption test, maybe 3-5 more times. Sometimes the lamp wouldn't light up, sometimes it lights up at around 1500 miles or past it. Around Dec 2015, Subaru finally decided to change my short block. I never had a chance to fully drive my vehicle as I got stationed overseas in March 2016. I came back from overseas in April 2017. Issue persisted again in March 2018. Did about 2-3 oil consumption test until the new Subaru dealership I went to got an approval to change the short block for the second time. Now, a month later after short block overhaul #2, the low oil lamp turned on again. I've pretty much gotten to know the service reps at my local Subaru shops. Subaru has no response to this issue. Except to top my oil off. Waste my time everytime I go past 1000+ miles and give me anxiety. I've emailed Subaru of America about the issue as well. All I have is a complaint ticket from them with no real solution.

- San Antonio, TX, USA

The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Forester. While driving 70 mph, the engine revved and stalled. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (williams Volkswagen Inc., 2845 East saginaw St, lansing, mi 48912), but the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and informed the contact that they would look into the failure. The failure mileage was 33,000.

- East Lansing, MI, USA

While parking this vehicle on the street, in front of our apt., smoke came from under the hood, once parked and hood opened, engine caught on fire, fire dept. Was called. The car is totaled.(I do not want to upload pictures, due to identifiable info. In the pictures.)

- West Covina, CA, USA

The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously included in an unknown recall for detonation of the engine. The dealer (randy marion Subaru, 301 w plaza dr, mooresville, nc 28117) reprogrammed the engine control module. A year later, the spark plugs were replaced and the contact noticed that they were burned. The contact took the vehicle back to the dealer, but it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and did not assist. The failure mileage was 40,000.

- Mooresville, NC, USA

My 2014 Forester has stalled on me 5 times in the past 3 years while traveling between san antonio and el paso tx. While traveling at highway speeds (80mph on this part of I-10) with and without cruise control, the engine suddenly would make a hard downshift, then another, and allowed me about 10 seconds to pull over to right shoulder, then stalled. During the downshift no warning lights came on until I was completely stalled and then they all turned on. One time it gave me a warning light that my transmission oil was hot, after it stalled. I have traveled to other places in Texas with same variables other than the inclines/ declines of that part of I-10. This vehicle cannot handle inclines at highway speeds after driving an hour or two. I have been lucky that the 5 times my Forester stalled I was not surrounded by heavy traffic. This is a very bad situation and very dangerous!! a couple of years ago I notified my Subaru dealer when they did an oil consumption test (because I have to add a quart between each oil change) and they did nothing. The manager speculated some work they could do at my cost but had no answers or suggestions. I have also had to replace the ball bearings in the rear right wheel. These things should not happen to a new car with high ratings. My 86 Honda civic could go between el paso and san antonio with no problems.

- Harlingen, TX, USA

I have an ongoing issue with my 2014 Subaru Forester that was manufactured in 2013, in which the check oil light routinely goes on approximately half-way through a 6K oil change. There was a class action lawsuit against Subaru that stipulated an oil consumption test could be initiated following an oil change. The oil levels are checked at 1,200 miles after the oil change and if the levels are low the vehicle will fail the test and qualify for a new engine at no cost. I've had 2 oil consumption tests completed on my car, with the first one done 1 year ago. My vehicle passed both tests at 1,200 miles, but routinely is low on oil well before my next scheduled oil change. I have filed 2 complaints with Subaru of America with no success. I last had my oil changed at 71,308 miles, and brought it back for the test 1,200 miles later. I am now 3K into the same oil change and my check oil light went on yesterday and today. I brought it to the dealer to check the level and it was 3/4 of a quart low, which Subaru of America says is normal oil consumption at 3K into an oil change and they will not replace the engine. This is not an issue for Subaru Foresters manufactured in 2014, as Subaru of America changed the pistons in the engine to address the issue. I am very stuck; the dealer won't help me, Subaru of America won't help me, and the car is worthless given the service records indicating that it uses excess oil. I work full-time. I am also the main transportation for my 2 young children. I drive with extra quarts of oil in my car and have to add oil approximately 3-4.5K into a 6K oil change when the light comes on. I have spent a lot of time and energy on this issue with no success and I just don't know what to do anymore. I am hoping you can help. I can provide you with all emails to Subaru of America and maintenance records for the car. Updated 11/07/2017

- Holliston, MA, USA

The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Forester. While driving various speeds, the oil light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (al serra auto plaza in grand blanc, Michigan) and the oil was changed at 50,557 miles. The dealer had the contact return at 52,062 miles to check the oil consumption. The contact was informed that the engine was not burning enough oil for it to be a failure and the vehicle passed the oil consumption test. The vehicle was below.2 quarts of oil and the oil light illuminated again at approximately 55,000 miles. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was 50,557...updated 08/23/17

- Flushing, MI, USA

Excessive oil consumption. Down 2 quarts of oil before oil change is due.

- Ruckersville, VA, USA

During an oil change this week. I was told that I was down 1.5 quarts. I called the dealer and requested an oil consumption test. They denied my appointment and told me that this"was the new normal". I do not accept that my 2014 Subaru should be using this much oil. I checked the class action Subaru oil consumption lawsuit, but my VIN number is not included in the action. I believe there is still a problem and this needs to be further addressed.

- Oshkosh, WI, USA

My 2014 Subaru Forester burns an excessive amount of oil. For a new engine, I shouldn't have to worry about checking the oil every few days to make sure it isn't a 1/2 quart or more low. I'm extremely worried that the oil is going to get too low between checks, and the engine will seize on lake Tahoe's icy winter mountain roads just at the wrong time.

- South Lake Tahoe, CA, USA

I was on an on ramp onto the highway when the computer in the center of the dash started alerting that several systems needed check. All the dashboard indicators went off and the vehicle lost power even when I pressed the gas pedal. After turning the car off and then back on again it was idling hard and it several warning lights remained on. The car was towed under warranty to the nearest dealership. Upon investigation the dealer said there was a bad coil. After replacing the coil the vehicle still didn't work. Now they claimed there was a bad fuel injector. After replacing that the car continued not to work. The problem they kept seeing was a misfire in cylinder 4. they changed O-rings, they cleaned the engine, they even ordered a new engine and replaced the engine and it still suffers from the misfire. The car has now been in the shop for 34 days and they have no idea what is wrong or how to fix it.

- Folsom, CA, USA

While driving vehicle on highway speeds in temperatures around 85-90 (or greater) degrees vehicle will not allow acceleration. Vehicle stumbles, detonates and will not allow the driver to apply power without hesitation and engine stumbles. This problem can be recreated at will and yet the vehicle will not throw a cel unless a larger failure happens, which typically is the #3 cylinder burns off the spark plug electrode and damages the engine. Subaru is aware of the issue but considers this condition normal. The vehicle is not appropriately mapped for the Subaru suggested fuel octane level, has turbo boost piping leaks according to numerous individuals.

- Flagstaff, AZ, USA