I took my car into the Subaru dealership in Merriville Indiana.

1st time took to dealer- Told them that my car takes several tries to start when it is cold or after not being used for a period of time. I would like to know what is causing the problem and to get it fixed. I had to pay for a diagnosis. Per there paperwork " Tested and charged battery, Tester determined the battery is in good condition. Tech found and applied TSB 11-131-13 ECM update for extended crank. After update engine cranking has improved." I was told that they cleaned the throttle body ( which is not on paperwork). They told me that the problem is fixed. Total bill $130.00

2nd time took to dealer- After picking up the vehicle I hit the brake and the car stalled. Told them the same thing "that my car takes several tries to start when it is cold or after not being used for a period of time." They told me that they could not find a problem.

3rd time took to dealer- They told me to replace the battery and that will fix the problem. Total bill $182.67

4th time took to dealer- Told them the same thing "that my car takes several tries to start when it is cold or after not being used for a period of time." The problem is still not fixed. They tested the battery and it has a dead cell. They replaced the battery under warranty and that the problem is still not fixed.

I talked to Jeremy for 45mins said that I had to pay $130 for another diagnostic and that he can not guarantee that they will find the problem and that I might have to pay for more diagnostics. I told him that was not right. I explaining that I already paid for a diagnostic and have spent $313 and still no closer as to what is wrong with my car. I asked why they told me to change a good battery out and all he could tell me is that " It was a educated guess and it was supposed to improve my problem". I told him that I came here to the professionals who specialize on these cars to find and fix the problem not guess or improve. So I am going to be paying for more diagnostics for educated guesses?? I asked if he can comp me for the Diagnostics until they can tell me what is wrong with my car. So far I have paid $313 and nothing has been fix. Jeremy told me "NO". I told him that was not right. That they are just trying to take my money. That I am going to get my car and file a complaint and he did not seem to care.

This is terrible customer service and it makes me not want to look at Subaru the same or invest in one in the future. I am a single mom with 2 jobs and a child. I do not have the time or the money to just be wasted.

engine won't turn over in temps under 45f

I am an avid outdoors enthusiast who frequently travels to backcountry trailheads, offroad, etc. Snowshoeing at Rock Creek in the CA Sierra Nevada Mountains, my Subaru Outback left me stranded in 22F temps at a remote trailhead. When turning the key, the auxilliary items power up (dashboard lights, door ding, radio, etc), but the car will not turn over. Nothing. Not even a click. Had to wait 4 hours for the temperature to warm up to 50 before the car would start. Someday, they will find my frozen corpse next to my DEAD Outback. This is dangerous!

Update from Mar 1, 2017: Stranded at my home in Bishop, CA. Temperature 32F, engine won't turn over. Dead, dead, dead. Called AAA for a jump start, and successfully started the car. Brought the Outback to McKenna Subaru in Huntington Beach and it was checked out for battery draw, cold start, electrical system, etc.etc. All diagnostic tests normal, so my car was returned to me as-is. I replaced the stock battery which came with the car with an Optima Red Top high cold cranking amp gel cell battery. 2 weeks later, temps reached 42F in Costa Mesa, and the car would not start (same thing, auxillliary items power up, but engine will not crank. Took it back to the dealer for diagnostics.

Update from Mar 1, 2017: Yet again, my 2013 Subaru Outback 3.6 will not start in temperatures under 45F. Service department at the dealer says there is nothing they can do about it, as they are unable to replicate the cold temperatures in Southern California. Recommended taking it to a mechanic in a colder climate. Really, Subaru? I am in the process of taking this complaint to Subaru of America. Seriously, this car could kill me . . Any suggestions out there?

Update from Mar 16, 2017: A Subaru Master Mechanic observed that one of 3 wires leading from an after-market alarm system to the battery was not seated properly. To simulate the cold-weather start conditions, he sprayed the connector with a refrigerant and was able to recreate the failure to start I have been experiencing. He then properly seated the connector and re-froze it, whereupon it started with no difficulty. I have since driven the car to cold-weather country, and it now consistently starts at temperatures below 45F.