2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness, 2.4L turbo, 59,958 miles. The failure occurred suddenly. The vehicle developed a severe engine problem and the Subaru dealer found DTC P0302, cylinder #2 misfire. The dealer documented the engine oil level and condition as OK.

The engine was removed and completely torn down. According to the dealer's written diagnosis, the #2 connecting-rod bearing was destroyed, damaging the piston and cylinder wall and allowing the piston to contact the cylinder head. Inspection showed a catastrophically fractured #2 piston and severe localized damage. Bearing material contaminated the engine oil.

The dealer recommended replacement of the short block and numerous oil-fed components because of metal contamination, along with cylinder-head replacement. Their repair estimate was approximately $23,468, plus approximately $2,300 for the teardown/diagnosis. Subaru of America denied powertrain warranty coverage, attributing the failure to “lack of lubrication.” I dispute that conclusion. The engine contained oil when diagnosed, the dealer specifically documented the oil level/condition as OK, and I supplied Subaru with maintenance records and records of substantial purchases of synthetic engine oil and genuine Subaru filters used for owner maintenance. The vehicle had also previously required a turbocharger replacement under factory warranty at approximately 40,769 miles. The engine failed 42 miles before Subaru's 60,000-mile powertrain warranty limit.

Regardless of the ongoing disagreement over root cause, prospective owners should know that my FA24 turbo engine suffered a catastrophic internal failure before 60,000 miles and Subaru declined full warranty coverage.