Thanks for the suggestion, I did not look into the Lemon Law but I will definitely do that. If they can't get the car fixed until April it will be out of commission for 3-4 months!
Removing engine for upper and lower oil pan leak
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Just an update if anyone is interested...I keep seeing posts about oil pan leaks in the Ascent. I posted this originally when my 2022 Ascent was towed in to the dealer in February. The car is still in the shop so this make 4 weeks and the last update was they are still ordering parts but "hoped" to have it finished in another week. Hard to believe a new car with 6000 miles on it (garage kept) has this many oil leak issues? Anyone have this problem, if so, what was the outcome for you?
I had the oil pan leak on my ‘22 with only about 4,000 miles on it. No oil on floor or visible to me. Subaru found the leak. Mine wasn’t engine removal but they needed to wait for some piece to come in-I think it was a gasket for something they had to remove to fix leak. They had my car a week and gave me a loaner. I involved SOA over how badly it was handled. That’s posted on site by me l, if you search it.
Thanks, I just read your posts. Sounds very similar to what is going on with my car. Still no updates on when I'll get it back - it's been almost a month. I am communicating with SOA thru an attorney - an expensive car like the Ascent (marketed as "reliable") shouldn't need such extensive engine repairs at 7000 miles? They said they've had to pull the engine to replace both upper and lower oil pans, turbo parts, exhaust parts, gaskets, etc. I've owned 7 prior Subarus. This is my second Ascent and never thought I'd lose faith in the brand but I'm not sure I can trust it now so I don't know if I want to keep it. Are you satisfied with the performance of your Ascent since the repairs were completed?
@Reenie - If you're still in the same loaner Crosstrek, see if your dealership isn't willing to upgrade you to another loaner. I'd make it clear to them that you want/need the extra cargo room: that's why you got the Ascent in the first place, as a repeat Subaru owner. If they are unwilling, take the case to SoA Advocacy, who should be more than willing to listen and hopefully even provide a push on your behalf.
In terms of the problem itself, remember that what seems like "a lot" online is only a very, very small fraction of the number of Ascents actually out on the roads. By being in this community -and other online social media- we're taking ourselves out of the bell-curve already. Furthermore, remember that there will be those who come to these communities specifically and only to voice their concern or even frustrations. "A lot" online really isn't, unless there's been an actual TSB or recall issued - and even then the recall may only affect a very, very small percentage of actual vehicles on-road (i.e. the WRL-22 PCT heater bolt recall: RECALL: WRL-22 -- PTC Heater Ground Bolt).
In terms of the repair, my wife's '09 Forester XT had its engine replaced with just over 4,000 miles on its odometer. The vehicle somehow managed to slip through and pass the "Stop Sale" testing at the time, and SoA warrantied the vehicle with a new longblock (my old thread on SubaruForester.org, our actual service ticket appears in post number 26: 09 Turbo engine failure). We picked up the vehicle the day before a weekend roadtrip of 1,400-miles - she pulled as strongly as before she had the problem, and that vehicle was trouble-free for the duration of her time with us. We are a leasing family, and have leased/owned twelve Subarus since 2005 - so yes, we did return to the brand, even after this major service.
Modern production and QA/QC has made mass-produced consumer automobiles extremely, extremely reliable commodities. Small "teething issues" are not uncommon -similarly, recalls are not uncommon, due to the complexity of new vehicles- but major problems such as what you're looking at are, luckily, much less common.
Is twelve Subarus over ~18 years (add another four more, when you count my in-laws' Subarus) "a lot?"
For one family, yes, it is.
But I am also cognizant that in the big picture, my own experience with these vehicles doesn't amount to much more than anecdotal evidence.
Hope this helps!
In terms of the problem itself, remember that what seems like "a lot" online is only a very, very small fraction of the number of Ascents actually out on the roads. By being in this community -and other online social media- we're taking ourselves out of the bell-curve already. Furthermore, remember that there will be those who come to these communities specifically and only to voice their concern or even frustrations. "A lot" online really isn't, unless there's been an actual TSB or recall issued - and even then the recall may only affect a very, very small percentage of actual vehicles on-road (i.e. the WRL-22 PCT heater bolt recall: RECALL: WRL-22 -- PTC Heater Ground Bolt).
In terms of the repair, my wife's '09 Forester XT had its engine replaced with just over 4,000 miles on its odometer. The vehicle somehow managed to slip through and pass the "Stop Sale" testing at the time, and SoA warrantied the vehicle with a new longblock (my old thread on SubaruForester.org, our actual service ticket appears in post number 26: 09 Turbo engine failure). We picked up the vehicle the day before a weekend roadtrip of 1,400-miles - she pulled as strongly as before she had the problem, and that vehicle was trouble-free for the duration of her time with us. We are a leasing family, and have leased/owned twelve Subarus since 2005 - so yes, we did return to the brand, even after this major service.
Modern production and QA/QC has made mass-produced consumer automobiles extremely, extremely reliable commodities. Small "teething issues" are not uncommon -similarly, recalls are not uncommon, due to the complexity of new vehicles- but major problems such as what you're looking at are, luckily, much less common.
Is twelve Subarus over ~18 years (add another four more, when you count my in-laws' Subarus) "a lot?"
For one family, yes, it is.
But I am also cognizant that in the big picture, my own experience with these vehicles doesn't amount to much more than anecdotal evidence.
Hope this helps!
Thanks so much for your reply...yes, it was very helpful to put perspective on the problem. I've always kept my Subarus for 4-5 years and then passed them on to family or friends because I had faith in their longevity so I never expected this with such a new car. I am still driving the little Crosstrek loaner so I think it is time to pressure them for a larger car. I need the kid and cargo space LOL Thanks again!@Reenie - If you're still in the same loaner Crosstrek, see if your dealership isn't willing to upgrade you to another loaner. I'd make it clear to them that you want/need the extra cargo room: that's why you got the Ascent in the first place, as a repeat Subaru owner. If they are unwilling, take the case to SoA Advocacy, who should be more than willing to listen and hopefully even provide a push on your behalf.
In terms of the problem itself, remember that what seems like "a lot" online is only a very, very small fraction of the number of Ascents actually out on the roads. By being in this community -and other online social media- we're taking ourselves out of the bell-curve already. Furthermore, remember that there will be those who come to these communities specifically and only to voice their concern or even frustrations. "A lot" online really isn't, unless there's been an actual TSB or recall issued - and even then the recall may only affect a very, very small percentage of actual vehicles on-road (i.e. the WRL-22 PCT heater bolt recall: RECALL: WRL-22 -- PTC Heater Ground Bolt).
In terms of the repair, my wife's '09 Forester XT had its engine replaced with just over 4,000 miles on its odometer. The vehicle somehow managed to slip through and pass the "Stop Sale" testing at the time, and SoA warrantied the vehicle with a new longblock (my old thread on SubaruForester.org, our actual service ticket appears in post number 26: 09 Turbo engine failure). We picked up the vehicle the day before a weekend roadtrip of 1,400-miles - she pulled as strongly as before she had the problem, and that vehicle was trouble-free for the duration of her time with us. We are a leasing family, and have leased/owned twelve Subarus since 2005 - so yes, we did return to the brand, even after this major service.
Modern production and QA/QC has made mass-produced consumer automobiles extremely, extremely reliable commodities. Small "teething issues" are not uncommon -similarly, recalls are not uncommon, due to the complexity of new vehicles- but major problems such as what you're looking at are, luckily, much less common.
Is twelve Subarus over ~18 years (add another four more, when you count my in-laws' Subarus) "a lot?"
For one family, yes, it is.
But I am also cognizant that in the big picture, my own experience with these vehicles doesn't amount to much more than anecdotal evidence.
Hope this helps!
I''d definitely pressure the dealer - and put in a call to SoA, if you have the time, too.
Kids and cargo is what drove many of us Subaru loyalists from years past to come to the Ascent: I know that I definitely took advantage of the increased passenger and cargo space even stepping from the Outback (after lamenting the departure of the Tribeca).
Mentioning this to the dealership, especially since you didn't complain at first and have been so patient, should give you a great case.
My '05 Legacy was a dealer executive demo that I took to "Stage II+" levels and eventually purchased out the lease. It was extremely durable and reliable, even upgraded/modified. My daughter is currently driving her grandmother's '19 Legacy 2.5i, and in so far as I know, this vehicle hasn't had a day's worth of trouble. We've always been on the verge of purchasing one or another of our leased Subarus.
Here's to crossing my fingers and hoping that things will fall into place for you - and for many happy miles thereafter.
Kids and cargo is what drove many of us Subaru loyalists from years past to come to the Ascent: I know that I definitely took advantage of the increased passenger and cargo space even stepping from the Outback (after lamenting the departure of the Tribeca).
Mentioning this to the dealership, especially since you didn't complain at first and have been so patient, should give you a great case.
My '05 Legacy was a dealer executive demo that I took to "Stage II+" levels and eventually purchased out the lease. It was extremely durable and reliable, even upgraded/modified. My daughter is currently driving her grandmother's '19 Legacy 2.5i, and in so far as I know, this vehicle hasn't had a day's worth of trouble.
We've always been on the verge of purchasing one or another of our leased Subarus.Here's to crossing my fingers and hoping that things will fall into place for you - and for many happy miles thereafter.
Joined
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14 Posts
Greetings;
Oil puddle started appearing with 16,500 miles on 2022 Ascent Onyx. ("RedRoo"). Dealer service manager asserted the oil pan was the source, and that oil tightness is ensured by an applied Goo called "Threebond". It surprised me that the pan seal doesn't use an o-ring or a proper gasket. They found a gap in the bonding agent, resealed it - requiring removal of skid plates, turbo and exhaust manifold, apparently. I picked it up that afternoon, and 2 days later the puddle was larger. Brought back and this time they allowed the re-seal to sit overnight, providing me with a loaner 2022 asscent.
It's been about 10 days and the leak has not recurred so far.
Q: Is it true that the oil pan uses no proper oil pan gasket or o-ring?
Wheelman
Oil puddle started appearing with 16,500 miles on 2022 Ascent Onyx. ("RedRoo"). Dealer service manager asserted the oil pan was the source, and that oil tightness is ensured by an applied Goo called "Threebond". It surprised me that the pan seal doesn't use an o-ring or a proper gasket. They found a gap in the bonding agent, resealed it - requiring removal of skid plates, turbo and exhaust manifold, apparently. I picked it up that afternoon, and 2 days later the puddle was larger. Brought back and this time they allowed the re-seal to sit overnight, providing me with a loaner 2022 asscent.
It's been about 10 days and the leak has not recurred so far.
Q: Is it true that the oil pan uses no proper oil pan gasket or o-ring?
Wheelman
Joined
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13,558 Posts
Yes, that's true, and is how it's done at the factory (except by robots, I believe) and by mechanics replacing or re-sealing an oil pan on an Ascent.
Ask them for an outback. Insist on an outback. If they give a hard time call soa and open a case.
Joined
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14 Posts
Thanks RM. At least I know the dealer spoke the truth. Weird decision by Subaru...
Joined
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13,558 Posts
A surprisingly lot of manufacturers are switching to a liquid gasket. It seems aluminum pans generally use a liquid gasket, but, I've seen steel ones that do as well.
For instance, here's Toyota's below:
the 22' outbacks have that feature as well.
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