Reliability after a short block replacement

NELSON4FAMILY

MEMBER
2011 SUBARU FORESTER
2.5L
4 CYL
AWD
AUTOMATIC
70,000 MILES

I went into Subaru dealer for oil change and a slight knock in the engine at 68,000. Technician called and said that there was a problem with the piston rings and the short block needed to be replaced (covered under extended warranty, phew!). Picked the car up a week later and three days after that I discovered the engine was a full quart low on oil. Took it back and had a plate readjusted in the bottom of the engine. Also mentioned that the car had a very rough start sound when the engine was cold. Was told to give it a few days. Took it back in four days later and had the timing chain tensioner replaced. Picked it up two days later and the following morning the sound was worse. Also, the car smells like oil burning somewhere. The smell fills up the garage and seeps into the house. It's now a week later and the smell is better but the cold start sound is still there. My question is what is your opinion on the health of this car? I've read about a class action suit against Subaru for excessive oil use. Yep, I'd agree with that. With this excess burning of oil has the catalytic converter and O2 sensors been compromised? Or. With a newly rebuilt engine does my car have a new lease on life! Or. Should I trade it in before the lawsuit really devalues my car? Thanks!

1 Reply

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

Let me start with the exhaust concern. If this has only been happening for a short time then the exhaust is fine. Coolant and oil going through the exhaust is what clogs it but that does take a while.

As for the issue of longevity with the short block, that is true that it is the most critical part of the engine so they are new parts and should last a long while. However, it sounds more like you are having repair quality issues rather then parts issues. Each of the things that you mentioned except for the oil use if in fact this is the same issue as the lawsuit. However, this needs to be confirmed as they are normally very specific of the cause of the oil use and not just any oil use. There are many things that cause oil use so if this just started are the engine, we need to take it back again until they get it right as it should not develop an issue with oil use and noises after the engine was replaced. Again, this sounds like a workmanship issue.

To answer your ultimate question, once this issue is resolved I don't see a reason that you need to get rid of the vehicle if this is the only thing that is happening. Clearly if you don't like the vehicle and this issue is happening then it may be enough to push you towards selling it. Again, this issue alone, I would keep it.

Let me know if you have more questions and we can go from there. Thanks