Subaru models we see most
| Model | US model years | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| Impreza | 1993-present | 2002-2007 Imprezas from salt states, Illinois included, were recalled (11V464000) because front control arm brackets can rust and break. |
| Forester | 1998-present | 2003-2008 Foresters share that control arm recall; 2011-2014 automatics were in the FB-engine oil consumption settlement. |
| Outback | 1995-present | 2005-2009 Outbacks in salt states were recalled (13V110000) because salt water could reach and corrode the brake lines. |
| Legacy | 1990-present | 2005-2009 Legacys share the brake line recall with the Outback; 2013 automatics were in the oil consumption settlement. |
| Crosstrek | 2013-present | 2013 XV Crosstreks were in the FB oil settlement and in valve spring recall 18V772000. |
| WRX and STI | 2002-present | 2008-2014 WRX and STI cars are in salt-state brake line recall 14V311000. |
| Baja | 2003-2006 | Every Baja year appears in Subaru's Takata passenger inflator recalls, including 20V001000. |
Known Subaru problems that end up at the scrapyard
Front control arm brackets rusting off (2002-2007 Impreza, 2003-2008 Forester)
Recall 11V464000 names Illinois among the states where road salt can corrode the hanger brackets on the front lower control arms until the arm breaks, which can cause loss of control. Dealers inspected the corrosion and either rustproofed or replaced the arms. If the subframe around the bracket is also rotten, the car usually isn't worth saving. source
Corroded brake lines behind the fuel tank protector
Subaru found that salt water could splash onto brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector. Recall 14V311000 covers about 461,000 2005-2009 Outbacks and Legacys, 2008-2011 Imprezas, 2008-2014 WRX and STI cars and 2009-2013 Foresters registered in salt states. Leaking brake fluid lengthens stopping distances, so a car with a soft pedal shouldn't be driven. source
Oil consumption in the FB20 and FB25 engines
A class settlement approved on August 31, 2016 covered certain 2011-2015 Foresters, 2012-2015 Imprezas, 2013-2015 Crosstreks and 2013-2014 Legacys and Outbacks whose new FB engines burned oil. Repairs fell under warranty for 8 years or 100,000 miles. That coverage is over for nearly all of these cars, so a Subaru still burning oil is now the owner's expense. source
Subaru’s salt-state recalls read like a Chicago repair log
All-wheel drive makes a Subaru a natural Chicago winter car, which also means it spends its life in salt slush. Subaru has issued at least three recalls limited to road-salt states, and Illinois is on each list: front control arm brackets on 2002-2007 Imprezas and 2003-2008 Foresters, brake lines on 2005-2009 Outbacks and Legacys, and an expanded brake line recall that pulled in 2008-2011 Imprezas, 2008-2014 WRX and STI models and 2009-2013 Foresters.
Those recalls fixed specific parts. They didn’t stop the rest of the underside from aging. On a 15-year-old Subaru, rear subframes, rocker panels, fuel and brake lines have all had the same exposure, and the repair quote reflects all of it at once. Our guide to road salt and rust explains how to judge whether rust is cosmetic or structural.
When the engine is the deciding factor
The FB20 and FB25 engines that arrived in 2011 brought the oil-consumption settlement. A car that needs a quart between changes may run for years, but it also wears out catalytic converters and spark plugs faster. Combine that with a CVT that has started to shudder or a head that leaks, and the economics turn.
Before we hook up your Subaru
- Cancel STARLINK and remove the car from the MySubaru app.
- Leave every key and fob. On push-button models, the fob lets the driver shift into neutral for loading.
- Remove your I-PASS, garage remote and parking permits.
- If the car sits on a Chicago street with expired plates, tell us; moving it sooner avoids more tickets.
- Tell us which papers you have. Illinois rules decide what works for a scrap sale, and we confirm on the call.
Looking for another make? See the full list of brands.
Selling a junk Subaru: questions
My Outback's brake pedal goes to the floor. Can you still take it?
Yes, and please don't drive it. A pedal that sinks is often a leaking line, and on 2005-2009 Outbacks that's a known salt-state recall item. We tow it free from your driveway, garage or street spot and pay you when we load it.
How do I end STARLINK before selling my Subaru?
Sign in to the MySubaru app or your Subaru owner account, cancel any STARLINK Safety and Security subscription, and remove the vehicle. Then clear paired phones and saved addresses from the head unit so the next owner can't see them.