One new tire?

Asked by Marci_E Nov 14, 2013 at 10:52 AM about the 2003 Subaru Outback Limited Wagon

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

My father drives a 2003 Subaru Outback. His tires are only about 6 months old, but now
he has a hole in the side of one. The Subaru dealer said that since his is an AWD, he
really needs to replace all 4 tires at the same time or risk transmission trouble. Think
that's true?  Can we just replace the 1 tire?

5 Answers

Go with a pair, unless these are pretty close to NEW then one would be okay...had a set of NEW tires...sidewall got creamed on one of the tires...they gave me a whole new set....so it depends on your budget and the warranty of the tires~ if under warranty, get four...otherwise do a pair at a time~

Don't know about "transmission trouble" ? would be differential troubles...if there is any kind of traction control system...if the tires were different sizes~ sounds like that dealership just wants your $$$~

10,535

Trans trouble could be correct because the front and center diff are in the trans and 1 tire could affect them as well. My general rule for all cars is 2 tires minimum, making sure to buy the same brand and model of tire as well as making sure of the size.

10

My Girl and I have a 2003 Subaru outback wagon L.L Bean, garage said you should change all 4 but we only changed 1 with about the same tread and the exact size.......its been fine for 4000 miles..

1 people found this helpful.
86,105

Really? Your Subaru dealership told you that! This sounds like a lot of crap to me, BUT, it's certainly more desirable in any car to have a matched set of tires. It makes for better vehicle dynamics.

Your Answer:

Outback

Looking for a Used Outback in your area?

CarGurus has 38,491 nationwide Outback listings starting at $1,300.

ZIP:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

2003 Subaru Outback

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Mark Weiner
    Reputation
    33,230
  • #2
    TheSubaruGuruBoston
    Reputation
    28,310
  • #3
    Keith Cahalan
    Reputation
    3,310
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Subaru Forester
1,063 Great Deals out of 28,490 listings starting at $1,400
Used Toyota RAV4
1,871 Great Deals out of 29,208 listings starting at $1,450
Used Honda CR-V
2,063 Great Deals out of 41,498 listings starting at $500
Used Toyota Tacoma
1,909 Great Deals out of 31,213 listings starting at $3,500
Used Subaru Legacy
319 Great Deals out of 7,004 listings starting at $499
Used Toyota 4Runner
1,099 Great Deals out of 18,982 listings starting at $2,000
Used Subaru Impreza
376 Great Deals out of 7,713 listings starting at $900
Used Toyota Camry
2,107 Great Deals out of 37,491 listings starting at $575
Used Honda Pilot
978 Great Deals out of 28,748 listings starting at $1,150
Used Toyota Highlander
1,219 Great Deals out of 18,051 listings starting at $675
Used Jeep Wrangler
3,191 Great Deals out of 57,944 listings starting at $2,950
Used Ford F-150
6,057 Great Deals out of 129,349 listings starting at $1,100

Used Cars for Sale

2024 Subaru Outback For Sale
153 Great Deals out of 25,017 listings starting at $25,740
2023 Subaru Outback For Sale
107 Great Deals out of 1,443 listings starting at $24,917
2022 Subaru Outback For Sale
107 Great Deals out of 1,696 listings starting at $18,986
2021 Subaru Outback For Sale
153 Great Deals out of 2,148 listings starting at $16,985
2020 Subaru Outback For Sale
128 Great Deals out of 1,400 listings starting at $15,988

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.