engine coolant

Asked by William Sep 17, 2018 at 09:46 PM about the 2017 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited AWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

My 2017 Subaru outback seems to be loosing a small amount of coolant. At
each 6000 mile oil change the coolant tank seems to be down about 2". The
dealer did a pressure test and said they cannot find any leak. They also told me
that it has been "normal" for Subaru to use coolant. This does not seem normal
to me. Anyone else having the same problem?

13 Answers

9,530

It's not " normal" for a sealed cooling system to use coolant. Try this, don't add any coolant just keep track to see if it goes any lower if it doesn't remark the full mark on the tank, If it does have a cylinder leak down test performed to locate a small crack in the head

2 people found this helpful.

Keep on top of the dealer and make sure this is always documented as you may have a big warranty claim in the future.

3 people found this helpful.
10

My 2017, while changing oil, I realized my coolant level was below the minium line also? wierd.

1 people found this helpful.
290

Subaru is hiding this major engine issue to avoid a massive recall. Talk to any veteran mechanic and he will tell you that it is not normal. However, with a straight face Subaru will tell you it is normal...what a con job. Just sold my 2016 outback before it goes out of the 5 year 60,000 engine drive train warranty...bad head gaskets.

2 people found this helpful.
60

I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM BURNING COOLANT DID EVERYTHING DEALER PRESSURE TEST. CORPORATE IS NOT GETTING DONE [ TO FIX THE PROBLEM I WILL NOT BUY A SUBARU EVER AGAIN AND WILL NOT RECOMMEND THEM .PROBLEM SOLVE [ DO NOT BUY A SUBARU ] PLEASE LISTEN

4 people found this helpful.

Same issue here with 2017 Outback. This is my last Subaru- too many strange things happening. Had zero problems with my 2007 Forester

I lose a small amount of coolant in my 15 Forester. No signs of a serious problem in a 100,000 miles.

1 people found this helpful.
30

I had the unfortunate experience of having my oil changed & then 3 days later discovering on my own that they overfilled the oil. While checking the oil level I just happened to look at the coolant tank & it was just about empty. They are supposed to check all fluids when changing the oil - seriously - my car just went past the 60,000 mile mark & now if major damage has been done to my engine because I drove it for 3 days on overfilled oil - I will be sheer out of luck. I should have traded it in 10,000 miles ago. I have hated this car since about 3 wks after I bought it.......thought I would drive it into the ground........unfortunately someone else has likely done that for me.

2 people found this helpful.

Unless the oil was overfilled by more than a quart I would not expect any damage. If there were damage you would know. Adjust the oil level and don't worry.

1 people found this helpful.
30

I’m thinking the overfilled oil is less of a problem now than the near empty coolant reservoir.......no leaks that I am aware of, no stains on driveway. Had it towed to dealership today as I am not capable of draining the oil, I don’t have the tools. Can’t wait to hear what their answer is about the coolant. And unfortunately, they did not do the oil change.

1 people found this helpful.

I have had my 2017 into two different Subaru Dealers for coolant loss. They told me the same thing, pressure test and nothing wrong, just add coolant. Today they asked when my oil needs changing, said technition should top off all required fluids. I told him I'm not stupid, I know in a closed system I shouldn't be loosing coolant

The coolant level on my 2018 Outback 2.5i continues to drop. Add to that the fact that I can detect an odor of burnt coolant near the front of the car after parking, and I suspect either my Outback has a unique problem or, going by the many comments of others on this site, Subaru of America has a problem.....like owning the issue. The service manager and service writers at the local dealership continue to trivialize the problem, telling me that the cooling system is 'vented', implying that that is where the smell is coming from and, by extension, that that is also the point of coolant loss. I'm calling bunk. If their idea of venting is a flip cap on the expansion reservoir tank, then most cars on the road would be losing antifreeze and emitting odors. The last encounter with the service writer had him telling me that the loss is 'normal', and that an owner should carry a jug of Subaru-specific coolant with him/her and top off the level as needed. Funny, I didn't read any such nonsense in the official Subaru owner's manual. This is our third Subie wagon, and easily the worst....and not just for the coolant loss issue alone. Frankly, I don't give a rip that sales are climbing. Subaru of America would rather pitch social issues than build engaging, reliable cars. Too bad they've lost their way. Like some other commenters, I intend to ride out the warranty, and then part with it.

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