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Old 01-16-2003, 10:48 PM   #51
wrxnate
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 5187
Join Date: Mar 2001
Chapter/Region: RMIC
Location: Denver CO
Vehicle:
2002 STI Wagon
PSM

Default

Name: Nathan Cameron

Make: 2002 Subaru WRX

Mileage: 27749

Time Out Of Use: 3 days

Problem And Likely Cause: faulty gear box/low fluid from factory

Modifications: VF22/BPM Turbo back/MBC@15psi

Submitted For Warranty Work (Yes/No): Yes

Reason Given For Denial: Aftermarket exhaust and turbo

Your Story:

Lost my tranny 14th of January 2003, SOA is not paying...I am, this is a well documented failure, even in the RS....it has nothing to do with knowing how to drive. My 1st and 2nd gears were sheared and I was driving fairly normally at the time of failure. I heard that the failure rate is so high on this tranny that they are bringing the 6 spd ONLY in years to come.

SOA refused to pay because of my exhaust and turbo, that is all I have done, maybe 50hp over stock....they are just looking hard on how to skip out on paying on something they know is faulty.

When I spoke with the technician he said that SOA paid a suprise visit or my car would have been repaired, he has even spoken to an engineer at Fuji who apologized profusly about the 5 speeds inferior design. So they do know they are to blame...but they will not fess up. My mods were used as a scapegoat......my mods did not help the situation but this is happening to 2.5RS, Outback, Forester and WRX with no mods!!
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Old 01-19-2003, 12:26 PM   #52
ctrexer
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Member#: 16093
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: connecticut
Vehicle:
02 wrx
blue

Default

Name: Jono Zavitz

Make: WRX 02

Mileage: 10k at time of issue

Time Out Of Use: 1 day

Problem And Likely Cause: Clutch shudder

Modifications: none

Submitted For Warranty Work (Yes/No): yes

Reason Given For Denial: n/a

Your Story: Had the shudder and it got progressively worse. Took to dealer and they replaced it no questions asked.
Update-mileage now at @17k and shudder seems to be coming back. Worlds most fragile rally car. Not happy subaru are you hearing me!
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Old 01-20-2003, 12:41 PM   #53
sperry
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Member#: 8636
Join Date: Jul 2001
Chapter/Region: BAIC
Location: Portland, OR
Vehicle:
OBXT 987S Miata F250
no more SVX or WRX :(

Default

(originally posted on DeniedMyWarranty.org)

Name: Scott Perry

Make: 2002 WRX

Mileage: ~14000 at time of problem

Time Out Of Use: n/a

Case Number/Repair Order: SOA Case Number 374 524

Problem And Likely Cause: Vibration and noise under deceleration caused by a defective clutch

Reason Given For Denial: "It's normal"

Modifications: Removed Air Silencer, K&N Air Filter, Alarm, Turbo Timer, Rear Swaybar

Your Story:
Dealer 1:
Lithia Reno Subaru
2270 Kietzke Lane
Reno, NV 89502
Phone: (775) 825-8474
Toll Free: 1-800-495-6060
Fax: (775) 825-8230
Email: [email protected]


Dealer 2:
Michael Hohl Subaru
4500 N. Carson St.
Carson City, NV 89706
Phone: (775) 885-0400
Fax: (775) 885-8572


Thursday, Mar 21, 2002
I went by Lithia Reno Subaru Service Dept. and talked to John. Explained my clutch was making a buzzing noise under deceleration between 2500-3500 rpms. Said I had noticed it since the day I got the car, but assumed it was normal. Explained that I've recently heard other people have had this problem, and that it was a known problem with a known solution available via the SOA tech line.

Brought a printout that summarized the tech line information:
- Rattle under de-cel usually in 3rd gear, 4000-2000 Rpm usually.
- Increase rear tire pressure 4 psi, decrease front 4 psi, should get louder. Do the opposite, should get quieter.
- If the last six digits of you VIN are lower than 515611, you have the old type clutch from the factory. If your motor number is less than 331738 (white tag, hard to find), you have the old clutch from the factory.
- The official subaru tech line fix (as of today), is IF your car HAS the OLD clutch parts as indicated by the VIN and Motor numbers, IT IS TO BE REPLACED BY THE FOLLOWING PARTS:

30100AA790 - Disc
30210AA530 - Cover (pressure plate)
12342AA050 - Flywheel
800610740 - Bolts

Service Rep (John) told me that he can't do warranty work on my car just because I bring him a printout of a problem. I told him that I just want to schedule a time to get a tech ride-a-long so a tech could diagnose the problem. John scheduled me for Wed, Mar 27, 2002 for an 8am ride-a-long.

Wednesday, Mar 27, 2002
Arrived for ride-along at 8:30. John's technician Mike rode with me. After demonstrating the noise, Mike told me he knows what noise I'm talking about. He tells me he has a WRX and his car makes the same noise and he thinks that it's normal. I show Mike the above-mentioned printout, and a copy of an invoice from another dealer who has fixed a similar problem:

A CUSTOMER STATES CHECK FOR ENGINE NOISE, SEE HISTORY
ENG ENGINE REPAIR / DIAGNOSTICS
343 WS (N/C)
1 30100AA790 DISC CP CLUTCH (N/C)
1 30210AA530 COVER CP CLUTCH (N/C)
1 12342AA050 FLY WHL AY FLEX (N/C)
8 800610740 BOLT (N/C)


4315 ENGINE NOISE WARRENTY TEST DROVE WITH CUSTOMER, HEARD ON DECEL A GROWLING NOISE FROM FRANS, OR TURBO AREA. CHECKED READINGS WITH NSM ALL READINGS APPEAR NORMAL, CHECKED TRANS FLUID OK. CALLED TECH LINE AND TALKED TO MIKE. AFTER CHANGING TIRE PSI AND SEVERAL TEST DRIVES WE DETERMINED NOISE RO BE COMING FROM THE CLUTCH. ORDERED PARTS WITH #S GIVEN TO ME FROM THE TECH LINE. REMOVED TRANS, REPLACED FLYWHEEL, PILOT BEARING, PRESSURE PLATE AND DISC. REASSEMBLED AND TEST DROVE.HEARD NO OTHER ABNORMAL NOISES. 2.0 TURBO MANUAL TRANS AWD.
************************************************** **
B WARRENTY PAIN RENTAL
WARRRENT WARRENTY PAID RENTAL
343 WS (N/C)
4315
************************************************** **


I explained to mike that I’ve heard the clutch problem is common on early WRXs. Mike was interested to call the tech line. We went back to John. Mike tells John he heard the noise, but thought it was normal. John immediately agrees the noise was normal. Mike shows him the second printout, John tells me he’ll have to do some research on the topic, and that he’ll call me as soon as he has more information.

I left Subaru at 8:50am. Did not receive a call. Called Subaru at 4:30pm talked to John. John tells me that he has a called placed with the tech line and is waiting for them to call him back.

5:15pm, John calls my work number, but I am away from my desk. Leaves a message for me to call him.

5:20pm, I return John’s phone call. He tells me his tech Mike called the tech line and spoke with the Mike listed on the Carr Subaru Invoice. John tells me his tech has determined the noise to be normal, and he can’t replace anything if there’s no problem. I ask John what the tech line said. John tells me again that his tech says the noise is normal because his tech has a WRX and he knows what they sound like. John tells me if I have a problem with any of this to call the Subaru of America customer service number. John never tells me what the tech line said, and has determined my car is normal without following the testing procedure the tech line should have given him.

Thursday, March 28, 2002
Called Subaru, talked to John. Asked John to fax me my service record. John says he’s not allowed to fax it, only the office manager Bill Metgart can fax it to me, and he’s out till Monday. I ask John to reiterate what the tech line said about my car. John says he already told me. I ask again, so John forwards my call to Mike the technician that did the ride-along and called the tech line. I ask Mike what the tech line says. Mike tells me the tech line says the noise is normal gear noise. I asked I ask him if the tech line gave him a testing procedure to determine if the sound was from the clutch or not. He says yes they did. I ask how can he determine the noise is normal when the test was not performed on my car. He tells me the sound is from the transmission. I ask again, how can he know that without performing the test. He says I should call the Service Dept. back, and they will schedule a District Service Operations Manager to check out my car. Called John back. Explain that I’d like to make sure all the discussions we’ve had are noted on my service record. John tells me there’s no way for him to edit my service record. I tell him Mike was given a testing procedure that was not performed on my car before determining everything was normal, and that I must have that noted on my service record. John tells me if I bring my car by, he can have a tech look at it and generate a service record. I tell him that I’d just like the non-test of my car noted. He told me Bill Metgart will be in the office at 1pm today, and that he’d talk with Bill about fixing my service record. I asked him to make sure Bill Metgart calls me when he gets in, John agrees.

Called Subaru of America, talked to Eric. Received case number: 374 524. Eric suggested two possible courses of action: 1) Schedule a meeting at Lithia Subaru with a District Service Operations Manager to have the car inspected by SOA, or 2) go to another dealer, and start over. I decided to call Michael Hohl Subaru in Carson City. I scheduled an appointment for Monday at 9am to have the clutch evaluated. Never heard from Bill Metgart.

Monday, April 01, 2002
Went to Michael Hohl Subaru in Carson City for my 9am appointment. Not only was the service staff friendly and helpful, their technician already knew of the problem, and the solution. It took me all of 2 minutes from walking in the door, to having my parts on order. Hopefully in a week the installation will go just as smoothly.

This leaves me very disappointed with the staff at Lithia Reno Subaru. I had assumed that they were perhaps under stiff constraints regarding warranty work, and had to make sure there was a definitive problem with the car. Now I believe they simply wished to avoid servicing my car… for whatever reasons I cannot understand. Lithia Reno Subaru will never get my business again, and I will recommend to everyone that may consider going there to make the 20 minutes drive to Carson City to visit Michael Hohl Subaru instead.
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Old 01-21-2003, 09:35 PM   #54
dwltiassa
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Member#: 32070
Join Date: Jan 2003
Vehicle:
99 Outback Sport
(of beloved memory)

Smile Re: Trouble/Warranty Denial Report Thread: Drivetrain (Engine, Tranny, Diff, Etc.)

Name: Danny Lawrence

Make: 1999 Outback Sport

Mileage: 23,800

Time Out Of Use: 1 day

Problem And Likely Cause: Slipping Clutch

Modifications: NONE!

Submitted For Warranty Work (Yes/No): Yes

Your Story:

After 4 years, but only 23K miles my clutch started slipping badly. I took ot to the Dealer (Cityside Subaru, Arlington, MA) and they said that the clutch needed a rebuild. I remarked that a clutch should go after 23K miles, and that I had been driving sticks for almost 20 years and never burned one out, including the Ford I had for 9 years and the Dodge Charger I had for 6. This is my "driving around town, and hauling stuff" car -- If I want to do "performance" driving I take my BMW Z3. :-D
The service manager at Cityside said he would check, and when I called back the next day, they said the car was done and that it was covered under warranty (Which is 5yrs/60K miles on the power train, BTW). I think Subaru knows that there are a bunch of bad clutches out there, I don't know how forthcoming they are with this information, tho.

So -- Props to Cityside Subie, admittedly they tried to get me to pay for it, but when I stood my ground they fixed my clutch
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Old 02-18-2003, 05:47 PM   #55
PaulRex
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Member#: 12454
Join Date: Nov 2001
Chapter/Region: Tri-State
Location: Vermont
Vehicle:
10 Toyota Taco
K8 SV650SF

Default

Name: Paul

Make: MY02 Impreza Wrx Sedan 5MT

Mileage: 38.5k

Time Out Of Use: none

Problem And Likely Cause: Grinding into first when slowly rolling, or will not shift into first unless stopped. Hard time downshifting into 2nd gear, I feel that sometimes I am forcing it in, and that the sychros are not working properly. Grinding during 4-5 upshift occurs, likely caused by non-functional synchros.

Modifications: These are my mods associated with the driveline, all installed at 28.5k miles, with problems occuring before install.

STI engine/tranny mounts, STI organic/kevlar clutch disc w/STI typeRA pressure plate. JUN flywheel.



Submitted For Warranty Work (Yes/No): NO

Reason Given For Denial: n/a

Your Story: My dealer would without an doubt deny my warranty claim with all the mods I have on my car especially the STI clutch etc so I have not even bothered to take my car in.. I would have ti agree with them however, they really should not I since they do not know how my mods can affect the transmission and shouldn't be held responsible for an problems even if it was occuring beforehand.

I posted this because I think the tranmission is designed poorly, and it is not up to the standards of other cars I have driven, ranging from Volvos, to Hondas, and Porsches. IMO Subaru makes an crappy 5MT transmission for the WRX. I'm planning on upgrading my transmission synchros or gears whenever that time comes.
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Old 02-27-2003, 12:56 PM   #56
Subareese
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Member#: 21124
Join Date: Jul 2002
Chapter/Region: NWIC
Location: Kirkland, WA
Vehicle:
2012 WRX
World Rally Blue Pearl

Default Clutch Shudder

Name: Jake

Make: MY01 Impreza 2.2L

Mileage: 51k

Time Out Of Use: none

Problem And Likely Cause: Clutch shudders when car is "cold".
Problem started around 10k miles or so. From what I have been reading, sounds like the transmission or clutch is to blame, and ultimately SOA for not fixing this problem!
Most problems seem to be with the WRX but I think this problem is affecting the whole line of Impreza's.

Modifications: PDM CAI, WRX rims and tires.

Submitted For Warranty Work (Yes/No): NO

Reason Given For Denial: n/a

Your Story: When this first started I thought it was just happening because the car was too cold, but now it happens whenever I haven't driven the car for a few hours. Well I'm past my warranty so I can't do anything but hope that it doesn't get worse.
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Old 02-28-2003, 07:23 AM   #57
BlackWagon
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Member#: 9168
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Clearwater, FL
Vehicle:
1994 power of k

Default

Name: Tony

Make: 2002 impreza wrx wagon

Mileage: 16,000

Time Out Of Use: 2 weeks so far

Problem And Likely Cause: blown 2nd gear

Modifications: up-pipe, down-pipe, uni-chip, mbc, pully

Submitted For Warranty Work (Yes/No): yes

Reason Given For Denial: second gear was ground smooth

Your Story: 2 hours of driving pulled out of a gas station went to second, then boom no more gears.

clutch was given to me under warrentee with all my mods, but when the tranny went they said no. Car is parked till money falls from the sky till then I drive hondas or street bikes I manage to find.
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Old 03-03-2003, 10:37 PM   #58
TBreu007
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Member#: 9507
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: South Florida
Vehicle:
2002 WRX
Sold...for a race car

Default

Name: Tim

Make: 2002 Impreza WRX

Mileage: 35,300

Time Out Of Use: 1.5 years

Problem And Likely Cause:
Left front wheel bearing shot. Wheel feels like it will fall off
Alarm not working
Rear view mirror compass stuck on NE

Modifications: Exhaust, DOT approved brake lines, Anti-lift kit

Submitted For Warranty Work (Yes/No): YES

Reason Given For Denial: ANY aftermarket modification will void warranty per dealership and Subaru of America

Your Story: Took it to dealership, and after wasting $40 on a rental car and the entire day tracking people down to talk to, I was told SOA told the dealership not to honor my warranty because of my mods. Also, the dealership said it looks like my car has been raced

My plans for a second Subaru (STi) have been halted due to Subaru's lack of customer service and their CRIMINAL "void" of my warranty. They are clearly in breach of contract since there has been no legal reason to "void" the warranty i.e. illegal contract or contract under duress.

I may pursue legal actions if things are not handled expeditiously.
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Old 03-06-2003, 11:17 PM   #59
davemade
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Member#: 32202
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Dallas
Vehicle:
04 Rex Wagon
With Bike Rack-Blue

Angry Bad Tranny!

Name: David Young

Make:'02 WRX

Mileage:32k

Time Out Of Use:1 day so far

Problem And Likely Cause:Won't go into first unless at a complete stop, 3rd to 4th doesn't shift right unless babied(grinds slightly)/trying to get into 1st before coming a complete stop at a light, to etc., say around 10 mph or a little more, contributed to 1st gear synchro going out (ever try to get out of someone's way in 2nd gear @ 10 mph, yeah right; then SOA would be denying me a clutch), don't know why 3rd to 4th synchro is acting up. All problems started happening when I changed my tranny oil @ 30k. Lotsa crap on the magnetic plug and in the old oil.

Modifications: Unichip ECU@ 12k, APS intake@ 26k, APS turbo back exhaust@ 29k.

Submitted For Warranty Work (Yes/No):Yes, round one; round two, same result

Reason Given For Denial: Mods, mainly ECU

Your Story:
Took my car in yesterday for estimate and got the call that warranty was denied by SOA this afternoon. Called SOA to dispute this and they are supposed to research it and send out the district manager tomorrow to give me a better disposition. Figured it was worth the gamble of a 2nd day of rent car charges to let my dealer keep it another day in case they wind up covering it (fingers still crossed at this point.) The bottom line is that the tranny/clutch combo is ill-suited for a turbocharged vehicle. It's a bogmonster in 2nd at the speeds which 1st gear is not available. It's my understanding that the 1st gear synchro problem has been addressed with the '03 models and up. Doesn't that imply that a problem exists and has been addressed? Can anyone say RECALL?

Round two: I asked both the dealer and SOA to provide me with an engineering report to prove that my mods had something to do with synchros going out and so far haven't received one. Might be because one doesn't and never will exist. SOA needs to step up to the plate and admit that the first generation tranny is poorly built instead of hiding the problem behind a blanket denial policy or it will cost them more in the long run in customer satisfaction and sales. They need to hire some forwand thinking people before this spins completely out of control.

Last edited by davemade; 03-08-2003 at 06:28 AM.
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Old 03-31-2003, 12:06 AM   #60
4npower
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Member#: 9018
Join Date: Aug 2001
Chapter/Region: MAIC
Location: NOVA
Vehicle:
02 WRBP WRX
Slvr 06.5 Jeep Grnd SRT8

Default

Name: Donald Robinson
MAKE:2002 WRBP Sedan 5SPD
Miliage:28k
Time Out: Ongoing
Problem: Blown Tranamission
Mods: CAI, Cat-back Exhaust, BOV
Submitted : Warranty Voided
Reason: Mods causeing more HP then stock

Story: I got the car in 7/01 within a few months the Power steering pump died car was warranty'd but took 2 months to fix, about a month after i did all the mods that i have, at the end of 2002 I started smelling oil burning took in oil pump seal replaced under warranty, a month after still smelled burning oil took back cam seals replaced under warranty, then a month ago took car in for shudder fix clutch,flywheel was replaced under warranty. So a month went buy broke the tranny in properly for 1k miles and this past week i started to pull away from a traffic light when i heard a boom so i started to give the car gas and it was like the clutch was slipping so i pulled it out of gear and then i heard metal rattleing, Tried to put it in gear and it wouldnt move. Had car towed to dealer they said SOA rep had to look at it. SOA REP said he ttok pics of it and voided the warranty.

Last edited by 4npower; 03-31-2003 at 12:19 AM.
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Old 04-02-2003, 11:57 AM   #61
JimmyOOOOO
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Member#: 12647
Join Date: Nov 2001
Chapter/Region: Tri-State
Location: Syracuse NY
Vehicle:
2011 STi
Obsidian Black Swirl

Exclamation UNBELIEVABLE

Name: Jim O'Connor

Make: 2002 Subaru WRX

Mileage: 19,500

Time Out Of Use: 1/2 Day

Problem And Likely Cause: DOJ Seals/4th Gear Synchro ... seals and synchros are weak.

Modifications: TXS Stage IV, SBC-iD, KYB AGX Struts, MRT Springs, Cusco Rear Sway, Kartboy Solid Endlinks, etc...

Submitted For Warranty Work (Yes/No): YES

Reason Given For Denial: DOJ Seals fixed under warranty (the unbelieveable part, but likely because they didn't have to drop the tranny) 4th gear synchros... they laughed in my face

Your Story: No story really. I drive my car hard and fast. Otherwise I would have bought another Civic (which is about a gazillion times tougher than the rex). Dealer flagged my VIN after completing repairs (which I thought was kind of douchebaggish of them)
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Old 04-06-2003, 05:55 AM   #62
sajohnson
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Member#: 6140
Join Date: Apr 2001
Chapter/Region: MAIC
Location: Middletown, MD, USA
Vehicle:
2002 WRX 5MT Sedan
WR Blue. Cobb Stage 2

Default

Name: Sherman A. Johnson

Make: Impreza 5MT WRX

Miles: Currently approx. 41,000

Time Out Of Use: N/A

Problem and Likely Cause: AWD = All Wheels Disconnected. (on any kind of slope, with any two tires on ice, the car will not move). The Viscous coupling (VC) unit is weak. It is not transferring enough torque to "the wheels that grip".

Modifications: Absolutely nothing that would affect the AWD -- silencer removal, grounding mod, K&N air filter.

Submitted for Warranty Work: Yes.

Reason Given for Denial: "They All Do That".

Your Story: If all 5MT WRX AWD systems are as lame as mine (which it appears they are) then we all got royally hosed. I got stuck in my driveway on a moderate slope with only the two rear tires on ice. The rears spun and I just sat there drifting backwards! When I compared my '02 WRx to an '03 WRX at the dealership the '03, was just as weak.

I have started two threads in the transmission forum for anyone who is interested:

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show...hreadid=325909

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show...hreadid=332825

Last edited by sajohnson; 04-06-2003 at 06:02 AM.
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Old 04-09-2003, 11:18 AM   #63
Rallyman5
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Member#: 13826
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Wellesley, MA
Vehicle:
2005 VW GLI -220hp
'00 Miata,'05 Noble/order

Default

Name: Ronald Lieuwma

Make: 2002 WRX Wagon

Mileage: 12,072

Time Out Of Use: N/A

Problem And Likely Cause: Clutch Shudder

Modifications: Vishnu Stage 1, Tein Springs, MBC, Airbox removed, Kartboy short shifter and Bushings, 17x7.5 wheels w/ 225/45/17 tires, Full exhaust, Silencer removal

Submitted For Warranty Work (Yes/No): NO - I haven't gone in for service as of yet, however, I made an appointment today to have them look at the problem

Reason Given For Denial: (see above)

Your Story: I have owned the car now for 14 months and have put few miles on it. Just started noticing the shudder the other day. Will keep this updated. I am worried that I will be denied because of my modifications.

Last edited by Rallyman5; 04-10-2003 at 09:31 AM.
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Old 04-09-2003, 08:02 PM   #64
sajohnson
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Member#: 6140
Join Date: Apr 2001
Chapter/Region: MAIC
Location: Middletown, MD, USA
Vehicle:
2002 WRX 5MT Sedan
WR Blue. Cobb Stage 2

Default

NAME: Sherman Johnson

MAKE: 2002 5MT WRX Sedan

MILEAGE: 41,000

TIME OUT OF USE: N/A

PROBLEM and LIKELY CAUSE: Clutch Shudder. Cause is a good question -- it seems that the friction disc is adversely affected by moisture.

MODIFICATIONS: Minor -- K&N filter, Silencer Removal, Grounding Mod.

SUBMITTED FOR WARRANTY WORK: Yes

REASON GIVEN FOR DENIAL: Tech noticed shudder but said it wasn't bad enough to warrant replacement.

YOUR STORY: My clutch has had this problem intermittently since last year. When I took it to the dealer the tech said he felt the vibration (as I indicated above). However, when I read the service ticket it said, "Transmission operating normally at this time"

In other words, they know there is a problem but they aren't going to leave a paper trail to help me.

What I don't understand is why _some_ dealers will fix a problem almost no questions asked while others act like you are asking them to do the work for free.
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Old 04-09-2003, 10:37 PM   #65
retslo
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Member#: 31416
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Amish Country, PA
Vehicle:
05 Legacy GT
Black Ltd Wagon

Post Clutch/Flywheel Replacement

NAME: Sergej

MAKE: 2002 5MT WRX Wagon

MILEAGE: 20,500

TIME OUT OF USE: 1 day

PROBLEM and LIKELY CAUSE: Clutch Shudder.

MODIFICATIONS: Stereo + Speakers otherwise NONE

SUBMITTED FOR WARRANTY WORK: Yes

REASON GIVEN FOR DENIAL: Fixed under warranty.

YOUR STORY: No questions asked. First reported this at 15,000 and service tech noticed too but revised parts were not available yet. This time they replaced it without any questions - they did not even look at my car. Great service at my dealer!
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Old 04-11-2003, 06:58 PM   #66
ccook
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 12716
Join Date: Nov 2001
Vehicle:
2002 impreza wrx
sedona red

Default

Name: Casey Cook

Make: WRX 2002

Mileage: ~26000

Time Out Of Use: none yet

Problem And Likely Cause: 1st gear grinds when downshifting (it always has) and now 4th gear grinds when upshifting (from 3rd)

Modifications: Drop in K&N Filter (20K) I got it for improved mileage and because you don't have to replace them

Submitted For Warranty Work (Yes/No): Yes

Reason Given For Denial: User abuse

Your Story: I recently reported the problem to the dealer who usually fixes my car. The service rep informed me that they had recently been bought out and there was a freeze on part orders. Well, I am relocating anyway so I explained that 4th gear sometimes grinds (unless I baby it or just wait like 2 seconds before shifting) and he thought I could drive it to the new city I'm moving to for warranty work there. I agreed. Unfortunately, I crashed into a curb before I could move and decided to just go ahead and let them fix it (the crash damage and the tranny - assuming they don't try to deny warranty). The suspension work is still being done, but I'm hoping that the warranty work does not become an issue since I'll basically have NO time at my new job to mess with this stuff. I RARELY drive fast, and have only raced people from stoplights like 3 times in the history of the car. 4th gear does not come into play when "racing" from stoplight to stoplight anyway. I think most people have done this. I am not a kid. I just happened to notice the small but annoying grind on the freeway one day and hoped it would go away on it's own - it didn't and it only does it under "moderately fast" accelleration (hitting fourth at 60+ mph like on an on-ramp, which isn't saying much because this car can hit 60 in second gear if being driven "Fast" or raced)
SOOO, I am praying that they can "duplicate" the problem and that they will warranty it without me having to go through hell first. I mean, really, how could 4th gear possible be associated with "abuse"? This tranny was already rebuilt under warranty (it took 2 months at about 7000 miles - 5th and reverse were ****ed) and I think it's time for a NEW TRANNY. Updates are forthcoming...keeping the fingers crossed

PS - HTH do you become a "Scooby Specialist"? I have been registered as long or longer than some of these people (So-called scooby specialists - ha ha) and I am still a "Scooby Newbie". I feel so left out.

UPDATE - After threatening almost everyone at Subaru with a lawsuit I finally convinced them to do a "Warranty Review" which means that they covered my rental car while they tore down my car looking for their supposed abuse - and if they were to have found anything I would be responsible. Well, they didn't find any chipped gears...just worn synchros so they paid for it. Damn, what a pain in the ass just to get them to honor their warranty.

Last edited by ccook; 06-06-2003 at 05:30 PM.
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Old 04-12-2003, 01:04 PM   #67
20mm
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 11607
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Portland, OR
Vehicle:
2004 Impreza WRX STi
Platinum Silver Metallic

Default Re: Trouble/Warranty Denial Report Thread: Drivetrain (Engine, Tranny, Diff, Etc.)

Name: Chad Beaulieu

Make: Subaru Impreza 2.5RS

Mileage: 28000

Time Out Of Use: None

Problem : Rear Wheel Bearing Failure

Cause : Defective construction/installation at factory

Modifications: Intake, Exhaust, Headers, Aftermarket wheels/tires.

Submitted For Warranty Work (Yes/No): YES

Reason Given For Denial: Modifications allowed increased speeds which cause the wheel bearings to fail

Your Story:
Just thought I'd share this with you guys, so it doesn't happen to you and because I need some sympathy

DO NOT GO TO PERRY BUICK SUBARU IN NORFOLK!!!

When I was trying to get my defective wheel bearing replaced I contacted several local dealerships. I was very up front and honest about my mods in an effort to not waste time driving to a dealership only to be denied. I was contacted by Randy Trout at Perry Buick Subaru and after explaining all of my mods to him and the noises I was hearing I recieved this email from him:

"Mr. Beaulieu,

Thanks for getting back to me, I have scheduled your appointment to have your wheel bearings checked. If your wheel bearings need to be replaced, they will be replaced under warranty.

Respectfully,

Randy J. Trout
Subaru Service Consultant"

-----------------------------------

So I went and saw him Friday after work, he was very nice and said he'd have it all taken care of by Saturday at noon. They even gave me a rental car to get home. I called Saturday morning to see how things were going. He told me that he couldn't fix the wheel bearings under warranty because of the intake, headers, and oversized wheels/tires. ALL things I told him about ahead of time!!! I tried arguing that those things couldn't have possibly damaged the wheel bearings and mentioned the many many other cases of defective wheel bearings in these cars, even stock ones. He said he had taken pictures of all my modifications and sent them to SOA to have my warranty VOIDED! I couldn't believe this guy, he lied and decieved me to get the car into his dealership and then screwed me over. Needless to say I'm extremely pissed off right now. And this guy is a retired Navy senior chief, I couldn't believe it!

Anyway, now I have to purchase the wheel bearing myself, if I can find a place the sells them, and install it myself, which should be a total biatch One question for any of you that are law saavy, can an email be considered a legal document?

-Chad.
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Old 04-12-2003, 05:25 PM   #68
terrymc
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 34119
Join Date: Mar 2003
Chapter/Region: SWIC
Location: phoenix arizona
Vehicle:
2008 wrx 5 door
pearl white

Default

Name: Terry McCroskey

Make: 2002 ImprezaWRX

Mileage: 35,680 miles

Time Out of Use: 2 weeks

Problem And Likely Cause: 1) first gear grinds at anything above full stop
2)clutch shudder
3) bad ratcheting noises when turning tight corners
4) fifth gear sometimes grinds when engaging
5) this is the most recent fourth gear now grinding on
upshifts frequently
items 1-5 cause subaru doesn't make a five speed designed for this job (performance car)

Modifications: APS t.m.i.c., Greddy cat back, intake derestrict,
sumitomo htr+, whiteline rear sway bar, and an ATR up-pipe

Submitted for Warrentee Work (Yes/No): yes for item 3
items 1,2,&4 I was told that this is normal for this car.
item number five I will be trying to submit this week.

Reason Given For Denial: as mentioned above item 1,2,&4 I was
told that the was normal, item number 3 they took care of even
though my dealer thought SOA might give me problems

Your Story: I called my dealer about a noise when turning
tight corners he said to bring it in. I brought it in on a saturday
the tech took a look at my car and said the problem was my
tires are cooked but not to worry put new tires on the car and
the problem would be OK. I put the sumitomos on (by the way
nice tires) the problem persisted so I call Wayne back tell the
problem is still there he has me bring the car back we go for a
ride he hears the sound and imediately tells me the I am right
something is definetly broken. They give me a loaner and call
me in a week "car is ready". I pick up the car everything sounds
good I drive home (approx. 120 miles), go to pull into the
driveway and hear the sound again. I call Wayne again, I think
he wants to cry at this point, I know that feeling. I take it back
he does another complete run down and the only thing he can
find that it could be, is the center diff. (they already replaced
the rear diff.) he sends me off with a loaner again one week
later I get the call. I pick up the car, this time all is right in the
world 10,000 miles later no ratcheting noises. Now all I have
is a fourth gear synchro that sounds like death is near.
I call Wayne because he has always done all he can to help
with my problems, he tells me that I will have a hard time
coverage do to SOA is cracking down on WRX claims specifically
"any signs of abuse, no warrentee" what constitutes abuse?
Does driving a performance car as a performance car constitute
abuse, thats like saying a tennis racket has a warrentee untill
you hit a tennis ball with it. I do drive my car as a performance
car but it is not abused or raced! It has never been on a track
in it's life. Now I am looking at spending thousands on a car
just two years old. I appreciate all that my dealer has done to
help me but I am angered at the trannys lack of durability,
if it matched the rest of the performance I would be happy.
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Old 05-05-2003, 03:18 PM   #69
caligula
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 11769
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Nashua,NH
Vehicle:
2002 Impreza WRX
Silver

Default

Name: Jeff Cordova

Make: 2002 WRX

Mileage: 29,290

Time Out Of Use: 1 day

Problem And Likely Cause: Clutch shudder

Modifications: None

Submitted For Warranty Work (Yes/No): Yes

Reason Given For Denial: Technician could not reproduce the problem

Your Story: I took my car into Exeter Subaru of New Hampshire where I purchased my car. This past winter, the clutch shudder reared its ugly head. I was not able to take it in until this weekend. It even did this last week when the mornings were still cold. Not sure what I can do now because my warranty is about to run out.
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Old 05-06-2003, 04:22 PM   #70
wrex02
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 36112
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Maryland
Vehicle:
2002 WRX
wrblue

Default Clutch Shudder

Name: Chris Inskeep

Make: 2002 WRX

Mileage: 20,000

Problem: Clutch shudders

Modifications: Stereo equipment, gauges, wheels, all unrelated to problem.

Submitted for warranty work: Not yet

Reason for denial: None yet (taking it in next week for this reason will follow up with the outcome!)

Your Story: Car has been doing this for a while(about 15,000 is when it first started), mostly when it is cold outside. Now it has started happening more frequently, at least 1 out of 3 times on first start up regardless of outside temp. It only does this until the car is completely warmed up to operating temp. Don't have any problems with grinding gears or syncro problems yet. A lot of people have though. I don't drive this car like a race car, its my daily transportation. Just wanted to put this on here to further back up this seemingly cronic problem that subaru should be held accountable for. New to this forum and apperantly I'm not the only one with tranny problems. Will have follow-up on what the dealer tells me soon!

UPDATE:
DEALER REPLACED ALL PARTS WITH THE UPDATED CLUTCH AND FLYWHEEL!! No questions asked, didn't even have to show the TSB. Fitzgerald subaru in rockville, MD did the work. Very happy with it, as soon as I got in to drive I could tell an immediate difference!! Clutch engages about an inch off the floor now instead of half-way off the floorboard. feels a lot smoother, still breaking it in so haven't really played with it all that much. Can't tell if there is a difference in straight line acceleration or not, give it a hundred miles or so. Very satisfied with the work thus far.

Last edited by wrex02; 05-08-2003 at 10:47 PM.
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Old 05-14-2003, 06:31 PM   #71
krishna
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 12773
Join Date: Nov 2001
Default

Name: Krishna Kussalanant

Make: WRX 02

Mileage: 29000

Time Out Of Use: 2 days

Problem And Likely Cause: Weak Tranny

Modifications: Downpipe, exhaust, pulley, intake.

Submitted For Warranty Work (Yes/No): Yes

Reason Given For Denial: Half denied, half approved. Only parts, not labor.

Your Story: My car started making a weird noise on my way to AZ. Kinda of a winding noise on acceleration. I was told they wouldn't cover everything because of my mods. My car doesn't really have mods that should cause the tranny to blow! This is ridiculous...
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Old 05-16-2003, 10:21 PM   #72
WrxTennie
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 36666
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Spring HIll
Vehicle:
2003 subaru
black

Default

My tranny just went today and I got it sent to Mastro subaru. Yesturday when I would down shift it would make a grinding noise. Then when I got home it wouldnt let me in any gears. So I got it towed there today and the guy from Subaru sayed that they have to look at the tranny and if it looks like it was abused they won't cover it in the warranty. My car has 6000 miles on it does this sound right or do you think they will warranty it?
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Old 05-21-2003, 09:56 AM   #73
Prog
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 1473
Join Date: May 2000
Location: San Juan, Puerto Rico
Vehicle:
2005 Legacy GT 5MT
Satin White Pearl

Default

Name: Carlos Alfaro

Make: 2002 Subaru WRX

Mileage: 24500~

Time Out Of Use: 9 days

Problem And Likely Cause: blown transmission

Modifications: Vishnu Up-pipe, TurboXS downpipe/Midpipe/ Blitz Axle Back
TurboXS Stage II Unichip, Kartboy shifter & bushings.

Submitted For Warranty Work (Yes/No): Yes

Reason Given For Denial: Aftermarket exhaust and boost control (unichip)/ Mis-use Abuse of the transmission.

Your Story:

Transmission failed while driving in traffic to school monday may 12th . Got my car towed (flatbed of course) to the dealership where i bought it, was informed i needed to take it to the main dealership if i wanted to go thru warranty. Had the car towed there, was called the next day with the warranty denial, plus some nasty acusations of me having OTHER mods that i supposedly took off. (I wonder why i would bothered to take off those and not the exhaust/ecu) Was treated generally with disrespect, mainly because of my age. Got the estimate, which was upwards of $2,500 of parts/labor. Had my father, an attorney, write them a letter asking them for a written explanation of why the car was denied warranty, and they state the modifications/extra power and mis-use and abuse of the transmission. The car has never been raced on a track, and while i do drive spiritedly, the transmission WAS taken care of thoroughly, mainly because of my own paranoia of the "weak" tranny of the WRX.

Still not sure how to proceed, as fighting this in the BBB or court would mean more money than its worth really.
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Old 05-21-2003, 01:10 PM   #74
saggioWRX
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 18994
Join Date: May 2002
Chapter/Region: NWIC
Location: Seattle WA,
Vehicle:
06 WRX Wagon
White

Default

Name: Dave Wise

Make: 2002 Subaru WRX

Mileage: 17,800

Time out of use: 3 weeks and still counting

Problem and likely cause: 1st and 2nd gear GONE!

Modifications: Gruppe-S uppipe, Bosal DP, Stromung DP back.

Submitted for warranty work (yes/no): Yes

Reason given for denial: Aftermarket Exhaust

Your Story:

This started back in April, 04-03-03, I brought the WRX in for the clutch shudder problem. I also had them look at 1st gear because of it being REALLY hard to get into, and out of gear. Carter Subaru in Shorline WA repaired everything under warranty exactly how the car sits today (Mods installed). This is when I had about 17,000 miles on the car. Well only 800 miles later I was driving in a residential area at about 25MPH shifting into 2nd from 1st, with the clutch still IN, and WHAAM, CRUNCH, SCREECH, the tranny made the worst sound in the world! I couldn't put in in any gear and had it towed "To the nearest dealer for warranty work" and as it sits today still at this dealership, which is Auburn Subaru in WA.
Neither Auburn, or Carter (who did the repairs in the fisrt place) will step up to the plate and warranty there work! I believe that the new parts that were installed weren't installed correctly, causing 1st and 2nd gear to strip.
I have two sides of the story being told to me. The Service people, and the Techs think it should be covered under warranty (At Auburn) while the "Service area Director" is denying it! Why wouldn't you listen to your Techs?
I'll keep this post updated for sure!
05-23-03 Auburn Subaru said that they can't rebuild it and that they want to install a NEW Transmission. They want $3800 for a new Tranny, and they told me that Subaru would take $1000 off for good faith. Hmmmm sounds like they agree that there's something wrong with the last repair, and taking "partial" blame for 1st and 2nd gear stripping. This still doesn't satisfy my position that it MUST be covered under warranty.
Again, I"ll keep this post updated.
05-28-03 Looks like if I want this covered by SOA I've got to get a lawyer and spend the big bucks to fight it! I'm getting a new tranny installed at my expense.
Once again,....SOA Wins again, and screwed another Subaru owner! "Good Job, SOA"
I will NEVER buy another Subaru again, and everyone I talk to will know my story, and will be warned about how Subaru deals with there customers!

Last edited by saggioWRX; 05-28-2003 at 02:36 PM.
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Old 05-21-2003, 03:04 PM   #75
OperaWRX
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 20093
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Boston
Vehicle:
2002 WRX Sport Wagon
Black

Default Short shift shafted

Make: 2002 WRX Wagon

Mileage: 39,200

Time Out Of Use: just diagnosis time

Problem And Likely Cause: Factory short shifter now shifts like a rusty truck. Had clutch shudder fixed and I think something went horribly wrong in the process.

Modifications: none

Submitted For Warranty Work (Yes/No): yes

Reason Given For Denial: Is within normal operation of a WRX shifter

Your Story: When I first got the car in Dec. 2002 the car shifted like a dream. It was a short shift and a smooth on. 1st and reverse were always a little stiff but every other gear was ok. Around 34k the clutch started shuddering really badly and 1st and reverse were getting worse and worse. My dealer fixed the clutch but after I got it back 1st and reverse were even worse and the rest of the gears were bad too. What was once and easy shift is now clunky and like an old truck. My dealer acknowledged the problem but gave up their franchise before they could fix it. I took it to a new dealer and they said that there is nothing wrong with it. Just normal wear. I do not drive the car hard, there is no reason for it to suddenly shift like crap. What the heck do I do? At 39K this car is becoming a rock around my neck!
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