Any known or pending un-resolve problem with 2013 OB 3.6R Engine / Transmission?
Asked by CT_Newbie2017 Jun 19, 2017 at 05:09 PM about the 2013 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
Hi all. I'm from Canada and new on this site. I am looking at purchasing a
second hand 2013 OB 3.6R Limited under 75000 Km from a Subaru
Dealer.
I read that there's excessive oil consumption issue with their engine.
Does anyone know if this issue has been resolve? Or is it still on-going?
Any additional issue?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
10 Answers
Some 3.6 engines use oil and they are on the Thirsty Thirty list of oil burners. Make sure Subaru will replace the short block under warranty if your engine turns out to be a oil burner. I would get it in writing before purchase as the repair will be really expensive otherwise. If your car has a CVT be wary of that too.
CT_Newbie2017 answered 7 years ago
@F_O_R - Thank you for your advice. I read over the specs that 2013 OB 3.6R Limited only came with the 5EAT. CVT are used in OB starting from 2015. I will confirm with the dealer on the excessive oil consumption engine problem and in writing before purchase. The fix should be change on piston rings which causes oil to leak past the rings & burn up. Reference: http://www.carcomplaints.com/Subaru/Outback/2013/engine/exc essive_oil_consumption.shtml Is this excessive oil consumption engine a problem with 2012 OB 3.6R Limited as well?
The fix is not changing the rings. Subaru tried that solution and it failed which caused them to start replacing short block assemblies.
CT_Newbie2017 answered 7 years ago
Judging from your answer, I take it that Subaru still haven't resolve the issue for 2013 yet. But I will try to find out from the dealer. Although I question if they will tell me the truth. Maybe I should consider 2012 OB instead, seems like less problem with that, right?
Read this or look up Consumer Reports Thirsty Thirty ------ http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine/2015/06/excessive- oil-consumption/index.htm
CT_Newbie2017 --Please see this video link below on you tube and click on the Truth About Oil consumption...the manufacturers have done a terrible job explaining this particular problem with many cars, https://youtu.be/xa1kqSo3aeM
Apparently, it's not just Subaru.. and you're correct, no CVT until 2015 on the 3.6 engine ...I think that the 3.6 was better than the 2.5 Four, but, they're all subject to the design of the engines as explained by John Cadogan..in case you were wondering, he is a degree certified mechanical engineer..in Australia.. I think he sounds pretty smart.
CT_Newbie2017 answered 7 years ago
@F_O_R - Great chart on the Thirsty Thirty. Luck of the draw I guess. My cousin drives an OB, haven't heard much about it. @Mark - The YouTube video was bang on. I like how John explains the issue, much better than the manufacture. Same advice from John as F_O_R, to protect one self by ensuring the dealer put it in writing to cover if the matter get worse after the warranty. I'm currently driving a 2003 Toyota Highlander and thirsty as well. But regular oil change every season / 5000Km helps keep it running strong on 250K+. The price between 2013 OB 3.6R and 2013 Highlander V6 is $10K. Trying to weight things out. You guys have been great and most helpful. Very much appreciate the advice and the research.
CT_Newbie2017 answered 7 years ago
@Mark - I read one of your response in another post, the 3.6R engine is not on the list of the on-going class action. Perhaps the oil consumption problem is only on the 2.5 engine. Ref: https://www.torquenews.com/1084/update-subaru-oil-consumption- class-action-lawsuit