Oil consumption
I own a 2015 Subaru Forester and it consumes
about a quart every 2400 miles. It is a manual
transmission, and they seem to be prone to the
engine problem. My car falls under the terms of the
class action suit settlement which dictates a
determination from an oil consumption test. This
is my real problem with the car or more specific
the company. I just completed my third test
through two dealerships, and it has been an eye-
opener. The first test resulted in the engine using 8
ounces in 1200 miles ( the threshhold is 10.7
ounces, 1/3 quart) I thanked them and was willing
to except that, but over the remaining 5000 miles I
had to add oil at a rate of 16 ounces per 1200
miles. I called SOA and they agreed to another
consumption test. They changed the oil then called
me to the shop to show me an oil leak. This was
two drops of oil on two valve box housing bolts. I
pointed out no oil dispersement on the engine and
the two drops were clean unsoiled oil, um ? I had to
pay for the oil change, was told the oil leak repair
would cost $2,200.00. I decided to go to another
dealership, then things got really bizzare. They
agreed I could bear witness to the oil reading. At
the oil change to start the consumption test, the
master technician stated the threshhold was 1qt in
1200 miles. I ask him to pull up the test guidelines
so I could have a copy, it was 1/3 quart. Twelve
hundred miles later, I returned to check the oil and
it was low. He pored in a few ounces without
measuring and said it was full. I pointed out it
wasn't up to the line and he told me we could go
another 1200 miles to continue the test. I told the
service manager I wasn't be satisfied with the
technician and he agreed to continue the test.
When the car was pulled around I decided to check
the oil level and it was about 1/2 qt overfilled from
the below full mark we had when We were
checking it together. I had the service manager
confirm and ask to see the manager. He agreed to
drain the oil and start again. They brought it back
and it was still 3-4 ounces overfilled. The service
manager took a photo with my thumbnail marking
the spot. He agreed he would check the level in my
presence himself. When I came back 1200 miles
later he pulled the car in the bay and said the
technician would have to check it. I told him that
wouldn't work for me. Forty-four minutes later I
was asked to come to the service bay and the
dealership manager was there. He showed the oil
level to be full. I reminded him about the technician
overfilling the engine by 1/2 quart. The test
controls were violated and since it was already
established the car was using 8+ ounces I
suspected it had oil added in my 44 minute
absence. I told him I would handle this through
SOA. As I walked out of the shop the Master
technician yelled out "Score" making sure I heard. I
am now scheduled for the 4th oil consumption test
at a third dealership 75 miles away.
