[IceAgeTLC]

Originally Posted by fstwrx02

that they would keep me informed...they didn't tell me much more than what appeared on the initial post of this thread

Yes it's very annoying. The two salespeople at my dealer can't even agree on it. My saleswoman who sold me the car says I cannot drive it, it cannot leave the back lot, yet I go in today and she's not there, so this other guy is asking,

"When are you picking it up?"
I tell him I can't until Subaru clears everything. He tells me my car is not on the affected list, and I say, "Oh? Anything after 82513, right? Well mine is 82881." He says, "Well I just sold someone a WRX and they've had no problems so I doubt it's anything big."

I told him I'm the one spending near $40k on the car, so if there's so much as a whisper of ill fate, it's staying here.

I didn't ask for my deposit back, but if by this time next week, I'm still getting the run-around like I'm supposed to ignore this bulletin and just believe everything is okay, I will have that money back into the old savings.

I know it's all a big sudden thing, and some places aren't as updated as others but it's controversy inside one damn dealership. I just can't believe the one hand doesn't know what the other is doing when they're both beating off the same dick.

[fstwrx02]

Yea, you have to at least give Subaru props for being proactive...i would rather have it fixed now than later...it's just depressing

[IceAgeTLC]

Originally Posted by fstwrx02

Yea, you have to at least give Subaru props for being proactive...i would rather have it fixed now than later...it's just depressing

The sad thing is, If I hadn't read this and been so damn up to date on my car, I would be so vulnerable because it was ME that went to THEM about it. I guess some dealer's are worse than others. Up here in hick-ville, it's very accurate to assume the dealer doesn't even have an internet connection.

[chelidon]

I waited three months(!) for my STI, and it finally showed up at the dealership...yes, on Friday, same day as the Stop Sale, and yep, it's affected. My sales guy sent out an email on Friday saying "IT'S HERE!!!" followed by another one saying to disregard the previous email and explaining the recall, which I'd already read all about here by then. I was on the road at that point, but I called him on Monday and we talked about it, but like everyone else, he didn't have any new info.

Of course I'm not happy, but I'd rather have found out before I put my money down and then have the choice about what to do about it, rather than have bought the car and found out later that day. If it's not a major fix, or if it is but they're willing to throw me an extended warranty covering *all* affected systems, I'll probably still buy it, otherwise I'll get my deposit back and figure out Plan B. I tend to keep cars for a good while, but one of the things I will be considering if it's a major fix is potential impact on resale value.

I'm pretty sure I'll hear something here before my dealer knows, but either way, I'm waiting for more information before jumping to any conclusions. I agree with the posters who said that it being just a tune issue seems unlikely, but I was planning to AP it on Day 1 anyway. Now I just have to sit with my little pile of parts I've been buying while waiting for my STI (RA mud flaps, amber fog bulbs, Japanparts DIN panel, etc) and wait to see if I'm going to have to send them all back...

[nota4re]

In my humble opinion, this is what is happening right now at Subaru.

Recent history: Subaru started to receive complaints about a motor knock and soon found that the number of complaints became statistically significant enough to raise a concern about a potentially widespread problem. Subaru has done the responsible thing in ordering a stop-sale until the cause and the "breadth" of the problem can be discovered. To do this, Subaru is likely pouring considerable energies into disassembling the effected cars to learn the part or parts that may be defective, i.e. manufactured out of specification. When these part(s) are identified, then Subaru will try to learn when the out-of-spec part(s) made their way into vehicles. Only then, will Subaru come forward with more information about what they are going to do.

I strongly suspect it is a "part or parts out of spec issue" since they have been making this engine since 2004 and it is a solid design. The out of spec part(s) may be something ranging from a machining problem to improper heat treatment, etc.

The real challenge for Subaru will be to try to work backwards to determine the effected cars. From experience, they may likely never know for certain which cars WILL develop the knocking problem. Unfortunately, there may be a VIN range of cars that Subaru identifies to be "suspect" and they will likely offer to extend warranties to these vehicles.

A very similar problem happened at the introduction of the 1991 Acura NSX. Honda soon discovered that they were experiencing a lot of failed transmissions. On tear-down, it was discovered that due to a machine programming error, some transmission casings were improperly manufactured which could allow a snap ring for the main trans shaft to have excessive fore/aft play. The play would eventually cause the snap ring to fail - which was catastrophic to the internals of the trans.

Honda traced the problem to a manufacturing defect and was eventually able to issue a range of transmission serial numbers that *may* be effected. Honda steadfastly refused to take any pro-active action to fix these cars, opting instead to honor any transmission problems beyond the warranty period in a case by case basis. Needless to say, re-sale value of the cars in this range were adversly effected - even to this day.

In my view, Subaru is still trying to find the net cause and then will work to isolate the effected cars (as well as to remedy the problem). Despite large investment, this "discovery" process may take a few weeks. After that will be the internal Subaru politics as they debate how they are going to treat existing customers and what they will do with the un-sold cars on the lot.

Not a fun time for Subaru - but rest assured they are likely working around the clock on a solution.

Again, the above is purely my speculation.

[mofoSTI]

Originally Posted by nota4re

In my humble opinion, this is what is happening right now at Subaru.

Recent history: Subaru started to receive complaints about a motor knock and soon found that the number of complaints became statistically significant enough to raise a concern about a potentially widespread problem. Subaru has done the responsible thing in ordering a stop-sale until the cause and the "breadth" of the problem can be discovered. To do this, Subaru is likely pouring considerable energies into disassembling the effected cars to learn the part or parts that may be defective, i.e. manufactured out of specification. When these part(s) are identified, then Subaru will try to learn when the out-of-spec part(s) made their way into vehicles. Only then, will Subaru come forward with more information about what they are going to do.

I strongly suspect it is a "part or parts out of spec issue" since they have been making this engine since 2004 and it is a solid design. The out of spec part(s) may be something ranging from a machining problem to improper heat treatment, etc.

The real challenge for Subaru will be to try to work backwards to determine the effected cars. From experience, they may likely never know for certain which cars WILL develop the knocking problem. Unfortunately, there may be a VIN range of cars that Subaru identifies to be "suspect" and they will likely offer to extend warranties to these vehicles.

A very similar problem happened at the introduction of the 1991 Acura NSX. Honda soon discovered that they were experiencing a lot of failed transmissions. On tear-down, it was discovered that due to a machine programming error, some transmission casings were improperly manufactured which could allow a snap ring for the main trans shaft to have excessive fore/aft play. The play would eventually cause the snap ring to fail - which was catastrophic to the internals of the trans.

Honda traced the problem to a manufacturing defect and was eventually able to issue a range of transmission serial numbers that *may* be effected. Honda steadfastly refused to take any pro-active action to fix these cars, opting instead to honor any transmission problems beyond the warranty period in a case by case basis. Needless to say, re-sale value of the cars in this range were adversly effected - even to this day.

In my view, Subaru is still trying to find the net cause and then will work to isolate the effected cars (as well as to remedy the problem). Despite large investment, this "discovery" process may take a few weeks. After that will be the internal Subaru politics as they debate how they are going to treat existing customers and what they will do with the un-sold cars on the lot.

Not a fun time for Subaru - but rest assured they are likely working around the clock on a solution.

Again, the above is purely my speculation.

The best 6th post I have ever seen. A very realistic perspective on what may be going on inside subaru. Time is money and the clock is ticking.

[jmswinger]

A very good thought out opinion. And this is what we need more on this forum.

Good work

Originally Posted by nota4re

In my humble opinion, this is what is happening right now at Subaru.

Recent history: Subaru started to receive complaints about a motor knock and soon found that the number of complaints became statistically significant enough to raise a concern about a potentially widespread problem. Subaru has done the responsible thing in ordering a stop-sale until the cause and the "breadth" of the problem can be discovered. To do this, Subaru is likely pouring considerable energies into disassembling the effected cars to learn the part or parts that may be defective, i.e. manufactured out of specification. When these part(s) are identified, then Subaru will try to learn when the out-of-spec part(s) made their way into vehicles. Only then, will Subaru come forward with more information about what they are going to do.

I strongly suspect it is a "part or parts out of spec issue" since they have been making this engine since 2004 and it is a solid design. The out of spec part(s) may be something ranging from a machining problem to improper heat treatment, etc.

The real challenge for Subaru will be to try to work backwards to determine the effected cars. From experience, they may likely never know for certain which cars WILL develop the knocking problem. Unfortunately, there may be a VIN range of cars that Subaru identifies to be "suspect" and they will likely offer to extend warranties to these vehicles.

A very similar problem happened at the introduction of the 1991 Acura NSX. Honda soon discovered that they were experiencing a lot of failed transmissions. On tear-down, it was discovered that due to a machine programming error, some transmission casings were improperly manufactured which could allow a snap ring for the main trans shaft to have excessive fore/aft play. The play would eventually cause the snap ring to fail - which was catastrophic to the internals of the trans.

Honda traced the problem to a manufacturing defect and was eventually able to issue a range of transmission serial numbers that *may* be effected. Honda steadfastly refused to take any pro-active action to fix these cars, opting instead to honor any transmission problems beyond the warranty period in a case by case basis. Needless to say, re-sale value of the cars in this range were adversly effected - even to this day.

In my view, Subaru is still trying to find the net cause and then will work to isolate the effected cars (as well as to remedy the problem). Despite large investment, this "discovery" process may take a few weeks. After that will be the internal Subaru politics as they debate how they are going to treat existing customers and what they will do with the un-sold cars on the lot.

Not a fun time for Subaru - but rest assured they are likely working around the clock on a solution.

Again, the above is purely my speculation.

[DGMSTIenroute]

Originally Posted by chelidon

I waited three months(!) for my STI, and it finally showed up at the dealership...yes, on Friday, same day as the Stop Sale, and yep, it's affected. My sales guy sent out an email on Friday saying "IT'S HERE!!!" followed by another one saying to disregard the previous email and explaining the recall, which I'd already read all about here by then. I was on the road at that point, but I called him on Monday and we talked about it, but like everyone else, he didn't have any new info.

I feel your pain. Mine is (was?) slated to show up next weekend.

I guess I'll have to actually fix that U-joint on my truck...

Contacted my 'acquaintance' at Subaru corp. today, who confirmed the original email, which has apparently been updated to reflect today's date, with no new info (Jan0808 and forward on Impreza was her indication). She was kind enough to make a few calls to other areas of the company, but nobody has anything to add at this point, which is, frankly no suprise. But she said to check back daily.

No news isn't always good news... Back to what Mom used to call "feeling sad inside".

[ploney]

It's now hitting some on-line news channels.....

Subaru issues "stop sale" on all models equipped with turbo'd 2.5-liter - Autoblog

[mofoSTI]

Originally Posted by ploney

It's now hitting some on-line news channels.....

Subaru issues "stop sale" on all models equipped with turbo'd 2.5-liter - Autoblog

Story line looks and sounds a lot worse than it is. I am sure this would make a lot of people buy the mazda 3 or The evo if they were looking at the STI.

[solovus]

Originally Posted by mofoSTI

Story line looks and sounds a lot worse than it is. I am sure this would make a lot of people buy the mazda 3 or The evo if they were looking at the STI.

Mazda 3 ??...if people are buying a Mazda 3 they certainly weren't looking for an STI. I understand the Evo and would even really understand the 135/335, but I would be shocked if a person who wanted an STI could bring themselves to settle for a mazda3...

[SlackerNJ]

My car is in the effected VIN range. haven't heard anything funny yet...

I called my salesman yesterday (mon) and he didn't even know about the issue. He asked to call me back after he went and talked to the service guys. No new information there...

I just think its kinda funny that the SALESman doesn't know about a stop SALE order. HAHA.

I guess I won't be looking to him for info anymore

[inpuressa]

Originally Posted by nota4re

In my humble opinion, this is what is happening right now at Subaru.

Recent history: Subaru started to receive complaints about a motor knock and soon found that the number of complaints became statistically significant enough to raise a concern about a potentially widespread problem. Subaru has done the responsible thing in ordering a stop-sale until the cause and the "breadth" of the problem can be discovered. To do this, Subaru is likely pouring considerable energies into disassembling the effected cars to learn the part or parts that may be defective, i.e. manufactured out of specification. When these part(s) are identified, then Subaru will try to learn when the out-of-spec part(s) made their way into vehicles. Only then, will Subaru come forward with more information about what they are going to do.

I strongly suspect it is a "part or parts out of spec issue" since they have been making this engine since 2004 and it is a solid design. The out of spec part(s) may be something ranging from a machining problem to improper heat treatment, etc.

The real challenge for Subaru will be to try to work backwards to determine the effected cars. From experience, they may likely never know for certain which cars WILL develop the knocking problem. Unfortunately, there may be a VIN range of cars that Subaru identifies to be "suspect" and they will likely offer to extend warranties to these vehicles.

A very similar problem happened at the introduction of the 1991 Acura NSX. Honda soon discovered that they were experiencing a lot of failed transmissions. On tear-down, it was discovered that due to a machine programming error, some transmission casings were improperly manufactured which could allow a snap ring for the main trans shaft to have excessive fore/aft play. The play would eventually cause the snap ring to fail - which was catastrophic to the internals of the trans.

Honda traced the problem to a manufacturing defect and was eventually able to issue a range of transmission serial numbers that *may* be effected. Honda steadfastly refused to take any pro-active action to fix these cars, opting instead to honor any transmission problems beyond the warranty period in a case by case basis. Needless to say, re-sale value of the cars in this range were adversly effected - even to this day.

In my view, Subaru is still trying to find the net cause and then will work to isolate the effected cars (as well as to remedy the problem). Despite large investment, this "discovery" process may take a few weeks. After that will be the internal Subaru politics as they debate how they are going to treat existing customers and what they will do with the un-sold cars on the lot.

Not a fun time for Subaru - but rest assured they are likely working around the clock on a solution.

Again, the above is purely my speculation.

Good views. If this is the case, Subaru probably halted all operations at the factory to back trace the culprit. If they are so proactive about it, I'm pretty sure they will not keep making cars with possible defects.

So the question is: Does anyone know if cars(2.5L Turbo) are still rolling out of FHI?

[Stedenko]

Originally Posted by solovus

Mazda 3 ??...if people are buying a Mazda 3 they certainly weren't looking for an STI. I understand the Evo and would even really understand the 135/335, but I would be shocked if a person who wanted an STI could bring themselves to settle for a mazda3...

That's funny. I'm looking at an STI and MazdaSpeed3 right now. I could get the MS3 right away but I'd much rather have the STI of course. I'm waiting and watching.

[Digitalfiend]

I think he thought Mazda 3 not MazdaSpeed 3.