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View Poll Results: Do you own/lease a 2009 WRX and have you experienced engine failure?
Yes 48 21.92%
No 171 78.08%
Voters: 219. You may not vote on this poll

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Old 12-19-2008, 08:43 AM   #1
AshJWilliams
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Default 2009 WRX Engine Failure Poll

The following is a poll to gather some information on the rate of failures here for members of NASIOC. The poll options are as follows:

a) I have purchased/leased a 2009 WRX and I have experienced engine failure.

b) I have purchased/leased a 2009 WRX and I have thus far not experienced said engine failure.

Those that answered a) should then indicate the following in a post:

Problem:
Mileage:
VIN: 9GXXXXXX
Build Date:
Official cause:
Fix:
Engine# if available:

It is not clear to me if one can change his/her vote after having voted (ie if you have not had this problem but then do at a later date). If you fall into this category please post in RED (something to set it off from the rest so it can be accounted for). There will be no recounts; Ross Perot is not a valid answer.

Also, let's try to keep this thread relatively clean. Thank you.

Ash
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Old 12-19-2008, 08:50 AM   #2
AshJWilliams
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Problem: Knock developed on 12/12/08; occurred suddenly.
Mileage: 3850 mi.
VIN: 9G500277
Build Date: ?
Official cause: Not yet relayed to me.
Fix: New engine arrived at Subaru dealership 12/17/08.
Engine# if available:
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Old 12-19-2008, 09:14 AM   #3
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I think you may be disappointed in your poll. I had a 2001 Firebird Formula which had to have its A4 transmission replaced at 3400 miles. Sometimes, things just break, even on new cars.
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Old 12-19-2008, 09:45 AM   #4
AshJWilliams
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There is about a dozen documented cases of this for the 09 WRX in another thread.

Similar problems have been exhibited on Subaru's since 2007, and there is actually a stop sale on a range of 08 VIN's because of this issue.

I'm afraid this isn't a case of "sometimes things just break"...
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Old 12-19-2008, 10:11 AM   #5
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voted no-just under 3000 miles- hope I don't have to change my vote w/ red
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Old 12-19-2008, 11:22 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AshJWilliams View Post
There is about a dozen documented cases of this for the 09 WRX in another thread.

Similar problems have been exhibited on Subaru's since 2007, and there is actually a stop sale on a range of 08 VIN's because of this issue.

I'm afraid this isn't a case of "sometimes things just break"...
actually your incorrect on the stop sale information. The stop sale was issued on the 2008 early production model Subaru STi ( and not on any model year WRX) It consisted of a ECM reflash.

This is what you'll find in the recall letter.
Quote:
Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) has determined that vehicles affected by this Service Program require ECM reprogramming. Under certain harsh driving patterns, specifically when repeatedly or continuously operating the engine above the “red-line” (RPM above 6,700), abnormal combustion could occur resulting in serious internal engine damage in the form of broken piston ring lands. This abnormal combustion condition is the result of an “over lean” fuel mixture caused by a combination of fuel cut activation and high turbo boost. To prevent this condition from occurring, Subaru has developed a modification to the Engine Control Module software logic that will improve combustion management above “red-line” engine speed. This revised logic will not adversely affect peak vehicle performance.
This is the second SOA stop sale applied to all effected turbo models EXCEPT the STi. I'll quote the recall letter as well.

Quote:
Subaru of America, Inc. has determined that certain 2007 & 2008 Turbo Legacy/Outback, 2008 Impreza WRX (except STI) and 2009 Turbo Forester models may have been produced with the turbo charger oil supply pipe deformed due to misalignment during the assembly process. If the pipe is deformed, vibration experienced during normal driving could result in a crack developing over time, causing an engine oil leak. There is a potential safety risk associated with this condition. If leaking oil contacts components operating at high temperatures, an engine compartment fire could result. This recall will involve inspection of the turbo charger oil supply pipe for proper alignment. If the pipe is found to be properly aligned, a support bracket must be installed as a precautionary measure to increase rigidity of the pipe. If the pipe is found to be deformed, a new replacement pipe must be installed.
None of these stop sales had anything to do with engine failure from spun rod bearings on 09 WRX. Thats not to say people are not having issues. I've personally seen one so far. (out of the 7-10) sold so far.
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Old 12-19-2008, 11:44 AM   #7
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Apparently I was incorrect in one of my previous statements. It seems that the previous stop sales each involved Subaru discovering a different way to put out a defective product that resulted in a failed engine. That's much better; thank you for correcting me.

And at any rate, while the stop sale may not have been due to the same issue I know of at least 1 documented case where an 07 STI exhibited the same problem; spun rod bearing. The 09 model year is not the first to exhibit this problem.
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Old 12-19-2008, 11:52 AM   #8
Garandman
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Picked up car with 150 miles on it: driven from another dealer. I'll look up the other data.
Car developed a knock about 10 miles later, diagnosed as spun bearing.
They replaced the engine and gave me a Gold Plus warranty.
It has about 2,300 miles on it at the moment.
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Old 12-19-2008, 11:57 AM   #9
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My personal experience:
2006 Jeep Liberty, spun rod bearing; 20k miles.
2001 Jaguar XJR, short in the electrical system frying the wiring harness and ecu; 3 days old. Totalled, replaced with another XJR by Jaguar.
1999 Dodge Durango 5.9SLT, trans went out; 4 days old
1998 Hummer, cracked decompression chamber in head lead to a cracked engine block, 6.5TD; around 30k miles

Things go wrong with cars, that is why there are warranties.

Nick
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Old 12-19-2008, 12:21 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by White out View Post
My personal experience:
2006 Jeep Liberty, spun rod bearing; 20k miles.
2001 Jaguar XJR, short in the electrical system frying the wiring harness and ecu; 3 days old. Totalled, replaced with another XJR by Jaguar.
1999 Dodge Durango 5.9SLT, trans went out; 4 days old
1998 Hummer, cracked decompression chamber in head lead to a cracked engine block, 6.5TD; around 30k miles

Things go wrong with cars, that is why there are warranties.

Nick
20K and 30K miles is a little different than right off the lot.
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Old 12-19-2008, 12:22 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by heavyD View Post
20K and 30K miles is a little different than right off the lot.
Then re-read his post. He had an ecu fry 3 days old and a trans go out 4 days old.
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Old 12-19-2008, 01:04 PM   #12
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Yeah but then again look at what he was buying...Jeep, Jaguar, Dodge, Hummer...One of the reasons I went with the Subaru was because I expected it to be better engineered than the alternatives.

At any rate, it seems like a lot of people are taking this thread and other related ones to personally. We are simply attempting to collect some data on the problem with the 09's. Yes any product that is mass manufactured will exhibit some failure rate. Everyone knows this.
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Old 12-19-2008, 01:19 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AshJWilliams View Post
Yeah but then again look at what he was buying...Jeep, Jaguar, Dodge, Hummer...One of the reasons I went with the Subaru was because I expected it to be better engineered than the alternatives.

At any rate, it seems like a lot of people are taking this thread and other related ones to personally. We are simply attempting to collect some data on the problem with the 09's. Yes any product that is mass manufactured will exhibit some failure rate. Everyone knows this.
Well it is tough to be perfect. When they make the perfect flawless car, Let me know. Yeah I wouldn't want a pos Jag
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Old 12-19-2008, 05:08 PM   #14
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VIN #500472

No problems yet at 2200mi. Fingers crossed
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Old 12-19-2008, 06:55 PM   #15
dougb76
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VIN 805751

157 miles so far....
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Old 12-19-2008, 07:43 PM   #16
piecemealBHC
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You need to re-word the wording in your poll:

Do you own/lease a 2009 WRX and have you experienced engine failure?
Yes
No

Should either be:

If you own/lease a 2009 WRX, have you experienced engine failure?
Yes
No

-or-

Have you experienced engine failure in your 2009 WRX?
Yes
No
Don't have a 2009 WRX
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Old 12-19-2008, 08:09 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by piecemealBHC View Post
You need to re-word the wording in your poll:

Do you own/lease a 2009 WRX and have you experienced engine failure?
Yes
No

Should either be:

If you own/lease a 2009 WRX, have you experienced engine failure?
Yes
No

-or-

Have you experienced engine failure in your 2009 WRX?
Yes
No
Don't have a 2009 WRX
Try reading the first post; I think I have it covered.

Quote:
The following is a poll to gather some information on the rate of failures here for members of NASIOC. The poll options are as follows:

a) I have purchased/leased a 2009 WRX and I have experienced engine failure.

b) I have purchased/leased a 2009 WRX and I have thus far not experienced said engine failure.


Those that answered a) should then indicate the following in a post:

Problem:
Mileage:
VIN: 9GXXXXXX
Build Date:
Official cause:
Fix:
Engine# if available:

It is not clear to me if one can change his/her vote after having voted (ie if you have not had this problem but then do at a later date). If you fall into this category please post in RED (something to set it off from the rest so it can be accounted for). There will be no recounts; Ross Perot is not a valid answer.

Also, let's try to keep this thread relatively clean. Thank you.

Ash
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Old 12-19-2008, 08:18 PM   #18
AshJWilliams
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Also, I see RightyTighty and xaznxeclipsex voted yes. Could you guys comment on your experience with this?

Mavrik, you own a 07 STI, an 08 STI, and a 09 WRX? I guess I hadn't gathered that you owned an 09...
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Old 12-19-2008, 08:32 PM   #19
false_cause
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808999

Things are good one week and 300 miles in, knock on wood. I'll update as the miles add up.
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Old 12-19-2008, 09:07 PM   #20
MrPhiscal
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Quote:
Originally Posted by piecemealBHC View Post
You need to re-word the wording in your poll:

Do you own/lease a 2009 WRX and have you experienced engine failure?
Yes
No

Should either be:

If you own/lease a 2009 WRX, have you experienced engine failure?
Yes
No

-or-

Have you experienced engine failure in your 2009 WRX?
Yes
No
Don't have a 2009 WRX
Good call I was saying the same thing . Nice to see someone else speaks the Queen's english
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Old 12-19-2008, 09:13 PM   #21
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Please people I think you should stop saying:

"200 miles and everything ok" or "bought last week and still good".

I think only people with more than 3000 miles should vote WHEN their car is FINE.

If not, we are going to have hundreds of votes with people that just bought the freaking car! The poll is going to become useless.
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Old 12-19-2008, 09:27 PM   #22
piecemealBHC
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AshJWilliams View Post
Try reading the first post; I think I have it covered.
If the first post matched the poll, then yes, you would have it covered.

The post is the likely the first thing that most people will see when opening the page, and if they don't take the time to read your first post, then the vote is already cast. You will have a better chance of getting more accurate responses if your question is worded correctly.
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Old 12-19-2008, 09:41 PM   #23
AshJWilliams
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You have to love English majors (or insert other social science here).

At any rate, I'm not sure I can change the poll wording. Hopefully everyone excluding you will make the proper inference.

Quote:
The post is the likely the first thing...
Please correct your grammar. Is that annoying?
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Old 12-19-2008, 10:19 PM   #24
piecemealBHC
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Quote:
Hopefully everyone excluding you will make the proper inference.

Considering that out of the people that voted no, there are at least 4 (and possibly more by the time this is posted) that have no mention of owning an 09 in their profiles, it would appear that I am not the only one to have made an 'improper inference'.

FYI... I am not an English major, nor did I ever claim to be. Your wording was not as clear as it could have been right off, so I brought it to your attention so that you might actually have better luck in getting the info you were intending to find.

If you choose to take offense that's your own problem.
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Old 12-19-2008, 10:47 PM   #25
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Here is the stop sale that I find that does include the 08 and 09's. Don't know if this is still the issue or not.

JL sent us over an email from Subaru of America that's instructed dealers to immediate cease sales of all Subaru models equipped with the turbocharged, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The directive effects some 2008 and 2009 models built in January and February, including the Forester, Legacy 2.5GT, LTD, 2.5GTB and Impreza sedan and wagon.

The issue involves reports of an "engine knocking noise" that's been affecting vehicles outside the U.S. market, and an initial investigation has found that there is some kind of internal wear that may be causing the noise.

Currently, no U.S. vehicles have been affected, and a Subaru spokesperson told us that the stop sale has been issued as a temporary measure to nip it in the proverbial bud and that once the issue is addressed sales will begin again. You can read the full directive and see the exact production dates of the affected models after the jump.

IMMEDIATE STOP SALE ORDER
TO: GLR-- MAR-- NWR-- SCR-- SDC-- SWR Dealers
FROM: Subaru of America, Inc.
DEPARTMENT: Service
DATE: 04/07/2008

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


Legacy vehicles have been added to the Stop Sale

We regret to inform you that we must place an immediate stop sale order on all of the 2008/2009 Subaru Impreza, Forester and Legacy vehicles equipped with a 2.5L Turbo Engine produced with the beginning chassis number and later as shown below.

Model
Body Type
Chassis Number
Production Date

Forester Wagon 701045 or later 2008/01/08 or later

Legacy 2.5GT-LTD 222825 or later 2008/02/04 or later
2.5GT-B 222958 or later 2008/02/04 or later
OBK 2.5XT-LTD 353835 or later 2008/02/01 or later

Impreza Sedan 523363 or later 2008/01/08 or later
Wagon 825183 or later 2008/01/08 or later


The reason for this immediate Quality Assurance action is that there have been several reports of "Engine Knocking Noise" from other markets on vehicles produced after the production dates listed.

Initial investigation confirms an internal wear issue on the failed units.

In the interest of preventing any possibility of failures for our customers, we have chosen to isolate any potentially affected vehicles by ceasing sales of the potentially affected units until the root cause and correction can be identified.

All the other displacement engines and the 2.5L Natural Aspirated Engine are excluded from this action.

Your region/distributor will be contacting you with a detailed list of affected vehicles assigned to your dealership. However, dealer trades cannot be tracked so please be aware of the affected VIN range.

If you have a vehicle in inventory that falls into the affected vehicle range, please ensure that your sales and service staff are immediately notified that the unit is un-saleable until further notice from SOA or your region/distributor.

If any of those vehicles has an unusual engine noise, please notify the SOA Technical Helpline immediately with all of the details and submit an E-QMR.

Should a customer bring an affected vehicle into your service department for an unusual engine noise, please immediately arrange that they are given the use of a clean SSLP vehicle and notify the Technical Helpline and submit an E-QMR.

You will be contacted shortly thereafter on how to proceed.
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