Trouble/Warranty Denial Report Thread: Body/Exterior of Vehicle

[elbenson]

Name: Eric B

Make: 2004 Impreza WRX Sport Wagon

Mileage: 7,500

Time Out Of Use: 0

Problem And Likely Cause: 2 faded paint spots on hood of car.

Modifications: NONE

Submitted For Warranty Work (Yes/No): YES

Reason Given For Denial: Exposure to environment (bird droppings)

Your Story: About 3-4 months after purchasing car I noticed a faded spot on the hood (looked like damage under the clear coat). One month later a second spot appeared within 2 inches of the original.

Background on car: First 4 months it was kept in a carport with a car cover, and now it resides in a private garage. Car is washed once a week and has never had bird droppings sit on the paint for more than a day or so.

Regional SOA representative denied claim because he said it was environmental damage (most likely bird droppings). Claims Subaru has almost no claims on the paint and couldn't possibly be a problem from the factory. Funny thing is every car I have ever owned has sat outside for years and never had any problems like this with the paint.

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[zorgof19]

Name: Nate H

Make: 04 WRX Sedan (San Remo Red)

Milage: 7344

Days out of use: 0

Problem And Likely Cause: lots of chips in the paint; soft paint/poor paint job

Modifications: none

Submitted For Warranty Work (Yes/No): Yes

Reason Given For Denial: Normal Wear and Tear

Your Story: I started to see quite a few white specs in my paint at only 4000mi. This WRX has never seen a dirt road and is always garaged. I have a lot of flecks on the hood and on the rear doors. I feel that the paint job is soft or poor; however not as bad as glass_joe's paint problem. I am thinking about painting it a non subaru color, just to be different.

[aznatama]

Name: Wilson L

Make: 2004 Impreza WRX STi WRB

Mileage: 13,000

Time Out Of Use: 0

Problem And Likely Cause: crack in paint on the corner of driverside rear wheel well. lack of flex additive/unknown

Modifications: front jdm lip

Submitted For Warranty Work (Yes/No): YES

Reason Given For Denial: Lack of documented cases and unknown cause.

Your Story: Went to South Coast Subaru when problem was just a small crack which appeared in the paint, was assured that it can be claimed under warranty and they would let me know when the SOA rep comes. Left number and vehicle info with them.

1 week later, I call back, told they would call me once a rep comes so I can bring car in to get looked at.

another week passes... I call again... same answer, rep hsa no come yet.

after 3-4 weeks of the same BS from SCS, the problem getting MUCH worse due to rust (I was told NOT to touch it at all else I would've put some rust inhibitor or something on it).

I now decided to goto Irvine Subaru in hopes of better service... I was told the same thing at first...SOA rep will be here next week or 2 and that it's a claimable problem. okay... I'll wait... a week later, I get called back and head down to the dealership (yesterday). Talked to the regional SOA rep... what a dick. "not covered under warranty becasue of unknown causes" ... ***??!!??

[Knotsure]

Did the Rep. write that on the RO? "Unknown causes"? I don't think that is a reason to deny under warranty. Or, did the Rep. write due to outside influence like a paint chip?

[SAND_MAN1]

Name: A. S.

Make: 2004 WRX Wagon JBP

Mileage: 22k

Time Out Of Use: none

Problem And Likely Cause: Fender liner ripped out while driving

Modifications: Wheels+tires.

Submitted For Warranty Work (Yes/No): No

Reason Given For Denial: Not covered under warranty

Your Story: Fender liner over the driverside front tire came off during a drive, went to dealer and showed it to them because it also broke the clip that holds the bumper in place on the driver side. Was told it wasn't covered under warranty because anything can snag it and pull it off. The replacement part is $37 dollars but shrugged and decided against buying it. Couple of weeks later a lady hit me on the driverside and had to get my two doors replaced as well as the front fender and some suspension work so I got the fenderliner put in as well.

[04AspenWhiteWRX]

Name: Phil Tentler

Make: 04 WRX (aspen white)

Mileage: 10,000

Time Out Of Use:

Problem And Likely Cause: Poor Paint Job, Chips in paint

Modifications: bov

Submitted For Warranty Work (Yes/No): yes

Reason Given For Denial: Paint was fine and it was normal wear and tear

Your Story: I have tons of small paint chips on my front bumper caused from a salt truck throwing salt but to me i think the salt should break before it puts chips all over the front bumper plus i was going slow at the time and so was he so its not like i hit the salt at 80mph i think i was doing around 20 or less at the time and so was the truck and I also have a major chip on the roof that is allready rusty but im not sure what caused that. I took it to the dealer and they checked the thickness of the paint and said its fine and its normal wear and tear. But why are the chips only on the front bumper from the salt when the truck clearly threw the salt all down the driver side of the car and all over the hood? To me it seems like the plastic bumper is cheaply painted. Also my paint job just looks terrible to begin with it needs a major buffing job and possibly a wet sanding.

[toadie]

I bought my 05 wrx sti about three months ago. recently i started noticing paint flaking off above both rear wheel wells and some on the hood scoop. I brought it in to my dealer today and was told that Subaru was goin to be called to see if they would warranty this condition. Has anyone else run into this problem, and if in any case was their car repaired?

[redgt]

Make: 05 WRX (obsidian black)

Mileage: 5000

Time Out Of Use:

Problem And Likely Cause: Poor Paint Job

Modifications: none

Submitted For Warranty Work (Yes/No): no

Reason Given For Denial:

Your Story: i was driving and then a bird **** on my car... i went home 5 minutes later to wipe it off, however, the **** had already ate into my paint and now is left with a really noticable and annoying white spot. Can I claim warranty for this?

[toadie]

Last time i wrote in, I was talkinb about how paint was flaking off of my silver STI (only 3 months old). The dealer contacted subaru and they have agreed to paint all the parts that are flaking. I am so happy, I has only gotten worse. I just hope they do a good paint job.

[D.R.]

Name: Dave H

Make: 2004 Subaru STi

Mileage: 22,000

Time Out Of Use: 0

Problem And Likely Cause: 2 faded paint spots on hood scoop of car.

Modifications: none

Submitted For Warranty Work (Yes/No): YES

Reason Given For Denial: Dirt on car. They said it needed wax

I said screw them and buffed it out myself. Clear cut case of slight clearcoat blurring. The car was dirty when I brought it to the dealer but that shouldn't matter.

[c4ipp3r]

Name: Adriano A

Make: 2004 Subaru TS

Mileage: 37,000 Km

Time Out Of Use: 14 Mo

Problem And Likely Cause: poor paint.

Modifications: Wheels

Submitted For Warranty Work (Yes/No): YES

Reason Given For Denial: Chipping not covered

Your Story:Paint chips all over the front hood, on the lower door panels, 1/4 panels, A pilars and rear 1/4 panels. Some sanding on the front hood as well. The car is a San Remo red and is 1 yr old. Check with 2 different dealers and around 7 claims were made on cars with the same trouble. All of them Red San Remo. The subaru rep for eastern Canada don't even want to see the cars. I've also contated Suby Canada to place a formal complaint. Apparently the man with power is the Region manager, and I don't think no escalation is done to him.

[Zottyzot]

Name: Mike Szot

Make: 04 WRX wagon

Mileage: 22k

Time Out Of Use: 0

Problem And Likely Cause: Paint chips, particulary one on the ROOF, small maybe 1/8" x 1/4" can see white primer in chip, paint is bubbling around it about the size of a dime!!!

Modifications: Wheels/tires, other minor stuff, nothing affecting the PAINT

Submitted For Warranty Work (Yes/No): yes

Reason Given For Denial: Paint chip is the cause of the bubbling paint

Your Story: Car was bought new from dealer, about nine months after, I was waxing it(not the first time) and I noticed the bubbles and chip on the roof. Dealer said something hit it to chip the paint and thats what caused the bubbles...I think Im gonna install a sunroof In turn cutting out the chip & bubbles.

[Surfer Steve]

Name: Steve C.

Make: 05 WRX

Mileage: 20k

Time Out Of Use: None

Problem And Likely Cause: Sticky exterior door handle

Modifications: none

Submitted For Warranty Work (Yes/No): No

Your Story: Waz up guys, I have been having this problem with my drivers side door handle getting kinda sticky on the back side where you pull out. I tried to clean it off when I washed my car but no dice, after closer inspection it seems that the clear coat/paint is wearing off. The car is garage kept and it’s only a year old and I don’t think that after a year this should happen.

Just checking to see if anyone has had this problem before, and do you think this will be covered under my warranty?

[humara]

Name: brian

Make: 04 WRX wagon

Mileage: 30k

Time Out Of Use: None

Problem And Likely Cause: plastic trim panels behind rear door windows pop out. /caused by clips not holding to frame properly.

Modifications: cobb stage 2 protuned

Submitted For Warranty Work (Yes/No): No

Your Story: very minor problem but kind of lame. the black plastic panels that are on the outside of the c-pillar always pop out. done it from almost the first day i had the car. they pop out about 1/2" for some reason. i push them back in and a few days later they pop out again. i guess i need some new clips or whatever. will never take the car in to the dealer for anything like this. so it is what it is.

but that makes me happy that its the only problem i've had with my car for over 2 years.

[RexyGirl]

Why not take it in? It's covered under warranty, so just let them fix it

[octaYne]

Name: Jesse Medina

Make: 2006 subaru impreza wrx

Mileage: 10,000

Time Out Of Use: none

Problem And Likely Cause: condensation on right rear tail light

Modifications: sti wing

Submitted For Warranty Work (Yes/No): no

Reason Given For Denial: n/a

Your Story: i was out washing my car today after a week of rain, and noticed condensation on my rear right tail light. i was just wondering if my warranty covered this issue.

[RexyGirl]

Originally Posted by octaYne

Name: Jesse Medina

Make: 2006 subaru impreza wrx

Mileage: 10,000

Time Out Of Use: none

Problem And Likely Cause: condensation on right rear tail light

Modifications: sti wing

Submitted For Warranty Work (Yes/No): no

Reason Given For Denial: n/a

Your Story: i was out washing my car today after a week of rain, and noticed condensation on my rear right tail light. i was just wondering if my warranty covered this issue.

You should have no problem getting it covered under warranty. There is a service bulletin out on this, but be prepared, it doesn't involve replacing the tail light, it involves somehow repairing the seal. (I didn't thoroughly read the bulletin)

Take it to the dealer.

[Vahnatai]

Name: Justin

Make: 2002 WRX

Mileage: ~65k

Time Out Of Use: 3 months

Problem And Likely Cause: Spun bearing caused by oil pump failure

Modifications: At the time I had a stage 2 WRX

Submitted For Warranty Work (Yes/No): Yes

Reason Given For Denial: Mods

Your Story: Engine started tapping (lifter tap) below a certain RPM on my way home and progressively got worse till the engine died 5 minutes from home. Had the car towed to the dealership and they basically laughed when I asked why it wouldn't be covered. Ended up taking my business elsewhere (non-Subaru shop). There is no way in hell my mod's caused the damage.

[RexyGirl]

Originally Posted by Vahnatai

Name: Justin

Make: 2002 WRX

Mileage: ~65k

Time Out Of Use: 3 months

Problem And Likely Cause: Spun bearing caused by oil pump failure

Modifications: At the time I had a stage 2 WRX

Submitted For Warranty Work (Yes/No): Yes

Reason Given For Denial: Mods

Your Story: Engine started tapping (lifter tap) below a certain RPM on my way home and progressively got worse till the engine died 5 minutes from home. Had the car towed to the dealership and they basically laughed when I asked why it wouldn't be covered. Ended up taking my business elsewhere (non-Subaru shop). There is no way in hell my mod's caused the damage.

First of all, wrong thread...this belongs under Engine and Transmission

Second. You are out of warranty. Whether your mods caused the failure or not, you warranty has expired by mileage. Unless you have an extended warranty, which you did not mention

There is no reason why they should cover this seeing that your warranty is expired.

Did the repairing shop tell youw what exactly happened? Did they tell you how much oil was in the engine? Do you run synthetic oil?

[Vahnatai]

Extended warranty.

Engine was rebuilt and they found that the oil pump had stopped working. And yes, I used Royal Purple.

And I just noted it was the wrong section, sorry.

[DaveC113]

Originally Posted by octaYne

Name: Jesse Medina

Make: 2006 subaru impreza wrx

Mileage: 10,000

Time Out Of Use: none

Problem And Likely Cause: condensation on right rear tail light

Modifications: sti wing

Submitted For Warranty Work (Yes/No): no

Reason Given For Denial: n/a

Your Story: i was out washing my car today after a week of rain, and noticed condensation on my rear right tail light. i was just wondering if my warranty covered this issue.

Yup, they replaced my taillight.

[DaveC113]

Name: David Cahoon

Make: 2006 subaru impreza outback wagon se

Mileage: 10,000

Time Out Of Use: none

Problem And Likely Cause: ding and paint damage... bad paint job and weak sheet metal (easy to stamp) use on body

Modifications: none

Submitted For Warranty Work (Yes/No): yes

Reason Given For Denial: its not SOA's fault, I'm just unlucky.

Your Story: regional svc manager (Boulder, CO) looked at it. I asked why my new car has dings and paint damage, and suggested the quality of the sheet metal and paint were substandard. He said it was the first he's heard of that. BS!!!

I'm on my way to test drive a Honda. My car has also lost coolant and left me STRANDED TWICE!!! I've built 3 cars from the ground up and they never treated me this bad. I'm not into modding my dd, I just want a simple car that is cheap and reliable. I will miss the AWD, but fwd w/ lsd ain't so bad. I'm really disappointed.... its a nice car otherwise.

[geebutbut]

Name: chris

Make: 2004 sti

Mileage: 20000 kms

Time Out Of Use: none

Problem And Likely Cause: taillight condensation

Modifications: none

Submitted For Warranty Work (Yes/No): yes

Reason Given For Denial: Subaru of Canada says that condensation in the taillight is normal

Your Story: Dealer said he will email SOC again and ask if there is anything that can be done. The likely answer will be "no", so I'm more or less SOL.

[RexyGirl]

Originally Posted by geebutbut

Name: chris

Make: 2004 sti

Mileage: 20000 kms

Time Out Of Use: none

Problem And Likely Cause: taillight condensation

Modifications: none

Submitted For Warranty Work (Yes/No): yes

Reason Given For Denial: Subaru of Canada says that condensation in the taillight is normal

Your Story: Dealer said he will email SOC again and ask if there is anything that can be done. The likely answer will be "no", so I'm more or less SOL.

Tell them to check their service bulletins...I know there is one out in the US for this, and it's covered under your 3/36 warranty.

[geebutbut]

Originally Posted by geebutbut

Name: chris

Make: 2004 sti

Mileage: 20000 kms

Time Out Of Use: none

Problem And Likely Cause: taillight condensation

Modifications: none

Submitted For Warranty Work (Yes/No): yes

Reason Given For Denial: Subaru of Canada says that condensation in the taillight is normal

Your Story: Dealer said he will email SOC again and ask if there is anything that can be done. The likely answer will be "no", so I'm more or less SOL.

After some correspondence with SOC, I'm happy to report that we have reached a satisfactory solution (at least for me). They have decided to replace my taillight (one time only).

see: http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show....php?t=1103399