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

[atvrider90]

Name: Justin

Make: 08 STi

Mileage: 20000

Time Out Of Use: none

Problem And Likely Cause: fogging up of both headlamps lenses, caused by headlamps not being water tight

Modifications: stock

Submitted For Warranty Work (Yes/No): No

Reason Given For Denial:

Your Story: Was wondering if other newer body style STi owners are also having this problem? And if i should even bother going to the dealership to see if they would warranty this problem.

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[irish44j]

Originally Posted by atvrider90

Name: Justin

Make: 08 STi

Mileage: 20000

Time Out Of Use: none

Problem And Likely Cause: fogging up of both headlamps lenses, caused by headlamps not being water tight

Modifications: stock

Submitted For Warranty Work (Yes/No): No

Reason Given For Denial:

Your Story: Was wondering if other newer body style STi owners are also having this problem? And if i should even bother going to the dealership to see if they would warranty this problem.

I had this problem on my 09 WRX on occasion. Now I have HIDs in there and the rear covers are drilled, so I can't exactly go tell them that it's a badly-sealed light. It only happens after driving in heavy rain for long times, or after washing the car.

Just open the rear cover, let it sit overnight when it's not humid out - that should get the moisture out of it. Then make sure it's sealed up well. I took some clear silicone and just ran my finger around the housing with it, to get any little areas where water might be able to get in.

[changd123]

i still have that problem

happened the 2nd day that i bought the car.. took it back to the dealer and they said that its "normal" ...

now its been 2 years almost.. still moisture inside my headlamp.. it wouldn't do it as much in the summer when the sun would burn off the water.. but now thats its winter time it constantly does it and it bugs the heck out of me.

[sacsubi31]

Name: stew

Make: 2010 Impreza outback sport

Mileage: 20,000

Time Out Of Use: 0

Problem And Likely Cause: Clear coat coming off

Modifications: NONE

Submitted For Warranty Work (Yes/No): Not yet

Reason Given For Denial:

Your Story: I just noticed this, it appears the clear coat on the hood is coming off in multiple spots. I havent really been happy with the paint job on the subi. After the first wash there was swirl marks on the black, the silver paint has been great. I was hoping someone could give me some advice. Im going to take this into the dealer and try to get the issue addressed.

[G-Omaha]

Had a Subaru rep look at my car - Bird Poop was the supposed culprit. He explained that you need to keep the poop off the car to prevent the paint from being damaged (SIC)... IMHO, the paint is not "up to snuff" and I told him so (didn't help). I think (or maybe it isn't so) that we are using water based paints for cars now-a-days; if so, what can one expect?

G-

[RexyGirl]

Originally Posted by G-Omaha

Had a Subaru rep look at my car - Bird Poop was the supposed culprit. He explained that you need to keep the poop off the car to prevent the paint from being damaged (SIC)... IMHO, the paint is not "up to snuff" and I told him so (didn't help). I think (or maybe it isn't so) that we are using water based paints for cars now-a-days; if so, what can one expect?

G-

The acid in bird poop will eat thru a clearcoat. It happens on all cars, not just Subarus. And, it doesn't take long for it to start happening.

Bird poop is one thing....be glad you are not in FL with 'love bugs'....leave them on your car for more than a few days and your paint is toast....luckily, love bug season is only twice a year.

[krypton]

Name: Pham Duc

Make: 2011 Sti

Mileage: 1000

Time Out Of Use: 4 weeks

Problem And Likely Cause: Paint Manufacturing fault ( dripping paint under the clear coat ) all around the car

Modifications: coilover & 19 inches mags

Submitted For Warranty Work (Yes/No): Yes

Reason Given For Denial:

Your Story: Noticed it 3 days after taking the car home (was raining the day i took it home and the next 2 days ) took it back to the dealer they took pictures of the car and sent it to subaru canada .Now they offering me to buff the car but whoever know basic of body paint know that buff will only be a temporary solution that the mark will show after a lil while or to repaint the entire car ( who would consider repaint a Brand new car knowing that it will only make the vehicule value drop ) and now the dealer threatening me to void my warranty because i modified the suspension ... Any1 have similliar issue? pls help

[TFBHTMFSNE]

Your warranty coverage on your suspension is kaput.
I seriously doubt they are going to repaint your car. If they are offering to buff it out, allow them to do that. If you have problems later on, you have proof that they tried to fix it. If you push for a repaint, any issues you have later on will have to be addressed by the paint shop - Subaru has no responsibility for paint defects on a repaint.

[krypton]

Originally Posted by TFBHTMFSNE

Your warranty coverage on your suspension is kaput.
I seriously doubt they are going to repaint your car. If they are offering to buff it out, allow them to do that. If you have problems later on, you have proof that they tried to fix it. If you push for a repaint, any issues you have later on will have to be addressed by the paint shop - Subaru has no responsibility for paint defects on a repaint.

i can understand that the suspension warranty will be void but in this case they threatening to void all hardware warranty because i changed my suspension ...

[G-Omaha]

Contact SOA...

[rugger17]

Name: Adam

Make: 2010 WRX

Mileage: 19k

Time Out Of Use: none

Problem And Likely Cause: Paint blemish and fracturing of paint on hood from bird droppings.

Modifications: stock

Submitted For Warranty Work (Yes/No): Submitting today

Reason Given For Denial:


Your Story: Was wondering how my dealership might handle this. A bird shat on my hood within two months of having the car. The droppings were there for almost a day in very hot temperatures. The damage consists of a golf ball sized paint blemish where in some fractures I can see all the way through to the steel. Its hard to believe that could happen being it was waxed when I bought it, and again a month later. I'm taking my car in today so that my dealership can take pictures.

[ml2034]

Name: ml2034

Make: 2009 Impreza

Mileage: 22K

Time Out Of Use: none

Problem And Likely Cause: Rust, defect in paint or rust coat?

Modifications: none

Submitted For Warranty Work (Yes/No): trying...

Reason Given For Denial: "it was probably caused by rocks hitting the car on its way from the factory to the dealership, you should call your insurance company, subaru WILL NOT cover it"

Your Story:
The rear panel, below the wiper, on my 2009 Impreza hatchback has numerous rust spots. There has been no structural damage to the car and this is the only panel with any rust, suggesting (to me) that there was a defect in the application of rust-proofing to this one piece. I have been trying to get a "regional representative" to approve warranty repair since January, when I first noticed the problem. The rust is getting worse, the regional rep remains elusive and the local dealer told me the above.

The car is in Wyoming, the regional rep only visits the dealership once every 45 days. His last visit ended up being a day sooner than the date I was advised to drop off my car by the dealership. I'm getting the run around...

Ideas?

[G-Omaha]

Originally Posted by ml2034

Name: ml2034

Make: 2009 Impreza

Mileage: 22K

Time Out Of Use: none

Problem And Likely Cause: Rust, defect in paint or rust coat?

Modifications: none

Submitted For Warranty Work (Yes/No): trying...

Reason Given For Denial: "it was probably caused by rocks hitting the car on its way from the factory to the dealership, you should call your insurance company, subaru WILL NOT cover it"

Your Story:
The rear panel, below the wiper, on my 2009 Impreza hatchback has numerous rust spots. There has been no structural damage to the car and this is the only panel with any rust, suggesting (to me) that there was a defect in the application of rust-proofing to this one piece. I have been trying to get a "regional representative" to approve warranty repair since January, when I first noticed the problem. The rust is getting worse, the regional rep remains elusive and the local dealer told me the above.

The car is in Wyoming, the regional rep only visits the dealership once every 45 days. His last visit ended up being a day sooner than the date I was advised to drop off my car by the dealership. I'm getting the run around...

Ideas?

Ask the Dealer/rep if TSB #12-109-09R pertains to this problem. I had a somewhat similar issue with my 2008 OBS. Not sure if your car is the 5 Door; but assume that it is because of the wiper reference.

G-

[ml2034]

What is this? (Tbs 12-109-09r) Just so I know more when I ask. Thanks

[jonklein611]

Originally Posted by ml2034

What is this? (Tbs 12-109-09r) Just so I know more when I ask. Thanks

Service Bulletin #12-109-09R
Pages: 2

Bulletin Description: If you encounter a vehicle that has a rust spot on the tail gate, it may be caused by a small piece of gravel or road salt stuck in the gap between the tailgate and rear finisher lamp. With the opening and closing of the tailgate, the gravel or salt can rub through the paint causing a rust spot. This condition can occur during the winter months in areas that have ice and snow. The spreading of salt, sand and other abrasives used on the highways can be thrown up on the vehicle. A packing piece can be installed on the finisher lamp to fill in the gap.

[rugger17]

Originally Posted by rugger17

Name: Adam

Make: 2010 WRX

Mileage: 19k

Time Out Of Use: none

Problem And Likely Cause: Paint blemish and fracturing of paint on hood from bird droppings.

Modifications: stock

Submitted For Warranty Work (Yes/No): Submitting today

Reason Given For Denial:


Your Story: Was wondering how my dealership might handle this. A bird shat on my hood within two months of having the car. The droppings were there for almost a day in very hot temperatures. The damage consists of a golf ball sized paint blemish where in some fractures I can see all the way through to the steel. Its hard to believe that could happen being it was waxed when I bought it, and again a month later. I'm taking my car in today so that my dealership can take pictures.

My dealership called today and told me that they will be painting my hood for free! SOA wouldn't do it but my dealership is doing it out of "good will".

[browsing]

Name: S.T.

Make: 2012 Impreza Sport Limited Hatchback, color: white pearl

Mileage: 3,500

Time Out Of Use: 7 weeks

Problem And Likely Cause: paint stains from bird poop

Modifications: clear bra + window tint, rear bumper applique, rally armor mudflaps

Submitted For Warranty Work (Yes/No): yes, claim denied

Reason Given For Denial: "outside source to blame"

Your Story: Following my fiance ordering his 2012 STI hatchback and being very pleased with his sales associate, I ordered my own car a few months later and received it June 15th. I have done everything I can to protect the exterior of this car including a clear bra on the front bumper, hood, and driver/passenger mirrors as well as a clear applique on the back bumper to decrease risk of scratches. After having the car only 6 weeks, a bird defecated on the back end. This sat for no more than 2 days on the paint before I was able to wash the car. During washing, I realized the poop stained my paint on the passenger side back door and rear panels as well as the hatch door and back bumper (including the clear applique). The stains are so deep in the paint you can see the pearl through it. I took it to my dealer who said they'd send it to detail, although I already explained I had detailed it the day prior with no change. The service clerk called later to notify me that detail could do nothing to fix the problem (which I already told him would be the case) and I would just have to claim it on my insurance.

When I went to pick up my car, I brought my sales associate to the service department with me and only then was it recommended we speak with the factory rep about the issue. My sales associate took pictures of the paint issues (not through recommendation of the service clerk of course) and the service clerk called and left a message with the factory rep. After emailing the photos to the factory rep, my claim was again denied and I was told to claim it on insurance. During this discussion, the service clerk was extremely rude to me, raising his voice and speaking to me in a very condescending tone, comparing my claim regarding the paint to a claim requesting Subaru to fix body repairs from a motor vehicle accident. I had to remind him this was different and I'm not an idiot. I have never dealt with such disrespect and utter disregard. Had I known Subaru uses materials that can't stand up to basic natural elements such as bird poop, I would have bought something else.

Stained Applique:



Back Hatch:


Rear Bumper:

[hutch959]

man.. that sucks.
in general, todays paint just is not as good as it use to be. Most all the paints now are water based and they dont seem to hold up as well as the old organic based stuff we use to have.
the only thing you can do to combat is have a good wax on it to protect it.
Not a polish.. a wax. something to stop it from getting into the paint.

that bird crap must have been really nasty stuff. Do you live next to coal burning plant?

[browsing]

No, I'm unsure what would have caused it other than bad luck. It's a shame too because there are not a lot of options for dealers in our area so we are kind of stuck for service. On a better note, she is very happy with the car otherwise.

[Knotsure]

Really sucks! Sounds like wicked poop considering its damaged the protective appliqué AND the paint. Considering that, maybe your insurance will cover it? They can't blame 'defect' in the car if it damaged two different surface materials, right? And I'd report the nasty attitude to Subaru corp. I've seen how they take that seriously on other threads.

[Improbus]

Name: Improbus

Make: 2011 Impreza WRX Sedan

Mileage: 29500

Time Out Of Use: 0 Weeks

Problem And Likely Cause: Paint Flaking off of OEM Wheels after dismounting tires

Modifications: BC BR Coilovers Lowered to a 1 finger gap.

Submitted For Warranty Work (Yes/No): Yes

Reason Given For Denial: TBD

Your Story: I got some new wheels for my WRX so I took it to a reputable shop to have the old wheels removed, tires dismounted and TPMS sensors moved to the new wheels. In the process of dismounting the old wheels the paint on the outer edge and front face cracked and peeled off on 3 of the wheels. On inspection by myself and the shop it seems like a factory defect. I called 2 dealers they both want the tires and OEM wheels remounted before any warranty claim is started. More to come... developing...

[BluewaterAWD]

Name: BluewaterAWD

Make: 2011 Impreza STI SWP Sedan

Mileage: 41414 KM

Time Out Of Use: 3 days

Problem And Likely Cause: Rust proofing issue, defective factory paint

Modifications: Bushings, appearence work. All factory

Submitted For Warranty Work (Yes/No): Approved

Reason Given For Denial: TBD

Your Story: Meticulously clean my vehicle, always sparkling. Dealer can attest to this. Come home tonight, unload groceries and notice a large rust bubble in the lower trunk right on the bottom. No marks on the bumper, no dents/damage/debris. Paint bubble appears to start about half an inch up and moves down/through the panel to the bottom where it`s all rust (See pic). There is also another spot that looks like a pimple on the top side of the license plate. You can blow the paint off the rust. It`s nasty.
Previous warranty concern with this dealer was the trunk trim leaking issue that plagues many owners. They claimed physical forces caused that. I`m not optimistic this will turn out well but can only hope for the best. No reason in my mind that a 2 yr old vehicle should show rust.

[MaddMax]

Originally Posted by BluewaterAWD

Name: BluewaterAWD

Make: 2011 Impreza STI SWP Sedan

Mileage: 41414 KM

Time Out Of Use: 0 Weeks

Problem And Likely Cause: Rust proofing issue, defective factory paint

Modifications: Bushings, appearence work. All factory

Submitted For Warranty Work (Yes/No): Not yet - Oil change booked on Wednesday. Have asked for inspection at that time

Reason Given For Denial: TBD

Your Story: Meticulously clean my vehicle, always sparkling. Dealer can attest to this. Come home tonight, unload groceries and notice a large rust bubble in the lower trunk right on the bottom. No marks on the bumper, no dents/damage/debris. Paint bubble appears to start about half an inch up and moves down/through the panel to the bottom where it`s all rust (See pic). There is also another spot that looks like a pimple on the top side of the license plate. You can blow the paint off the rust. It`s nasty.
Previous warranty concern with this dealer was the trunk trim leaking issue that plagues many owners. They claimed physical forces caused that. I`m not optimistic this will turn out well but can only hope for the best. No reason in my mind that a 2 yr old vehicle should show rust.

I agree this shouldn't happen on a 2 y/o car. Curious though, is the panel gap between the trunk lid and bumper cover really tight to the point they're touching? Did you buy the car used?

Usually when these issues happen on late model cars, it's either the result of rubbing exterior panels that can accumulate road salt and water or is the result of a poor respray.

If this gets fixed or you end up fixing it (figure $500 for a respray), I'd recommend wrapping the lower edge of the deck lid with a clear vinyl, checking the panel gap, and make sure to wipe down the interior power of lid and crevace on a regular basis. I also wipe down the interior portions of my doors, trunk and lid, and hood when washing my car, especially in the winter.

[BluewaterAWD]

Hello MadMax,
Addressing your questions
- Car was used, 30K on it
- Gap is normal, same on everything other vehicle on the lot. That being said it is difficult to check from the back. I'll examine closer

This is being repaired under warranty, however, the rep indicated 'Goodwill' to me which makes me cautious. Cost is around $700. Great suggestions with the wrapping, I'll keep that in mind. The body shop owner felt strongly it was the result of the trunk seam itself and not an issue with the vehicle. The bubble originates from the backside which falls in line with your suggestions though. I do also wipe down the inner edges after a wash

[geez4gavin]

Name: C. Jones

Make: 2013 Impreza Sport Hatch

Mileage: 8,000

Time Out Of Use: 0

Problem And Likely Cause: road salt/rocks

Modifications: none

Submitted For Warranty Work (Yes/No): no

Reason Given For Denial: dealer stated not covered under warranty

Your Story: I noticed at around 6,500 miles that the paint is peeling off the front, driver's side wheel well. Most of it is gone. The dealer has offered to fix it only if I agree to purchase and have them install the splash guards to the tune of nearly $300. None of the other wheel wells is doing this that I can see with the naked eye. They stated that it's most likely caused by the rocks and winter salts on the roads and most likely just on that side because the salt is pushed to the middle of the roads near the yellow line. I understand how this could happen after maybe years of winter driving but a couple of months...really? Am I nuts for thinking this should be covered if not under the regular warranty, at least the extended warranty? Or should I take their offer to fix and buy splash guards and be satisfied?

Thanks!