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Old 10-04-2012, 12:08 PM   #1
stratodyne
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Default 12/21/2012 - The Final Update!

12/21/2012 - The Final Update!

Yes, finally, the last update!

Two weeks ago, I took Subaru of America up on their offer for a 2500 dollar cash incentive if I traded my WRX in. The cash incentive amount was the cash value equivalent of the 7Yr / 100K warranty they were offering me.

I picked up a new BRZ when I traded in my WRX, and just yesterday I received my cash incentive check, which means this whole ordeal is finally done! It's taken quite a long time to see this thing through to the end, but it's all over now.

If any other Subaru owners experience similar catastrophes with their transmission / differential (I certainly hope not!), I hope that they will find this thread useful in some manner.

I thank everyone that responded and / or PM'd me about this. I appreciate all of the support, and having a community to help get me through this made everything a bit easier.

Thanks again everyone!

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

12/3/2012 - A Positive Update (for once!)
Another huge update:

I received my phone call from the Subaru of America investigator today. Subaru declined to repurchase my car, but I was given a choice of two options:

1.) Keep my current WRX, and receive the Subaru Gold Plus 7 Year / 100K bumper-to-bumper warranty, with zero deductible, for free

2.) Trade in my current WRX for the purchase of a new Subaru, and receive a 2500 dollar cash incentive.

I was given until March 31st of 2013 to choose an option.

I also just got home from picking up my current WRX. It seems to be driving fine at the moment, but I was a bit tense on the ride home because of the whole incident with the transmission failure.

Of the two options, I've decided I will be pursuing the cash incentive option, as there's no shaking the feeling that my current car has some bugs in the system that will eventually rear their ugly heads. I test drove a new BR-Z, and I really enjoyed the car, and am considering that as the replacement for my WRX.

I really loved my WRX. It was a fun car to drive, and I felt safe driving it until now. I wouldn't mind owning another WRX either, but I have a feeling there will be that constant thought in the back of my head about the transmission failing on the last one.

I'm going to need to pull the trigger on this decision this week, but I am completely torn with which vehicle I will purchase. If I get the BR-Z, I'll miss the grip and straight-line speed, and I'll have to sell my exhaust and boost gauge. If I get the WRX, I'll regret not getting the two door coupe I've always had my eye on. Before buying a WRX, I was considering a 370Z, Genesis Coupe, or an MX-5, and my heart has always been in the small, two-door coupes.

It does feel nice knowing I can relax a little, now that I've been given some options to pursue here.

Another note: The manager at the dealership offered me an additional 500 dollars off if I pickup the BR-Z, so I would get 3K off of the car in total, which should be enough to make sure I'm not upside-down on my auto loan for the WRX

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

11/21/2012 - MASSIVE UPDATE. COMPLETE TRANSMISSION FAILURE AND SHEARED AXLE

This is a major update on my vehicle's status.

Car: 2012 Subaru WRX (purchased April 1st, 2012)

As you are all aware (those of you that have been reading and / or posting in this thread), I brought up some concerns with my 2012 WRX a little over a month ago. Many of you suggested that my differential was the cause of the high-pitched whining noise that was audible at freeway speeds. The noise was nothing more than a nuisance, as the car drove fine. I decided to make appointment(s) to have it checked out as a precautionary measure.

Last Monday (11/12/2012), I took my car to the Subaru Superstore Dealership in Gilbert, AZ, to have the car inspected and / or fixed. This is my original place of purchase.
After having the car for several days, I received a phone call on Thursday (11/15/2012) to inform me that my transmission and differential didn't look out of the normal. There was a bearing in the center diff that was slightly "scorched," and it was noted that this might have been the cause for the whining noise. I was told that several bearings in and around my diff would be replaced, just in case. The dealership was out of stock on two of the bearings, so I was informed that they would be ordered.

After another couple of days, I received a phone call on Tuesday the 21st (11/21/2012), saying that my car was ready for pickup, that the additional bearings had arrived and been installed. I went to pickup my car around 4PM, just a little while after I had gotten out of work. I also had an oil change performed while my car was being serviced.

After driving my WRX out of the dealer parking lot, there were some grinding noises coming from the transmission under light acceleration. Once I merged onto the highway, the transmission was making the familiar "whining" noise, only this was incredibly loud, louder than my stereo with it turned up to 30 and the windows and sunroof down. After another few minutes of freeway driving, my car started to pop out of 5th gear. I knew this meant something was very wrong, so I turned around and headed back to the dealership.

After about a mile or two of driving with my car in 4th gear, I hear LOUD bangs and clanks. All four wheels lock up and I start skidding to a stop on the freeway. I was fortunate enough to be able to control the skid and end up on the shoulder, just barely avoiding smashing into a few cars in the right lane on the freeway. I contacted my dealership immediately, stating that I had literally just left from their shop 10 minutes prior, and now my car had failed catastrophically. I contacted Subaru Roadside Assistance, which sent out a flatbed tow truck to take my car back to the dealership. Here's what happened next (please see video link below below):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=VJaLcX6avf8

Notice that in addition to the transmission being completely jacked, the left rear axle is completely sheared in half

I have been told that I will be contacted on Friday the 23rd (11/23/2012) about my car's status. I'm anticipating it being out of commission for a few weeks, and I am also considering whether this will turn into a Lemon Law case.

I would greatly appreciate ANY and all help from other Nasioc members! Perfect way to start Thanksgiving

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



Good morning everyone.

My question is related to a noise I started noticing last night, and continued this morning on my drive to work.

I noticed a "whiny" noise while cruising on the highway between 65 - 80mph, which occurs in any gear. It becomes higher pitched at higher rpms, and slightly louder when under light acceleration. It sounds like its coming front the front, and more towards the right.

It is definitely not turbo spooling noise. I am familiar with that noise, and this is primarily noticeable when cruising.

My car is only 6 months old too (2012 WRX). Is it possible that the noise has always been present, but has only gotten louder as parts have started settling / wearing? Has anybody else experienced this issue? I'm thinking the car is too new to be having problems with the transmission or differentials, especially with my moderate driving habits.

Any input is welcome. Thanks guys!

EDIT: Should also note that this also occurs while driving on the highway when car is in neutral

Last edited by stratodyne; 12-21-2012 at 08:20 PM. Reason: This whole ordeal is finished, ugh
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Old 10-04-2012, 12:16 PM   #2
silvercookie
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from what i have heard all the 08+ 5 speeds have a slight whine to them.

just think of it in your head as having straight cut gears.
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Old 10-04-2012, 12:18 PM   #3
07VTRex
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omg yes. my transmission makes nothing but noise all the time. whines clunks clanks grinds pops whirrs thuds. sounds awful but you get used to it.

cars are supposed to make noise by the way. noise is normal. it is a machine. machines are loud. making noise is not a problem, its supposed to happen.
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Old 10-04-2012, 12:31 PM   #4
Navendra94
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The WRX Transmission is Old Fashioned and "Clunky". I like it, it feels manly
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Old 10-04-2012, 01:05 PM   #5
stratodyne
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Should also note that this also occurs while driving on the highway when car is in neutral. Still think that is just a typical "noisy" WRX?
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Old 10-04-2012, 01:24 PM   #6
radd269
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Personally I like the whine... sounds like youre in a race car
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Old 10-04-2012, 04:08 PM   #7
N/A_junkie
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Quote:
Originally Posted by stratodyne View Post
Should also note that this also occurs while driving on the highway when car is in neutral. Still think that is just a typical "noisy" WRX?
Are you sure it's the transmission and not tire roar?
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Old 10-04-2012, 04:30 PM   #8
stratodyne
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Quote:
Originally Posted by N/A_junkie View Post
Are you sure it's the transmission and not tire roar?
Yes, I'm sure it's not tire roar. It is far too high pitched. Best description of the noise would be engine noise coming through the car stereo, and how that sounds like it's "whining." Only this noise is not coming through the stereo.
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Old 10-04-2012, 01:26 PM   #9
lavid2002
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I thought my trans was gunna nuke in 1st and 2nd at first because of the wine.
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Old 10-04-2012, 01:28 PM   #10
rockyraccoon
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second gear and fifth gear are my noisiest gears. From what everyone else says its pretty normal
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Old 10-04-2012, 01:35 PM   #11
Dale2011WRX
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Quote:
Originally Posted by stratodyne View Post
EDIT: Should also note that this also occurs while driving on the highway when car is in neutral
Just curious, why are you in neutral on the highway?

My transmission is noisy, especially since I replaced the front and rear bushings. I forgot about it over the summer, with the windows always down. The other morning it was cool so the windows stayed up and I was appalled at the noise. So I turned the heat up and rolled the windows back down.
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Old 10-04-2012, 01:43 PM   #12
stratodyne
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dale2011WRX View Post
Just curious, why are you in neutral on the highway?
This was just a test I performed to see if it was turbo whine, or if it was related to the transmission in some way. Figured if there wasn't any load on the engine at all and it *was* some turbo whine from cruising speed, neutral would eliminate it.
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Old 10-04-2012, 03:35 PM   #13
stratodyne
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Well everyone's input definitely makes me feel a lot better. I feel silly for making an appointment with Subaru for next Wednesday. Funny thing is, the noise has probably been there this whole time, but my brain decided to randomly focus on it when driving last night.

Hopefully this thread will help new Subaru owners and prevent the "Freak Out" from happening. One of the quirks of the car, I suppose!
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Old 10-04-2012, 04:03 PM   #14
SWP n Gold
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Quote:
Originally Posted by stratodyne View Post
EDIT: Should also note that this also occurs while driving on the highway when car is in neutral
That's not the normal whining people are talking about. Bring it to the dealer since it's a new car.
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Old 10-04-2012, 04:33 PM   #15
SpamBot
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I'd just like to know why so many owners are so whiny.
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Old 10-31-2012, 03:26 PM   #16
SenorDucK
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SpamBot
I'd just like to know why so many owners are so whiny.
probably because they expect a brand new car to not have drivetrain problems, just a guess.
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Old 10-04-2012, 06:22 PM   #17
stratodyne
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Quick update: Noise seemed a little more pronounced on the drive home. I've got an appointment with my dealer tomorrow, so I will update this thread afterwards. I'm crossing my fingers it's nothing serious. I've only had the car 6 months!
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Old 10-04-2012, 08:21 PM   #18
Ernest
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That's why they have warranties.
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Old 10-04-2012, 09:32 PM   #19
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Yes.

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Old 10-05-2012, 08:45 PM   #20
stratodyne
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Update: I had an appointment scheduled with my local Subaru dealer at 3PM today. Had my service adviser ride along so he could hear the noise. He was able to hear it, and confirmed it was transmission noise. He mentioned it sounded like it might be differential whining at speed (remember, this is a faint noise, not a *loud* one).

The techs took my car and checked all the fluids. Transmission fluid is clean an clear, with no debris. Car is driving 100% normal. Chalked this one up to a benign transmission noise.

Makes me feel a lot better, having them take a look at everything. More than likely just a quirk to owning a WRX, or my particular one!

Thanks everybody for all the input. It was greatly appreciated. Now, time to drive
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Old 10-12-2012, 07:07 PM   #21
STixStars
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I complained to my dealer of noise beginning at about 58 mph, any gear, on my '11 STi 4dr, ~10k miles. I thought front diff/trans. Dealer said tire cupping. I need to rotate at every oil change instead of every other. I'll be more diligent in the rotations once I replace these original tires. In the meantime more drag racing, not less!
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Old 10-12-2012, 07:38 PM   #22
sfguy29
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take the car in. my 2012 impreza was making noise in gear 3 4 5 only while slowing down. it ended up being a bad center differential. subaru is replacing it under warranty.
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Old 10-12-2012, 07:48 PM   #23
White Owl
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My trans in my 07 is so noisy I often have people ask me what the hell is wrong with my car. And is something screwed up with your transmission? Decelerating is the noisiest.

Get used to it. Embrace it. Its what makes a Subaru, a Subaru.
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Old 10-12-2012, 07:50 PM   #24
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may be transfer/driven gear bearings. search around the forum. I had this issue and had to replace mine at ~60k
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Old 10-31-2012, 03:07 PM   #25
stratodyne
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This is kind of a late update.

I made another appointment with my dealer. This time, however, they actually lifted the car and ran it while listening to the transmission with a stethoscope. It was confirmed that the noise is coming from an internal component.

I've got another appointment in two weeks for them to drop the tranny and open it. When I find out what part is going to be replaced, I will report back!
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