3 times my engine has needed a short block replacement. i have brought car in for all scheduled maintenance and have changed the oil every 3500-4000 miles. the first engine problem occurred at 26,250 mi. i noticed a knocking sound and brought to subaru dealer. diagnosis: "bearing damage to connecting rod bearing for cylinder 2." short block replaced, under warranty. (see docs) 2nd incident occurred at 51,232 miles. this time there was no warning and i was on an interstate when the engine seized and all power was lost. towed to a subaru dealer. no diagnosis was given at that time but short block was again replaced. this time i had to pay for the teardown ($222) but subaru, after numerous phone calls agreed to do the work as a "good will gesture." (see docs) the 3rd & last malfunction occurred at 58,700 miles, a mere 7,000 miles since the last engine was replaced. again, i was on the interstate and with a moments notice (reduction in power) the engine seized. it was sheer luck that i was not killed trying to move over 6 lanes with no power or steering to get off the highway. towed to a subaru dealer. i do not have any paperwork from this last incident. subaru said they would pay for entire repair. but before i could make an informed decision, i asked for written documentation of the problem, cause and a detailed repair description. i have not received this information & did not give consent to repair car. just got a call from the dealer saying car was repaired and ready for pickup. the only information i have regarding this last seizure was from a subaru of america customer services rep who verbally told me that "the cylinder 4 rod was thrown." the car is currently at the dealer. there is something seriously wrong when a vehicle with only 58000 miles needs 3 engines. i refuse to drive this vehicle again. i will not jeopardize my life and of those around me.
Engine failure due to excessive oil consumption. *tr