The AC Compressor quit blowing cold air in my 2019 Forester with 47,000 miles. Took it to the dealership and it had leaks so it cost 1200.00 to replace. It's past the 3 yr/36,000 mile warranty but my question is should it last longer?
Mr. Mike
Mr. Mike
Welcome to the forum.
Should it last longer, yes - but a component in any car can fail prematurely.
I don't recall seeing many 2019s with AC issues.
The '17 seems to have a lot more AC issues, mostly with the condenser.
I'm on year 11 on a MY12 without a problem but maybe they don't make them like they used to.
Sorry you are having problems, but you do make a cautionary tale case for getting an extended warranty.
As far as future ongoing repairs, you can do a lot better in some cases than the dealer for repairs if you shop around, especially for parts, as dealers typically charge full retail.
Subaru doesn't manufacture their own compressors, so a "Genuine" Subaru part only provides you with the pretty blue box it comes in that gets thrown away.
You may find the same compressor at half the cost the dealer charges.
With any quoted expensive repair, it pays to shop around.
Welcome to the forum.
Should it last longer, yes - but a component in any car can fail prematurely.
I don't recall seeing many 2019s with AC issues.
The '17 seems to have a lot more AC issues, mostly with the condenser.
I'm on year 11 on a MY12 without a problem but maybe they don't make them like they used to.
Sorry you are having problems, but you do make a cautionary tale case for getting an extended warranty.
As far as future ongoing repairs, you can do a lot better in some cases than the dealer for repairs if you shop around, especially for parts, as dealers typically charge full retail.
Subaru doesn't manufacture their own compressors, so a "Genuine" Subaru part only provides you with the pretty blue box it comes in that gets thrown away.
You may find the same compressor at half the cost the dealer charges.
With any quoted expensive repair, it pays to shop around.
As @DragonSubie7 posted, it should have lasted longer but mechanical failures can't be predicted. That's why the automaker provides a warranty and offer and extended warranty.
Reach out to Subaru of America (1-800-782-2783) and see if they will work with you. I just got rejected from the battery settlement claim and they ended up reimbursing me for a new battery (which was a lot more then what I was hoping to get reimbursed for my last battery)
In my opinion, this continues to be the biggest problem with Subarus. Someone tell me I'm wrong. AC compressors are just not cutting it in Subarus. You might just want to get the extended warranty specifically for this problem, even with 23 models. Anyone disagree?
I was told by the Subaru tech that the air conditioning should be run a few times a month. This is supposed to keep the seals happy and prevent leaks from what I was told. I'm not exactly sure if this is true but I'm curious if you let your air conditioning not run for a long period of time which caused your coolant to leak?
You know, a while ago there were a few threads on here about a strange (whooshing, chattering) AC compressor noise. I'm not sure if it was ever figured out why exactly it was making the noise, but a replacement compressor was introduced buy Subaru to address the issue. I believe it affected a good portion of the '19 and some of the '20 foresters. I wonder if whatever part that was making 'the noise' in the first series of compressors crapped out on yours?
It's very uncommon that your compressor failed so early. It seems like being more environmental introduces lots of difficult engineering challenges. You would think that with today's automated computer controlled manufacturing and assembly of these parts with the tightest tolerances ever cannot beat old reliable tech. It's puzzling. It seems like the main factor in product failure is related to cost savings like the TCV valve.
It's very uncommon that your compressor failed so early. It seems like being more environmental introduces lots of difficult engineering challenges. You would think that with today's automated computer controlled manufacturing and assembly of these parts with the tightest tolerances ever cannot beat old reliable tech. It's puzzling. It seems like the main factor in product failure is related to cost savings like the TCV valve.
Subaru is cutting costs by using inferior oem part manufacturers. Early Subaru models and most other car makers rarely had ac issues. Condensers don’t usually last forever either but that’s also because Subaru uses one where you can’t service the receiver dryer. An ac compressor should last the life of the vehicle. Iirc Zexel makes the comp for Subaru.
Subaru was mainly using parts made in Japan but are now outsourced to China to save money. We the consumers end up making the difference in costs. An extended warranty is your only defense. Either way, we end up paying more.
Subaru was mainly using parts made in Japan but are now outsourced to China to save money. We the consumers end up making the difference in costs. An extended warranty is your only defense. Either way, we end up paying more.
I wish when you ordered your car you would see things like this... Please check only one.
Sheet metal:
O thin - dents when you look at the same spot too long
O thick - remember when you could lean on a car and not dent the metal?
Engine:
O eh, it's late on Friday - consumes oil
O good - long life expected
Thermal control valve:
O redesigned and cheapened for cost savings
O ultra rugged for long life
😂😁🤣
Sheet metal:
O thin - dents when you look at the same spot too long
O thick - remember when you could lean on a car and not dent the metal?
Engine:
O eh, it's late on Friday - consumes oil
O good - long life expected
Thermal control valve:
O redesigned and cheapened for cost savings
O ultra rugged for long life
😂😁🤣
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