Every car brand has its quirks, and even the most reliable vehicles come with their own maintenance rhythms. Subaru, known for its all-wheel-drive systems and outdoorsy reputation, is no exception. At Subaru of Dayton’s Service Center, we service hundreds of models each month—from family Outbacks and Crosstreks to sport-tuned WRXs. That volume gives us a clear view of which repairs come up again and again, across years and trim levels.

These aren’t necessarily design flaws—may result from the environments our customers drive in, how vehicles are used, or simply mileage and age. But if you own a Subaru, knowing what tends to go wrong most often can help you prepare, budget, and make smarter service decisions before a minor issue becomes a major bill. Here are the five most common Subaru repairs we see in our bays, along with what causes them and how to minimize your risk.

CV Axle Boots and Joint Failures

 Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive delivers traction and balance, but it also means every wheel is powered at all times, putting continuous stress on the constant velocity (CV) joints. The CV axles connect the transmission to each wheel hub and are covered in rubber boots that keep grease in and debris out. These boots, particularly in front axles, are prone to cracking and tearing with age and exposure.

In Ohio’s climate, where roads are salted in winter and summer heat dries rubber components, CV boots are a frequent failure point. Once torn, they allow grease to leak out and dirt to grind into the joint. Ignoring a split boot can lead to joint failure, which requires a full axle replacement.

Common symptoms:

• Clicking or popping when turning
• Grease splattered on the inside of the wheel or undercarriage
• Visible boot damage during routine inspections

This repair is especially common on Outbacks, Foresters, and Crosstreks between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. Regular inspections can catch a torn boot early—replacing it before the axle joint is compromised saves both time and money.

 Wheel Bearings and Hub Assemblies

 If your Subaru has ever developed a low-pitched hum that gets louder with speed, chances are you’ve dealt with a worn wheel bearing. All vehicles experience wheel bearing wear eventually, but Subaru’s all-wheel-drive system means all four hubs are constantly engaged—not just the fronts. That added rotation and torque can accelerate wear, especially in areas with rough roads, potholes, or steep driveways.

Symptoms of a failing wheel bearing include:

• A groaning or grinding noise that increases with speed
• Loose or wandering steering
• Uneven tire wear
• Vibration through the seat or steering wheel

At our service center, we typically see bearing replacements on vehicles starting around the 80,000-mile mark. Replacing them promptly is important—ignoring the noise can lead to hub damage or, in extreme cases, a seized wheel.

Valve Cover and Camshaft Seal Leaks

Subaru’s horizontally opposed “boxer” engines sit low in the engine bay and use a flat-four layout. That design has benefits—better balance and, a lower center of gravity—but it also means the oil doesn’t always drain perfectly after shutoff, and gaskets endure constant thermal expansion.

Over time, the valve cover gaskets—which seal the top of the engine where oil lubricates the valvetrain—can start to seep or leak. In some cases, oil will drip directly onto the exhaust, causing a noticeable burning smell.

We also see leaks from camshaft seals, especially in higher-mileage cars that have gone long intervals between oil changes. These leaks aren’t catastrophic but left unaddressed, they can lower oil levels, create engine bay mess, and eventually impact drivability.

Look for:

• The oil smells after driving
• Minor smoke near the engine bay
• Visible oil on splash shields or driveway spots
• Low oil levels between changes

At Subaru of Dayton, we use updated gasket materials and sealants to improve longevity when resealing. It’s a job we do regularly, and catching leaks early keeps labor time (and cost) down.

Brake Rotor and Pad Wear—Especially Uneven Wear

Brake service is routine on any car, but Subaru’s weight distribution and driving style often create uneven pad wear or premature rotor warping. We frequently see:

• Front pad wear long before rears
• Grooved or pitted rotors from rust
• Pulsation or vibration under braking
• Squeaking, especially in colder months

Ohio’s winters don’t help—rotors can rust quickly, especially if the car sits for days at a time. And vehicles used mostly for city driving, with short trips and stop-and-go traffic, often wear brakes faster than highway commuters.

We recommend a brake inspection at every oil change and suggest flushing the brake fluid every 30,000 miles. Worn fluid absorbs moisture, which leads to internal corrosion in calipers and brake lines.

Emissions and Sensor-Related Check Engine Lights

One of the most common reasons Subaru owners visit our service center is the dreaded check engine light. In modern Subarus, these are usually related to:

• Evaporative emissions leaks (EVAP), like a faulty purge valve or gas cap
• Oxygen sensor degradation, affecting fuel mixture readings
• Catalytic converter efficiency codes, especially in high-mileage vehicles
• Knock sensor or camshaft timing issues, sometimes triggered by old spark plugs

Not all check engine lights are urgent—but many affect emissions, performance, or long-term reliability. We see CELs most frequently in vehicles with over 90,000 miles, or in cars that have missed scheduled maintenance.

At Subaru of Dayton, we use factory diagnostic tools to pinpoint the exact cause. That means no guesswork and no unnecessary part-swapping.

Honorable Mention: Neglected Maintenance Leading to Bigger Repairs

Some of the repairs we see most often are preventable. They’re not design issues—they’re the result of overlooked maintenance or misinformation. These include:

• Skipping CVT fluid service: Subaru doesn’t always list intervals, but we recommend changing it every 60,000 miles.
• Mismatched tire replacement: AWD Subarus require equal tread depth across all four tires—mixing old and new can damage the center diff
• Aftermarket filters and fluids: Off-brand parts can trigger warning lights or cause leaks
• Ignoring noises or warning lights: Hoping it goes away rarely works—it usually gets louder or costlier.

Subaru vehicles are engineered to last well beyond 200,000 miles when properly maintained. Understanding the most common repairs helps drivers anticipate what’s ahead and keep their vehicles in top shape. At our service center, we don’t just fix problems—we help owners prevent them, one inspection at a time.