Before you buy
Use this beside the car or give it to a mechanic. These checks come from problems in the records we reviewed. They do not replace a full used-car inspection.
Mark each check as you go. Your notes stay on this device.
Saved on this device. The shared link never includes a VIN.
Use these notes with a full inspection. A serious warning sign can be enough to walk away.
Ask the inspector to test the named system and note any warning lights, noises, leaks, or stored codes.
Electrical System owner reports: 4 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention electrical system.
Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection
Ask the inspector to test the named system and note any warning lights, noises, leaks, or stored codes.
Engine owner reports: 3 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention engine.
Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection
Check the VIN for this recall and ask for the repair receipt if it was completed.
Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Park/Neutral Start Interlock Switch recall: Subaru of America, Inc.
Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection
Ask the inspector to test the named system and record the result.
Manufacturer warranty extension: This bulletin announces the extended warranty coverage for the Thermo Control valve (TCV) used the the models listed.
Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection
Ask the inspector to test the named system and record the result.
Manufacturer warranty extension: As part of Subaru's dedication to customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc.
Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection
Owner reports are bound to model year 2021.
Warning signs: 4 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention electrical system.
Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition
Owner reports are bound to model year 2021.
Warning signs: 3 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention engine.
Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition
Official record for model year 2021.
Warning signs: Subaru of America, Inc.
Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition
Official record for model year 2021.
Warning signs: This bulletin announces the extended warranty coverage for the Thermo Control valve (TCV) used the the models listed.
Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition
Official record covers model years 2019 through 2022.
Warning signs: As part of Subaru's dedication to customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc.
Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition
The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.
“The DCM on our 2021 Subaru Crosstrek is causing a parasitic drain on the battery. It left us stranded several times. We replaced the battery twice in the past 15 months. There is a class action lawsuit against Subaru for this exact problem, but they won't replace it on our vehicle because it has over 45,000 miles. A defective DCM is a widely known problem with many Subaru models. We never received notice of this problem from Subaru, nor were there any warnings, messages, or indications that this was a problem, until we took it to a mechanic for service, who sent us to a Subaru dealer because it had to be repaired by them.”
The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.
“The contact owned a 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while parking and the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle accelerated unexpectedly and collided with a wall. The collision was at the front of the vehicle. The air bags deployed. The driver sustained arm, leg, thumb, back, and nose injuries. Medical attention was needed. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 1,300.”
The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.
“Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail. An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.”
The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.
“This bulletin announces the extended warranty coverage for the Thermo Control valve (TCV) used the the models listed. The coverage will be extended to (15) fifteen years / 150,000 miles. ”
The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.
“As part of Subaru's dedication to customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is announcing a Warranty Extension of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage for the CP1 & Gen 3.1 Infotainment head units for the models listed. ”
The checklist cannot see the car’s full history or condition.
Check this year at your mileage