Resolved: Subaru Of America - Won't fix HORRIBLE SMELL
This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ
New Reviewer
Company fixed the issue and I have been provided with settlement agreement. Subaru offered me $5k.
I got a brand new Forester Limited with a 42 package instead of a 41 (mine). After all is paid, the new car will end up costing me about $400 less from what I had left on payments for my stinky car, so I didn't loose anything thanks to Subaru of America and South Tampa Subaru working to help me out.
I purchased a 2025 Forester Limited in Jan 2025. Soon after, it started sporadically releasing a horrible smell.
I mentioned it to the service lady, but she told me to pay attention to details about how/when it happens. I came back to them in July, saying that it is happening every day, and it is horrendous. It is intermittent, but daily. They couldn't replicate the problem.
A manager went on a drive with me, and the problem didn't show then. It smells like a chemical, maybe a freon leak, but they said that the level of freon and AC temp were normal. I'm just about going insane every time I'm driving this car, and this horrendous stink comes on my face. I'm in FL, and it is summer.
I need the AC blasting. I'm feeling attacked by my own car every time this happens. A few weeks ago, I drove 34 miles (one way), 55 minutes, and the smell was there the entire trip. I can't turn the AC off in the middle of the Florida summer!!!
The only attempt to fix it cleaned the condenser and changed the cabin filter, but it didn't work. Then I read here that someone else is having problems with a 2025 stinky Subaru! My car is still only about 6,870 miles... I just picked it up yesterday from another dealership, where it spent almost a month.
They couldn't replicate it. This smell can be unpleasantly experienced in everyday driving. Come on Subaru, I want the car fixed!!! RUN from Subaru is my advice with my current experience.
Customer advocacy has been nice issuing service coupons for other issues I had. They issued a total of $850 in 2 service coupons for different reasons, and that was appreciated. Overall, the car drives and feels nice. I don't like the mpg, but people seem to think it is excellent.
Not fixing a stinky car, on the other hand, is not ok. Me having to drive it like this is not ok. I requested to have someone drive with me until the smell comes, but they said they already went above and beyond trying to help. They want to wait until it happens more consistently (more consistently than every day???).
I tried to trade, but to trade, my current finance balance would increase by about 8k.
Pick up the difference Subaru and put me in a car that I intended to buy, one that doesn't stink! I'm in contact with others experiencing the same.
User's recommendation: Buyer be aware, Subaru doesn't seem to stand behind its product. Their advocates are super sweet, but the problem isn't resolved after them having my car for over a month. I called yesterday for lemon law. Gotta wait to see what they say. I was told by the last service manager to pay a private certified mechanic to figure out what is wrong and bring the analysis to Subaru. I shouldn't have to pay for this, on a car that was bought new 7 months ago and will cost me in the end over 41k.
Preferred solution: I want the car fixed or replaced. If neither is possible, I want the difference on a trade for the same style car (2025 Forester Limited with all the packages I have on the current car) paid by Subaru..
Subaru Of America Pros: Car is nice and runs smooth.
Subaru Of America Cons: Absolutely horrible intermittent smell coming for the ac vent.
Thank You for Your Reply! We are processing your message.
Comments
Please avoid publishing any personal information and promotional content