CEL - Engine Blown!!!!!!!
 

I'm starting a new thread on this so it doesn't get lost in the Unofficial CEL List.

Brief Summary: I had the dreaded CEL/idle issue (code P0017) . Brought it in for repair, they replaced the cam sprocket, then reflashed, then put back in the original (cause the ecu didn't take the new ones), then reflashed again. Light went away and they gave me the car back after 30 miles of testing. After 40 miles of driving, heard a loud clanking sound, loss of power, stalling, had to pull over and get it towed because it was undriveable.

Got the call today that there were metal shards in my oil pan and that Subaru Corporate had approved a complete new engine to be installed on Monday. They have mentioned compensation but nothing yet (waiting on the call from my rep).

I still believe I need a new car. My car was less than 3 weeks old and had 850 miles on it when the first symptoms occured. Now I'm going to have paid $30k for a car that's had the engine ripped out of it. If i go to sell it, it will be worth much less because the new engine will show up on the carfax. I know I personally would walk away from a vehicle on a second engine and wait for one that hasn't had major work done.

Usually all that will show up on a carfax is that the car had a warranty repair. Honestly I'd rather have a new engine than them replacing parts piecemeal. Sounds like a spun bearing, my guess is they didn't clean things up very well when they did the sprocket repair work and a passage was clogged or something and resulted in a loss of oil pressure. Probably not something even related to the actual AVCS issue.

Although I would push for a new car as well if I was in your shoes.

That sucks, dude... Even though not everyone is having these problems, I am still waiting because reliability is a big reason why I want a new car. I just want to buy it and never have to go back to the dealer again for at least 4 or 5 years. So yeah, I would be pretty upset too, especially if I had traded in my old car for it. But even so, try to be understanding... these things can unfortunately happen, particularly with unique first year models.

But are you sure it'll show up on Carfax? I thought it just showed dealer work or recall service and not necessarily any details. I doubt it would effect your ability to sell it as long as you take care of it from there on.

Anyway, good luck.

i would get a new car instead of new engine

That does suck man and I'm really sorry to hear it. A friend of mine had his RX-8 engine blow due to an oiling issue and they replaced the motor (1st model year). These things happen to totally new designs and it really shouldn't impact your resale value.

Is this the first known blown FA20?

There was a guy on the list early on (white frs I believe) who had reported a blown motor at 25 miles. He got a new car, I'm trying to get in contact with him to see if he got anything else.

I've read 2 examples of blown engines in Japanese message board. One was while driving on a highway. Another one was at a owners' meet.

To OP:
I would request for a new car at that point. I wouldn't mind getting a new engine if the car had 40k miles over 4 years and gets the engined replaced under the drivetrain warranty. But at 850 miles... I would be so unhappy. :(

this is why im still waiting on getting mine after winter, also wanted to see if the scion are getting jdm headlights in 2013 :)

+1

Sounds really fucked up if it was a blown engine due to ECU flash failure.

Subaru Corporate offered 7 year/100k warranty and 3 months payment. Still holding out for new car. Will see what they say Monday