Subaru Repair in Sacramento

Who does this page connect me with?

Sacramento Mechanic Line is not affiliated with or endorsed by Subaru Corporation, Subaru of America or any Subaru retailer. Subaru and EyeSight are trademarks of their owners. Callers talk with independent local mechanics who work on Subaru vehicles, and you agree on the price and the work directly with the shop.

What does Subaru repair cost?

RepairPal's data, which covers model years 2010 to 2019 and includes scheduled maintenance as well as unscheduled repairs, puts the average annual repair cost for a Subaru at $617, compared with $652 across all models. Subaru ranks 14th of 32 brands with a 3.5 rating, averages 0.3 shop visits a year, and 13% of its repairs are severe. These are national averages, not Sacramento prices, and they vary by model and age.

Is there a Subaru CVT warranty extension?

Yes, for certain older models. Subaru's service bulletin 16-107-17R extended the CVT warranty from five years or 60,000 miles to ten years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first, measured from the original warranty start date. It covers 2010 to 2015 Legacy and Outback 2.5L models, 2015 Legacy and Outback 3.6L models, 2012 to 2015 Impreza 2.0L, 2013 to 2015 Crosstrek 2.0L, 2014 to 2015 Crosstrek Hybrid, 2014 to 2015 Forester 2.5L and 2.0L turbo, and 2015 WRX 2.0L turbo, all with CVTs. Other model years may be covered by other Subaru programs, so ask a Subaru retailer to check your VIN.

Because the limit runs from the original start date, the oldest of these cars may be past it. Ask a Subaru retailer to run your VIN to see what applies. The extension covers the original CVT and genuine Subaru replacement units, including units Subaru remanufactures, but not salvage-yard CVTs or units rebuilt by other parties, so ask before choosing an aftermarket replacement. Subaru's bulletin also says to have a CVT concern inspected if you notice a problem.

What is EyeSight calibration and why does it matter?

EyeSight is Subaru's camera-based driver-assist system. Subaru's service information says the wide-angle mono camera adjustment is required after windshield removal and installation, after any collision, and after camera replacement, and a June 2023 Subaru technical bulletin says the EyeSight stereo camera and wide-angle mono camera need separate calibrations, both required whenever the windshield is replaced. An older Subaru bulletin on the 2014 Forester says a replacement EyeSight windshield must be genuine Subaru glass and that a post-replacement system calibration completes the repair.

So if a shop replaces your windshield, ask whether it will do the calibration and who performs it. A skipped calibration can leave driver-assist features inaccurate. Get the calibration listed on the estimate and invoice.

Will an independent shop void my Subaru warranty?

No. The FTC says you don't have to use the dealer for routine maintenance or repairs to keep a warranty in effect, and it's illegal for a dealer to deny coverage only because someone else did the work. A manufacturer can deny a claim if it proves that a defective part or an improper repair caused the damage, and it can require warranty-paid work to be done at its facilities. Extended service contracts are different: the FTC says they may require you to follow all the manufacturer's maintenance recommendations, so keep your records.

Are there Subaru recalls to check?

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at Subaru dealerships, according to NHTSA. Recalls vary by model year and VIN, and new ones are added over time, so NHTSA says to check regularly instead of assuming.

What should I ask a Subaru repair shop?

Consumer Reports says to ask whether a shop has experience with your model and that brand-focused garages are more likely to have the latest training and equipment. Ask:

• Do you work on my model, engine and transmission, including CVTs?
• If you replace the windshield or work near the front camera, who does the EyeSight calibration?
• Is the part new, rebuilt, used or aftermarket, and is it on the estimate?
• What is the warranty on parts and labor, in months and miles?

How do I check a Subaru mechanic's license?

Every auto repair business in California must be registered with BAR. Search in the DCA license search for status and disciplinary history, or use BAR's Auto Shop Locator. The registration number must be on your invoice, and the shop must give you a written estimate first.

Frequently asked questions

Available across the Sacramento area

• Sacramento
• Elk Grove
• Roseville
• Folsom
• Citrus Heights
• Rancho Cordova
• Rocklin
• Lincoln
• Davis
• West Sacramento
• Woodland
• El Dorado Hills
• Carmichael
• Fair Oaks
• Orangevale
• Arden-Arcade
• Antelope
• North Highlands
• Granite Bay
• Gold River
• Rio Linda
• Galt
• Auburn
• Cameron Park
• Placerville
• Loomis