Is there a shortage of Subaru parts?
In recent years, car owners and repair shops alike have faced challenges in sourcing specific auto parts, and Subaru owners are no exception. Whether you're a loyal Subaru driver or a repair shop professional, understanding the current state of Subaru parts availability is crucial for planning maintenance and repairs. Let's dive into the factors contributing to this issue and what it means for you.
What Is Causing the Shortage?
The shortage of Subaru parts, like many other automotive supply issues, can be attributed to a combination of global and industry-specific factors. Here are some of the primary reasons:
- Global Supply Chain Disruptions: The COVID-19 pandemic caused widespread disruptions in manufacturing and shipping, leading to delays in the production and delivery of auto parts.
- Increased Demand for Repairs: As more people hold onto their vehicles longer due to economic uncertainty, the demand for replacement parts has surged, putting additional strain on supply chains.
- Microchip Shortages: Modern vehicles, including Subarus, rely heavily on electronic components. The global semiconductor shortage has impacted the production of these parts, delaying vehicle repairs.
- Specialized Parts: Subaru vehicles often require unique components that may not be as readily available as parts for more common makes and models.
How Does This Impact Subaru Owners?
For Subaru owners, the parts shortage can lead to longer wait times for repairs and potentially higher costs. Here are some specific impacts:
- Extended Repair Times: If a needed part is backordered, repairs may take weeks or even months to complete.
- Higher Costs: Limited availability can drive up the price of certain parts, increasing the overall cost of repairs.
- Reliance on Aftermarket Parts: In some cases, repair shops may turn to aftermarket parts as a temporary solution, which may not always match the quality of OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts.
What Can Subaru Owners Do?
While the shortage of Subaru parts may be frustrating, there are steps you can take to minimize its impact:
- Plan Ahead: Schedule routine maintenance early to address potential issues before they become urgent.
- Work with Trusted Repair Shops: Choose a repair shop with experience in sourcing Subaru parts and navigating supply chain challenges.
- Consider Used or Refurbished Parts: In some cases, high-quality used or refurbished parts can be a viable alternative.
- Stay Informed: Keep up with news about the automotive industry to understand how supply chain issues may affect your vehicle.
Conclusion
While the shortage of Subaru parts presents challenges, being proactive and working with knowledgeable repair professionals can help you navigate these difficulties. At Kevin's Autos, we specialize in providing reliable and efficient auto repair services, ensuring that your Subaru gets back on the road as quickly as possible. If you're experiencing delays or need advice on maintaining your vehicle during this time, don't hesitate to reach out to us for expert guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does Subaru get their parts from?
The U.S.-made Subaru models still incorporate a substantial number of imported parts, including major drivetrain components, engines, and transmissions from Japan. For example, the 2023 Subaru Outback, Impreza, and Legacy each have about 40% of their parts shipped from Japan.
What are common faults in Subarus?
Here are some of the most common Subaru problems to look out for:
- Damaged bumper.
- Fast battery drain.
- Dings and dents.
- Broken fuel pump.
- Starlink issues.
- Cracked windshields.
- Sudden unintended acceleration.
- Electrical issues.
What is the biggest issue with Subaru?
Most common Subaru problems
- Fuel pump failure.
- O2 sensor problems.
- Blown head gaskets.
- Oil leaks.
- Battery draining rapidly.
- Unintended acceleration.
- Cracked windshields.
- Subaru Starlink problems.
Why are Subaru parts hard to get?
From the pandemic to sky-high oil prices, manufacturers, distributors, and dealers have been constantly adapting to uncontrollable and unpredictable circumstances. Most recently, everyone has been dealing with delays and shortages of 2023 Subaru car parts and vehicles.
Are Subarus in short supply?
The 2024 Subaru Forester is still the model with the tightest supply. Customers who want a Forester may have to order the vehicle, wait for Subaru to build it, and wait two to three months for it to arrive from Japan. However, Forester's inventory will likely improve throughout the year.
Why is it taking so long to get auto parts?
Heard about supply chain issues brought on by the pandemic? A global shortage of vehicle parts is affecting all collision repair shops, including ours. Some parts may come in quickly and others take two months. The kicker is, we don't know what parts are needed until a vehicle is disassembled.
Why are Subaru parts so expensive?
Some Subaru parts, especially those related to their all-wheel-drive systems and boxer engines, may be more specialized than those found in more common vehicles. As a result, the cost of these parts might be slightly higher, leading to increased maintenance costs.
How long does it take to get Subaru parts?
Most in stock orders will arrive within 7-10 business days within the contiguous U.S. If we are out of stock of an item ordered we will order it from our distribution center warehouse which can add an additional 7-10 days to your delivery date.
What car is Subaru discontinuing?
2025 Subaru Legacy
The 2025 Subaru Legacy Will Be the Last of Its Kind
For 35 years, the Legacy was a bread-and-butter sedan with AWD (once novel). But it's a victim of the wild success of its offspring, the Outback.
Why are Subarus so hard to find?
Subaru of America was hit the hardest of any automaker because they typically keep a lean inventory. A new report from Edmunds says Subaru now has three of the ten hardest to find models in America.
