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aabrennan's avatar
aabrennan
Explorer
May 14, 2016

Toad, subaru question

Anyone have an answer? We are towing a 2015 Subaru Forester manual transmission with 4 wheels down. The Subaru Dealer we chose, repeatedly stated that they had checked with the Subaru Company and the Forester manual transmission vehicles were approved to tow with 4 down! We now have about 6K miles towing on the Forester. Now here is the rub.
1. Statement May 2016 FMCA magizine, pg 12 article states Subaru "appears to be rethinking it positon on flat towing"---"recomends towing via a flatbed trailer"---FMCA is researching via Subaru customer service. We Tried to contact FMCA & our password will not open forum & only have a phone number to call to resolve such issues.
2. Question: Anyone have feed back on this issue?

We chose the Forester following researching towing light weight toad vehicals with 4 down; and following having our 1993 Toyota PU totaled--it had 300K.
  • tenbear's avatar
    tenbear
    Explorer
    May 16, 2016
    I have towed my 2010 manual transmission Subaru since it was new. The owner's manual says it is towable with no restrictions.

    I understand the 2016 is not towable according to the owner's manual. I would not tow it. Maybe they started using inferior (cheaper?) materials in their manufacturing process???
  • dicknellen's avatar
    dicknellen
    Explorer II
    May 15, 2016
    I don't understand, your 2015 was approved for towing, 2016 is not. Looks like you don't have a problem. Just like a 2014 CRV is towable but 2015 & 16 are not towable. Like Boxer Lovers said along with others manual trans Subies have made great towds up until 2016. Dick
  • Boxer_Lovers's avatar
    Boxer_Lovers
    Explorer
    May 15, 2016
    I towed 2 different 5 speed manual Subies for thousands of miles with no problems.
  • jerseyjim's avatar
    jerseyjim
    Explorer
    May 15, 2016
    Same thing happened a couple years ago with a Chevrolet model....Ok'd for towing 4 down...then, without warning, changed the transmission (5 spd to 6 spd) but didn't tell anyone. Didn't even tell the owners' manuals........
    Lotta trannies blew up, but I think GM made good on them.
  • Hideout17's avatar
    Hideout17
    Explorer
    May 15, 2016
    I worked for subaru as a tech for 25yrs and our answer was no no and no. Owners manual will say for short distances below a certain speed. Not advisable due to output shaft turning and having minimal lubrication. I would advise against it.
  • lryrob9301's avatar
    lryrob9301
    Explorer
    May 14, 2016
    What does your owner's manual say about recreational towing. If it states the vehicle is approved for 4-down towing then it is approved. Subaru cannot change this unless they formally issue a statement in writing rescinding this authorization that is sent to ALL registered owners. Then you contact a lemon law attorney and start proceedings to have the vehicle bought back at FULL purchase price + attorney's fees. I worked in the automotive industry for 35+ years and manufacturers will try to change the rules until they are confronted legally, then they will back down and offer a repurchase.

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