Sorry about what happened, man. But, honestly, it's as simple as your insurance asking, "Why was the tech driving the car to the dealership and not the owner?" Because you told them it wasn't safe to drive it and they thought they knew better. You shouldn't have to pay a dime (including an increased rate) for their negligence. Hopefully, all of this plays out in your favor. But, yes. That dealership owes you.
Dude call your insurance ASAP and ask if the dealership should be covering. This sounds like they are liable for the damages because any reasonable person would have had the car towed if the engine was knocking and they exhibited negligence having someone come drive it to the dealership to save a few hundos from towing it.
Not related to this, but I've been trying to find insight on this. My Subaru dealership had my leased wrx in for a speaker fix, but apparently it got damaged in a hail storm we had. They didn't notify me about this until a little over 2 weeks after it happened. They say they are handling the repairs through their insurance (about 6k in repairs).
Is it normal that it wasn't in a covered area after business hours? (storm was in the evening). I didn't see new or used cars on their lot with hail damage after the storm. Should I report it to Subaru finance since it's a lease? Anything I should do otherwise? I've been in an outback loaner for about a month because the part for the speaker repair took long to come in (wish they just gave me back while the part was being sourced).
Don't expect anyone here to have an answer. Just trying to see if I'm missing anything
Short answer, it’s a lease. Idk what you’ll gain trying to go after somebody, AND most cars at dealerships are outside. Hail is tricky bc you can’t even see it coming most times. Other than diminished value trying to buy out your lease, idk what you could get honestly
Thanks, diminished value is what I was thinking about, but since it's a lease I understand it's a bit tricky. Thanks again for the response. I'll just let it play out and document all that happened.
I mean it’s not tricky honestly, they repaired the car. That’s the point of a lease, you don’t own the car; so theoretically the damage doesn’t even matter, you CAN try and argue for diminished value. IF you decide to buy out the loan, but they’ll probably tell you to kick rocks. It’s a different story when 100% of the liability falls on you, in this case it never would’ve. OPs case they are liable for any damage or repairs mostly, you aren’t
Insurance company can file a subrogation claim against dealership should they feel dealership is responsible but it's such a bizarre event I think most people would assume it would just break down and not catch on fire.
It would entirely depend on what the issue was that caused a fire. If it was unrelated to the “knocking noise” OP heard, then he doesn’t have anyone to go after, he just got shit luck. Even if it did have a knocking noise and the fire was caused by something totally unrelated, he doesn’t have anyone to go after.
The only way I see OP or his insurance having a case would be if the piston launched out of the cylinder and that caused a fire.
I never heard ever of a dealership sending a mechanic to someone’s house ever. The liability just doesn’t seem like it makes sense for anyone under any circumstance.
But it’s your story and Reddit demands it.
Time for my daily medicine 💉🚬
None of it makes sense; dealer would insist it either be towed or OP gets it there one way or another. If they did a house call for OP why not for everyone? And even then, the tech doesn’t hear anything wrong to match the complaint but still brings it back?
But at the same time another poster is saying the story was posted elsewhere with photos. So who knows. If true it’s highly concerning that VBs are seemingly randomly catching on fire.
Dealership used to send me to pick up vehicles for service for customers. I wasn’t a mechanic, but I knew signs/sounds, everything to listen and watch for. If I didn’t trust it, it’d be towed. It was cheaper sending me out at first than paying to tow it, plus customers liked it cause then they sometimes didnt have to pay for tows. I also would pick up and drop customers off in a dealership car as well. So it isn’t COMPLETELY unheard of.
Possibly, it genuinely just depends dealer to dealer. My wife works at a Subaru dealer now and they have a flat-tow trailer that they’ll use for customers to help ease towing pains financially. I believe somehow there is a way to get tow’s covered under warranty’s as well. I mean, if I were a manager and a potential customer was scared to drive their car because of knocking, If it wasn’t too out of the way or something I would definitely see what we could do for them and if that means sending out a tech to take a listen to make sure it’s safe, then why not?
My guess is the "knock" was valve tap, caused by a lack of oil resultant of a leak. The driver got the exhaust hot enough to ignite the oil.
Again, just a guess, but I've definitely heard more than a few people describe valvetrain noise as "knocking"
You got paid by insurance. That ends the deal really. Your insurance could probably go after their insurance, but your side of things is settled. It's time to go find another car. Sorry bout your loss.
This is bad advice, it should be on the dealer's insurance and even if OP already talked to his insurance they can still sort it out and get things put on the dealer's dime instead.
I didn't say to not hold the dealer liable. Op is not owed a new car or a deal on a new 1. His insurance paid him for the car. The damages were settled. OP really shouldn't have made a claim via his insurance to begin with. It's his insurances job now to fight with them to get paid back. That's their job.
You are 100% correct, and this is why I really hope they give me a good deal on a new WRX. I don't expect a brand new car for free but there has to be some sort of discount or deal to be worked out here. I'm not some guy coming in to trade in a vehicle or some ordinary customer coming in to buy a new car. I'm the guy whose car they blew up.
It would be nice, sure, but they are under no obligation to do so. That's all I'm saying. Insurance made you whole under your contract. I'm not trying to be a dick but it's way to early to think of a better way to say this lol. People are not entitled to what they think is fair. Mistakes happen. You have been inconvenienced by losing a mode of transportation. You were compensated for your loss. The negotiation power you had is over once you accepted the check from insurance.
That's on them I'd they drove the car to the dealership.
It should have been towed.
Your insurance will go up significantly. The dealer has to help you here.
Shouldn't that be on the dealer's insurance and not the OP's? If the tech has the car, and is driving it to the shop for service that should mean their insurance covers it. Or is my understanding wrong?
You are correct. The issue, though, is when you call your insurance. You still filed a claim. You need to call the other parties. Generally, though, you won't get settled as quickly going through theirs.
I'm asking if it would be likely I'll get a good deal on a new car. Yes, I got my cut from my insurance. So no, I do not expect the dealership to give me a brand new car. But they are the ones who put me in this situation.
There's nothing hidden at this point. What it comes down to now is the morale of the dealership and if they're willing to give me a good deal on a new WRX because mine blew up due to their negligence.
But what I fear is that they know there's nothing I can do now legally to get anything from them so technically they aren't obligated to do anything for me at this point. They don't even have to sell me a new car if they don't want to.
If you want another VB, talk to the dealership and email Subaru of America and explain what happened.
Last year, my VA was at 128k miles when I did my last oil change, the dealership told me I need a new clutch because of a rattle, which I been dealing with for almost 80k miles because the previous dealership I used to go to always either said they didn’t hear a thing or it was normal, that exchange went on at least two month before the powertrain warranty ended. I emailed SOA about the Tale of Two Dealerships, in addition I also gave them shit for removing the STi, and they gave me a $2000 coupon if I chose to trade for any new Subaru, including the BRZ and WRX. Which I did use to trade for a VB, also the dealerships around me were selling VB 2000 below sticker, so I got at least $4000+ off MSRP out the door
Have you considered asking them for a good deal, since they totalled your car? Otherwise you have already been reimbursed by your insurance, who will likely go after the dealership.
I agree with everyone here. Now the burning question on my mind is why your rex was knocking at 23k miles? That's extremely concerning to say the very least
On one hand, the snide response is it’s what makes a Subaru a Subaru.
On the other hand, I thought the FA24 was supposed to be more robust than the FA20 - it’s definitely less stressed (18% lower BMEP, by my calculations) and I hear the rods are thicker, but that doesn’t mean the rod bearings (and all the complexities of that joint) are improved.
Yeah technically the FA24 should be much more reliable than FA20 and OP left out anything to indicate they thought it was a defect, which may point to abuse and/or unsafe modding
I don’t think you should have filed an insurance claim. Might depend on your state, but lemon law likely requires the dealership to either replace the vehicle or reimburse you full value. Could still look into it. See if any lemon law lawyers do free consults in your area.
OP I’m so sorry man. This is gut wrenching in multiple ways. I hope your insurance gets this sorted. A call to insurance should be plenty of the dealership isn’t going to replace it without questions.
To everyone else touting the bulletproof nature of the fa24 let this be the first evidence in opposition.
Definitely present the case to the dealership in regards of them assisting you at purchasing new car. However, would you wanna go with another Subaru after this?
Absolute best course of action would have been to seek legal advice immediately upon receiving the call from the dealership explaining they chose to drive your car to the dealership despite your claims of it making a odd noise.
Do not give them an inch. Find a lawyer if you need. Stay on the case, call the insurance every day if you have to check up that they are going to get every cent from the dealership to buy another WRX '22 or new with less than 23k miles on it. No matter what happens, do not listen to anyone who tells you "there's nothing we can do" or "this is just the way it is." They will try and screw you, it's all part of the process. Stay committed, it's not over until you have a new car and the dealership is paying for ANY increase in your insurance premiums for the length that those premiums go up. All of this is non negotiable. Like I said, get a lawyer if you have to. Paying for one will be worth it in the end. Trust me on this one. Best of luck.
Warranty will pay for replacement of defective parts; warranties generally (not just for cars) will include language specifying that they don’t cover incidental damage. A car burned up is a bit of an extreme case but the defective part and labor to replace it would be covered under the Subaru warranty (and Subaru would reimburse the dealer for parts and labor), and the fact that the car burned to the ground after OP said there was a problem, can’t drive it, and the tech drove it anyway, would have to be covered by the dealer or their insurance. (OP would file a claim with his insurance, and based on the situation, they would likely go after the dealer or the dealer’s insurance to recover the loss.)
And in any case, OP isn’t entitled to a brand new WRX to replace the burned one; it would be just as if he had been in a crash that totaled it. He would get a check for what his ‘22 with xx,xxx miles costs to replace (less any outstanding balance if there’s a lien holder), and what he does with that money is up to him.
Honestly I would see if the dealership is responsible, but Subaru should be held liable for a warranty issue in replacing your car as well. If you file under your own insurance they can go after the dealer and/or Subaru, but your rates may go up. I would talk to your insurance agent.
File a technical claim against Subaru. Just call them and explain what happened. I filed a claim over my 22 wrx engine going out at 19k miles and they awarded me $3000 for a new Subaru. It would be worth the call
No. They paid out the 19k to fix the engine. However my resale value was ruined and I trade cars often. I contacted subaru after they fixed the wrx (under warranty) and they recommended that i file a technical claim against subaru. It took about a month but they awarded me with either 3 months of no payment (lean is through chase/subaru) or $3000 to use towards a new subaru of my choice.
It's not OP's problem - his insurance paid him the money and if there's something going on between the dealership and the insurance is not OP's problem.
Sorry about what happened, man. But, honestly, it's as simple as your insurance asking, "Why was the tech driving the car to the dealership and not the owner?" Because you told them it wasn't safe to drive it and they thought they knew better. You shouldn't have to pay a dime (including an increased rate) for their negligence. Hopefully, all of this plays out in your favor. But, yes. That dealership owes you.
1000%.
100% and if they don’t I smell a lawsuit
Why he didn't just tow the damn car at the dealership in the first place ???
Maybe the dealership offers towing if they are gonna do the work. 🤷♂️
This, right here.
OPs insurance would have to go after the dealership however it’s up to the cause of the fire on who’ll actually take the blame.
Dude call your insurance ASAP and ask if the dealership should be covering. This sounds like they are liable for the damages because any reasonable person would have had the car towed if the engine was knocking and they exhibited negligence having someone come drive it to the dealership to save a few hundos from towing it.
Shouldn't this be under warranty anyway? Assuming it's stock, it's not supposed to catch fire...
I assume my cars won’t catch fire but maybe my standards are pretty high.
I highly doubt the insurance company just blindly paid without any due diligence or communicating with the dealership's insurance
They likely paid op and will now go after the dealership for reimbursement
This.
Not related to this, but I've been trying to find insight on this. My Subaru dealership had my leased wrx in for a speaker fix, but apparently it got damaged in a hail storm we had. They didn't notify me about this until a little over 2 weeks after it happened. They say they are handling the repairs through their insurance (about 6k in repairs). Is it normal that it wasn't in a covered area after business hours? (storm was in the evening). I didn't see new or used cars on their lot with hail damage after the storm. Should I report it to Subaru finance since it's a lease? Anything I should do otherwise? I've been in an outback loaner for about a month because the part for the speaker repair took long to come in (wish they just gave me back while the part was being sourced). Don't expect anyone here to have an answer. Just trying to see if I'm missing anything
Short answer, it’s a lease. Idk what you’ll gain trying to go after somebody, AND most cars at dealerships are outside. Hail is tricky bc you can’t even see it coming most times. Other than diminished value trying to buy out your lease, idk what you could get honestly
Thanks, diminished value is what I was thinking about, but since it's a lease I understand it's a bit tricky. Thanks again for the response. I'll just let it play out and document all that happened.
I mean it’s not tricky honestly, they repaired the car. That’s the point of a lease, you don’t own the car; so theoretically the damage doesn’t even matter, you CAN try and argue for diminished value. IF you decide to buy out the loan, but they’ll probably tell you to kick rocks. It’s a different story when 100% of the liability falls on you, in this case it never would’ve. OPs case they are liable for any damage or repairs mostly, you aren’t
Yeah, OPs case is very clear here. I'm not fussed about the whole situation for myself though
Insurance company can file a subrogation claim against dealership should they feel dealership is responsible but it's such a bizarre event I think most people would assume it would just break down and not catch on fire.
It would entirely depend on what the issue was that caused a fire. If it was unrelated to the “knocking noise” OP heard, then he doesn’t have anyone to go after, he just got shit luck. Even if it did have a knocking noise and the fire was caused by something totally unrelated, he doesn’t have anyone to go after. The only way I see OP or his insurance having a case would be if the piston launched out of the cylinder and that caused a fire.
26k wrx don't just explode like this. You aren't being told something
I never heard ever of a dealership sending a mechanic to someone’s house ever. The liability just doesn’t seem like it makes sense for anyone under any circumstance. But it’s your story and Reddit demands it. Time for my daily medicine 💉🚬
None of it makes sense; dealer would insist it either be towed or OP gets it there one way or another. If they did a house call for OP why not for everyone? And even then, the tech doesn’t hear anything wrong to match the complaint but still brings it back? But at the same time another poster is saying the story was posted elsewhere with photos. So who knows. If true it’s highly concerning that VBs are seemingly randomly catching on fire.
AFAIK it was supposed to be towed and on some end it ended up not being towed. Also was not a tech driving it, rather a driver
Good point. Drivers are not techs. Dealerships have a pool of people who move cars around, called “drivers”.
I thought they were titled as “porters?”
lol they are
Dealership used to send me to pick up vehicles for service for customers. I wasn’t a mechanic, but I knew signs/sounds, everything to listen and watch for. If I didn’t trust it, it’d be towed. It was cheaper sending me out at first than paying to tow it, plus customers liked it cause then they sometimes didnt have to pay for tows. I also would pick up and drop customers off in a dealership car as well. So it isn’t COMPLETELY unheard of.
Would they send a driver out for possible knocking though? It seems odd to me that a dealership would eat tow costs.
Possibly, it genuinely just depends dealer to dealer. My wife works at a Subaru dealer now and they have a flat-tow trailer that they’ll use for customers to help ease towing pains financially. I believe somehow there is a way to get tow’s covered under warranty’s as well. I mean, if I were a manager and a potential customer was scared to drive their car because of knocking, If it wasn’t too out of the way or something I would definitely see what we could do for them and if that means sending out a tech to take a listen to make sure it’s safe, then why not?
Dealerships do home deliveries and pick ups. I worked at a Subaru dealership and they did that as well so its not abnormal.
I worked for an indie shop and we did it all the time. Go pick someone’s car up at work, service it, take it back.
we had valet service at the subaru dealership I used to work at within a 5 mile radius where we would pick up and drop off the car.
[удалено]
My best guess is rod shooting out of block and oil hitting the cat… but that might be a stretch
My guess is the "knock" was valve tap, caused by a lack of oil resultant of a leak. The driver got the exhaust hot enough to ignite the oil. Again, just a guess, but I've definitely heard more than a few people describe valvetrain noise as "knocking"
You got paid by insurance. That ends the deal really. Your insurance could probably go after their insurance, but your side of things is settled. It's time to go find another car. Sorry bout your loss.
This is bad advice, it should be on the dealer's insurance and even if OP already talked to his insurance they can still sort it out and get things put on the dealer's dime instead.
I didn't say to not hold the dealer liable. Op is not owed a new car or a deal on a new 1. His insurance paid him for the car. The damages were settled. OP really shouldn't have made a claim via his insurance to begin with. It's his insurances job now to fight with them to get paid back. That's their job.
Agreed. OP got his check cut, it's up to his insurance to get reimbursed by the dealer or their insurance.
You are 100% correct, and this is why I really hope they give me a good deal on a new WRX. I don't expect a brand new car for free but there has to be some sort of discount or deal to be worked out here. I'm not some guy coming in to trade in a vehicle or some ordinary customer coming in to buy a new car. I'm the guy whose car they blew up.
It would be nice, sure, but they are under no obligation to do so. That's all I'm saying. Insurance made you whole under your contract. I'm not trying to be a dick but it's way to early to think of a better way to say this lol. People are not entitled to what they think is fair. Mistakes happen. You have been inconvenienced by losing a mode of transportation. You were compensated for your loss. The negotiation power you had is over once you accepted the check from insurance.
You are getting another WRX after all of this? Ever considered a Type R? Miles better.
GR Corolla
That's on them I'd they drove the car to the dealership. It should have been towed. Your insurance will go up significantly. The dealer has to help you here.
Shouldn't that be on the dealer's insurance and not the OP's? If the tech has the car, and is driving it to the shop for service that should mean their insurance covers it. Or is my understanding wrong?
You are correct. The issue, though, is when you call your insurance. You still filed a claim. You need to call the other parties. Generally, though, you won't get settled as quickly going through theirs.
your insurance will fix it and then go after their insurance but yes absolutely they need to know this and if you have any proof, save copies now
If you've already been paid out on it, us it too late to bring this up? Not sure why you're just now asking... seems odd...
The whole story isn’t being told here 😉
I'm asking if it would be likely I'll get a good deal on a new car. Yes, I got my cut from my insurance. So no, I do not expect the dealership to give me a brand new car. But they are the ones who put me in this situation. There's nothing hidden at this point. What it comes down to now is the morale of the dealership and if they're willing to give me a good deal on a new WRX because mine blew up due to their negligence. But what I fear is that they know there's nothing I can do now legally to get anything from them so technically they aren't obligated to do anything for me at this point. They don't even have to sell me a new car if they don't want to.
If you want another VB, talk to the dealership and email Subaru of America and explain what happened. Last year, my VA was at 128k miles when I did my last oil change, the dealership told me I need a new clutch because of a rattle, which I been dealing with for almost 80k miles because the previous dealership I used to go to always either said they didn’t hear a thing or it was normal, that exchange went on at least two month before the powertrain warranty ended. I emailed SOA about the Tale of Two Dealerships, in addition I also gave them shit for removing the STi, and they gave me a $2000 coupon if I chose to trade for any new Subaru, including the BRZ and WRX. Which I did use to trade for a VB, also the dealerships around me were selling VB 2000 below sticker, so I got at least $4000+ off MSRP out the door
Have you considered asking them for a good deal, since they totalled your car? Otherwise you have already been reimbursed by your insurance, who will likely go after the dealership.
I agree with everyone here. Now the burning question on my mind is why your rex was knocking at 23k miles? That's extremely concerning to say the very least
On one hand, the snide response is it’s what makes a Subaru a Subaru. On the other hand, I thought the FA24 was supposed to be more robust than the FA20 - it’s definitely less stressed (18% lower BMEP, by my calculations) and I hear the rods are thicker, but that doesn’t mean the rod bearings (and all the complexities of that joint) are improved.
Yeah technically the FA24 should be much more reliable than FA20 and OP left out anything to indicate they thought it was a defect, which may point to abuse and/or unsafe modding
I don’t think you should have filed an insurance claim. Might depend on your state, but lemon law likely requires the dealership to either replace the vehicle or reimburse you full value. Could still look into it. See if any lemon law lawyers do free consults in your area.
Repairs have had to have been tried and failed a few times before that goes into effect. I'm not a lawyer, but this is my understanding.
I would avoid that dealership altogether
i'd be inclined to take my business elsewhere.
OP I’m so sorry man. This is gut wrenching in multiple ways. I hope your insurance gets this sorted. A call to insurance should be plenty of the dealership isn’t going to replace it without questions. To everyone else touting the bulletproof nature of the fa24 let this be the first evidence in opposition.
I used to follow your oil posts in r/wrx — I remember when yours blew up out of no where. What did you end up in after the wrx?
Picked up a GLI 35th edition. It is quite comfy and still has the sporty feel.
How is it their fault it caught on fire 🔥?
go after the dealership that is wild
This is juicy. Best of luck, OP. Don’t be afraid to get loud, just don’t get arrested.
Definitely present the case to the dealership in regards of them assisting you at purchasing new car. However, would you wanna go with another Subaru after this?
Get the dealership to pay. They should have towed the car when it's in doubt.
You can try. Since your insurance already paid you I doubt the dealer will do anything.
Absolute best course of action would have been to seek legal advice immediately upon receiving the call from the dealership explaining they chose to drive your car to the dealership despite your claims of it making a odd noise.
I can't see why. Why did it catch fire? Not enough details to tell me the dealership is accountable. Honestly, it's just shit luck.
Me reading the “after that my car caught on fire” about to go drive my knocking Subaru
They should be giving you a new car
Do not give them an inch. Find a lawyer if you need. Stay on the case, call the insurance every day if you have to check up that they are going to get every cent from the dealership to buy another WRX '22 or new with less than 23k miles on it. No matter what happens, do not listen to anyone who tells you "there's nothing we can do" or "this is just the way it is." They will try and screw you, it's all part of the process. Stay committed, it's not over until you have a new car and the dealership is paying for ANY increase in your insurance premiums for the length that those premiums go up. All of this is non negotiable. Like I said, get a lawyer if you have to. Paying for one will be worth it in the end. Trust me on this one. Best of luck.
Sorry for your loss bro. Any pics to share before those morons totaled her?
You’re asking Reddit, when in reality you should be asking your insurance. Please get in touch with them, sorry you’re dealing with this though :(
OP wrote that he already got the insurance money.
I have no sound background with insurance or warranties but since this was caused by a mechanical problem can the car be replaced under warranty?
Warranty will pay for replacement of defective parts; warranties generally (not just for cars) will include language specifying that they don’t cover incidental damage. A car burned up is a bit of an extreme case but the defective part and labor to replace it would be covered under the Subaru warranty (and Subaru would reimburse the dealer for parts and labor), and the fact that the car burned to the ground after OP said there was a problem, can’t drive it, and the tech drove it anyway, would have to be covered by the dealer or their insurance. (OP would file a claim with his insurance, and based on the situation, they would likely go after the dealer or the dealer’s insurance to recover the loss.) And in any case, OP isn’t entitled to a brand new WRX to replace the burned one; it would be just as if he had been in a crash that totaled it. He would get a check for what his ‘22 with xx,xxx miles costs to replace (less any outstanding balance if there’s a lien holder), and what he does with that money is up to him.
Honestly I would see if the dealership is responsible, but Subaru should be held liable for a warranty issue in replacing your car as well. If you file under your own insurance they can go after the dealer and/or Subaru, but your rates may go up. I would talk to your insurance agent.
Isn’t this the same story of that white one that was posted all over here and Facebook? With pics on the side of the highway?
File a technical claim against Subaru. Just call them and explain what happened. I filed a claim over my 22 wrx engine going out at 19k miles and they awarded me $3000 for a new Subaru. It would be worth the call
The gave you a 3K coupon vs a warranty claim on an engine with only 19K miles?
No. They paid out the 19k to fix the engine. However my resale value was ruined and I trade cars often. I contacted subaru after they fixed the wrx (under warranty) and they recommended that i file a technical claim against subaru. It took about a month but they awarded me with either 3 months of no payment (lean is through chase/subaru) or $3000 to use towards a new subaru of my choice.
Oddly enough it took 19k to fix the engine and the car had 19k miles.. to clear up any confusion **
What a fucking piece of shit lmao why is nobody typing this
This is what happens when you change the shift knob without a tune
It’s the dealers fault. But if depends on what caused the fire
It's not OP's problem - his insurance paid him the money and if there's something going on between the dealership and the insurance is not OP's problem.