Monday – Friday: 7:30am – 5:30pm

5440 Arapahoe Ave, Unit A, Boulder, CO 80303

Monday – Friday: 7:30am – 5:30pm

5440 Arapahoe Ave, Unit A, Boulder, CO 80303

Subaru Repair Shop in Boulder, CO

Call (303) 449-8949 for Expert Subaru Repair in Boulder!

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Why trust us with your Subaru repairs?

Old, used and new, a Subaru is designed to withstand many real-life situations. At Independent Motors, we understand your needs. And take pride in our state-of-the-art auto repair facility geared towards these Subaru models years from 1996 to new vehicles, including:

  • BRZ
  • STI
  • Impreza
  • WRX
  • Legacy
  • Forester
  • Crosstrek
  • Outback
  • Tribeca
  • Wilderness
  • And more.

To better serve the needs of our Boulder area customers, we’ve developed expert skills at maintaining the safety, mechanics, performance and durability of the entire line of Subaru vehicles. Here’s more to ease your mind:

  • Our mechanics have over 70 years of combined Subaru service experience.
  • We’ve been repairing Subaru Cars and SUVs since 1986.
  • Our staff includes five ASE certified Subaru mechanics.
  • We offer state-of-the-art diagnostic software tools to ensure optimal results.
  • We commit to quality repairs by putting our words & actions into gear.

Top 10 Subaru Issues

A Subaru is tough, but it needs Tender Loving Car Care every now and again. And that’s where we come in. Learn more about common Subaru maintenance issues:

  1. Check Engine Light due to Failed Catalytic Converter – the Check Engine Light may come on because of a loss of catalytic converter efficiency. Replacing them with OEM parts is recommended.
  2. Cooling System Problems Caused by Head Gasket Failure – the head gasket has a high failure rate resulting from problems with the cooling system. Subaru knows this is an issue and has extended the warranty up to 8 years/100k miles on many of its vehicles.
  3. Engine Misfire due to Oil in Spark Plug Tubes – oil leaks may develop from the spark plug tube seals. Excess oil in the spark plug tubes can cause engine misfires and illumination of the Check Engine Light. It may be necessary to remove the valve cover and replace the tube seals and cover gasket to correct the issue. Oil damaged spark plugs, ignition wires, and ignition coils may also need replacing.
  4. Engine Misfire due to Failed Spark Plug Wires – sometimes the Check Engine Light turns on due to the computer detecting misfires. Subaru released an improved spark plug wire set to correct the problem. The ignition coil should be inspected for carbon tracks or short circuits among the contacts.
  5. Check Engine Light due to Failed Knock Sensor on Subaru Forester – a failed knock sensor can result in the engine check light illuminating.
  6. Check Engine Light due to Failed Front O2 Sensor on Subaru Impreza – the front oxygen sensor may fail resulting in the Check Engine Light to come on. As a result, Subaru has voluntarily recalled certain models to replace sensors that have a tendency to fail.
  7. Engine Oil May Leak From Camshaft / Crankshaft Front Seals – front engine oil leaks have been known to develop from the camshaft seal and the crankshaft front seal. If one or more seals need to be replaced, it may be time to think about replacing the timing belt as well.
  8. Oil leak from timing chain cover – like the head gaskets problems over the past 10 years, this is Subaru’s latest big engine problem and can be a costly issue.
  9. Knocking noises while turning – the boots that cover and protect CVJ (constant velocity joints) have been known to wear down and leak. In general, it’s more cost effective to replace the entire axle.
  10. A/C System O-Rings – as Subaru cars age, they usually develop leaks. When this happens the AC System loses its charge and will no longer continue to work. This is one of the least expensive Air Conditioning repairs.

SUBARU REPAIRS & COSTS: Subaru Repairs can be costly, especially if the issue requires us to work on the timing belt and the clutch. We help you cut costs by prioritizing repairs that need immediate attention versus ones that can wait, by sourcing the best parts for the money and by providing the best technicians to work on your car. That’s what makes our prices VERY competitive.

SUBURA PARTS: We generally use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts ONLY if they are cost-efficient. Otherwise, we’ll source an equally durable aftermarket part. We’ll help you save money this way!

Subaru maintenance advice needed?

Searching the Internet, combing through car guides and talking to Subaru car owners with differing opinions, information and advice can be frustrating. That’s why we’ve done the work for you! Take a peek at some of the links we found helpful.

Everything you ever wanted to know about Subaru Repair & Maintenance

When it comes to maintenance issues, you want to be sure your Subaru goes into a reputable, knowledgeable and reliable Subaru repair facility. We’re backed by years of experience and specialized expertise to answer the most frequently asked questions about your Subaru. Read on.

A: Every 3,000 miles for conventional or 5,000 miles for synthetic, keeping a close eye on oil level between changes.

A: Subaru went through several changes to their motors over the years to try to address this issue largely without success. Starting in 2013 Subaru started a new generation of engines that are chain driven. This latest generation of engines seems to have dealt with the issue. Anything prior may have internal/external headgasket issues. The new engines, also known as the FB Series are however known for having oil consumption issues, but spare the costly service of having the timing belt replaced as they are a chain driven motor.

A: Short answer…yes. This can be subjective though. For example, if the vehicle just got 4 tires installed and one was damaged in a manner that it could not be repaired then just replacing one tire would be ok. The rule of thumb on this issue is if there is more than 2/32” difference in tread depth between the tires then all 4 will need to be replaced. This is to avoid damage to the all-wheel drive system as all 4 tires need to be spinning at the same speed with the same diameter for this system to work properly; thus the need to replace all 4 tires.

A: This really depends on what you’re looking for and what your budget allows. Turbo charged cars are fun to drive, but this does come at a cost. Turbo charged models do have a higher up front cost and are more expensive to repair and maintain. The high under hood temperatures associated with turbo charged cars puts more wear and tear on under hood wires, hoses and the cooling system. Timely oil changes are imperative to owning a Turbo charged car as clean unoxidized oil is the life blood of a Turbo charger. Turbo charged Subarus also tend to put more wear and tear on the drive train and suspension bushings as well as going through tires at a faster rate due to the upped power factor.

A: The engine is a horizontally opposed design and so oil leaks are more apparent than conventional ones.

A: The engine is leaking oil or the CV Joints on the front axles are torn and leaking on the exhaust.

A: The exhaust heat shields are vibrating.

A: The spark plugs and or wires are worn.

A: Read our blog for everything you ever wanted to know about changing and repairing your Subaru transmission.

Need a Subaru mechanic to give it the care & service it needs? There’s only one number to call in Boulder, CO!

Call Independent Motors today: 303.449.8949

Subaru repair for Boulder County, Longmont, Louisville, Lafayette, Erie, Niwot and Nederland, Colorado.